A US-based residential cruise company has revealed a set of extended world voyages designed to keep travellers at sea for years at a time, including itineraries that would see passengers return home only after the next US presidential inauguration.
Villa Vie Residences offers a range of cruise options, with a perpetual 3.5-year itinerary that has previously been marketed at Americans who would prefer to spend the entirety of Donald Trump’s second term outside the United States.
The announcement follows the US presidential election and appears to tap into strong post-election emotions. Speaking to Newsweek, Villa Vie chief executive Mikael Petterson insisted the idea was not politically driven.
“We came up with this marketing campaign before we even knew who would win. Regardless of who would have won, you would have half of the population upset,”
“Quite frankly, we don’t have a political view one way or the other. We just wanted to give people who feel threatened to have a way to get out.”
According to The Independent, the company saw a significant surge in interest when launching the cruise after the election.
And despite Trump’s term as president now being a quarter completed, there are likely many Americans who would enjoy a long-term cruise as an escape from the politics at home.
Life At Sea Comes At A Premium
The extended voyages are not aimed at budget travellers.
A 5-year residential plan starts at $49,999 for the residence, if you choose the lowest-grade cabin. Monthly fees then apply – $2,999 for solo travellers, or $3,999 for two travellers.
In return, residents receive accommodation, all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, WiFi and onboard medical visits. Weekly housekeeping and bi-weekly laundry services are included, though alcoholic drinks are only covered during dinner service.
For Americans concerned about being cut off from the political process entirely, Villa Vie says arrangements are in place to allow residents to vote while at sea.
Passengers will be able to take part in the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential election using mail-in ballots, sent to the company’s corporate office before being forwarded to the ship.
The Villa Vie Odyssey is designed to host up to 600 residents and has already begun what the company describes as a 15-year continuous global journey.
Over that time, the ship is scheduled to call at more than 425 ports across 140 countries, covering all seven continents, 13 World Wonders and over 100 tropical islands.
Early segments of the itinerary include a month cruising the Caribbean, followed by four months in South America. Highlights are set to include two transits of the Panama Canal, the Chilean fjords, an Antarctic sail-by, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and an eight-day expedition along the Amazon River.
Anne Alms, head of sales for Villa Vie Residences, said the appeal lies in the slower pace of travel. “Villa Vie offers a unique one-of-a-kind way see the whole world at a slow pace where you have enough time to actually experience the cultural vibe of every port,” she said. “Your villa is your bedroom, and the ship is your home, she’ll take you across the globe to endless horizons.”
The Odyssey’s launch was not without complications. The ship was delayed for several months earlier this year after becoming stranded in Belfast due to unexpected technical issues. Originally due to depart in May 2024, it eventually set sail in late September.
Anyone interested can visit the Villa Vie Residences website to learn more.
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