I have friends, a married couple who are both in their early 50's and retired. They LOVE to travel, and they LOVE cruises. They bought a cabin on this ship, and plan to be on it for 3.5 years. They were supposed to board at the beginning of May, but construction delays have them just now boarding. Still in wet dock, and still can't sleep onboard, but making progress. They've been doing videos, showing the ship and all it has to offer. It's very nice, and appears to be top quality. Since they love that kind of lifestyle, I think they'll be very happy. With that said, it's not for me. The cabins are 140 sq ft, and the bed takes up most of that space. Very nice, but not designed for hanging out if you want a little solitude. The benefit of this lifestyle is being able to visit over 400 ports around the world. That is awesome! But for someone like me, time on board would become tedious once the novelty wears off. Great, but I'll spend my money on something that allows me to come and go as I please.
Hi Annie! Thanks for sharing the adventure that your friends are embarking on! I love cruising. But, I have a hard time imagining myself on the same cruise ship for 3.5 years. Please continue to share updates on your friends' adventure!! 😃
Rebecca, that makes sense to me! I’m not Gilligan. I can’t go straight from a 3-hour tour, to stranded on a deserted island for the rest of television history! 🤪
I was looking for part 2! I like your sense of humor. I’m following two couples on UA-cam that have bought cabins. For me seems like after a while there would be a lot of drama with all the people in such tight quarters. That is if they finally get to sail. Hope it don’t go belly up!
Thank you, Linda!! Your comment made me really happy!! I love traveling! And I really love making people laugh!! I'm so happy you're on board with my humor!! I will post more soon!! Please continue to chime-in with your awesome comments!! 😊
What happens if the owners go bust? Sounds great 15 years, but in reality? Will it last, they stated they could not run air conditioning while they are in dock in Belfast because it is 5k a day. It’s not like it’s a bricks and mortar place, it’s a ship. I just don’t think I could gamble my retirement money on a possibility that it will last 1 year, let alone 15.
I live in Northern Ireland they don’t need the air conditioning on it’s not hot enough unless we’re lucky to get a heatwave. 😂I do get what you’re saying, hopefully it works out the ship’s residents and staff members.
I was a paid resident on the ship and after waiting in Belfast through the numerous delays week after week waiting almost 3 months in numerous hotel rooms trying to keep on a reasonable budget seeing as I had already paid for the cruise and was paying my own expenses in addition to that, the company abruptly and without notice terminated my 3 1/2 year contract to live on the ship claiming I created a negative environment by posting critical remarks and expressing my unhappiness with the delays and things that had been changed that were at one time all inclusive. They left a senior female Solo Traveler stranded in Belfast to find my own way home back to the US. I still have belongings on the ship they have not returned and also have not refunded one penny of my money 6 weeks later. I am looking for legal representation.
Any attorneys on this thread, please consider helping Jenny! Any company that that contractually restricts participants from expressing their concerns, should be held accountable.
@@AdrianMcMillian thank you and yes I need help, I believe there are many aspects of the contract they violated there are also several other people from this Cruise looking for legal representation also
Sorry, no way you couldn't get me to sail that 31-year-old financial Titanic for all the tea in China. I would prefer to cruise on a commercial cruise ship, completing a weekly itinerary where I have control of how many cruises that I want to book. Including cruising within my budget and not Villa Vie's grandiose out of control expense budget, which would hyper inflate my monthly cabin rental, making me regret ever signing a contract like that, Villa Vie's pitch is only a pipe dream and not a reality. For about $119,000 dollars, I can purchase a very nice spacious modern, three-bedroom cabin sitting on a lake stocked with all the fish, I can catch and sitting on fifteen acres of land. Instead of being crammed into a 31-year-old, outdated, cracker box whose interior looks like an outdated version of the 90's. Including looking like a room full of decor nightmares, originally designed by Ronald MacDonald and giving its cruiser severe vertigo from looking at it. I prefer to stick with the commercial cruise lines, while cruising; because they make every attempt to update the interior of their ships so that they look for more modern and up to date. Including, offering far more edible cuisine with their buffet and dining options. -All my best always and happy sailing
Lol! Your costs are off and there are monthly fees and the boat is old and hadn’t been turned on for 4 years. They were supposed to leave in May and is still in dock because they haven’t fixed everything that is broken so people who sold their homes and belongings are having to live in a hotel and they are only allowed on board for breakfast and lunch and aren’t allowed to spend the night. This boat is small and only has one dining room available to start….do your research.
Thank you for your comment, Tami! Please note, this video was created in June. At that time the only information that seemed to be available was the information on the Villa Vie website and some press releases. Thank you for providing updated information! 😊
@@AdrianMcMillian I feel sorry for the people who sold everything to buy into this but they seem positive and are still waiting. The owner is the same person who sold cruise ship condos before and the company went belly up and the clients lost their money. I hope it works out for them.
@@tamiclare8598 , thank you for the additional information! From the videos I've watched (of actual residents) it seems that they are still fairly optimistic. I really hope it works out for all of the residents.
@@AdrianMcMillian Except in June they had already missed 2 sail dates in May (and depending on when in June the video was made, it missed at least 3 dates in June also - the 5th, 15th and 30th). Additionally the press releases also yielded disturbing information- that in February they said the renovation would be 10 weeks, then in March they said it would be 8 weeks and on March 23 in Belfast they were having a big event for media and residents (except the boat was still moored in Scotland and they couldn't get it restarted so they had to cancel the planned events). The March press release also said the ship would sail to Belfast in early March for renovation. Except per cruisemapper the ship didn't move until April 24. The April press release said they got another round of loans (because of the delay and expense of 7 weeks in restarting the ship). And the release said renovation would be 3 weeks! So they knew the ship had serious problems and yet they slashed the renovation timeline leaving no time to fix all the issues of a 31 year old ship which was moored on saltwater unmoving for 4 years. Additionally in March they publicized they had hired the Braemar's Captain (ie this ship which was renamed Odyssey) who was famous for sailing the ship through the narrow Corinthian Gap. That Captain quit Villa Vie in May less than 2 months later to "spend more time with his family". See how much information was available in June? Enough to create some concerns....
@@RetiredZGrt, thank you for the detailed breakdown of events!! Everyone should be informed of this information before committing to the purchase of a unit on board. Thanks, again! 👍
Thanks for your message! Yeah, when it comes to buy-in, I think more questions arise. Would I be able to sell my unit later? If so, what would be the process? How will the value change over time?
If I’m forking out this much money on a pokey inside cabin, I mean “villa”, I’d rather buy a few high end cruises in a proper suite. This whole project is doomed and a lot of people are going to lose a lot of money.
Thanks for your comment! I understand your concerns! The concept sounds enticing. However, I’m not sure the company and staff would be incentivized to make it a great experience for the long haul. On normal cruises the cruise line is continually trying to earn your business.
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I have friends, a married couple who are both in their early 50's and retired. They LOVE to travel, and they LOVE cruises. They bought a cabin on this ship, and plan to be on it for 3.5 years. They were supposed to board at the beginning of May, but construction delays have them just now boarding. Still in wet dock, and still can't sleep onboard, but making progress. They've been doing videos, showing the ship and all it has to offer. It's very nice, and appears to be top quality. Since they love that kind of lifestyle, I think they'll be very happy. With that said, it's not for me. The cabins are 140 sq ft, and the bed takes up most of that space. Very nice, but not designed for hanging out if you want a little solitude. The benefit of this lifestyle is being able to visit over 400 ports around the world. That is awesome! But for someone like me, time on board would become tedious once the novelty wears off. Great, but I'll spend my money on something that allows me to come and go as I please.
Hi Annie! Thanks for sharing the adventure that your friends are embarking on! I love cruising. But, I have a hard time imagining myself on the same cruise ship for 3.5 years. Please continue to share updates on your friends' adventure!! 😃
@@_TravelReviews I think it makes sense to do a 90 day world cruise first and see if you can imagine doing it for a year or more.
Rebecca, that makes sense to me! I’m not Gilligan. I can’t go straight from a 3-hour tour, to stranded on a deserted island for the rest of television history! 🤪
@@AdrianMcMillian I'm a Howell- so i hear you.
@@rebeccahowell6538 LOL!! I didn't even realize that you were a "Howell" when I responded.
Yes! You know better than anyone!! 🏝
I was looking for part 2! I like your sense of humor. I’m following two couples on UA-cam that have bought cabins. For me seems like after a while there would be a lot of drama with all the people in such tight quarters. That is if they finally get to sail. Hope it don’t go belly up!
Thank you, Linda!! Your comment made me really happy!! I love traveling! And I really love making people laugh!! I'm so happy you're on board with my humor!! I will post more soon!! Please continue to chime-in with your awesome comments!! 😊
Damaging ship. A set monthly fee for 15 years...what could go wrong???
Inflation, unforeseen repairs, financial difficulties.....
Thank you for your comment, Peter! Yes, there are many things to be concerned about. And it seems those concerns already becoming big issues!
What happens if the owners go bust? Sounds great 15 years, but in reality? Will it last, they stated they could not run air conditioning while they are in dock in Belfast because it is 5k a day. It’s not like it’s a bricks and mortar place, it’s a ship. I just don’t think I could gamble my retirement money on a possibility that it will last 1 year, let alone 15.
Hi CW! I would have all of the same concerns! Thanks for your comments! 😊
I live in Northern Ireland they don’t need the air conditioning on it’s not hot enough unless we’re lucky to get a heatwave. 😂I do get what you’re saying, hopefully it works out the ship’s residents and staff members.
This is an interesting concept. But I'd feel more confident if the ship was bring offered by one of the tried and true cruiselines.
I agree, Michele! I always read a ton of reviews before booking. And even then, I’d prefer to start with a short trip, to test the waters. 😁
I was a paid resident on the ship and after waiting in Belfast through the numerous delays week after week waiting almost 3 months in numerous hotel rooms trying to keep on a reasonable budget seeing as I had already paid for the cruise and was paying my own expenses in addition to that, the company abruptly and without notice terminated my 3 1/2 year contract to live on the ship claiming I created a negative environment by posting critical remarks and expressing my unhappiness with the delays and things that had been changed that were at one time all inclusive. They left a senior female Solo Traveler stranded in Belfast to find my own way home back to the US. I still have belongings on the ship they have not returned and also have not refunded one penny of my money 6 weeks later. I am looking for legal representation.
You paid your own expenses- so the per diems weren't being reimbursed? Shocker. Horrible.
Any attorneys on this thread, please consider helping Jenny! Any company that that contractually restricts participants from expressing their concerns, should be held accountable.
@@AdrianMcMillian thank you and yes I need help, I believe there are many aspects of the contract they violated there are also several other people from this Cruise looking for legal representation also
But we all your research you didn't find out the ship is thirty years and sitting for four years.I know they rehauled, and refurbished but......
Thanks for adding that extra information, @gaillittle1700! Together, we will learn to master Cruise Life!! Keep the comments coming, my friend!! 😊
So informative and funny!😂
Sorry, no way you couldn't get me to sail that 31-year-old financial Titanic for all the tea in China. I would prefer to cruise on a commercial cruise ship, completing a weekly itinerary where I have control of how many cruises that I want to book. Including cruising within my budget and not Villa Vie's grandiose out of control expense budget, which would hyper inflate my monthly cabin rental, making me regret ever signing a contract like that, Villa Vie's pitch is only a pipe dream and not a reality. For about $119,000 dollars, I can purchase a very nice spacious modern, three-bedroom cabin sitting on a lake stocked with all the fish, I can catch and sitting on fifteen acres of land. Instead of being crammed into a 31-year-old, outdated, cracker box whose interior looks like an outdated version of the 90's. Including looking like a room full of decor nightmares, originally designed by Ronald MacDonald and giving its cruiser severe vertigo from looking at it. I prefer to stick with the commercial cruise lines, while cruising; because they make every attempt to update the interior of their ships so that they look for more modern and up to date. Including, offering far more edible cuisine with their buffet and dining options. -All my best always and happy sailing
Thanks for your comment, Linda! While the original concept sounded interesting to me, I now have all of the same concerns!
@@AdrianMcMillian I agree with you, Adrian.-All my best always and happy sailing.
I’d love to see updates on this ship. It looks like a major boondoggle to me 😮😮😮😮
Hi Jane! Thanks for your comment! Considering the numerous delays in just getting started, you might be right! 😳
Lol! Your costs are off and there are monthly fees and the boat is old and hadn’t been turned on for 4 years. They were supposed to leave in May and is still in dock because they haven’t fixed everything that is broken so people who sold their homes and belongings are having to live in a hotel and they are only allowed on board for breakfast and lunch and aren’t allowed to spend the night. This boat is small and only has one dining room available to start….do your research.
Thank you for your comment, Tami! Please note, this video was created in June. At that time the only information that seemed to be available was the information on the Villa Vie website and some press releases.
Thank you for providing updated information! 😊
@@AdrianMcMillian I feel sorry for the people who sold everything to buy into this but they seem positive and are still waiting. The owner is the same person who sold cruise ship condos before and the company went belly up and the clients lost their money. I hope it works out for them.
@@tamiclare8598 , thank you for the additional information! From the videos I've watched (of actual residents) it seems that they are still fairly optimistic. I really hope it works out for all of the residents.
@@AdrianMcMillian Except in June they had already missed 2 sail dates in May (and depending on when in June the video was made, it missed at least 3 dates in June also - the 5th, 15th and 30th). Additionally the press releases also yielded disturbing information- that in February they said the renovation would be 10 weeks, then in March they said it would be 8 weeks and on March 23 in Belfast they were having a big event for media and residents (except the boat was still moored in Scotland and they couldn't get it restarted so they had to cancel the planned events). The March press release also said the ship would sail to Belfast in early March for renovation. Except per cruisemapper the ship didn't move until April 24. The April press release said they got another round of loans (because of the delay and expense of 7 weeks in restarting the ship). And the release said renovation would be 3 weeks! So they knew the ship had serious problems and yet they slashed the renovation timeline leaving no time to fix all the issues of a 31 year old ship which was moored on saltwater unmoving for 4 years. Additionally in March they publicized they had hired the Braemar's Captain (ie this ship which was renamed Odyssey) who was famous for sailing the ship through the narrow Corinthian Gap. That Captain quit Villa Vie in May less than 2 months later to "spend more time with his family". See how much information was available in June? Enough to create some concerns....
@@RetiredZGrt, thank you for the detailed breakdown of events!! Everyone should be informed of this information before committing to the purchase of a unit on board. Thanks, again! 👍
We’ve been eyeing this one. Not sure about the buy in though.
Thanks for your message! Yeah, when it comes to buy-in, I think more questions arise. Would I be able to sell my unit later? If so, what would be the process? How will the value change over time?
If I’m forking out this much money on a pokey inside cabin, I mean “villa”, I’d rather buy a few high end cruises in a proper suite. This whole project is doomed and a lot of people are going to lose a lot of money.
Thanks for your comment! I understand your concerns! The concept sounds enticing. However, I’m not sure the company and staff would be incentivized to make it a great experience for the long haul. On normal cruises the cruise line is continually trying to earn your business.
Noooo
LOL!! Thank you, Lourdes, for your honest response. 😊
time to scrap the ship in 10 years