A year at sea: The reality of living on a permanent cruise

A New Lifestyle at Sea: Sharon Lane’s Year on Villa Vie Odyssey

A year at sea – Sharon Lane, a former school teacher, spent a year aboard the residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey, embracing a life at sea that has become her permanent home. The 642-foot vessel, with its eight decks, offers more than just a vacation—it’s a living space designed for long-term residents. A year after stepping aboard, Lane still sees the ship as her sanctuary, describing it as “where we live” rather than a temporary getaway. “I’m not on a trip,” she explained in a video call with CNN Travel. “This is our home.”

The Rise of Residential Cruising

The concept of living on a cruise ship is gaining traction, with Villa Vie Odyssey leading the charge. Unlike traditional cruises, this vessel operates as a floating community, allowing residents to purchase cabins and reside onboard indefinitely. For Lane, this model represents a lifestyle shift. She chose the cheapest available option—a windowless interior cabin—after calculating the financial benefits of residing on the ship versus staying in her hometown of California. “Living on the Odyssey is more affordable and far more exciting,” she said, highlighting her love for travel and the serenity of being adrift at sea.

A Bumpy Start for the Cruise Startup

When Villa Vie Odyssey first set sail in September 2024, it marked a significant milestone for the cruise startup Villa Vie Residences. However, the journey wasn’t without hurdles. The company initially faced setbacks, including the collapse of a long-term cruise plan and several pre-launch delays. These challenges were compounded by logistical complexities at ports, where smaller boats were required to transport passengers to shore. Despite these obstacles, the ship’s infrastructure was eventually adapted to ensure smoother operations, such as the installation of custom walkways to connect the vessel with tender boats. These walkways, designed to stabilize movement against waves, are now in regular use.

Villa Vie Residences’ CEO, Mikael Petterson, acknowledged the difficulties in the ship’s early days. “We had to address weather-related cancellations and logistical bottlenecks in key destinations,” he noted. While the company initially anticipated 15 years of service from the vessel, its recent renovation has extended its operational lifespan. The Odyssey’s residents, including Lane, have grown accustomed to the unique rhythms of life aboard, balancing daily routines with the thrill of exploring new horizons.

Community and Solitude on the Water

For Lane, the ship’s social dynamics are a key draw. She cherishes the built-in community, yet also values the ability to enjoy solitude when needed. “It’s like living in a small village, but with the freedom to step away whenever I want,” she said. The vessel’s size allows for quiet corners where she can retreat into books, a luxury she once associated with her time in South Africa during the 1990s. That period, spent as a traveler, had already sparked her passion for maritime living, which she now fulfills in retirement.

Lane’s decision to live on the ship reflects a broader trend of retirees seeking alternative lifestyles. The monthly fees, which range from $2,000 for double occupancy to $3,000 for single occupancy in 2025, cover essentials like food, soft drinks, alcohol at dinner, Wi-Fi, and medical visits. While procedures and medications aren’t included, the ship provides round-the-clock room service, weekly housekeeping, and bi-weekly laundry, eliminating the need for additional expenses. These amenities, combined with the promise of global exploration, make the experience appealing for many.

Comparing Costs: A Floating Alternative

The Odyssey’s affordability stands out when compared to other residential cruise options. For instance, The World, the only other such vessel currently at sea, targets a more upscale market with a starting price of $3.5 million. Villa Vie’s pricing model, starting at $59,999 for five-year cabin ownership and $99,999 for full ownership, is designed to be accessible. Additionally, the company has introduced rental opportunities to allow potential residents to test life at sea before committing to purchase.

“We’ve expanded rental options to give people a taste of the experience,” Petterson explained. This flexibility is particularly valuable for older passengers, who may qualify for discounted rates. While the majority of residents are long-term owners, the ratio favors those who plan to stay indefinitely. As of now, owners outnumber renters by approximately three to one, according to the CEO.

Challenges and Innovations Aboard

Living on a cruise ship isn’t without its challenges. Early in the Odyssey’s voyage, Villa Vie Residences faced cancellations of port calls due to unpredictable weather and logistical issues. These disruptions affected the residents’ ability to explore certain destinations. However, the company has since implemented solutions, such as the custom walkways, to streamline the process of docking and disembarking. These walkways, though time-consuming to set up and dismantle, ensure stability during extended stops.

“They take up to four hours to deploy and another four to break down,” Petterson said. “We only use them when we’re anchored for multiple days and the weather is favorable.” This innovation has helped mitigate some of the earlier setbacks, though the ship’s remote locations still require residents to adapt to occasional delays. For Lane, these hiccups are minor compared to the joys of a life spent navigating the open sea.

Life at Sea: A Blend of Routine and Adventure

The Odyssey’s residents enjoy a balance between structure and spontaneity. Daily routines are dictated by the ship’s schedule, but the itinerary allows for unexpected discoveries. From Tokyo to Hawaii, the ship’s ports of call provide opportunities for cultural immersion, though excursions require extra fees. For Lane, these optional trips are a highlight of her journey, complementing the peace of life onboard. She also maintains regular contact with her family, including her two adult grandsons, through video calls and letters, a reminder that the ocean doesn’t isolate its inhabitants.

While the cost of living on the Odyssey is higher than a standard cruise, the investment is justified for many. The company’s focus on affordability has attracted a diverse group of residents, from retirees to those seeking a change of scenery. As the project evolves, other residential ship initiatives, like NJORD—a self-described “exclusive community at sea”—are in development, though they haven’t yet launched. For now, the Odyssey remains a pioneering example of how the cruise industry is reimagining travel as a way of life.

Sharon Lane’s story underscores the appeal of such a lifestyle. Her decision to trade California’s familiar surroundings for a life at sea was driven by both practicality and passion. “It’s not just about the destination,” she said. “It’s about the journey itself.” As the ship continues its global voyage, the residents of Villa Vie Odyssey are living proof that the ocean can be more than a backdrop—it can be a home, a community, and a new beginning.