{"id":132994,"date":"2024-03-15T08:32:26","date_gmt":"2024-03-15T08:32:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dispatcheseurope.com\/?p=132994"},"modified":"2024-03-16T08:19:08","modified_gmt":"2024-03-16T08:19:08","slug":"carla-bastos-dreaming-of-a-multi-year-world-cruise-do-your-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dispatcheseurope.com\/carla-bastos-dreaming-of-a-multi-year-world-cruise-do-your-research\/","title":{"rendered":"Carla Bastos: Dreaming of a multi-year world cruise? Do your research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The failed Life at Sea <\/a>around-the-world cruise has become the stuff of legend. The three-year excursion was billed as a dream journey \u2013 circumnavigating the globe while passengers live and work comfortably and affordably aboard ship, checking off a lifetime of bucket list destinations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, it never happened.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After some paid hefty deposits, even selling their homes, Life at Sea announced only a few weeks before they were scheduled to sail that they hadn\u2019t even acquired a ship. At this writing, many would-be passengers have still not received refunds<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Residential cruising is not new to the one percent. The World<\/a>, a residential vessel currently at sea, is strictly for multi-millionaires. But, as remote work became all the rage in recent years, demand grew for the same nautical opportunity for regular folks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was it even possible? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life at Sea targeted retirees and digital nomads, but couldn\u2019t pull it off. Then there\u2019s Storylines<\/a>, whose years-long effort still hasn\u2019t materialized.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enter Villa Vie Residences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Last fall Villa Vie<\/a> announced its new 3.5-year circumnavigation, with a target sailing date of May 2024. An all-inclusive offering with affordable \u201cvillas,\u201d (and even solo discounts!), a business center for remote workers, etc., it all sounded so tempting. But then, so did Life at Sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

I\u2019ve closely researched and monitored the new venture, as I did with the first one. Again, I was intrigued but wary. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

So, here\u2019s what I\u2019ve found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, Villa Vie actually has<\/em> a ship, dubbed the Odyssey<\/a>. Several of its staff, including CEO Mikael Petterson, were formerly with Life at Sea. They \u201cjumped ship\u201d when the company began making questionable decisions, and undertook this new endeavor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, several prospective Villa Vie residents are among those duped by Life at Sea. Perhaps for these reasons, Villa Vie seems to be making concerted efforts to avoid the same missteps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve attended several webinars over the last few months, two of which were conducted aboard the Odyssey. We were given a virtual tour, meeting with the company overseeing renovations. Webinars have included the health care company that will staff and run the ship\u2019s medical facility; and others addressing matters of vaccines, visas, insurance and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Much information has been provided, questions continually addressed, and efforts seem transparent.
The ship\u2019s cabins and dining, entertainment and recreational facilities are not unlike other cruise ships I\u2019ve sailed with, although they do appear to be a step up and more accommodating or actually living, rather than vacationing (including a pool deck with fire pits).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also impressive is a Portage Club offering residents the opportunity for hands-on volunteering and cultural exchange, in partnership with NGOs and nonprofits in various destinations. The company also touts its sustainability efforts, with a goal \u201c\u2026to minimize its environmental impact, using cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly practices.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n