May 30th 2024.
Have you ever dreamed of a never-ending vacation, where you could save money and soak up the sun while traveling the world? Sounds too good to be true, right? But for Grace and Jerry Grady, this dream became a reality when they boarded the Villa Vie Odyssey, an exclusive residential cruise liner that sets sail from Belfast today.
The couple, both in their 70s, made the bold decision to sell everything they owned and live on the ship for the next three and a half years. And while this may seem like a luxurious fantasy, the cost is surprisingly affordable. Jerry and Grace paid an annual rental fee of €40,038 each for their cabin, which includes unlimited food and soft drinks, alcoholic beverages at dinner, free WiFi, medical checks, 24/7 room service, weekly housekeeping, and a bi-weekly laundry service.
Compared to the estimated cost of living in London, which sits at £4,245 a month for a single person, this doesn't seem too bad at all. And for those who prefer to own rather than rent, cabins on the Villa Vie Odyssey can be purchased starting at €91,270 for an inside cabin. However, there is also a monthly fee per person to cover board, ranging from €1,613 to €3,680 depending on the cabin type.
The concept of residential cruise liners is becoming increasingly popular, but the Villa Vie Odyssey is currently one of only two ships offering this unique lifestyle. The other is The World, where prices are significantly higher, ranging from €1.84 million to €13.8 million annually.
But what can you expect on this endless voyage? Well, for starters, there's everything you could possibly need onboard, including a beauty salon, free WiFi, and a state-of-the-art business center for those who need to work while at sea. And don't worry about getting bored, as the ship has a jam-packed entertainment schedule, a pool with two Jacuzzis, a spa and fitness center, a pickleball court, an interactive culinary center, a library, and even a golf course.
The itinerary of the cruise has been meticulously planned to ensure that guests experience sunny weather throughout their journey. The voyage will kick off with a tour of Northern Europe before heading to the Caribbean, North and South America, East Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and back to Europe. And for those looking to visit some of the world's most iconic landmarks, the Villa Vie Odyssey will take passengers to 13 out of the 14 Wonders of the World.
As the ship sets sail, Jerry sums up the experience perfectly, calling it "the adventure of a lifetime." And with such an incredible journey ahead, it's no wonder that this concept is gaining popularity. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing us.
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