Villa Vie Odyssey: Should You Buy or Rent?

Villa Vie Odyssey: Should You Buy or Rent?

by Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

The world of residential cruising is buzzing with a new name: Villa Vie Odyssey. This ship is turning heads by offering a more accessible price point for living at sea. But the critical decision for anyone interested is understanding the choice between securing a long-term residence or renting for a portion of the journey. As full-time residential cruisers, we know this is a pivotal choice. Let's break down the specifics to help you find the right path.


First, What is the Villa Vie Odyssey?

Villa Vie Odyssey is a residential cruise ship designed for a continuous, 3.5-year world circumnavigation, visiting 425 ports across 147 countries. Unlike ultra-luxury vessels, it focuses on creating a vibrant, accessible community for long-term travelers, digital nomads, and retirees. The key to its appeal is the choice it presents: acquiring a residence for the life of the ship, or flexible renting.


The Ownership Option: What Does Acquiring a Residence Involve?

This is the path for those ready to fully commit to a life at sea. Rather than buying property, you are essentially purchasing a right to occupy a specific cabin for the life of the vessel.

  • How it Works: You pay a one-time purchase price to acquire the exclusive right to occupy your cabin for the lifetime of the vessel, which becomes your permanent, floating home. Prices start at $99,000 for an internal cabin, $149,000 for an oceanview, and $249,000 for a balcony.
  • Ongoing Costs: After the purchase, owners pay monthly fees which start at an estimated $3,500 per person for a dual-occupancy cabin, with the final amount varying based on the size and type of the villa. This "all-inclusive" fee covers most living expenses: food, beverages (including alcohol), Wi-Fi, medical consultations, and gratuities.
  • The Key Perk: Villa Vie offers a unique, guaranteed exit strategy. The company guarantees to buy the residence rights back from you based on a structured schedule. This isn't a 100% return, but rather a buy-back at a percentage of the original price, which changes the longer you own it. This provides owners with guaranteed liquidity, acting as a financial safety net. Owners are also free to sell their residence rights on the open market at any time.
 

This option is best for: Individuals, couples, or families who are certain about the live-aboard lifestyle and want the stability and community of a permanent home, with a structured exit strategy in place.


The Flexible Option: How Does Renting on Villa Vie Work?

If you're intrigued by the lifestyle but not ready for the long-term commitment, renting is a fantastic choice. It offers a "try before you buy" experience with two primary avenues to do so.


1. Renting from Villa Vie Residences

You can rent a cabin directly from the company. This is a straightforward process, typically involving booking one or more of the segments of the world cruise. These segments range in length, allowing you to choose an adventure that fits your schedule. This is the official channel for securing a spot on the ship as a non-owner.


2. Renting Directly from an Owner

As with any long-term residence agreement, owners on the Villa Vie Odyssey can rent out their cabins when they are not using them. This creates a secondary, private rental market. You might find these opportunities through forums or owner groups. This can be seen as an "Airbnb at sea," where you make a private arrangement with a resident.

Renting is best for: Digital nomads, adventure-seekers who can't commit to 3+ years, or anyone who wants to be absolutely sure this lifestyle is for them before considering a purchase.


So, Which Path is Right for You?

The beautiful thing about Villa Vie Odyssey's model is that there's no single right answer.

  • Choose to Acquire a Residence If: You have the capital, you are committed to living at sea long-term, and you want to be a founding member of a global community with a planned exit strategy.
  • Choose to Rent If: You want to escape for a few months or test the waters. Renting from the company is great for a standardized, secure booking. Exploring rentals from owners might offer more flexibility.
 

Ultimately, Villa Vie has created multiple doors to the same incredible journey. Your choice depends on whether you're looking for a new home or an epic, extended adventure.

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