Pros and Cons of Villa Vie's New Monthly Rent-to-Own Option

By Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

Is a Month-to-Month Lifestyle at Sea for You?

If you've ever dreamt of sailing the world and wondered about the options beyond a long-term commitment, you're not alone. While Villa Vie has had short-term options available, they've just introduced a new "Month-to-Month at Sea" program with a rent-to-own benefit.

This new offering is a welcome addition to the options for residential cruising. We're here to explain how it works, what it includes, and how it stacks up against other choices. We’ve been immersed in the world of residential cruising for some time now, and we've learned a lot through our own research and experiences. For us, Chris and Michael, the idea of a flexible entry point is a good step forward for the industry.

What is Villa Vie’s New Monthly Rental Program?

This program is designed for ultimate flexibility. Instead of committing to an outright purchase or a full year-long rental, you can now rent a villa on the Villa Vie Odyssey one month at a time. The program, which starts at $2,999 per person, per month for an inside villa, is a direct response to feedback from potential residents who wanted a shorter-term, more flexible option to experience the lifestyle.

But one of the most interesting parts is the "rent-to-own" benefit. For every month you rent, $500 of your payment is credited toward a future purchase of a permanent villa or a Golden Passport. This means that your rent isn't just a cost—it can be a first step toward a future at sea.

Why is Experiencing the Lifestyle First So Important?

As we've highlighted in our posts on the advantages of residential cruising at https://chartingourcourse.com/charting-our-course-blog, this is a significant lifestyle change. It's not just a vacation; it's a new way of living, and you need to be sure it's the right fit for you. The month-to-month option allows you to:

• Test the Community: Get to know your neighbors and see if the community dynamic is a good fit for you.
• Experience Daily Life: Understand the rhythm of life on the ship, from the dining options and onboard activities to the shore excursions.
• Assess Connectivity: For digital nomads and those who work remotely, this is a crucial step to ensure the Wi-Fi and business facilities meet your needs.

There’s a clear pathway for digital nomads to have a successful work-life balance at sea, as we have talked about in one of our DC Hidden Gems YouTube channel videos at https://youtube.com/@dchiddengems. This new program from Villa Vie is a valuable way to see if a residential cruise can support a remote work lifestyle.

What Do You Get for Your Monthly Payment?

For your monthly fee, you’re not just getting a cabin. The cost is inclusive of a wide array of amenities and services. Your monthly payment covers:

• Accommodations: Your private villa.
• Dining: Access to multiple dining venues.
• Entertainment: All onboard shows and entertainment.
• Services: Housekeeping, laundry, and access to the fitness center.
• Internet: High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi.

This all-inclusive model simplifies the budgeting for various expenses, making it a simple and straightforward way to live. 

Renting Through Villa Vie vs. Renting from an Owner

This is an important distinction to make. While Villa Vie has its own rental program, some individual villa owners may also choose to rent out their cabins privately. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each approach:

Renting Directly from Villa Vie:

• Advantages:
  • Rent-to-Own Benefit: This is the biggest advantage. You are building equity toward a future purchase, which is a significant long-term benefit.
  • Transparent Pricing: The pricing is straightforward, with a clear list of what is included.
  • Company Support: You are dealing directly with the company, which provides a layer of security and professional management.
• Disadvantages:
  • Less Flexibility: You may be limited to specific itineraries or villa types available through the program.

Renting from an Existing Owner:

• Advantages:
  • Potential for a Better Deal: Owners may offer lower prices, especially if they are looking to offset their monthly fees and want to get their cabin rented out quickly.
  • More Flexibility: An owner might be willing to negotiate on the length of stay or other terms that the company's program doesn't allow.
• Disadvantages:
  • No Rent-to-Own Benefit: Any money you spend on a private rental is just a cost; it doesn't build credit toward ownership.
  • Variable Inclusions: The included amenities might vary. You would need to carefully review the rental agreement to see what is covered, from Wi-Fi access to dining options.
  • Less Oversight: You are dealing with an individual, not a corporation, which could lead to complications if issues arise.

According to a recent report by TravelPulse and PR Newswire, Villa Vie Residences developed this program to give a new entry point for people who want to try the residential cruising lifestyle, but without a long-term commitment. In our experience, we’ve found that having the direct support and transparency of the company is a valuable asset, especially for a decision as big as residential cruising. This new program shows the company's focus on meeting the needs of its potential residents.

In Conclusion

The new month-to-month program from Villa Vie Residences is a useful development in the world of residential cruising. It provides a low-risk way to experience a life at sea. For anyone who has ever considered this unique lifestyle but wasn't ready to take the full plunge, this program is a good stepping stone. It's an opportunity to truly experience the lifestyle for an extended period, and in our opinion, that's a smart move. It allows you to feel the joy of waking up to a new horizon every few days and see if it’s the right fit for your future, with the added benefit of having a clear path to ownership if you fall in love with it.

What do you think? Would you be more likely to try a residential cruise with a flexible, rent-to-own program like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below!