Is the Villa Vie Odyssey Cruise Ship Too Old?

Is the Villa Vie Odyssey Cruise Ship Too Old?

by Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

It’s the number one criticism we see. In our video comments, on cruise blogs, and across social media, people ask: "Why would Villa Vie Residences buy a 30-year-old ship, and why would you live on that?"

It’s a fair question. In an industry obsessed with launching billion-dollar mega-ships, choosing a vessel built in 1993 seems counterintuitive. When we bought our cabin to live on the Villa Vie Odyssey and travel the world, we knew we were taking a leap. And as we've documented our journey, the age of our new home remains the top concern for professional skeptics predicting doom.

So, is the Villa Vie Odyssey too old? We researched it with an open mind. The answer we found might just change the way you look at this ship.


What Does "Old" Really Mean for a Cruise Ship?

Before labeling the ship an antique, let's put its age—31 years—into the proper industry context. The "right" age for a ship depends entirely on its mission.

The average age for the entire global cruise fleet is skewed by mass-market lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, whose business model relies on having the newest, biggest attractions. If you’re comparing the Odyssey to those floating theme parks, it seems ancient.

But that's the wrong comparison.

According to us, Chris and Michael, you have to classify ships based on their target market to get an accurate picture. When you look at the niche and expedition markets, the story completely changes.

  • Hurtigruten: Famous for its rugged Norwegian coastal voyages, this line operates a fleet where the average age is around 33 years.
  • Lindblad Expeditions: This highly respected line, affiliated with National Geographic, also utilizes a fleet of seasoned vessels for its unique itineraries.
 
 

In a market that values durability and access to unique ports over waterslides, a ship like the Odyssey is far from an outlier. A ship’s retirement is almost always an economic decision based on market pressures or new regulations, not because it’s technically expired.

An infographic comparing the average fleet age of mass-market, luxury, and expedition cruise lines, showing the Villa Vie Odyssey fits in the expedition/niche category.

Why Not Just Buy a New Ship?

The criticism focuses on the ship's age as its greatest liability. But what if that age, and the price tag that comes with it, is actually the company’s single greatest strategic advantage? This is where you have to look past the shiny new objects and see the brilliant business case.


The Staggering Cost of New Ships

A new ship of a comparable size to the Odyssey would cost roughly $400 million. Villa Vie acquired the Odyssey for about $13 million and invested another $12 million into its refit. That’s a staggering 94% discount on the sticker price of a new build.


Making a Dream Lifestyle Possible

This cost difference is the key that unlocks this entire lifestyle. It’s the reason residents can buy a cabin for as low as $150,000 instead of the $2 million to $15 million required on The World, the only other residential ship at sea. The ship’s age isn’t a problem; it's the very feature that opened the door for us and hundreds of others to see the world. As we continue to explore this new life, you can follow our journey on our Charting Our Course blog.


The All-Important Safety Factor: SOLAS Regulations

Many people worry about old ship safety because classic liners from the 60s and 70s, built with flammable materials, were forced into retirement. However, the Odyssey, built in 1993, was constructed after the modern international safety rules—known as SOLAS 1974 (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea)—were in full effect. The International Maritime Organization mandates that ships like ours be built with non-combustible materials, placing them in a completely different and modern category of safety.

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What's the Real Payoff of an Older Ship?

The choice to buy this ship wasn’t a compromise; it was a foundational decision to create an accessible new market for residential cruising. We traded the bells and whistles of a brand-new vessel for one with proven character and, more importantly, a price tag that makes this life possible.

For us, the ship is our home, but the destinations are the main event. And because of the Odyssey's smaller size, it has a superpower: it can go where the mega-ships can't. The mission is to visit over 400 ports in about 3.5 years, gaining access to unique harbors the giants can only dream of.


How Do You Keep a Veteran Ship Sailing?

Of course, this strategy only works if the ship receives the continuous care it needs. Keeping a veteran ship in top form requires a serious, ongoing commitment to maintenance and future-proofing.

  • Rigorous Inspections: All ships must enter drydock every few years, but for vessels over 15 years old, these inspections become even more rigorous.
  • Future-Proofing: The maritime industry faces pressure to become more environmentally friendly. Villa Vie will need to invest in systems to stay compliant with new regulations.
  • Financial Discipline: The company must maintain a hefty capital reserve fund not just for planned upgrades, but for unexpected issues, like the rudder repairs needed in Belfast.    
 
  

Ultimately, the choice to purchase a 30-year-old ship was the smartest, most logical way to build a community that could afford a life of continuous global travel. It's a choice that prioritizes destinations over waterslides and community over crowds. The age isn't a weakness; it's the cornerstone of the entire plan. It’s a veteran ship with a great history, and we’re proud to call it home.

Now that you know the strategy behind the ship, what do you think of the decision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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