Villa Vie vs. Crescent Seas: Your Residential Cruise Match-Up

Sep 21, 2025

By Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

The dream of calling a cruise ship home is captivating more people than ever, and the residential cruising market is seeing exciting new developments. For months, we, Chris and Michael, have been living the dream aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey, exploring the world from our floating home. Now, an intriguing new player has entered the scene: Crescent Seas.

In our recent video, Villa Vie's UNEXPECTED Cruise Rival | Crescent Seas, we started to unpack what this new competitor means for the evolving landscape of residential cruising. While both aim to offer a life of perpetual travel, they cater to distinctly different preferences and budgets. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you navigate these fascinating options.

Villa Vie Odyssey: Accessible Global Exploration

Villa Vie Residences, with its ship the Odyssey, positions itself as an accessible gateway to a world of continuous travel. We've been living on the Odyssey for over four months now, and it truly feels like a second home, integrated into our lifestyle.

Key Features of Villa Vie Odyssey:

Ship: The Villa Vie Odyssey is a refurbished vessel (formerly the MS Braemar), with a tonnage of 24,344 gt and capacity for around 924 passengers. It boasts a flatter hull, allowing it to navigate inland waterways and access destinations larger ships cannot. The ship has undergone significant enhancements, including a redeveloped pool deck, pickleball court, and a culinary center.
Residences: Cabins, referred to as "Villas," range from cozy interior villas (starting around 130 sq ft) to oceanview and balcony options. Our video notes that the largest cabins, "Superior Suites," are around 225 sq ft. Residents can decorate their space and have options to rent or sell their villa.
Ownership Models: Villa Vie offers flexible residency options:
- Month-to-Month Living: Ideal for those testing the waters, with part of the rent contributing toward future ownership depending upon the contract.
- Full Ownership (Endless Horizons Program): Permanent residence starting at $129,999.
- Golden Passport: Lifetime residency with age-advantage pricing, starting at $99,999.
- Segments: Shorter stays (35-120 days) are also available.
Inclusions: The monthly fees on Villa Vie are designed to be comprehensive, covering travel, accommodation, meals, much of the alcohol, high-speed internet, weekly cleaning, laundry services, and onboard entertainment.
Target Audience: Villa Vie appeals to digital nomads, retirees, semi-retired travelers, and explorers seeking an affordable entry into long-term world travel without the logistics of traditional trips.

Crescent Seas: The New Standard in Ultra-Luxury Residential Cruising

Crescent Seas is an ambitious new entrant into the residential cruise space, targeting the ultra-luxury segment. Backed by real estate mogul and former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings chairman Russell Galbut, it aims to redefine opulence at sea.

Key Features of Crescent Seas:

Ships: Their first ship, Navigator (the former Regent Seven Seas Navigator), is undergoing a reported $50 million top-to-bottom renovation and is slated to debut in December 2026. A second ship, Insignia (from Oceania Cruises), will follow in late 2027, and plans for a new-build vessel, The Ocean, are set for 2032, with a goal of five ships by the early 2030s.
Residences: Navigator will feature 210 residences, ranging from 350 sq ft up to 2,000 sq ft. Prices for residences start at $750,000 and can go up to $8 million. Insignia's residences will range from $650,000 to $10 million. These are significantly larger and more luxurious than Villa Vie's offerings.
Service & Amenities: Crescent Seas emphasizes "white glove Butler services," gourmet dining, bespoke onboard experiences, curated two- to five-day port stays, and Starlink internet connectivity. The ships are designed to feel like a five-star resort home.
Target Audience: This line is clearly aimed at the very affluent, high-net-worth individual seeking unparalleled luxury, exclusivity, and personalized service while circumnavigating the globe. They also plan to offer short stays to allow potential buyers to experience the lifestyle.

Key Differences: A Tale of Two Lifestyles

The contrast between Villa Vie and Crescent Seas highlights two distinct approaches to residential cruising:

Price Point & Financial Commitment

Villa Vie: Offers a more accessible entry, with ownership starting under $130,000 and monthly fees. The most expensive Villa Vie cabin has a buy-in of $430,000, with annualized monthly fees around $132,000.
Crescent Seas: Operates at a significantly higher price point, with residences starting at $750,000 (up to $8 million) and reported annual fees starting around $210,000.

Cabin Size & Luxury

Villa Vie: Focuses on efficient, comfortable living in cabins ranging from 130 sq ft to 225 sq ft, with practical amenities for long-term residents.
Crescent Seas: Emphasizes expansive luxury, with the smallest residences at 350 sq ft and top-tier options reaching 2,000 sq ft, complete with butler service and high-end finishes.

Target Audience & Experience

Villa Vie: Appeals to a broader audience looking for an affordable, community-focused, and adventurous way to travel the world without the burdens of traditional homeownership or constant vacation planning. It’s about the journey and the global immersion.
Crescent Seas: Targets an exclusive clientele demanding ultimate luxury, personalized service, and larger, more opulent private residences. It's about combining the comforts of a high-end home with global exploration.

Startup Status & Ship History

Both lines are relatively new or in the early stages of launching their residential cruise offerings, meaning potential residents should be aware of the typical challenges associated with new ventures, such as potential delays or operational changes. Villa Vie is sailing its first ship, the Odyssey, which is a refurbished vessel, while Crescent Seas is also starting with refurbished ships (Navigator, Insignia) before building a new one (The Ocean). This speaks to the emerging nature of the residential cruise market.

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The Growing Residential Cruise Market

The emergence of Crescent Seas, especially with the backing of an experienced industry leader like Russell Galbut, strongly suggests a growing confidence in the residential cruise market. As Michael notes in our video, this validates the concept beyond just high-end options like The World, demonstrating that there's a market for various levels of residential cruising.

While the financial model of buying into a residential cruise line, whether it's Villa Vie or Crescent Seas, is unique (it's often seen as buying a right to occupy rather than traditional real estate), the appeal of continuous global travel, hassle-free living, and a built-in community remains powerful. However, potential residents must carefully consider factors like healthcare coverage and personal compatibility with communal living, as discussed in previous posts on ChartingOurCourse.com.

Ultimately, the choice between a Villa Vie Odyssey cabin and a Crescent Seas residence comes down to personal priorities and budget. Are you seeking an accessible, community-driven adventure, or the pinnacle of ultra-luxury and expansive living at sea? Both offer incredible opportunities to see the world, just through different lenses.

What are your thoughts on these two distinct approaches to residential cruising? Which appeals more to your ideal life at sea?