Villa Vie's "World Uncharted": Longest World Cruise Ever?

Sep 15, 2025

Villa Vie's

By Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

Hello, fellow adventurers! Michael here from the ship, and I am thrilled to share some big news that's been on my mind. For those of you who have been following our journey on our DC Hidden Gems YouTube channel, you know we've been loving life aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey. We've just returned from our home in Washington D.C. and are currently exploring Asia, a long-held bucket list item for us. This immersive, slower-paced travel has truly resonated with us.

Speaking of big travel, Villa Vie Residences has just announced a monumental new offering that has caught our attention and yours, based on your questions and comments. It's called "World Uncharted," and it's being billed as the longest world cruise ever.


What Makes This World Cruise Different?

"World Uncharted" is a 301-day voyage that launches in 2027. Unlike a typical world cruise from a commercial line, which often feels like a series of short, back-to-back cruises, this itinerary is designed for deeper exploration. As we mentioned on our YouTube channel, we've looked at many world cruises in the past from lines like Azamara, Oceania, and Royal Caribbean. Our big hang-up was that they often didn’t have enough time in port for the kind of cultural immersion we crave.

The Villa Vie "World Uncharted" voyage directly addresses this, with extended stays of up to five days in many locations. Its itinerary is also scheduled to include places that were missed in the Odyssey’s early days due to operational delays, such as Antarctica and the Amazon, with two scheduled Antarctic scenic cruising days just in case of weather. This focus on unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations is a key distinction from commercial offerings.


Comparing Costs: Villa Vie vs. Traditional World Cruises

When you're considering a trip of this magnitude, it's essential to look at the total value, not just the sticker price. While we don't give specific financial advice, we can share a breakdown of what a Villa Vie voyage costs compared to others, based on our research and personal experience.

  • Villa Vie "World Uncharted" (301 days): For a 301-day journey for two people in the least expensive interior room, the cost is roughly $96,000. This works out to approximately $300 per day per person, which includes accommodations, all meals, port fees, taxes, and gratuities. The value here is in the extended itinerary and longer port stays, allowing you to truly immerse yourself.
  • Princess Cruises (129 days): In 2027, Princess has a 129-day world cruise. A similar cabin for two people ranges from $65,000 to $75,000. While less expensive upfront, it's for less than half the days. The per-day cost is higher, and it may not include gratuities or all the same perks, requiring you to budget for additional expenses.
  • Oceania Cruises (244 days): A 244-day world cruise on Oceania’s new Vista ship in 2027 can cost a quarter of a million dollars for two people in the cheapest room, which averages out to about $1,000 per day. While it's a premium product with inclusions like business class airfare and exclusive shoreside events, the per-day cost is significantly higher than Villa Vie's. As Chris and I discovered when we were looking at these options, they don't always have the number of overnights we would have expected for a premium-priced, long-duration trip.

Beyond the World Cruise: Other Villa Vie Options

While "World Uncharted" is a significant offering, it's important to remember that Villa Vie also has other programs. This is where you, the potential cruiser, need to do your research. You can rent a segment, which can be anywhere from 40 to 50 days long, or even rent from an existing owner through a third party.

For those who are all in on the lifestyle, they have two other interesting offerings:

  • Endless Horizons: A one-time payment for unlimited use of a guaranteed ocean view cabin for life. This program is for those who are ready to fully commit to life at sea.
  • Golden Passport: A tiered-pricing program based on age, where a single, upfront payment provides lifetime access to the fleet. The price decreases as you get older, making it a unique and practical consideration for retirement planning. As Villa Vie’s founder, Mikael Petterson, has noted, for many retirees, a major concern is outliving their money. This program is designed to address that by covering housing, food, and travel for a single, predictable cost.

We believe that there is a cruise for every traveler. The key is knowing what you value. As Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com, we want to empower you to make informed decisions. We've even written a book, The Hidden Gems Guide to Residential Cruising, available on Etsy, to help you better understand this unique lifestyle.

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We love being a part of this community, and your questions have truly helped us shape the direction of our content. For us, the joy of travel lies in the discovery, both of new places and of new ways to live life.

So, now we turn it over to you. What do you think about the rise of these ultra-long world cruises? Is the extended time in port more valuable to you than the luxury inclusions of a traditional cruise line?

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