Our New Balcony Suite on the Villa Vie Odyssey

Our New Balcony Suite on the Villa Vie Odyssey

by Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

We've moved! We are so excited to give you a tour of our new Balcony Suite Long on the Villa Vie Odyssey. For a full walkthrough, check out our latest video on the DC Hidden Gems YouTube Channel.


Why Did We Upgrade to a Balcony Suite?

As full-time residential cruisers, our cabin is our home. According to us, Chris and Michael, having a space that is comfortable and functional is essential. While our previous inside cabin was cozy, the opportunity to move to a larger, 225-square-foot stateroom with a 126-square-foot balcony was too good to pass up. The extra space and private outdoor area have been a game-changer for our experience.


What are the Benefits of a Balcony Cabin for Long-Term Cruising?

  • Fresh Air and Natural Light: Having access to fresh air and natural light without leaving our cabin is a major perk. It makes the space feel more open and is great for our well-being on a long voyage.
  • Private Outdoor Space: The balcony is our private oasis. We can enjoy our morning coffee, watch the sunset, or just relax and read a book without the crowds of the public decks.
  • More Space to Work and Relax: With two separate desk areas, we can both work comfortably without being in each other's way. The dedicated sitting area also provides a great spot to unwind.
  • Enhanced Views: Waking up to stunning ocean and port views from our own room is an incredible experience.
 

For more on the benefits of a balcony cabin, you can read this article from The Points Guy.


How We've Organized Our New Cabin

Making a cruise cabin feel like home is all about smart organization. Here are a few things we’ve done to maximize our space:

  • Under-Bed Storage: We used bed risers to create extra storage space for our suitcases and other bulky items.
  • Magnetic Organizers: The cabin walls are metal, so we've used magnetic hooks, shelves, and even custom magnetic wall art with our personal photos to keep things organized and add a personal touch.
  • Dedicated Zones: We've created separate zones for work, relaxation, and sleeping. This helps to keep the cabin tidy and functional.
 

For more tips on organizing your cruise cabin, check out this helpful guide from Tasty Itinerary.


Working Remotely from the Sea

As digital nomads, having a reliable and comfortable workspace is a must. Our new cabin provides us with the space and amenities we need to work effectively while traveling the world. With two desks and a great view, it's the perfect office!


Our Top 5 Tips for Making Your Cruise Cabin a Home

  1. Personalize Your Space: Bring photos, magnetic art, and other personal items to make your cabin feel like your own.
  2. Maximize Storage: Use under-bed storage, over-the-door organizers, and magnetic hooks to keep your cabin tidy.
  3. Create Zones: Designate areas for different activities, such as working, sleeping, and relaxing.
  4. Invest in a Balcony: If you're on a long-term cruise, the extra space and private outdoor area are well worth the investment.
  5. Make it Your Own: Don't be afraid to rearrange the furniture and make the space work for you.


We hope you enjoyed this tour of our new home! For more on our residential cruising adventures, be sure to check out our other posts on the Charting Our Course blog.

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