A US company has revealed plans for a residential cruise ship that offers permanent living at sea. Villa Vie Residences currently operates the Odyssey, which has been on a continuous global cruise since October 2024, despite some delays. The ship is following a 15-year itinerary, circling the globe multiple times in journeys lasting three and a half years each.
Project Lumina, the company’s latest initiative, aims to acquire a luxury cruise ship for full or part-time residential living. These all-inclusive cruises may even be more cost-effective than living on land. Interested individuals can secure an oceanview room starting from $539,999 (approximately £404,000) or opt for a suite with a balcony for $899,999 (around £637,000), with additional monthly fees for residents.
For those not committed to long-term sea living, more affordable choices like five-year ownerships and rentals are available. Comparatively, the cost of a flat in London ranges between £530,000 and £610,000, making the cruise ship a potentially more affordable housing option without the obligation to reside permanently on board.
Passengers can also rent out their rooms when not in use and invite guests onboard for a fee. While specific ship details remain undisclosed, the company guarantees an ‘ultra-luxury’ experience, alongside their existing Odyssey service.
Aboard Villa Vie’s current residential cruise, amenities include gourmet dining, entertainment, a swimming pool, optional excursions, and regular housekeeping. Residents enjoy services like laundry, medical visits, a social club, and events to combat isolation during the extended voyage.
The cruise targets retirees, remote workers, and digital nomads, offering a business center and high-speed WiFi via Starlink for seamless connectivity. Chris Cox, the newly-appointed President, expressed enthusiasm for Project Lumina, emphasizing the demand for ocean lifestyles from affordable travel homes to ultra-luxury villa experiences.
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