Comparing Villa Vie and The World: A Practical Guide to Both Ships
James Ireton | Editor
Published on 2025-06-19
James Ireton | Editor
Published on 2025-06-19
Residential cruise ships offer a unique lifestyle - part luxury travel, part homeownership at sea. In 2025, two very different vessels lead this niche: Villa Vie Odyssey (newly launched) and MS The World (the original pioneer). These are currently the only two residential cruise ships sailing, each offering long-term global voyages but with distinct approaches. Below we compare their status, amenities, residences, costs, and onboard life to help you determine which floating community better suits your lifestyle.
Launched in 2002 as the first residential cruise ship, The World has over two decades of continuous operation. The vessel is purpose-built for private ownership and is managed by its residents as a not-for-profit community at sea. With a gross tonnage of ~43,000 and an ice-strengthened hull, The World was designed for global expeditions - it has even ventured into Antarctica and the Northwest Passage on special voyages. After a pause in 2020, The World resumed service in mid-2021 and continues to sail year-round. Its 2024/2025 journey included remote destinations like Antarctica and extended regional explorations (for example, an extended tour of South Africa in 2024) as residents plan itineraries by vote. The World remains in active service with ~150-200 residents on board at any time, maintaining its status as a stable, mature community.
In contrast, Villa Vie is the new entrant, embarking on its inaugural world circumnavigation. The company Villa Vie Residences purchased and refitted a 1993-built cruise ship (formerly Fred. Olsen's Braemar) in 2024. Renamed Villa Vie Odyssey, the 24,344 GT vessel was transformed from a traditional cruise liner into a residential ship offering extended living aboard. Planned to launch in May 2024, Odyssey faced mechanical and certification delays during an extensive drydock refit in Belfast. After a four-month delay, the ship finally set sail in late September 2024 on its 3.5-year around-the-world voyage. Villa Vie's first "continuous world cruise" is ambitious - targeting 425 ports in 147 countries across all seven continents. Early 2025 finds Odyssey cruising the Americas (after a South America leg in late 2024) and heading toward the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska for the summer. A U.S. inaugural press event was scheduled at Catalina Island, CA in June 2025 to mark its arrival. The company has even hinted at adding a second ship as early as late 2025 to expand its residential fleet. Despite initial hiccups, Villa Vie has now joined The World as one of the few functioning residential cruise options, a notable achievement given other startups that failed or postponed their plans.
| Feature | The World | Villa Vie Odyssey |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Ship | Private residential yacht | Repurposed mid-size cruise ship |
| Residences/Cabins | 165 private residences | 485 "villas" (cabins) |
| Unit Types | Studio, 1-, 2-, 3-bedroom apartments, 1 six-bedroom penthouse | Interior studio, oceanview, balcony, suite |
| Unit Size/Space | Spacious luxury apartments | Cozy, efficient cruise cabins |
| Customization | Fully customizable interiors by owners | Fully furnished; some personalization |
| Kitchens | Full kitchens or kitchenettes in most units | No kitchens; mini-fridge only |
| Living Space | Separate living/dining areas, large balconies | Bedroom & bathroom layout, no balcony on all units |
| Laundry/Housekeeping | Private (in-unit) or optional services | Weekly housekeeping, biweekly laundry |
| Dining | In-unit cooking or ship venues | Ship's dining venues only |
| Connectivity | Not specified | Starlink satellite internet in all cabins |
| Amenities | Gourmet market for kitchen stocking, luxury ship facilities | Business center, co-working, upscale cruise amenities |
| Atmosphere | Floating luxury condo complex | Upscale, efficient cruise suite vibe |
The World was conceived as a private residential yacht, and its accommodations reflect that luxury condo-style design. There are 165 residences on board, ranging from studio flats to spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, plus one palatial six-bedroom penthouse suite. All units are privately owned and were custom-finished by renowned interior designers to the buyers' tastes. Most residences feature full kitchens or kitchenettes, living and dining areas, and large balconies - truly "homes at sea" rather than cruise cabins. Owners can even stock their kitchens via the onboard gourmet market/deli. The World's generous size (196 meters long, 12 decks) and moderate passenger count translate to an exceptionally high space-per-resident ratio. The ship feels more like a luxury apartment building with ship amenities, rather than a crowded cruise vessel. Over its 20+ years, many residences have been refurbished to keep decor and appliances up to date, ensuring homes remain modern and comfortable.
Villa Vie's approach repurposes a mid-size cruise ship into long-term residences. Odyssey carries 485 "villas" (cabins) spread across six decks. These range from interior studios to porthole oceanview staterooms, balcony cabins, and a limited number of suites. Essentially, they are converted cruise cabins - smaller than The World's apartments - but outfitted for continuous living. Each villa comes fully furnished with an en-suite bathroom, bedding and storage (wardrobes, under-bed space, cabinets), a writing/work desk, TV, mini-fridge, safe, and individual climate control. Weekly housekeeping and biweekly laundry service are included for residents. While cozier and less customizable than The World's units, Villa Vie's cabins are designed to feel homey: residents are encouraged to decorate their space as they wish and treat it as their personal home at sea. Notably, during the 2024 refit, some areas of the ship were modified to better suit residential life - for example, a large business center with co-working offices was added for remote workers, and cabins were retrofitted with Starlink satellite internet for reliable connectivity at sea. Still, the fundamental layout (bedroom and bathroom) remains that of a cruise ship cabin, which means significantly less square footage and no full kitchens in units. Residents on Villa Vie rely on the ship's dining venues for meals rather than cooking in-room. In short, Odyssey's accommodations prioritize efficient, comfortable living quarters - think upscale cruise suites - whereas The World offers expansive private apartments and the ambiance of a floating condominium complex.
Despite both being residential ships, the onboard amenities differ in scale and style:
Life Aboard The World - The World is essentially a floating luxury community, and its facilities are correspondingly high-end. There are six distinct restaurants and a variety of lounges and bars onboard. Dining options include gourmet venues like a haute cuisine restaurant ("Portraits"), a Mediterranean bistro ("Tides"), an Asian eatery, a seafood and steakhouse grill, plus casual cafes and poolside grills. These restaurants supplement the fact that many apartments have kitchens - residents can cook for themselves or choose to dine out; either way, cuisine is a centerpiece of life onboard. For leisure, The World boasts two swimming pools, a full-size tennis court, a retractable marina for water sports, golf putting greens and a high-tech simulator, a spa and wellness center (the 7,000 sq ft Clinique La Prairie spa) with extensive treatments, a fitness center with personal trainers, and even a small theater and arts venue. Other conveniences include a boutique, a grocery market, a library, a billiards room, and a medical center. Daily life is enriched by onboard lectures, classes and workshops - residents have organized everything from navigation lessons and photography classes to cooking demonstrations. The ship's vibe is often described as intimate and cultured; entertainment is more likely to be a live piano performance, expert talk, or wine tasting rather than flashy Vegas-style shows. Because The World spends multiple days in many ports, residents also frequently organize bespoke shore excursions and overnight trips, deeply immersing in each region. Overall, the onboard experience is tailored to affluent residents who appreciate privacy, fine service, and enrichment. As one long-time observer noted, The World "is not a holiday ship...it's a residential community," with the feel of a private yacht club rather than a commercial cruise.
Life Aboard Villa Vie Odyssey - Villa Vie offers a full cruise-style experience, but adapted for longer stays. The 8-deck Odyssey includes three main restaurants and several informal eateries and bars, ensuring residents have variety over years at sea. According to the company, the main dining room features a rotating 14-day menu highlighting healthy international cuisine, an alternate French/American steakhouse restaurant for elegant a la carte dinners, and a casual buffet venue (Palms Cafe) for more relaxed meals. At lunch the buffet even offers an American grill station. House beer and wine are included with meals, and specialty coffee, tea, and snacks are available in the lounges. In total, Odyssey has five bars and lounges - for example, a British-style pub (Morning Light Pub) that doubles as a coffee bar by day and social bar by night, a pool bar (Mike's Bar) by the sundeck pool, and other cozy lounges with games like darts and board games to encourage mingling. Recreation facilities are well-rounded given the ship's smaller size: there are two swimming pools plus two whirlpool jacuzzis on the top deck, a fitness center and spa services, a library with books and board games, and even a new pickleball court on deck for friendly sports tournaments. The refit in 2024 added an interactive culinary studio so residents can take cooking classes (a nod to the fact they can't cook in their cabins). A modern golf simulator was also installed, accompanied by a program of golf-themed shore excursions led by a PGA pro to cater to golf enthusiasts onboard. Evening entertainment and daytime activities are organized by the cruise staff - you might find live music in the lounges, trivia and game nights, dance classes, and port talks about upcoming destinations. Since Odyssey functions more like a traditional cruise in programming, there's a greater emphasis on keeping residents engaged over the long haul. Importantly, internet connectivity was prioritized: the ship is outfitted with Starlink broadband so that remote workers and retirees alike can stay connected for work or family needs. In summary, Villa Vie cultivates a lively, social atmosphere with plenty of onboard activities, leaning into its identity as both a home and a continually cruising ship. Amenities are somewhat less extravagant than The World (for instance, no tennis court or private kitchens), but all the essentials for comfort and recreation - pools, gym, spa, dining variety, entertainment - are present in an all-inclusive format. Passengers have noted being "very impressed" with the vessel's offerings despite the early setbacks.
| Feature/Facility | The World | Villa Vie Odyssey |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Options | 6 restaurants: haute cuisine (Portraits), Mediterranean bistro (Tides), Asian eatery, steak & seafood grill, casual cafes, poolside grills. Residents can also cook in their apartments. | 3 main restaurants (rotating menus), French/American steakhouse, buffet (Palms Cafe), American grill station, plus 5 bars/lounges including a British pub, pool bar, and coffee/snack lounges. No in-cabin cooking. |
| Bars & Lounges | Multiple elegant lounges and bars | 5 bars and lounges: pub, pool bar, coffee bar, game lounges |
| Swimming Pools | 2 | 2 pools + 2 whirlpools/jacuzzis |
| Sports Facilities | Full-size tennis court, golf putting greens, golf simulator, retractable marina for water sports | Pickleball court, modern golf simulator, PGA-led golf shore excursions |
| Fitness & Wellness | Large fitness center, 7,000 sq ft Clinique La Prairie spa, personal trainers, extensive treatments | Fitness center, spa services |
| Other Amenities | Boutique, gourmet grocery market, library, billiards room, medical center, theater/arts venue | Library (books & board games), business/co-working center, interactive culinary studio, medical center |
| Recreation & Activities | Lectures, classes, workshops (navigation, photography, cooking), live music, enrichment-focused events | Live music, trivia, game nights, dance classes, port talks, cooking classes, games in lounges |
| Onboard Vibe | Intimate, cultured, yacht club feel; resident-organized shore excursions and enrichment | Social, lively cruise atmosphere; cruise staff-led entertainment, sports tournaments, group excursions |
| Internet | Not specified | Starlink broadband throughout |
| Unique Features | Privately owned apartments with kitchens; private yacht club ambiance | Culinary studio for classes; business/co-working spaces; American grill and British pub atmosphere |
One of the biggest differences between The World and Villa Vie is the ownership model and cost of entry, which in turn shapes the community.
Buying In and Annual Costs - The World: To become a resident of The World, one must purchase a residence outright and pay ongoing fees - a commitment suitable only for the ultra-wealthy. As of 2024/2025, resale prices for apartments on The World range from about USD (USD)2.5 million up to (USD)15 million depending on size and location of the unit. These figures are for one- to three-bedroom homes; a studio (if available) still costs well into six figures, and the largest multi-bedroom penthouses trade for eight figures. In addition, residents pay substantial annual homeowner fees for the ship's operation. Depending on the apartment's size, annual fees run roughly (USD)60,000 to (USD)300,000 per year. These fees function similar to condo maintenance plus an all-inclusive cruise fare - they cover the ship's crew and staff, fuel, port charges, upkeep, and onboard food and beverages for the owners. (In fact, basic dining and drinks are included as part of the lifestyle, with only ultra-premium services costing extra.) The World's management also requires prospective owners to meet strict financial and security vetting. Buyers must demonstrate a high net worth (reportedly, an eight-million-dollar "entry fee" worth of assets was required, and background checks ensure no criminal record). It truly is an exclusive club. Owners hold their apartment via a lease until around 2052 (50-year initially) rather than indefinite freehold, since the ship has a finite lifespan. They cannot publicly rent out their unit when they're not aboard - the ethos is that this is a private residential community, not a timeshare or hotel. However, owners often only live on board part of the year (the average resident spends about 5 months a year on The World) and may invite family or close friends to use their apartment in their absence. There is a secondary market for resales, but sales are handled discreetly. In sum, joining The World requires a multi-million dollar investment and ongoing six-figure yearly costs, but in return residents get a permanent home on a ship that they collectively own and govern. It's a commitment akin to buying into a luxury co-op, with all the privileges (and responsibilities) that entails.
Ownership and Pricing - Villa Vie: Villa Vie Residences was founded on the idea of making the liveaboard cruise lifestyle more attainable and flexible. Accordingly, the financial model for Odyssey is far more accessible and varied. The company offers both purchase options and "cruise for a term" packages to suit different levels of commitment:
Full Ownership: You can buy a cabin (villa) on Odyssey outright, with prices starting around (USD)129,999 USD for the smallest interior units and ranging up to about (USD)439,999 for the largest suites. These figures are orders of magnitude lower than The World's condos. Ownership grants you a "villa at sea" that you can live in or visit anytime, and even resell in the future. However, owners do pay monthly service fees to cover operating costs - roughly (USD)2,000 per person (double occupancy) for an inside cabin, up to around (USD)5,500 per person for a suite. Even with these fees, the annual carrying cost is on par with or less than many upscale retirement communities on land. Owners have flexibility to rent out their cabin through Villa Vie's rental program or sell it on the private market if their plans change. There are safeguards like a buy-back guarantee and trade-in options if an owner wants to upgrade or even transition to a future Villa Vie ship. In short, Villa Vie treats cabins as real estate investments (albeit depreciating ones) but with flexible exit options - a stark contrast to The World's "no rentals, lifelong member" philosophy.
Long-Term Voyage Packages: For those not ready to buy, Villa Vie sells cabin occupancy for set durations. The headline offering is the full 3.5-year world cruise ticket. For example, a single occupancy room for the entire 3+ year voyage was advertised at (USD)255,999 USD (about (USD)5,900 per month), while a double-occupancy cabin for the full journey starts at ~(USD)319,998 (roughly (USD)159k per person). Broken down, that comes to as little as (USD)89 per person per day for an interior stateroom, up to around (USD)199 per day for a balcony cabin. These rates include accommodation, all meals, basic drinks, regular housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and even routine medical checks on board - essentially an all-inclusive living cost. Villa Vie smartly frames this as comparable to or even cheaper than many people's normal living expenses; one retired couple calculated that about (USD)43,000 per year per person covered their cabin and cost of living on Odyssey, which they felt was "no more expensive than living on land" for them. For added flexibility, Villa Vie also introduced shorter segments and fractional ownership: there are 1-year, 2-year, and other seasonal packages (e.g. 30-day or multi-month stays) starting as low as (USD)24,999 for a 30-day stint in an entry cabin. They even launched a "Try Before You Buy" program allowing prospective residents to book a trial voyage of 7-10 days to experience life on the ship before committing. Financing options are offered for those who wish to purchase but prefer to pay over time. All these innovations underscore Villa Vie's more commercial and inclusive approach - their goal is to fill the ship with adventurous travelers by lowering financial barriers, in contrast to The World's ultra-exclusive buy-in.
The difference in costs and ownership structure between the two ships is vast. On The World, one joins a private club of multi-millionaires (entry prices alone (USD)2M+) and essentially pays for the privilege of co-owning the yacht and dictating its operations. On Odyssey, one can simply book a cabin like a long cruise, for tens of thousands of dollars, and let the company handle all operations - a more "pay as you go" lifestyle. Villa Vie's CEO frames it as "making the dream of traveling the globe by ship more attainable...with minimal commitment and maximum flexibility." Indeed, whether through owning a (USD)130k cabin or buying a one-year ticket, Villa Vie opens the door to people who could never qualify to buy into The World. The trade-off is that Villa Vie is a for-profit enterprise and will have a more fluid population of residents, whereas The World's not-for-profit resident ownership model ensures a very stable, invested community (with costs to match).
Beyond hardware and costs, the soft elements - lifestyle and community vibe - differ greatly between The World and Villa Vie.
Community on The World - The World has cultivated a tight-knit, almost club-like community of global citizens. With only ~150-200 residents aboard on average (fewer than half the ship's capacity, by choice), everyone tends to know their neighbors. The passenger roster reportedly includes around 150 families from 20+ countries, many of them prominent entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and retirees of significant means. English is the common language on board, but it's truly international. Privacy is highly valued - residents see The World as their home, not a public cruise. In fact, privacy and security are so paramount that prospective owners are security-vetted and the ship does not allow random passenger bookings. The demographics skew middle-age and above, but it is not purely a retirement village. The average age of residents is in the 50s, with many still actively working (thanks to onboard internet) or running businesses remotely. Residents often have multiple homes and treat The World as a mobile home base that they use part of the year. Since they can't rent out units commercially, when they're away their apartments often sit empty (or are lent to family), keeping the community small and familiar. This stability means year after year, the same faces return and shape onboard traditions. The ship's governance structure also reinforces community: there's an elected Residents' Board and committees that decide everything from the yearly itinerary and expedition plans to onboard programs and charitable initiatives. In effect, the residents are "in charge" - the captain and crew operate the ship, but the lifestyle is by resident design. This democratic approach yields a very personalized environment. For example, if a group of owners have a passion for wine, the ship might organize a wine-tasting journey; if many are interested in a certain region, they'll vote to include it on the next itinerary. The World's community has been described as "like a strata corporation at sea", where owners collectively ensure the standards and atmosphere remain aligned with their preferences. Culturally, expect a refined ambiance: socializing over dinner parties, enrichment lectures, and port explorations together, rather than rambunctious pool games or late-night discos. The ship does host events (there are gala dinners, theme parties, etc.), but always with the residents' tastes in mind. Philanthropy and learning are big parts of the culture - residents often engage with local communities during port visits for cultural exchange or charitable projects. In summary, life on The World means joining a community of like-minded affluent travelers who value discretion, intellectual curiosity, and camaraderie built over years. Many refer to fellow residents as an extended family. It's a unique blend of neighborhood and luxury retreat, all continually circling the globe.
Community on Villa Vie Odyssey - Villa Vie's community is just forming, but it is inherently more dynamic and diverse in its make-up. In late 2024, when Odyssey finally set sail, it carried hundreds of residents from around the world - including adventurous retirees, mid-career remote workers, and even young families - all drawn by the novel idea of a "continuous cruise". Villa Vie does not impose wealth or background vetting; the main prerequisite is the ability to afford the fare or cabin price. This opens the door to a broader range of passengers, from middle-class travel enthusiasts who sold their homes to fund a once-in-a-lifetime 3-year adventure, to digital nomads who can work from the ship, to those simply testing out long-term cruising without permanently relocating. The age range is likely wider than on The World - early reports mentioned residents as young as their 30s or 40s and as old as their 70s, a mix one would see on a typical cruise, albeit all committed to a long itinerary. Because Villa Vie allows fractional stays and rentals, the population aboard will see more turnover. New faces may join for a segment and others depart after a year or two, preventing the insular feel of The World. This can create a lively social scene: there are always newcomers to meet and share stories with, alongside a core of full-voyage residents who become the "anchors" of the community. Villa Vie's crew plays a big role in fostering camaraderie - through group excursions, hobby clubs, and social events - much like a cruise director would on a regular ship. The atmosphere on Odyssey leans more casual and inclusive. For instance, a daily bulletin and app help everyone stay informed of onboard happenings and coordinate meet-ups (from yoga classes to shore tours). Residents often dine together at large tables, and it's common to strike up conversations at the pub or pool, bonding over the latest port experience. A sense of shared adventure pervades the community, especially since Odyssey's journey is essentially a grand voyage with a defined route - everyone is "in it together" for this 3.5-year loop, which naturally creates camaraderie and collective excitement. That said, there have been some growing pains: the early delay in Belfast tested patience, and two outspoken passengers who clashed with management were asked to leave the ship before it set sail. This indicates that while Villa Vie welcomes a mix of people, they still enforce policies to maintain a positive atmosphere. Many others, once underway, have expressed satisfaction with the community spirit and the ship itself. The lifestyle is akin to an ultra-long international cruise: you have the chance to deeply know your fellow travelers over months, yet there's always something new (or someone new) on the horizon as well. Compared to The World, Villa Vie's community might feel more like a continually evolving travel club - bonded by shared interest in world exploration, but less entrenched in governance or long-term continuity. For someone who enjoys meeting new people and a bit of change, this environment is stimulating. Importantly, Villa Vie positions itself as "today's travelers" community, priding on flexibility and inclusivity - you can join for a while, leave, or even potentially move to a future ship, so it's your choice how permanent you want this lifestyle to be. In essence, Villa Vie offers a vibrant, floating neighborhood with an eclectic mix of residents, versus The World's close circle of resident-owners.
Both ships roam the globe, but their approach to itineraries differs in pace and philosophy:
Itinerary Planning on The World - The World does not repeat a fixed loop; its route is charted anew each year by resident committees and the ship's management. Typically, the ship aims to visit all seven continents over a several-year span, often chasing eternal summer (much like Villa Vie) but with complete flexibility. Residents collectively decide where to go - usually favoring longer stays (3-5 days or more) in port so they can delve into destinations at a leisurely pace. The ship often spends extended periods in regions of interest: for example, an entire month sailing around the Mediterranean, or weeks in Southeast Asia, etc., allowing residents to even take side trips and rejoin the ship. The World is also known for expedition voyages that smaller or standard cruise ships might not do. It has an ice-strengthened hull and carries gear for remote landings, enabling it to venture to places like Antarctica's Ross Sea (where it set a record as the southernmost ship at one point) and the high Arctic. Special expeditions (with experts and guides onboard) are a highlight every couple of years - recent years saw The World exploring sub-Antarctic islands, the Norwegian fjords above the Arctic Circle, and completing multiple Northwest Passage transits across the Canadian Arctic. Because residents plan the itinerary, they often schedule the ship to visit marquee world events too (e.g., docking in Sydney for New Year's fireworks or Monaco during the Grand Prix). Importantly, The World's schedule has built-in flexibility - if residents decide they'd like to linger longer in a port or adjust plans, they have the freedom to do so by vote. This spontaneity is possible because there are no commercial passengers expecting a fixed calendar. In 2024, for instance, The World's journey included an extended expedition in Antarctica and a slow cruise up Africa's coast with extra days in South African ports. The 2025 itinerary promised around 90 unique ports spanning six continents, including three in-depth expeditions (likely to remote regions). The ship sails at a relaxed pace, averaging around 18.5 knots max, and often spends more days at sea between regions to reposition comfortably. For residents, this means travel never feels rushed - it is a continuous journey with time to savor each destination. If your lifestyle aboard The World is full-time, you truly could not run out of places to discover, yet you have control over the path.
Itinerary Structure on Villa Vie Odyssey - Villa Vie's Odyssey operates on a fixed 3.5-year cycle known as the "Continual World Cruise." The inaugural cycle (2024-2027) is mapped out to hit 425 ports in 140+ countries, covering every continent. The planning principle was to follow favorable weather: Odyssey "chases the sun," aiming to be in each region during its mild or peak season. For example, the ship set out from Europe in early summer, then planned to cross to South America for the austral spring, reach North America in summer, head to Asia by fall, and so on, ensuring passengers enjoy pleasant climates worldwide. A unique aspect is that Villa Vie published the full itinerary in advance - residents know the route day-by-day (barring adjustments for unforeseen delays). This offers clarity: anyone joining a particular segment can see exactly which ports and when. However, it means Villa Vie's schedule is less flexible than The World's; they are essentially running a continuous cruise that has to meet its published schedule (much like a world cruise on a normal cruise line). The pace is brisk but not extreme - averaging a new port every couple of days. Many port stops are likely one to two days long, with occasional longer stays in major destinations. Since it's a smaller ship, Odyssey can access some less-touristed ports and navigate rivers like the Amazon or through the Panama Canal (which it already did in early 2025). While Odyssey isn't an ice-class expedition ship, the itinerary does include adventurous routes (for instance, plans to visit Antarctica's accessible areas on a scenic cruise-by, and remote islands in the Pacific). Indeed, Villa Vie has advertised special long segments, such as a 301-day "expedition" itinerary focusing on Europe, South America and Antarctica in one continuous leg. These suggest that Odyssey will attempt to give residents a taste of expedition cruising (likely by partnering with local tour operators for things like Antarctic Peninsula excursions via smaller vessels, since Odyssey itself must stay in safer waters). Generally, though, Villa Vie's journey sticks to well-trafficked global cruise circuits - circumnavigating South America, island-hopping across the Pacific, grand tours of Asia, etc., all sequentially arranged. The planning is done by the company's experts rather than the passengers, so residents simply hop aboard and enjoy the ride. One benefit of this structured approach is that planning your life is easier - you know exactly where you'll be in six months or two years and can arrange personal travel or visitors accordingly. Also, Villa Vie can coordinate special events around the itinerary (for example, hosting a press event in Los Angeles in mid-2025 as a highlight stop). If new attractions or shore excursions pop up, the line can integrate those for all guests. The downside is less say for the individual resident - you trade control for convenience. Still, Villa Vie's team actively works to keep the voyage engaging: they often organize exclusive shore experiences in various countries, and the itinerary is updated in marketing as "the longest and most immersive journey" they've crafted. After 3.5 years, Odyssey is scheduled to start the cycle again (potentially with adjustments learned from the first). Thus, a resident could conceivably stay on for back-to-back cycles and see the world afresh or catch what they missed. In summary, Villa Vie offers a grand tour on a repeat loop - a predictable yet far-ranging adventure - whereas The World offers an evolving odyssey shaped by resident input.
Choosing between The World and Villa Vie's Odyssey comes down to your priorities, resources, and vision for life at sea. Both ships allow you to live and travel the globe by ship, waking up in a new port whenever you please, but they cater to very different lifestyles:
If you seek ultimate luxury, privacy, and a stake in your community, The World is unparalleled. It is ideal for those who can invest at a very high level and want to be part of an exclusive, self-governing group of owners. You'll be immersed in a stable community of sophisticated travelers who collectively curate their experience. The World offers larger living spaces, more high-end amenities, and total itinerary flexibility. For a wealthy individual or couple (typically age 50+ but still active) who values privacy, enrichment, and tailor-made travel, The World truly "feels like your own private yacht" - because essentially it is. The cost is astronomical, but for those who can afford it, the payoff is a one-of-a-kind lifestyle with like-minded neighbors and no commercial hustle. Choose The World if you want a permanent ocean residence with full ownership and don't mind board meetings about where to sail next year - you'll be joining the only proven residential ship community that has thrived for over two decades.
If you crave the experience of world travel by ship but with a more relaxed commitment and budget, Villa Vie Odyssey is a compelling alternative. It offers the freedom of the seas without requiring you to be a multimillionaire. For retirees willing to sell their house for a grand adventure, remote workers who can take their job offshore, or simply intrepid souls eager to see 140 countries in one fell swoop, Odyssey provides a turnkey solution. You can buy a modestly priced cabin or just book a lengthy stay - flexibility is the keyword. The vibe on Odyssey is more social and variable, with a diverse community of fellow travelers always coming or going. There's more organized fun, a bit of traditional cruise flavor, and a feeling of being part of a "roving village" at sea. While you won't have multiple rooms or a custom kitchen, you also won't have the burdens of ownership committees; you can just enjoy the journey. Choose Villa Vie if you want a more accessible, all-inclusive global cruise lifestyle - one that is adventurous yet simplified, and possibly a stepping stone to see if living on a ship suits you long-term. It's a chance to be part of a pioneering new community without a lifelong commitment.
In the end, The World and Villa Vie Odyssey occupy two ends of the residential cruising spectrum. The World is a private luxury condominium yacht - exclusive, timeless, and resident-run. Villa Vie is a new experiment in making the ocean-bound life available to a broader audience - communal, energetic, and company-managed. Both will take you around the world in comfort, but the experience of life aboard will differ profoundly. Prospective residents should consider not only their budget but also whether they prefer a fixed community of owners or a fluid fellowship of travelers, a fully personalized apartment or a cozy cruise cabin, and a self-directed itinerary versus a grand tour pre-planned for you.
Ultimately, the better ship is the one that aligns with your lifestyle and values. If you envision yourself sipping wine with neighbors who are board members and co-owners of your ship, discussing the next expedition, then The World might feel like home. If you picture yourself at a poolside bar chatting with new friends from around the globe, ticking off bucket-list destinations on a 3-year itinerary, Villa Vie could be your dream come true. Both ships prove that home can indeed be where the anchor drops - whether in Monaco or Madagascar - and that there's more than one way to live and see the world from the water. Bon voyage!
Sources: Recent information has been synthesized from press releases, news articles and official materials in 2024-2025. Key references include the Villa Vie Odyssey Wikipedia and CruiseMapper profiles for technical and timeline details, press releases on Villa Vie's new programs and inaugural plans, Business Insider and BBC reporting on Odyssey's delayed launch, an Euronews interview with new Villa Vie residents for pricing and lifestyle perspectives, and an in-depth Cruise Passenger feature with The World's representative for insight into that ship's community, pricing, and ethos. These sources and others have been cited throughout the guide to ensure accuracy and provide further reading for interested readers.