Villa Vie Odyssey: A New Chapter in Residential Cruising
On December 15, 2023, Villa Vie Residences announced the acquisition of Fred Olsen’s MS Braemar, rebranding it as Villa Vie Odyssey. The company planned to create a residential cruise ship, reminiscent of the long journey in Homer’s The Odyssey, where each port represents a new challenge and discovery. However, just as Odysseus faced delays and setbacks on his quest to return home, the launch of the Villa Vie Odyssey has been fraught with its own set of complications, raising questions about its ultimate viability.
Timeline of Key Events
December 15, 2023: Announcement of Villa Vie Odyssey
Villa Vie Residences signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to purchase the MS Braemar from Fred Olsen Cruises, initiating plans for extensive refurbishment to transform it into a residential cruise ship.
Mikael Petterson, CEO of Villa Vie Residence, stated “Villa VIe Odyssey will be customized for her immersive, three and a half year continous circumnavigations, ensuring all the comforts and amenities of home.” He plans to prioritize extended stays in ports, from 2 to 7 days, allowing residents to truly experience each culture they encounter.
March 22, 2024: Official Acquisition
Fred Olsen confirms the sale of the MS Braemar to Villa Vie. The ship’s storied past, including its record navigation of the Corinth Canal, is highlighted. Villa Vie Residence originally hoped to commence operations in May 2024.
April 28, 2024: Entering Dry Dock
Following Villa Vie Residences’ acquisition of the Odyssey, she was taken to Harland & Wolff in Belfast for an extensive refit and maintenance overhaul estimated to cost millions of dollars..
June 30, 2024: Revised Inauguration Date
Despite repeated assurances, the Villa Vie Odyssey was not ready to sail by the original May 15th inauguration date. In fact, by the end of July, Villa Vie had already revised its launch date five times due to technical issues and delayed parts. A revised date of July 30th was announced, but the ship was still waiting for technical testing agencies to approve her certificate
August 26, 2024: Awaiting Certification
Villa Vie Odyssey remained in Belfast, stuck in limbo as it awaited final certification from maritime authorities. Her newest departure date was announced as August 31, 2024. Many passengers are also stuck in limbo, having sold their possessions and even homes in anticipation of moving on board this floating residence. Villa Vie initially agreed to foot the bill for the passenger’s forced stay in Belfast while they await final certification of the ship.
September 12, 2024: Passenger Concerns
Passengers were reportedly told to cover their own hotel expenses during the extended delays, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction. Villa Vie CEO Mikael Petterson clarified that, after spending over two million dollars on passenger hotel stays and excursions, the company had decided to have residents arrange their own accomodation and await reimbursement in the form of onboard credit after the ship’s launch.
The delays have frustrated many passengers, including Jenny Phenix. Ms. Phenix has been quite outspoken in her disatisfaction, especially in a Villa Vie Odyssey WhatsApp group. Some guests were dismayed by her “continuous complaints and negativity” which “significantly impacted the morale and well-being of other passengers.” As a result, Villa Vie cancelled Ms. Phenix’s reservation on the cruise. At last report, Ms. Phenix is still waiting for a full refund of her cancelled cruise fare.
September 30, 2024: Departure from Belfast
After a prolonged wait, the Odyssey finally departed Belfast on September 30, 2024, but not without lingering doubts from passengers about the ship’s reliability. The ship left port just before midnight with 125 passengers aboard, The ship’s full capacity is reported at 650.
October 4, 2024: Further Delays
Administrative issues halted the ship’s progress, leaving passengers stranded in anticipation once again. After leaving the dock at Belfast, the Villa Vie Odyssey anchored a few miles offshore. She was stuck there for three days while the company dealt with pending paperwork. Finally, around 11 AM on October 4, the Odyssey was cleared for sailing and she began making her way to Brest, France.
A New Kind of Sea Journey
While the concept of a residential cruise ship is intriguing, Villa Vie Odyssey has faced numerous challenges that cast doubt on its execution. CEO Mikael Petterson envisions a floating community that provides the comforts of home while navigating the globe. However, this vision has been marred by delays and operational hiccups, drawing parallels to Odysseus’s own turbulent journey filled with unforeseen obstacles.
The journey of the Villa Vie Odyssey, much like Odysseus’s epic tale, is filled with promise but fraught with uncertainty. As it continues its long-awaited voyage, passengers and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see if it can navigate the complexities of residential cruising. The hope is that, unlike the hero Odysseus, this ship will not face endless detours but instead fulfill its mission of exploration and community. Only time will tell if Villa Vie Odyssey will emerge as a beacon of innovative sea travel or become just another cautionary tale in the maritime world.
