Most people think about retirement as a time to slow down, possibly downsize, and, for the lucky ones, travel and take more holidays.
There is now a way you can expand your world in retirement, and make travel easier when you age – you could consider selling up and buying a “Golden Passport”.
What is “The Golden Passport”?
It is a lifetime “villa at sea” concept by Villa Vie Residences.
By making a one-time payment, you secure a private cabin for life. You can unlock global travel without the extra hidden costs of regular cruising.
How It Works – Age Is An Advantage
There is a tiered pricing system. The older you are, the more affordable it becomes.
There are a range of cabins available, some it has to be said, are more affordable than others.
| Age | Deck 2 Porthole | Deck 3 Porthole | Deck 4 Oceanview | Deck 6 Oceanview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55-59 | $299,999 | $329,999 | $369,999 | $399,999 |
| 60-64 | $279,999 | $309,999 | $349,999 | $379,999 |
| 65-69 | $249,999 | $279,999 | $319,999 | $349,999 |
| 70-74 | $219,999 | $249,999 | $289,999 | $319,999 |
| 75-79 | $189,999 | $219,999 | $259,999 | $289,999 |
| 80-84 | $159,999 | $189,999 | $229,999 | $259,999 |
| 85-89 | $129,999 | $159,999 | $199,999 | $229,999 |
| 90+ | $99,999 | $129,999 | $169,999 | $199,999 |
The chart above was taken from the Villa Vie website, and prices are correct as of September 2025.
Pricing is per person, based on single occupancy.
If you are later into your retirement and are in good health, it might be something you might consider.
What’s Included
Your cruise fare includes:
- All meals
- Drinks, including alcoholic drinks, are included with meals.
- Housekeeping
- Including Laundry
- Onboard activities
- Annual Medical consultations
- All port taxes and gratuities
- Starlink internet
Villa Vie offer you the option to invite friends/family to stay onboard for a daily rate of $129.
Your Villa at Sea – Cabin Options
Porthole cabins and Oceanview cabins are available to those with the Golden Passport.
As the name suggests, the porthole cabins have a round porthole-style window, whereas the oceanview cabins have a larger, picture window.
Advantages Of Paying A Set Price
One of people’s greatest fears in retirement is that they might run out of money if they live for a long time.
The Villa Vie Golden Passport will alleviate those fears. You pay once, and you will get a lifetime of travel and accommodation.
Who Is It For?
The Golden Passport would suit:
- A retired person who likes to travel
- Someone who likes the freedom of not being tied down to one house or one city.
- Travellers who like the idea of a community at sea.
- Anyone who has a sense of adventure and dislikes routine.
The Ship
The Villa Vie Odyssey was built in 1993 as Crown Dynasty for Crown Cruise Line.
She has sailed for a number of companies, under many names – Cunard Crown Dynasty, Crown Majesty, Norwegian Dynasty, and most recently as Braemar for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
She sailed as Braemar from 2001 to 2020. Whilst in service with Fred. Olsen cruise lines, she was “stretched” to increase her capacity.
She received a new 31-metre (102 ft) hull section that increased her tonnage to 25,000 GT.
The ship’s passenger capacity was increased from 727 to 968.
Villa Vie Odyssey underwent a significant, multimillion-dollar refurbishment and transformation in early 2024 at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, following its acquisition by Villa Vie Residences.
New restaurants, bars, lounges, and an extended pool deck were fitted, preparing her for her maiden voyage.
The ship was scheduled to start its first voyage in May 2024, but this was delayed by over three months.
In September 2024, she failed her sea trials due to a problem with the rudder, which caused delays. There were also other mechanical issues. Finally, after sorting out problems with paperwork, she finally got underway on 3rd October 2024.
Guests who had bought cabins for the first voyage were stuck in Belfast, living in hotels and rental accommodation in the city for many months while the vessel was made seaworthy.
Where The Ship Will Sail To
The ship undertakes three-year voyages, sailing to 425 destinations, through seven different continents.
Discover the world through a seamless journey that unfolds daily, exploring iconic destinations, hidden gems, and diverse cultures. With an itinerary that evolves every 3.5 years, you’ll have the chance to revisit beloved places and uncover fresh experiences, ensuring each journey feels new and inspiring.
Villa Vie Residences
If the idea of retiring at sea & travelling the world appeals to you, maybe check out Villa Vie Residences!
Before You Go
Find out more about ship “stretching” to increase capacity below :
These Cruise Ships Were Cut in Half: Why and How (Royal, MSC, NCL & More)
Find out what are the benefits of booking a cruise over a year in advance here:
5 Benefits of Booking a Cruise Over a Year in Advance (I Just Did It!)
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