Living on a permanent cruise ship: A year in the life of Sharon Lane
I recently spoke with Sharon Lane, who has been living on the Villa Vie Odyssey for a year now. Her story is a fascinating one, and it raises some interesting questions about the future of travel and retirement. What makes this particularly intriguing is the idea of a permanent home at sea, and the lifestyle it offers. It's a dream for some, but is it for everyone?
Sharon's journey began with a desire for a slower pace of life. She had always loved travelling, but wanted to do so on her own terms. After living in South Africa for two years in the 1990s, she became a cruise convert, loving the feeling of being adrift at sea. So, when she heard about the Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential cruise ship, she knew it was the perfect fit for her.
The Odyssey is not your typical cruise ship. It's a permanent home for its residents, who can purchase cabins and live on board full-time. Sharon poured her life savings into the plan, initially opting for the cheapest option: an interior, windowless cabin. But she soon upgraded, finding a better deal on board with a price adjusted for her age. Her current cabin has windows, and she's made it feel like home.
One of the most appealing aspects of living on the ship is the lack of chores. Sharon doesn't miss making meals for herself, and she definitely doesn't mourn laundry and cleaning. She feels 'removed from the real world', which is exactly what she wants. She enjoys having a built-in community on the ship, but she can easily opt out when she wants solo time.
The Odyssey offers a unique lifestyle, with residents enjoying a round-the-clock room service, weekly housekeeping, and bi-weekly laundry service at no extra cost. Food and soft drinks are included in residents' monthly fees, as is alcohol at dinner, Wi-Fi, and medical visits. Port excursions are optional and incur extra fees.
Sharon has made the most of her time on board, enjoying the onboard entertainment and passenger-organised fun. She's also made some great friends, bonding with other residents over shared interests like crime fiction. She's even connected with people from different places, sharing stories and experiences.
However, living on the ship isn't without its challenges. Sharon has had to deal with some cancelled port calls and red tape, but she's pleased to see the company trying to work around these issues. Fuel prices and shortages are a major concern, but the company is attempting to create more flexible itineraries to manage costs.
Despite these challenges, Sharon feels happier than ever. She believes in the dream of permanent ocean living, and she's excited to see what the future holds for the Odyssey. For her, it's a lifestyle that offers a slower pace, a way to see the world, and live with fewer responsibilities.
In my opinion, Sharon's story is a fascinating one, and it raises some important questions about the future of travel and retirement. It's a dream for some, but is it for everyone? I think it's a lifestyle that could appeal to a lot of people, but it's not for everyone. It takes a certain type of person to be able to live on a ship full-time, and it's not for everyone. But for those who are up for the challenge, it could be a truly rewarding experience.
