Villa Vie Residences, a global cruise start-up, has announced the acquisition of the former Fred Olsen Cruise Lines ship Braemar.
Renamed as Villa Vie Odyssey, the 924-passenger vessel will embark on an extraordinary itinerary, circumnavigating the world every three and a half years, encompassing more than 420 ports in 147 countries across all seven continents.
Ahead of its inaugural voyage from Southampton on May 15, the ship will undergo an extensive eight-week “multi-million dollar” refit in Belfast. Known for its flatter hull design, Braemar has previously made history as the longest ship ever to transit the Corinth Canal in 2019, highlighting its capability to navigate inland waterways and rivers.
Pricing for the full cruise starts at $99,999, offering passengers the opportunity to rent out their accommodations when not on board. Segments of the continuous world cruise, spanning from 35 to 120 days, start at $89 per person per day. Travellers can opt for various segments from the 1,301-day itinerary, providing flexibility in their exploration.
The ship’s renovation, covering all 480 cabins, includes the addition of a business centre and a pickleball court. Mikael Petterson, the company’s chief executive, expressed excitement about the ship’s transformation into Villa Vie Odyssey, emphasizing the unparalleled quality of life and flexibility offered to residents through residential cruising.
Villa Vie Residences has appointed Captain Jozo Glavic as master of the ship, known for his experience in navigating Braemar through the Corinth Canal and overseeing the vessel’s last three dry docks. Glavic’s expertise underscores the commitment to ensuring a seamless and exceptional cruising experience for residents aboard Villa Vie Odyssey.
Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash