Want to live on a cruise ship? Your options are expanding
I've spent a lot of time at sea over 20 years of cruising, but I still get a little wide-eyed at the idea of living on a cruise ship instead of vacationing on one.
That idea doesn't sound so far-fetched anymore as more and more people share their stories of actually doing it — whether by booking back-to-back voyages on traditional cruise lines or purchasing a cabin on a residential cruise ship.
Since launching its first vessel, Odyssey, in fall 2024, residential cruise line Villa Vie Residences has quietly proven that the "buy a cabin, cruise the world forever" model works. Now, the company is doubling down with a second ship, and even offering a way to live at sea on a shorter, three-year stint.
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Villa Vie to launch second residential cruise ship, Legacy, in 2029
Ahead of Odyssey's two-year "sailaversary," Villa Vie revealed that its second residential cruise ship, Legacy, is expected to join the fleet in 2029.
Legacy is being designed as a premium sister ship to Odyssey, which residents describe as comfortable, but not luxurious, according to a report by Porthole Cruise and Travel . Legacy will offer residences approximately 50% larger than Odyssey's and feature expanded dining venues, larger public spaces, enhanced wellness facilities, and additional luxury amenities.
Villa Vie says Odyssey has surpassed 85% of its available residences sold, and prospective residents now face a dilemma. Many buyers are drawn to Legacy's larger accommodations but don't want to wait nearly three years for the ship to be ready.
Related: Princess Cruises debuts standby fares for spontaneous travelers
Rather than forcing owners to choose, Villa Vie is introducing a new ownership model connecting both experiences so new residents can set sail on Odyssey now and move to Legacy later.
"When we launched Odyssey, we set out to prove that residential cruising wasn't just possible—it was sustainable," Villa Vie Residences Founder Mike Petterson said in a press release . "Two years later, with Odyssey more than 85% sold, we've reached an exciting milestone. Legacy is the natural evolution of everything we've learned from our residents and operations around the world."
Cabins on Villa Vie Legacy will be about twice the size of Odyssey's. Villa Vie Residences
What will it cost to live on premium Villa Vie Legacy?
With more spacious accommodations and elevated amenities, living aboard Villa Vie Legacy will cost about 30% more in ownership and monthly maintenance fees.
Current and future owners can join Villa Vie's Endless Horizons lifetime residency program to automatically receive permanent residency rights aboard Legacy when the ship enters service. A one-time purchase of $349,999 secures permanent residential cruising rights that will now extend across both Odyssey and Legacy without any additional purchase price, upgrade fee, or transition cost.
Related: Insider tips for what to do in cruise ports
Prospective residents who don't want to wait until 2029 for Legacy can purchase one of 24 Legacy Bridge Positions by Sept. 30, 2026 to receive:
-
Immediate residency aboard Villa Vie Odyssey
-
The guaranteed right to transition to a comparable residence aboard Legacy when the vessel enters service in early 2029
-
No additional purchase price when making the transition
-
Odyssey maintenance rates honored aboard Legacy, despite Legacy's anticipated higher maintenance pricing
That means you can get nearly three years of additional world cruising now aboard Odyssey and later move to Legacy without increasing your maintenance fees.
Villa Vie's three-year world cruise program offers a lower-cost way to live at sea
In addition to permanent residences, Villa Vie is offering a three-year around-the-world journey, My Global Adventure , which costs $91 per person per day for an inside residence aboard Odyssey — just under $100,000 per person for three years (based on double occupancy). Outside residences with a porthole ocean view and natural light cost an additional $10,000 per person.
The program offers travelers a seamless way to travel to more than 400 ports across 130+ countries and all seven continents, with extended stays in both sought-after cities and lesser-visited destinations, all while living aboard the ship full-time for three years.
In addition to furnished accommodations and transportation to destinations around the world, included amenities span onboard meals, entertainment and enrichment programming, WiFi, housekeeping, social events, community spaces, and more.
Related: Villa Vie Residences rolls out flexible long-term cruising option
"This is not a traditional cruise — it's a completely different way to see the world," Petterson said in a press release . "When you break it down to roughly $91 per day to live and explore across this many destinations, it becomes one of the most compelling ways to experience global living today."
Designed to offer maximum value and flexibility, the program offers opportunities to join the ship in Singapore, Colombo, Lisbon, Barcelona, and Nassau between August 2026 and November 2027.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel , or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
This story was originally published by TravelHost on Jul 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
