Elderly American Female Abands Land-Bound Residence at 77 Years of Age for a 15-Year Foray at Sea on a Luxurious Ocean Liner
Journeying the seven seas has never looked more enticing for Sharon Lane, a sprightly 77-year-old Californian, who embarked on a decade-and-a-half long expedition aboard the luxurious residential cruise ship, Villa Vie Odyssey. This grand journey commenced in the sweltering June heat, setting sail from the sun-kissed shores of California.
Ms. Lane, having taught foreign languages in a California high school and led thrilling European excursions for her students, has always had a penchant for exploration. A stint in Cape Town, South Africa, during the 1990s fueled her adventurous spirit. Now, she's traded terra firma for the open ocean, seeking life's next uncharted adventure.
The allure of the blue expanse beckoned her not just for the world-trotting opportunities, but also to revel in the enchantment of being adrift at sea. "At last, I can check off a dream I've harbored for years," she gushed to CNN Travel.
This isn't an ordinary coastal getaway for Ms. Lane. She plans to immerse herself in the beauty of the world's oceans, sightseeing spectacular ports like Japan and New Zealand, all while calling the Villa Vie Odyssey home.
The Odyssey, refurbished from a three-decade-old vessel, offers permanent residency to its guests. Cabins are sold on a long-term basis, from the owner's lifespan to the expected longevity of the ship itself.
Mikael Petterson, CEO of Villa Vie Residences, revealed that base cabin rates start at $129,000 for a 15-year stay, with additional monthly costs averaging around $2,000 per person for double occupancy and $3,000 for single occupancy. For spacious cabins or higher-tier services, the initial purchase price can climb to six figures, with monthly fees bumping up by hundreds of dollars.
Ms. Lane, having secured her cabin's purchase at the tail-end of 2024, joined the Odyssey when the ship made its arrival in San Diego, her beloved hometown.
Residents enjoy a wealth of perks within this seafaring abode. The monthly fee covers sustenance, housekeeping, utilities, and access to onboard amenities. Additional offerings like Wi-Fi, medical visits, and dinner wine are provided at no extra charge.
Ms. Lane, in a jubilant mood, declared that she financed her windowless cabin with her life's savings, deeming it a worthwhile investment. "I buy the cabin; I live in the cabin. That's it. And then there's no end," she exclaimed to the outlet.
"I no longer have to worry about laundry or grocery shopping. It's cheaper to live on this ship than it is in Southern California," she quipped. Although the world beckons her, Ms. Lane confessed that her favorite part of cruising is spending time on deck, basking in the ship's splendor. Her cabin, she claimed, serves exclusively as a sleeping quarters.
Initially slated to set sail in mid-2024, Villa Vie Odyssey faced a four-month delay in Belfast, Northern Ireland, while awaiting safety certification. The Odyssey finally cast off in late September of the previous year.
Permanent residency on the Villa Vie Odyssey isn't a budget vacation, with initial cabin costs topping $129,000 and monthly fees ranging between $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the cabin and service level. But for the adventurous at heart like Ms. Lane, the chance to live life aboard a floating luxury liner amidst the endless blue promises an unparalleled journey.
Sharon Lane, in her pursuit of life's uncharted adventures, has embarked on a luxurious travel experience that extends beyond the usual coastal getaway. She plans to immerse herself in the beauty of the world's oceans while sailing to spectacular ports like Japan and New Zealand, all while calling the Villa Vie Odyssey, her floating home.
