Experience the ultimate retirement adventure with Villa Vie.
Retirement doesn’t have to mean that life slows down. More time means the opportunity to experience more—and what better way to experience the world than to live on a cruise ship after you retire? It may sound like a dream, but the reality of cruise ship retirement is closer than you think.
At Villa Vie Residences, we view retirement as the beginning of your voyage, not the end. We’ll take you to new horizons each day, transforming your retirement with luxury, connection, and adventure, all from your home at sea. In this guide, we share how much it costs to live on a cruise ship.
Embark on a New Chapter: Cruise Retirement With Villa Vie
Cruise ship retirement offers the chance to see all the destinations you always meant to visit when you were younger. Retirement homes or life with family might be the right fit for some people. But if you’re not ready to settle down, why not choose something extraordinary? Our flexible cruise retirement options make this option more accessible than ever.
We get it: financial concerns are still a reality. Before you choose life on the open ocean, you’ll want to be sure it fits your budget and your lifestyle preferences. Let’s dive into what you can expect to pay when you retire with Villa Vie Residences.
Cruise Retirement vs. Traditional Retirement Living
In today’s world, the cost of living always seems to be rising. Life on a cruise ship may seem extravagant, but compared to the total of other living costs, it’s more affordable than you think. Here’s a general breakdown of how much it costs to live at a retirement community versus the cost to live on a cruise ship.
Average Cost to Live in a Retirement Home
- Rent or Mortgage: $2,000-$7,000 per month
- Utilities: ~$250 per month
- Meals and Dining: $600-$1,000 per month
- Housekeeping and Laundry: $100-$400 per month
- Healthcare and Wellness: $400-$1,000 per month
- Entertainment and Social Events: $300 per month
- Travel: Can be restricted and expensive
- Total Annual Expenses: Around $119,4000
Average Cost to Live on a Cruise Ship
- Rent or Mortgage: Included in package or yearly rate
- Utilities: Included
- Meals and Dining: Included
- Housekeeping and Laundry: Included
- Healthcare and Wellness: Onboard 24/7 care included
- Entertainment and Social Events: Shows, workshops, and fitness included
- Travel: Unlimited world travel
- Total Annual Expenses: Depends on package
Villa Vie Packages Tailored for Your Retirement Adventure
We offer different packages that can be customized to meet your needs, whether you’re traveling solo or setting sail with your partner. Not sure you’re ready to live on a cruise ship? You can take a mini cruise vacation to see if life aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey is right for you.
Own a Villa at Sea
Start at $129,000 for full-time ownership of a villa at sea. Your villa is yours to decorate, rent, or pass along to guests. Fixed maintenance fees guarantee financial predictability for your whole stay.
Endless Horizons Program
One-time payment from $349,999 guarantees access to a spacious ocean-view villa with ZERO monthly fees. With our Endless Horizons program, all your essentials are bundled—meals, entertainment, medical care, excursions, and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi.
Flexible Rentals and Pay-As-You-Go Options
We offer short stays (35–120 days) under $40,000/year. Not ready to commit? Try cruise retirement before making it permanent. Enjoy the same amenities and personalized service for the duration you select.
Segment pricing from $89 per person per day lets you pick and mix itineraries with a modest upfront deposit. This cruise ship package is ideal for those seeking flexibility or cautious financial commitment.
Try Before You Buy
With this option, you can take a “test drive” (test sail?) to experience everything we have to offer. The Try Before You Buy cruise ship package allows you to make an informed decision while experiencing the beauty of visiting new destinations. Single residency villas range from $2,100 to $4,200, while double occupancy villas range from $3,500 to $7,000.
GeoCruising Through Your Golden Years
Every port you visit offers a unique experience with rich cultures, decadent local cuisines, and must-see tours. While on board the Villa Vie Odyssey, everything you need is provided. Cruise living means you’ll enjoy:
- All meals, drinks, and snacks
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Shore excursions, workshops, and onboard entertainment
- Comprehensive medical care and wellness programs
- Starlink Wi-Fi and business center access for remote work
- Enriching social calendar and global community
- Personalization of your private villa space
- With the debut of our Floating Marina, kayaking, jet skiing, snorkeling, and more are just outside your doorstep.
There are no hidden costs, just luxury living and global adventure. Villa Vie’s cost structure and experience-focused community provide a compelling alternative for active retirees looking for connection, luxury, and a sense of discovery.
Ready to Live on a Cruise Ship?
Before you make your decision, it’s important to consider budget, family, and other factors. Follow these steps to cover all your bases before making the move to cruise ship retirement life.
- Decide if ownership or a rental package fits better with your financial goals and your family’s unique situation.
- Standard medical visits and urgent care are included onboard. Villa Vie residents are advised to have travel medical insurance for complex needs or extended shore-based stays.
- Weigh the pros and cons of travel frequency, preferred amenities, and length of stay. We’ll help you customize your package to meet your needs.
- Some people may find it difficult to be away from family, friends, and the community they’ve always known. With Villa Vie, you can invite your loved ones on board to experience a taste of what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for themselves.
- Want to recoup some of the ownership cost? Some residents travel for part of the year and lease their villa the remainder of the time. This provides passive income while you enjoy a diverse range of experiences during your retirement.
Trade Routine Retirement for Global Discovery
Whether you stay for seven days or seven years, the chance to live on a cruise ship isn’t an opportunity to waste. Embrace a life without borders, vibrant cultures, and lasting friendships by launching your retirement journey with Villa Vie.