I lived/worked for decades on cruise ships as an officer. I had my own cabin with a porthole…….luxury for crew. What I learned was how little in regards to material possessions I actually needed to be happy. You become creative in utilizing a small space. Love watching your positive outlook on your adventures.
ha ha, we are creatures of habit. Since we have to provision in new ports and not always the same port, they plan to do local foods and cuisine from around the world!! I am happy with the basics, but it does sound exciting!
You know what would be refreshing? … if people would just wish this couple well and set aside their insecure personalities. If you do not want to watch their videos, then don’t. Is this lifestyle for everyone? Absolutely not. I couldn’t imagine doing this. However, it’s THEIR life. You both seem to genuine, happy, upbeat people. I hope you set sail soon and that you love this adventure. CC from Canada.
They are posting it for the world to see. Because people are pointing out things that aren’t great is not an insecurity on their part. Good grief lady.
@MidLifeCruising95 I live in the countryside, but Belfast isn't a million miles away from where I live. I would invite you down to my abode, but I'm getting unplanned work done to my home, a hole in the roof being one of them and a few other nightmares. 😮💨 I have never been on a cruise ship before, let alone dream about living on one, so I can't wait to see how things will be for you both. The thought of waking up in amazing countries sounds awesome, and I definitely envy you a little. I hope that everything is fixed for you both very soon so you can get on with living the dream. Take care, and God bless. 🙏😁
I am so appreciative of your videos! This is an absolute dream of mine and I am hoping by the time I reached the age of 65 or maybe even 62, that I can purchase a villa and spend the rest of my life doing what I love which is cruising and watching the beauty of the world go by. I loved the room tour. It answered a lot of questions for me, I will be following you to very closely because I have many many many questions. I wish you Fairweather and wonderful travels
I keep seeing people commenting on your videos about how small.the room is as if this was your cell that you had to stay in 24 hours. But really it's just the bedroom...probably similar in size to most people's bedrooms. But your actual living space includes the ENTIRE ship (apart from others bedrooms) with the added attraction of constantly traveling around the world. But like in a regular house, you can eat, read, exercise, get entertained, do business etc in other places on your home than just the bedroom...so, not so bad after all. Have a great time!
@@MidLifeCruising95I wouldn’t be able to go from a sea view room that I’ve made my own to a room without the view. Hope you find a way to stay in that room.
I absolutely love the idea of “creating” a cabin by picking up items from all the different countries you visit. 🥹🥹 What a beautiful life you’re about to embark on! No pun intended. I can’t wait to watch all of these exciting upgrades. Cheers to you!
I am fascinated by this idea. I wish you. all the best and will be checking in from time to time to see how you are doing. We got mixed reactions when we retired, sold our large home and land in the Rockies, bought a small condo in Florida, bought a 5th wheel RV and large truck to haul it and hit the road. We loved it! Downsizing was challenging but also freeing. So many people since then have told us how they envy what we did and would love to do the same thing. But so few really have the courage to do so. Go for it! See the world. We're rooting for you.
I absolutely love this!! That is something I have wanted to do. I tease hubs that when we are over cruising, that is our next adventure. He just laughs. I did talk him into this adventure though! ha ha
We figured the RVing would be more strenuous so chose to do that while younger (lol in our 60's!) Now we're planning Alaska cruise and tour and getting back to intl travel. Trying to talk my hubby into forking out $3500 for a half day heli tour to see the grizzlies in one of the farther out national parks in Alaska. Good luck to both you and me in persuading these men!
@@MidLifeCruising95 My Mom has summered the last 30 years in her RV (she replaced it at one point). Truth is- they now just park it and drive anywhere they want to go and stay in BNB's or inexpensive hotels. They also take long cruises from Seattle to Australia each year. The gas, finding a place to park it, and the whole thing isn't financial worth it. As a stationary home parked at the Elk's Club (in summer, rest of the year they live in South Africa) it's a nice little abode. As an Elk I believe they can park there for free.
Your room is perfect! Love the organization and all the little touches. It feels like your home and not just another cruise room! Thank you for taking us with you for this exciting journey!!
For all of your work providing updates, 4.92K subscribers and positive reviews, I am sure hoping Michael and Kathy let you stay in that room!! You have earned it.
Having watched several videos from others on board, you’ve made the cabin beautiful. Most beautiful by far! Well done with such a small space. Have subscribed. I wish you all the best. What an adventure.
Please do post candid videos on the food offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Many of us are really interested in how this all shakes out. Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with us!
We will have the breakfast offerings in our next video. You get 2 drinks at lunch and dinner per person (Beer/Wine/Soda) These are all included. Thanks for tuning in!
Thanks for answering so fast! I posted my question about drinks before watching the end of your video, where you already explain the drinks. Sorry for the redundancy! 😅
My wife and I are cruisers. I’ll you give you two credit for doing this. It’s a great couples adventure. Let’s face it. If there isn’t someone there to see the same thing you saw then you have to ask, did you really see it. Also, if you guys survive such close quarters then your marriage will last and withstand the test of time to infinity and beyond. Good luck, safe travels, don’t spit overboard.
Ha ha...almost 30 years of marriage, met in 7th grade, best friends for years before marriage. I think we got this, or I will move him to an inside..ha ha
@@MidLifeCruising95 we are 41 years - met on the job. I think we could do that in tight quarters, but we would have to do everything in shifts. We’d make it work. If the weather’s good - a lot of deck time. You kids have fun.
@@MidLifeCruising95 You guys have a great attitude and solid marriage I can tell. Whatever happens- you have a RU-vid platform and if nothing else- could really start a "how to make a cabin feel like home!" business. I am really impressed with the thought you put into your decor and magnetic items. Wonderful ideas and execution. Villa Vie should hire you! Seriously.
I enjoyed your video so much, we are avid cruisers, once a month at least, this is if we don’t do a back to back, which we often do. Enjoyed the tour of your cabin, we could do it too, but because of a large family, children and grandchildren we decided to stay on land. I don’t know why people are so negative about it! Enjoy your life dream! 😊
Not being critical, but just a few questions. This ocean view cabin is just temporarily for you, so will yours be an inside cabin with no view? Are you having to pay for your hotel while renovations are being done? And, why wouldn’t you just wait until completion to make sure you are happy with what you are paying for? Is there any sort of money back guarantee, or are you just hoping that what was promised is delivered?
We could possibly have to move, but we are hoping to stay. Time will tell on that one. The company is covering costs. There is a certain amount per day coverage. We didn't wait, but we did wait until after they purchased the ship and had possession. Think pre-construction prices...those that got in at the beginning got the best prices. We weren't worried about the being happy part as we would be happy in a tent. ha ha We have lived several years in a developing country, so we learned to appreciate what we have in a huge way. Yes, we are hoping they deliver what they promised, or at least try to get as close to that as possible. After all, it is truly a start up and they are pioneers for sure.
@@MidLifeCruising95 Best of luck to y’all and to them. I will be following to see how it turns out, and hope for the best for all! We are doing a Regent Seven Seas Grandeur cruise in a couple of months and are really looking forward to that one. We have been on several different cruise lines but this will be our first Regent.
Oooh the room is so pretty now! They must let you stay there so you don’t have to re-do everything in another cabin! I hadn’t realized how much difference plants (even fake ones) could make to a room 😮. I love the new shelves in the bathroom- so much more space to put things. Did they store your empty suitcases for you? I thought you’d have to put them under your beds but you have cool storage boxes there already. Hee hee… I noticed that Steve got the smaller closet 🤣🤣. When you start sailing, will you be allowed to bring food on board from the different places that you visit? I heard that cruises don’t allow passengers to bring on board food from different ports. Not sure if that’s specific to that cruise line or it’s a standard regulation (I haven’t cruised before so I have no clue). Looking forward to your next video!
@@seebunlim No fruits or veg can be brought back on board per regulations, but pretty much anything else is ok. Stored duffels folded under bed, and have just one in storage. The shelves we added are a huge help and makes things neat and tidy. Yep...I get first dibs on closet space!! Ha!
Seems like alot of the interior renovations could have been finished during the delay process. Congratulations to you. Can't wait to follow your adventures.
This is so exciting for you guys. I’m enjoying living vicariously through you. Ten more years before I can retire, then maybe this will be the option for me. 😊
I love the Amazon hooks I used them on my most recent cruise and will be bringing them on all future cruises. I can feel your excitement when showing us your cabin.
Steve & Angela, you both have a great & fun attitude. I'm going to enjoy being a part of your journey & lifestyle. Let's go! 😊❤. I agree with turning the beds pushed together with blue trim as headboard but then one of you would be without a bedside light 😒. You did great decorating & minimizing.
I want to wish you both the very best of luck. We have taken a 5 month world cruse and a few grand voyages with a longish 2+ month med voyage coming up next week. We enjoy long cruises and have considered taking the kind of leap that you guys did. We frankly, do not have the nerve and, as we're quite a bit older than you guys, it's unlikely that the product will ever check all our boxes. I know for us, a space that small would be a huge challenge as we haven't stayed in an inside cabin or ocean view cabin for many years. Anyway, good luck , keep posting and stay happy. Looking forward to you guys finally getting our to sea.
Enjoyed your tour after finding your channel a couple days ago. Heading out on a btb Alaska on Princess very soon out of San Fran. 22 days. We too love cruising but enjoy our home base and can't wait to disembark after a long one. Very courageous of you two to take that leap of faith with the Odyssey. Hope you get to stay in the oceanview cabin, best wishes! 💛
I wish you well. My husband and I are also avid cruisers. I am excited for you and other guests who will travel for many years to come. My only fear for you is that it’s my understanding that the company/recruiters are the prior owners of Life at Sea which did not launched last year. Cruisers have not received their refunds. I hope my info is incorrect. P.S. you decorated your room beautifully!
They worked for and left early on once they discovered the shadiness. Many of those who bought in to LAS trusted these owners and followed them over to VVR. The old group is STILL trying to start a new one up.
Y’all did a great job on room! It looks great and very homey. I could live there. I think an eventual replacing of the nightstands would really look great! The bathroom might be the hardest part for me to adjust to. I would miss my bathtub!
Lovely job adding your own style to your room - looking good - it’s a pity it’s not actually your room & you will have to move out - thank you for showing a different way of living - watching from Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺
Like I said to someone else. World cruise, yes in a heart beat. Hopefully after retirement. Paying that huge amount for something so small and no balcony, nope. That cruise has bad juju. Best of luck and have as much fun as you can.
@@missmayflower No I don't have to admit anything. If you're risk/adventure adverse, don't rationalise it, just own it. Besides, the Villa Vie team has been transparent from the beginning.
How long will you be in the upper ocean view deck with renovations are being done on your other room? It’s GORGEOUS! I totally understand not wanting to go back after putting everything together as you did. You both did an amazing job! Very homey :)
@MidLifeCruising95 I just came home from a 10-day Holland America around Italy and Mediterranean cruise!! It was unbelievable and I can't wait to do another Cruise!
I love this for you! I am subscribed as of today. I am looking forward to seeing the world through your camera lens. You did a great job setting up your room. Hopefully you can work it out to stay there. I love cruising and hopefully will learn from you how I can one day do this also. Bravo, can’t wait to follow your journey.
Suggestions: • Mention and/or show the current date in your videos, so we know the context of when you made it. • Post some links for those nifty products that you showed us like the baskets, magnets, racks, etc. (and make them affiliate links to earn $) You said to ask about anything, so… Can I ask about the light bulbs in the cabins? Are those standard bulbs? Can you replace them, with your own LED or Smart bulbs? Are they the A19 type commonly seen in the United States? And what about lighting around the rest of the ship? Is it harsh fluorescent as I would expect from the age of the ship, or have they updated to LED lighting? And thank you for your videos. I am green with envy, and am very interested in moving to Villa Vie. Keep us updated!
To be truthful, the cabin doesn't look much better than a north sea ferry cabin. Cruised a couple of time with MSC and the cabins were quite luxurious. Just my opinion
Just did MSC in July for 21 days. The cabins weren't any bigger at all unless you booked a balcony or suite. Again, we booked what WE can afford...and we are extremely grateful and happy with it.
Nice video! I enjoyed the room tour also. You guys did a great job on decorating! I hope you get to keep the ocean view. They ought to upgrade you for free for all the wonderful free advertisement you have given them with your excellent videos. They should be very happy with the extra effort you have spent in producing quality videos of their ship and rooms.
Sounds like y’all will never leave port with all the work going on. Is this a life time cruise or only three years like I’ve been hearing? When does your time begin, like is sitting at port counting against your time you purchased?
Time does not begin until she departs, nor do we pay our monthly fees until then. This does not count against our time. We own the villa for a guaranteed 7 years, and up to 15 if she lasts. The company will expand and buy more ships, so we can switch to another one if need be.
Like I said on one of your neighbors channels I don’t know too many people that move into their new construction when their builder told them they would or even a remodel! My sister just did a remodel on her home and it took at least a month longer than expected! I also think it’s better they’re taking the extra time to make sure everything is safe and done properly than rush things and have a break down once you start sailing! I hope you’re sailing soon!
Don’t know why you came up on my feed, but glad you did. I look forward to following your travels. This is such an intriguing concept and I do believe I’m slightly jealous. Wishing you calm seas and tons of fun. Enjoy!
I congratulate you both on taking this new journey in your life❤️ I wish you both nothing but the best on taking a chance of a lifetime 🤗❤️ I can’t wait to watch your amazing journey! Many blessings to the both of you! 🙏🏻🥰❤️🤗🛳️💦💦🛳️ 🥂🍾
It looks nice. I would negotiate the upgrade since they have kept you waiting so long and you had to move. If you need a Cpap machine I don’t see and outlets by the bed.
Thanks for the room tour!! Ya'll have done an amazing job! We have cruised about 50 times, longest cruise was 17 days but have always wanted to do a longer cruise when the time is right. We are really interested to see how your journey evolves, and we will follow your adventure!
Why did they not renovate before letting people on board???. And why sell if not renovated, do or did they need your money to do so???. Renovate I mean.😢😢😢
They ran into a bump. Regulations changed and what was given a pass for Braemar, (former ship name) was not given a pass for the Odyssey. The biggest set back/hold up was the rudder stocks.
@@MidLifeCruising95 The ship has to be seaworthy first and foremost. The North Sea is VERY rough. I can attest to that. I don't get seasick but did on my first trip to Norway and also across the North Sea to Amsterdam. I was on small vessels that probably didn't have stabilizers though. The North Atlantic is also very rough. It appears you will be going directly to the Caribbean though-instead of Canada- so that route is much smoother and warmer. I've been on over 60 cruises (including many in the Atlantic, Three Trans-Atlantics and one Trans Pacific, which was surprisingly smooth)- been on ships of all size and have had some big waves but (knock on wood-) have lived to tell the tail. Your vessel is small and will not handle the waves like a larger ship- so those mechanical items can't just "squeak" by- I'm sure the investors and insurance companies also want to make sure that there no one is cutting corners. Once an inspector finds one thing wrong- they are going to really be vigilant. That's best for you though. You can't make repairs at sea. So it would mean more time lost in ports working on repairs. You've already missed the Europe portion, which would really disappoint me. You've got a great attitude though and did do some land and sea travel while waiting for this cruise. I really am enjoying your travels, just want you all to be safe, healthy, and get what you expected- to see the world!
Exactly the point….they needed “Seed money”, this wasn’t a completed project offered for purchase, it was to use buyers money to finance it. Not the most reasonable way of doing business.
Thank you for the tour …..you have made your cabin so homely and given it such a personal stamp. I am so impressed by your organisation….a place for everything! You have been to Dublin….what about a visit to Glasgow…..great city for museums and good food. Or nearer to you a visit to historic Derry and Donegal …..the beaches are amazing. Look out for the famous Magees tweed in Donegal Town. Hopefully you will soon be leaving Belfast to begin your grand adventure….. looking forward to your further posts.
The cabin looks great. This ship (formerly named "Braemer") was previously owned by Fred Olsen. They refurbished it at the end of 2019. They did a few cruises in 2020 until Covid hit and laid up the ship. Not much of the interior could have deteriorated while it was mothballed. Fred Olsen is not luxury but definitely higher end with discerning clientele. If it was good enough for Fred Olsen guests, I am surprised they had to do much to it and plan to upgrade a lot more of it.
I know you need to make the best of a bad situation. I’m sure you’ve seen all the negative press about your old ship being stuck so long to get overdue work done. It’s an interesting concept you’ve invested in. I hope you can actually get underway someday for that world tour and the whole thing doesn’t turn into a huge international law suit. If you haven’t spoken with an attorney, you might want to have one “on call”. Good luck!
Ignore the comments from people who would never have the courage to take a risk to live a fuller life like you guys have. There are so many people who love to criticize what they would never be brave enough to do.
Nothing to do with courage. Don’t be so disparaging to people who have followed this venture. And been right. How rude to tell people they aren’t brave. Give me a break. Nothing to do with “brave”.
Its a great idea but i wouldnt trust this at all. They can't afford to run the air conditioning..irs $5000. a day. Can they even afford to run this ship? It may never leave the dock. They are depending on people to buy into this so they can fix this ship up...its all sketchy to me.
I still have faith. The rudder stocks caused a huge financial debt. We just had another two million dollars invested, so the money is there. They can afford to run the air, but right now they are not charging us anything until we sleep on the ship. Once we set sail and they start collecting monthly fees, hopefully everything will be stable. Trying our best to stay positive.
I feel like all great ideas, expeditions, inventions hit major problems along the way. Hypothetically speaking, if this DOESN’T work out, I feel like a venture capitalist or even a large real estate group will come in and purchase the boat. And who knows- maybe it doesn’t work out but these people have the most incredible story to share for the rest of their lives and from us to learn from and whatnot. I am very appreciative for their leap of faith and positive thinking.
Keep the beds the way they are, you have a run through from door to window giving that larger space, if you turn the beds around, you're losing a lot of floor space. Fingers crossed the ship sails soon. ☺️👍
Ughhhh already changed this comment 3 times. Why waste my words or time on others. This is about you and your dreams. I am so excited for you. I will be following your adventures. I would love to one day be your neighbor. ♥️
Your villa looks nice. Congrats on the ocean view assignment- the large window on 4 is also a nice upgrade. You mentioned not being fond of the nightstands. They look solid and are functional with the drawers. I have seen them painted and that refresh updates the look considerably. Are they projecting a departure date yet?
Will you be in your permanent cabin before you set sail? You’ve made your cabin so cute and cozy! I’m really impressed. So many of the cabins on the Royal world cruise were SO overwhelming and so stuffed full. I’d go crazy but your set up is very nice.
I love your positivity and you seem super organised so your cabin looks great, very neat and tidy and not at all cluttered. I'm excited about following your adventures and hope you're able to set sail soon. I haven't quite got my head around the ship fees but no doubt you'll do a vlog about that one day. Best wishes!
Just found you and subscribed. Looks so fun. Your room is so nice. Keep the beds seperate, it looks like more room and cleaner lines. You have it set up so cute!
There was a blur when you were showing the tv. The blurry spot was showing on the bottom right hand corner of the tv. Not sure if its a glitch or something.
Interesting concept - I love cruising but not sure I could retire on a ship - probably have to try an extended cruise like a 6 month to see if my wife and I could handle it. Room does seem smaller than what we normally cruise in as our rooms normally have a couch for seating but I understand you have the whole ship to use also so as long as you're happy is all that matters. Good luck, thanks for the tour!
Ok, Angela, you are very good at making the most of your space and making it cozy too-very important for a home…BUT i do take umbrage with poor Steve’s little liquor ledge-lol, thats all he gets??! #justiceforsteve
This is the best comment ever!!! Ha!! I told him anymore must be stored under his bed. I assume he will downsize his shoes to add more Bourbon!...#justiceforsteve....love it!