‘We don’t have a political view… We just wanted to give people who feel threatened to have a way to get out,’ CEO Mikael Petterson said
People trepidatious about four years of Republican rule under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration can now escape to the high seas on an all-inclusive residential cruise ship for most of his term.
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“Regardless of who would have won, you would have half of the population upset,” he said. “Quite frankly, we don’t have a political view one way or the other. We just wanted to give people who feel threatened to have a way to get out.”
Those who want to avoid what years ahead might bring in the U.S. can opt for the Skip Forward tour tier, which will keep them living on the Odyssey for four years, bypassing the 2028 election. However, there will be an interlude in the U.S. in December 2027 as the vessel finishes its current and first circumnavigation in Trump’s backyard of West Palm Beach.
According to the company’s website and social media, a four-year stay in a villa starts at $256,000 USD for single occupancy ($320,000 for double) but won’t include “additional charges for taxes, port fees, or other typical travel expenses.”
Those taking a wait-and-see approach can elect for a one-year Escape from Reality cruise ($50,000 single), spend two years away on the Midterm Selection offer ($94,000 single), or elect for the three-year Everywhere but Home option ($130,000).
Petterson told Newsweek the company had been fielding “three times the call load” since the offers were announced. The deals expire on Dec. 31.
Cruise control
For all intents and purposes, up to 600 residents of the Odyssey enjoy all the amenities and comforts as would any cruise ship passenger. The only difference is the length of stay.
There are three restaurants and five bars to choose from – with food and drink included in the cost – along with a pool, spa, gym, business centre, medical services and other activities.
There’s also free housekeeping and high-speed internet powered by Starlink, and residents can invite friends and family aboard for $129 daily.
Villa Vie-led excursions when in port will cost extra.
The company is also selling cabins for between $140,000 and $440,000, with the room belonging to the purchaser for at least 15 years. Meanwhile, a one-time single-occupancy fee of $350,000 ($600,000 for double) for the Endless Horizon program grants lifetime access to a berth for any duration and as often as required.
Oh, the places you will go
They might also want to know that the vessel – and its 125 residents – were stranded in Belfast, Ireland, for four months, from the end of May until Oct. 3, as the ship needed repairs before it could set sail on its epic voyage.
Among the stranded residents were at least three Canadians, including Mary Ann Demsar.
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride of: ‘We’re ready to go. Oops, there’s something still to clear,’” added Canadian John Frim, onboard with his wife, Monica.
“And then: ‘Okay, we got that cleared.’ And then: ‘Oops, there’s something else.’”
The first leg of the circumnavigation eventually proceeded, with stops in France, Spain and Morrocco before a transatlantic crossing from Cape Verde off the West African coast last week.
As of Monday morning, the Odyssey is moored in the French colony of Martinique.
Crew and residents will spend about a month in the Caribbean before wintering along South American coasts – spending Christmas in Ecuador and New Year’s in Peru – before flirting with Antarctica.
“From there, she’ll sail north to Rio De Janeiro for Carnival and will finish off with an adventurous exploration deep into the Amazon River,” the company stated.
The vessel will be back in the U.S. for a few brief stretches in June 2025 when it visits ports in Hawaii, California and Seattle before it briefly visits B.C. harbours in Victoria, Vancouver, and Prince Rupert. It’ll also spend two weeks exploring Alaska’s coast in July before heading for Japan and hundreds of ports across the globe for the next two-plus years.
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