We lived in an RV for 14 years before the Villa Vie Odyssey. The ship's shutdown hasn't changed how we want to live.

Jim and Chris Guld, a couple who lived aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey for over a year, have shared their story of residential cruising. They bought a used RV in 2003, sold their home, and embarked on a 14-year journey around the US, running a tech training business for travelers. After settling in Fort Lauderdale for seven years, they were drawn to the Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential cruise ship that offered a community and the chance to explore new places.

The Guld's came aboard the Odyssey in Cartagena, Colombia, in April 2025, planning to stay for seven years and circumnavigate the globe. They were impressed by the ship's crew and residents, who organized activities like musicals, choirs, and line dancing. However, the Odyssey's operational issues, such as internet limitations and cash calls, raised concerns about its sustainability.

In late October, the ship announced that operations would cease, giving the Guld's just one day's notice. They quickly packed their tech equipment and left behind personal items and scuba gear. The abrupt end of their cruise left them disappointed, but they are eager to continue exploring the world. They plan to live out of suitcases for a while, visit friends, and explore Southeast Asia before potentially traveling to India and Africa. Despite their mixed experience with the Odyssey, the Guld's would do it again in a heartbeat.