Introduction to a Life at Sea

Oakland Park residents Jim and Chris Guld are about to sell their home and travel around the world, living full time aboard a cruise ship called Villa Vie Odyssey.

They are excited about the prospect of exploring the world without the hassle of constant traveling and living arrangements. The couple will be joining the ship during its April 20 stop at the Colombian port of Cartagena and plan to stay aboard for at least seven years.

Life Onboard

The Gulds will be living in a 140-square-foot stateroom, which may seem small, but they are not worried about feeling cramped. They recently spent 14 years together in a recreational vehicle, hitting each of the lower 48 states. Chris plans to walk up the three decks to the gym for exercise classes every morning, and they will also enjoy the buffet and entertainment on the ship. The ship’s itinerary includes stops at 425 ports in more than 140 countries over the 3½-year "Continual World Cruise."

The Ship and Its Community

The Villa Vie Odyssey is the flagship of a Pembroke Pines-based company called Villa Vie Residences, which offers affordable options for living on the sea. The company caters to people who want to get away from it all while remaining connected through the Starlink internet service. Mikael Petterson, the company’s chairman, said that 354 of 480 cabins have been sold to long-term residents since the company purchased the ship in 2023.

A Life of Tech and Travel

The Gulds seem uniquely well-suited for permanent life aboard a cruise ship. They met while Chris operated a computer training center, and Jim worked for a Deerfield Beach company building and installing personal computers. They bonded over their mutual love of scuba diving, computers, and travel. After selling their first Oakland Park house, they bought an RV and spent 14 years traveling the country, holding seminars, and creating computer training videos for their company, Geeks on Tour.

Video Bloggers Amok

The Gulds plan to continue posting training videos from the ship, sharing their experiences and challenges as they visit various ports. They won’t be alone, as many of the ship’s cabins are occupied by solo travelers who make their living working remotely. The cruise line offers various pricing options, depending on the chosen size of living quarters and tour length. Residents can purchase for up to 15 years or rent their cabins for shorter periods.

Finding the Right Price

The couple initially considered buying a cabin with a balcony but decided on a 140-square-foot cabin with a window and no balcony, which was more affordable. They met many of the residents during a weeklong "try before you buy" sailing and were impressed by their expertise and seminars. One amenity that won’t be available on the ship is a casino, which the residents voted against.

Conclusion

The Gulds are excited to start their new life on the Villa Vie Odyssey, exploring the world and sharing their experiences with their YouTube subscribers and Geeks on Tour members. They believe that this is the perfect time for their next adventure, and they are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that come with living on a cruise ship.

FAQs

• What is the name of the cruise ship that the Gulds will be living on?
  The Villa Vie Odyssey.
• How long do the Gulds plan to stay on the ship?
  At least seven years.
• What is the size of the stateroom that the Gulds will be living in?
  140 square feet.
• What is the name of the company that owns the Villa Vie Odyssey?
  Villa Vie Residences.
• How many cabins have been sold to long-term residents since the company purchased the ship?
  354 out of 480 cabins.