A NEW cruise is setting sail this week and will be taking its passengers around the world on an endless adventure, during which it will visit more than 140 countries.
The Villa Vie Odyssey will take to the seas on May 30, beginning a round the world tour that will take three-and-a-half years to complete.
The ship will be chasing the sun around the globe, making sure its passengers, or residents as they will be known, are constantly experiencing summer.
They will be housed in villas on the ship, which have been put in place as part of a multimillion-dollar transformation.
The vessel’s appeal also lies in its relatively small size, allowing it to reach ports and docks that bigger cruise liners aren’t able to, getting to the heart of its destinations.
It also has a flatter hull than other ships, enabling it to navigate shallower waters and inland waterways.
During its circumnavigation, it will stop at 425 ports in 147 different countries across all seven continents.
Stopovers will be between two and seven days long, meaning passengers will get to spend a greater amount of time in each port, compared to most big cruises, where day trips are the norm.
Those on board can choose between pay-as-you-go route options, as well as ownership, meaning they can live on board as long as they like, or can just join for a set amount of time on a certain leg of the trip.
The ship’s itinerary is divided into 16 segments over a total of 1,301 days, spanning the whole globe.
Once it has finished, the ship will set off on the route again, with people able to stay on board should they wish.
On board, the ship will feature eight decks, including a wrap-around promenade.
It will have three restaurants, eight bars and four lounges, along with an extended pool with four Jacuzzis, a spa and fitness centre, and a well-stocked library.
Satellite internet services will provide “fast and reliable web access” for all residents and guests, meaning it’s possible to work on the ship, while also keeping everyone entertained in their cabins.
For $89 (£70) per day, residents will have rent, utilities, food, travel, and entertainment all included.
Some of the rooms on the ship can be bought for £82,000.
What are the passport rules?
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot has explained exactly what Brits need to know.
“Travellers used to be able to roll over up to nine unused months from their old passport onto a new one.
“But post-Brexit, anyone wanting to travel to the EU can no longer rely on those extra months.
“In order to travel to the EU, all passports must be no more than 10 years old on the day you arrive in your European destination.
“And you’ll need at least three months on your passport on the day you head back to the UK.
“Figures have shown up to 100,000 holidaymakers a year face being turned away at airports if their passport is more than 10 years old.
“The 10-year rule only applies to countries in the European Union but every country may have different rules on what is accepted – some countries like South Africa, for example, insist you have at least six months left on your passport when you travel and a full clear page.”
For that, they will set sail in a basic cabin – however more luxurious options can be bagged for as much as £205,120.
The cruise company claim that the price is comparable to traditional flat ownership and even cheaper than some mortgages.
Villa Vie Residences CEO Mikael Petterson said: “Villa Vie Odyssey will be customised for its immersive, 3.5-year global circumnavigations, ensuring all the comforts and amenities of home.”
“Villa Vie Odyssey will be customised for her immersive, 3.5-year global circumnavigations, ensuring all the comforts and amenities of home. Named by the residents themselves,
“Odyssey reflects the company ethos of creating a community to share unforgettable moments of discovery on an extended journey, connecting people, places, and self.”
The ship will set off on its lengthy journey around the globe from Belfast from where it will be heading to Northern Europe.
It will visit Dublin, Liverpool and Cobh before heading to France, Belgium and Netherlands.
Meanwhile, this is what it’s like on board the world’s longest cruise.
And this is what it’s like working on a cruise ship.