For some, it might be never; this is the proverbial "hill they'll die on." If it were me, I'd probably be "3 strikes yer out," meaning blow 3 promised dates for initial sailing, and trust and good will has eroded. Once I see red flags flying, at that point, I'd be looking to implement an exit strategy.
Who would want to travel with any Company that has “spies” reading people’s concerns in private chats! It sounds like a “Stepford Wife” boat. What if someone has a legitimate safety concern? Problem with their room? I can’t imagine anyone, at this point, wanting to be a part of this!
If they spent more time- say actually working on the interiors of the ship and making it exceptional instead of leaving it old and dated- it would be time well spent.
They are sketchy af. There's so much more that the rest of the customers are going to experience. This doesn't sound legit at all. I feel horrible for all the people that invested in this.
Absolutely no way I would sail on this ship. No maintenance records?? Nah, I'm good. I can only imagine this ship hitting some choppy waters. This is all being done with a lick and a promise. No way.
Jenny sounds level headed, willing to be flexible to a point, well spoken, friendly, open minded, smart, thorough, educated and easy to laugh. That being said, sometimes internet personas don't match real life.. (I'm kidding, I believe she is those things)
I agree. She seems very friendly and wise to the ways of business. The decision to join Villa Vie Odyssey clearly wasn't taken lightly and she was smart to choose the pay as you go option. Sure, it cost more, but it truly minimized her risk in an unproven business and concept. It's horrible that she's out $30k, but a wise litigator should be able to get her money back due to Villa Vie's contract not including the T&Cs, instead pointing to a website where the T&Cs could easily be changed. HOWEVER, the internet archive can be employed to locate the website terms and conditions on the day that Jenny signed her contract and it probably will be determined that she didn't violate any agreement that she made by signing on that day. Those after her may not be as lucky, because my gut is saying this is going to go the way of LAS and there won't be money to refund the other passengers.
What if they get out to sea and decide to kick you off? Are you forced to walk a plank? Red flags are going up like crazy, I hope people are paying attention.
This lady is well spoken and sounds pretty sharp. I hate that she got caught up in this mess. That said, my guess is that the money spent on the nice hotels was likely money that the guests had paid for their cabins. So in the end, it sounds like these folks were actually paying their own expenses.
Yes- I was humbled when I was scammed by someone. It can happen to anyone in various walks of life. I was scammed at age 55. Made it all that way without getting scammed and thought I was teflon.
@@rebeccahowell6538 Yes, it can happen to the best of them. Instinct and trust can only take you so far, and a good mixture of the two is still no guarantee. Ronald Reagan said it best - Trust but verify.
@@doughooks7411 I sold my cute little condo to start a life with a conman (obviously didn't know). When my dream life came crashing down- it was so heartbreaking. That's how I was conned. it wasn't the money. It was that I thought my life was going in a certain direction. To have Jenny's dream of living affordably at sea- it's really sad for her. She has to go back to her old life- having sold everything. She thought she'd be living this cool life at sea! I really feel for her. I know how disappointing it is. It's like- wow- I have to start all over again- now what? Time heals all wounds though. Jenny will just find a new adventure. Life goes on.
@@rebeccahowell6538 I am so sorry this happened to you. By nature, I am not a very trusting person, and maybe that has robbed me of some amazing opportunities. But, I have learned in my 58 years that God opens some doors when others get closed. I have learned that everything happens in His time and not mine. I thank God for giving me the patience to trust in Him, and knowing and believing in Him. What a gift.
@@doughooks7411 Thank you. It was 4 years ago but now- I'm like you- not very trusting. We all feel it in our gut when something just isn't right. I think, in the past, I pushed those doubts aside. Go with your gut
Thank you for that because I was scratching my head so hard trying to figure out why they didn't let everyone go home and just pick up from the East Coast when the ship was ready (FINALLLLLLLY).
As usual what is really interesting is the difference between what the CEO has said and what he subsequently does. When he left Life At Sea he positively ranted about how horrible it was that LAS didn't have a Performance Bond. LAS was going to have one but when they looked into it more and also how expensive it was, they dropped it and instead of having passengers board in Miami, they were going to send them to the Bahamas to board. Fast forward to that same CEO now having his own company and he too dropped the idea of having a Performance Bond and he too dropped US ports and he too was going to have passengers board in the Bahamas instead. Just as that CEO also went on worldwide press and called LAS' ship unseaworthy (when he had chosen that company and its ship to carry out his vision of a world cruise) and then he started his own company and bought Gemini's sister ship (same age/built by same builder at same time). The story is as he spins it or re-spins it in the moment.
@@RetiredZGrt The crew said months ago that Mike hadn't submitted US Visas for the crew. So Mike knew at least two months ago that he was lopping off the US ports. I'd be very unhappy had I bought a cabin. Most people are Americans and they have friends, family, possibly homes, and doctors in the US and could have spent time connecting with these people- or buying things or having things delivered by Amazon for their cabins and such. To remove the whole of the US (and I assume he would be lopping off the west coast of the US too) is reason enough to ask for a refund. Just appalling this bait and swtich. The founders and residents may not have the option of a refund if they don't act now. Once the ship has set sail- then they didn't act in a timely manner. I guess they are gambling on this venture to succeed. I'd never believe a word of management. At this point -knowing they can just remove you from the vessel for stating the truth about the company is all I'd need to ask for a refund.
Finally, I get something close to a number. I kept thinking this whole time for this to work there had to be a minimally viable number, a number of people buying in a number of people paying the monthly fee. There has to be that magic number to be able to cover expenses, fuel provisions, etc. And I couldn't put that number together in my head. I would love to hear that number if somebody has a better idea of that. That minimumly viable number of residents before this thing can even work
@@michellejessey8654 Since Mike's #s are dubious at best. It looks like there are 200-300 residents and the rest are segment passengers. He claimed (in May) that there was a loan on the vessel and 52 million in reserves. Since that time- VVR has spent millions on repairs and entertaining and housing the passenger. I would imagine they've spent 5 million per month on repairs and carrying cost.
@@rebeccahowell6538 I believe the 300 # is the total of all passengers booked at present (buying cabins or segments in future). I believe they are setting sail with 200 on a ship with capacity for 924.
Regarding VVR not paying her expenses, we have to remember that she was never an "owner". She booked a leg on the cruise, as a typical cruise ship passenger. She did not "buy" a cabin, which involved paying a chunk of cash to VVR. I would certainly expect VVR to have different reimbursement policies for "owners" vs. "renters".
Unfortunately that's incorrect. She booked all ~17 segments for an entire 3.5 circumnavigation. According to the company website a 10% deposit is due on each segment booked and the remaining 90% of each segment is due 90days before the start date of that segment and it is nonrefundable at that point. That is a "chunk of cash to VVR ". Not like a "typical cruise passenger" booking a 1 week cruise.
@@RetiredZGrt According to her, the entire 3.5 years was to cost $160,000. She likely laid out somewhere around $30,000. I do not mean to trivialize that, but that is a fraction of the price of a cabin.
That's one of the first things I wondered about. Who is going to pay for you to live on land for months during the repairs? Do your shipboard monthly fees cease during that time? Is it in your contract?
Can someone explain what "Endless Horizons" on the Villa Vie is? Is it different from buying a cabin and paying the monthly fee? In Jenny's NY Post article it says she bought the Endless Horizons. Is this the same as pay as you go which sounds like you pay for each segment? I can see where she's very disappointed that this whole idea of residential cruising is falling apart, but she should be relieved that she didn't invest even more money into this.
That was an error in that story. She did not buy Endless Horizons ($300,000] she bought all segments of one 3.5 yr circumnavigation and she said in prior articles that if she liked it she would consider buying a cabin or the Endless Horizons program. You pay the $300,000 upfront and get your lifetime on the ship with no further monthly fees and can supposedly roll to a 2nd ship thereafter. That is, of course if the ship lasts 15 years (unlikely) as they said it will and if they buy another ship in the future which they said they would (originally the purchase was to have been announced in January and then it was to have been announced this summer except now the 1st one hasn't sailed and they've ruined their finances and reputation and it is doubtful anyone would lend them multimillions for a 2nd ship at this point).
Yes that was incorrect and I asked them to correct it. I reserved the entire 3.5 years on the "Pay as you go" plan, one segment at a time, trying my best to protect myself financially. Had I sailed for a few months and everything was great I would have considered either Endless Horizons (flat fee for lifetime availability of a window cabin)or purchasing my cabin.
Full disclosure : I am a Villa (cabin) owner. In no way I want to talk about Jenny's story has it is hers not mine. All I want to say is that my experience has been way different then hers and I think its important to balance things. Did I have frustrations, disappointments etc etc ?? Absolutely. But one thing I admire from the owners is their absolute dedication to get this project going through all the bad surprises. I feel I have been kept inform as much as humanely possible by the owners of all the bads and the goods. Having started a business or 2 in my life, I understand how hard it is to plow a new route. To do something never done before. There was many mistakes done but the team kept rolling. And it pays off now that the ship is finally fully certified. Talking about the ship, she was bought from a mainstream cruise line. But since she was unused for 4 years since COVID, had to be re-certified head to toe. She basically had to pass test like a brand new ship. One thing I can guarantee, she is now in a much better shape then most of mainstream cruise line ships. I wish the best to Jenny. Look at Belfast Saturday afternoon, there is a 90% possibility you will see this gorgeous lady leave harbor for this great adventure. Pierre
Pierre, thank you so much for posting. I think it's important and healthy to hear different perspectives, and I appreciate hearing yours. My fingers are crossed that Saturday afternoon you'll be starting your life at sea! Best wishes.
This is going to get worse because even if they do manage to sail....there may be unexpected problems and my trust in the Owners and Captain would already be broken. Then you have a NDA where you can't complain or be evicted and lose all your $$. Then you have an HOA that will vote for what you can and cannot do on the Ship and raise fees based on unexpected costs and circumstances. And as more people leave....those that stay would have to cover for them. They will go bankrupt and I'm sure that's why they have there $$ in off shore accounts protected in case they do...
@@JennyatSea Yes- and the founders are going to be woo-ing potential "residents"., but I doubt it's going to sail. Crew members have reported that this vessel is in the worst shape of any vessel they've seen. As of today- one worker stated catogorically that the ship will not pass inspection.
@@alanamiller958 it's on the company website scroll very far down to the bottom to find a small link to Terms and Conditions and it's the 1st paragraph. It's been posted before in comments on these videos
@@KathleenHarrington-d5e Whether WhatsApp is a messaging app or social media might not be the point. To assume your messages in a group context are private to that group and will remain so is complete nonsense. Someone in that group provided her messages to an entity outside of the group and perhaps directly to VV management. She very stupidly assumed her messages would be held in confidence by the group she so naively trusted.
100%. Privacy is confiding in your cat or dog, and even they need to get the occasional side-eye. Tell one other human and expect what you said to be shared (and then often nuanced into something you didn't say).
@@KathleenHarrington-d5e A group chat doesn't mean members of the group can't or won't repeat things others said in the chat to people outside the chat, or take screenshots of the chat and share those with other people outside the group. There is only "privacy" when you don't tell anyone anything (and only disclose info and your thoughts to your lawyer, priest/rabbi/spiritual advisor, or therapist, as they all have to maintain confidentiality in most cases).
@@crimson-crimson Well- they started a group chat for residents. I'm sure that others complained too. Sounds like they wanted to make an example out of Jenny. That let other's know to walk the party line- first rule of VV, don't talk about how sucky Villa Vie is
Yes, I think I understood them to say they were temporarily moved from their inside cabin to an ocean view cabin during the remodel, but they they announced in a subsequent YT video that they were being allowed to keep the window cabin without paying for the upgrade. Regularly singing VV's praises paid off for them... if the ship ever actually sails.
They said they left because they said they could not afford to pay the expenses to stay and wait since the cruise company was no longer covering the hotel etc. So they went back to Georgia. The husband needed a medical checkup (he has a pacemaker) so it worked out cheaper to return to the states until it was actually starting to sail.
@@dsr8223 According to Angela and Steve- they negotiated for the outside cabin. They signed an NDA so they can't say exactly what they purchased it for. There are fees involved with each cabin type. An outside cabin's monthly fees are much more than the inside. So over time- Angela and Steve will be paying considerably more for the outside cabin.
@@rebeccahowell6538 unless none of it costs them anymore, neither the cabin itself nor the monthly fees because they are making continual Relentlessly Positive videos which benefit the company. It was a trade - good ongoing PR for nicer living quarters.
Do we know if this is per cabin or per person? Then, what about the couple who bought 3 cabins and did the renovation? They had to make some kind of deal because that limits $6,000 per month that could be collected.
@@cookieisacutieSo, when VV was paying for their hotels and their meals on board, the passengers were basically living for free (sorta). Not a bad deal for a short term vacation, but I'm sure they were tired of it weeks ago.
@@dsr8223 not really because they'd already purchased a cabin (in whole or paid a portion thus far) and had already paid for Segment 1 if they were booking by segment as well as paying a 10% deposit on each future segment they had booked. And they should have been aboard already where their lodging and food and most drinks and some entertainment and travel would have been covered
You can watch an episode put out by VVR about how they found the ship. It's on RUclips called. Episode 2 Chief Engineer to get a feel for the condition of the ship after sitting for four years.
He's milking it for views. Villa Vie has proven to be a driver of views, likes and comments. All of this results in more revenue for him. This isn't a means by which to get out information about Villa Vie, it's a means to attract eyeball$.
@@jayjoans186 Actually, I wish Jeff was a bit more cynical, but I appreciate that he is just stating the facts, and not wildly speculating. If he makes money- that's great. It takes time and energy to put out content
Jenny sounds like a nice woman but the media is misrepresenting this lady's financial interest in the ship. She didn't buy a cabin, she paid for a few segments of trips, but there was no ownership. Too bad she sold her home, but that's not the fault of Villa Vie. Jenny still got some free meals and a free P&O cruise out of the deal. Comparing the Villa Vie to a condominium, Jenny made a deal to rent a unit for a period of time but didn't own it. One article I read implied that she lost $350,000 on the deal, and that can not be true. The room and fee prices are clearly stated on the Villa Vie website.
Hi this is Jenny and you are correct I rented the segments and how to deposit on the entire cruise. The other woman kicked off did purchase a cabin and she is out tens of thousands of dollars. Please let me know where you saw the article stating I lost $350,000 because I do need to correct them. I have not spoken personally to many of these Outlets and it's like the game of telephone where little things get subtly changed. I'm doing my best to stay on top of it and make sure all information is accurate
When you buy 17 segments - that's a planned 3.5 year cruise. Each segment is about 10k. Those segment fees are due 90 prior to the sailing. So she would have to pay for each segment 90 days ahead. Segment one would be paid three months prior to the May 15 (proposed date) inaugural. All together it's about 160K for the 3.5 world cruise. My friend is a passenger- in a solo inside cabin- that's how I know the pricing. My friend, like Jenny, also sold her home and car because she won't need either for at least 3.5 years. Passengers that enjoyed the world cruise- can also opt to buy a cabin and live on the ship for the reported 15 year life span (MIke stated that's the lifespan). Mike also said that there would be other ships in the fleet and that the residents can transfer their owner ship to one of their new ships if this ship doesn't last the 15 years. These are middle class Americans- not wealthy people. This was to be Jenny's "home" for the next 3.5 years and possibly beyond (had she enjoyed living on the ship)
She thinks cruisers are stuffy elitists? She got along great with everyone! Yet, they weren't really all her friends. Her story already doesn't add up.
@@michellejessey8654 maybe but of course there will be people with differing opinions so everyone who supports the company isn't necessarily going to be from the company.
That's not what she said. She said the people signing up for VV were/are "down to earth," more "older hippy vibe," the price point was intended for middle class explorers, and unlike the high-end ($$$$$) cruises, the people were not stuffy or elite types. At no point did she say, "cruisers are stuffy elitists." She also said she formed opinions based on her online interactions, as to who she thought she'd become friends with and who she didn't think she would, and once she met the people in person, she found out she was incorrect in some of her assumptions. That means perceptions of people online vs in-person are different, and you can't tell who you'll actually have chemistry with until you meet them (and she's right!) She said she "got along well with everyone she met," though of course not everyone was going to become a close friend (isn't that really kind of obvious?) It's *almost* like people don't actually listen to what's said vs their quick jump interpretation of what they think was said.
This is good to hear from a participant. Shame you couldnt have interviewed Jenny on Zoom as its a tad disconected just listening to a voice with no visual
Not sure what her actual complaint is -- other than the ship didn't meet the start date. She wasn't a resident, didn't actually buy a "villa", was just a tourist wanting to go on a segment. She was given food and hotel, even though the delay wasn't the fault of the owner and after she continuously and publicly complained to staff and residents, she was asked to go home . Again, she wasn't a resident, of course she should have been asked to go home.
This is Jenny and you are incorrect, I was a paid resident on the ship since December of last year. I reserved my cabin for the entire voyage and paid my deposit for the entire voyage and certain segments were paid in full. That is the payment plan I was on. Every paid passenger was referred to as a resident. And actually I am still a resident because I am still a paid passenger as I have not been refunded 100%.
@@J.A.Madventures For clarification- regardless of whether you are a segment passengers, an owner or a founder- there are terms and conditions on the website that apply to all passengers. It says that the passengers are not allowed to discuss the amount they paid for their cabins (voyage) and any proprietary information. Added to that would be contracts- that aren't posted on the website. Whenever you book a cruise you sign a contract. Most of us never read it though. I guess we should!
I'm glad you didn't dump this interview in one go. I'm enjoying the 10 minute segments every day. I wouldn't have listened to an hour long interview.
At what point do you just throw in the towel and say this is baloney and a scam?
Two months ago
@@michellejessey8654 At the least. 😅
For some, it might be never; this is the proverbial "hill they'll die on." If it were me, I'd probably be "3 strikes yer out," meaning blow 3 promised dates for initial sailing, and trust and good will has eroded. Once I see red flags flying, at that point, I'd be looking to implement an exit strategy.
You don’t you just stand there smile and repeat they are looking after us well . And keep saying delays happen.
@@mrsprivate1678 lol
Who would want to travel with any Company that has “spies” reading people’s concerns in private chats! It sounds like a “Stepford Wife” boat. What if someone has a legitimate safety concern? Problem with their room? I can’t imagine anyone, at this point, wanting to be a part of this!
If they spent more time- say actually working on the interiors of the ship and making it exceptional instead of leaving it old and dated- it would be time well spent.
@@rebeccahowell6538 Yes, the photos of the lounges and cabins look like they are from 1997.
They are sketchy af. There's so much more that the rest of the customers are going to experience. This doesn't sound legit at all. I feel horrible for all the people that invested in this.
@@dsr8223 Those mattresses have seen better days as well.
So far this is far from the story we were all led to believe. I'm glad we're getting her side in an easy laid back manner.
Absolutely no way I would sail on this ship. No maintenance records?? Nah, I'm good. I can only imagine this ship hitting some choppy waters. This is all being done with a lick and a promise. No way.
It may split in two
Jenny sounds level headed, willing to be flexible to a point, well spoken, friendly, open minded, smart, thorough, educated and easy to laugh. That being said, sometimes internet personas don't match real life.. (I'm kidding, I believe she is those things)
I agree. She seems very friendly and wise to the ways of business. The decision to join Villa Vie Odyssey clearly wasn't taken lightly and she was smart to choose the pay as you go option. Sure, it cost more, but it truly minimized her risk in an unproven business and concept.
It's horrible that she's out $30k, but a wise litigator should be able to get her money back due to Villa Vie's contract not including the T&Cs, instead pointing to a website where the T&Cs could easily be changed. HOWEVER, the internet archive can be employed to locate the website terms and conditions on the day that Jenny signed her contract and it probably will be determined that she didn't violate any agreement that she made by signing on that day.
Those after her may not be as lucky, because my gut is saying this is going to go the way of LAS and there won't be money to refund the other passengers.
What if they get out to sea and decide to kick you off? Are you forced to walk a plank? Red flags are going up like crazy, I hope people are paying attention.
They have a "brig" on every ship (probably just a cabin with a guard). This is too cult-like, time share-y- scary.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me
This lady is well spoken and sounds pretty sharp. I hate that she got caught up in this mess. That said, my guess is that the money spent on the nice hotels was likely money that the guests had paid for their cabins. So in the end, it sounds like these folks were actually paying their own expenses.
Yes- I was humbled when I was scammed by someone. It can happen to anyone in various walks of life. I was scammed at age 55. Made it all that way without getting scammed and thought I was teflon.
@@rebeccahowell6538 Yes, it can happen to the best of them. Instinct and trust can only take you so far, and a good mixture of the two is still no guarantee. Ronald Reagan said it best - Trust but verify.
@@doughooks7411 I sold my cute little condo to start a life with a conman (obviously didn't know). When my dream life came crashing down- it was so heartbreaking. That's how I was conned. it wasn't the money. It was that I thought my life was going in a certain direction. To have Jenny's dream of living affordably at sea- it's really sad for her. She has to go back to her old life- having sold everything. She thought she'd be living this cool life at sea! I really feel for her. I know how disappointing it is. It's like- wow- I have to start all over again- now what? Time heals all wounds though. Jenny will just find a new adventure. Life goes on.
@@rebeccahowell6538 I am so sorry this happened to you. By nature, I am not a very trusting person, and maybe that has robbed me of some amazing opportunities. But, I have learned in my 58 years that God opens some doors when others get closed. I have learned that everything happens in His time and not mine. I thank God for giving me the patience to trust in Him, and knowing and believing in Him. What a gift.
@@doughooks7411 Thank you. It was 4 years ago but now- I'm like you- not very trusting. We all feel it in our gut when something just isn't right. I think, in the past, I pushed those doubts aside. Go with your gut
I'm enjoying the interview!
They dont want to buy the bond they need in order to pick up in usa. The same bond the life at sea didnt have
Thank you for that because I was scratching my head so hard trying to figure out why they didn't let everyone go home and just pick up from the East Coast when the ship was ready (FINALLLLLLLY).
@@arich9326 they cant. The bond ensures the cruise. Its expensive and charged per person
U.S. Coast Guard inspections are also very tough
@@WASD-MVME they dont want to try to pass those either. Just the very bare minimum
@@michellejessey8654 🚩🚩🚩
I was wondering what the hold up was, They're terrified of making port in the US and being responsible for that bond.
Yes would get fined
As usual what is really interesting is the difference between what the CEO has said and what he subsequently does. When he left Life At Sea he positively ranted about how horrible it was that LAS didn't have a Performance Bond. LAS was going to have one but when they looked into it more and also how expensive it was, they dropped it and instead of having passengers board in Miami, they were going to send them to the Bahamas to board. Fast forward to that same CEO now having his own company and he too dropped the idea of having a Performance Bond and he too dropped US ports and he too was going to have passengers board in the Bahamas instead. Just as that CEO also went on worldwide press and called LAS' ship unseaworthy (when he had chosen that company and its ship to carry out his vision of a world cruise) and then he started his own company and bought Gemini's sister ship (same age/built by same builder at same time). The story is as he spins it or re-spins it in the moment.
Mike Petterson has no integrity. @@RetiredZGrt
@@RetiredZGrt The crew said months ago that Mike hadn't submitted US Visas for the crew. So Mike knew at least two months ago that he was lopping off the US ports. I'd be very unhappy had I bought a cabin. Most people are Americans and they have friends, family, possibly homes, and doctors in the US and could have spent time connecting with these people- or buying things or having things delivered by Amazon for their cabins and such. To remove the whole of the US (and I assume he would be lopping off the west coast of the US too) is reason enough to ask for a refund. Just appalling this bait and swtich. The founders and residents may not have the option of a refund if they don't act now. Once the ship has set sail- then they didn't act in a timely manner. I guess they are gambling on this venture to succeed. I'd never believe a word of management. At this point -knowing they can just remove you from the vessel for stating the truth about the company is all I'd need to ask for a refund.
@@RetiredZGrt Very interesting! It's all in the details and comparing what was said, done, not done, undone, promised, unpromised, etc.
I'd NEVER trust a company that does something like this. WOW
thank you for the story. Very nice.
Finally, I get something close to a number. I kept thinking this whole time for this to work there had to be a minimally viable number, a number of people buying in a number of people paying the monthly fee. There has to be that magic number to be able to cover expenses, fuel provisions, etc. And I couldn't put that number together in my head. I would love to hear that number if somebody has a better idea of that. That minimumly viable number of residents before this thing can even work
I dont think any of us would know that
@@michellejessey8654 Since Mike's #s are dubious at best. It looks like there are 200-300 residents and the rest are segment passengers. He claimed (in May) that there was a loan on the vessel and 52 million in reserves. Since that time- VVR has spent millions on repairs and entertaining and housing the passenger. I would imagine they've spent 5 million per month on repairs and carrying cost.
@@rebeccahowell6538 i dont believe one word he says about anything
From what I have heard, none of the residents are being charged the monthly fee until they sail. This is such a mess. I truly hope it sails soon.
@@rebeccahowell6538 I believe the 300 # is the total of all passengers booked at present (buying cabins or segments in future). I believe they are setting sail with 200 on a ship with capacity for 924.
She sounds like such a nice older lady
Regarding VVR not paying her expenses, we have to remember that she was never an "owner". She booked a leg on the cruise, as a typical cruise ship passenger. She did not "buy" a cabin, which involved paying a chunk of cash to VVR. I would certainly expect VVR to have different reimbursement policies for "owners" vs. "renters".
Unfortunately that's incorrect. She booked all ~17 segments for an entire 3.5 circumnavigation. According to the company website a 10% deposit is due on each segment booked and the remaining 90% of each segment is due 90days before the start date of that segment and it is nonrefundable at that point. That is a "chunk of cash to VVR ". Not like a "typical cruise passenger" booking a 1 week cruise.
@@RetiredZGrt According to her, the entire 3.5 years was to cost $160,000. She likely laid out somewhere around $30,000. I do not mean to trivialize that, but that is a fraction of the price of a cabin.
@@gaborsalamon not true the other woman who has been cancelled in an owner and she hasn’t gotten her money back either
@@KathleenHarrington-d5e I would very much like to have the facts about the other woman.
Sounds very unstable… The concept is lovely but the reality (being a former live aboard sailor on my own boat) is quite different.
15 yrs + onboard? What do you do when the ship is required to go into dry dock for repairs etc every 2 - 3 yrs? Disembark?
That's one of the first things I wondered about. Who is going to pay for you to live on land for months during the repairs? Do your shipboard monthly fees cease during that time? Is it in your contract?
@@dsr8223 They show a drydock in Singapore, I asked about it and they said you would be in a hotel and they would be picking up the tab for that.
Can someone explain what "Endless Horizons" on the Villa Vie is? Is it different from buying a cabin and paying the monthly fee? In Jenny's NY Post article it says she bought the Endless Horizons. Is this the same as pay as you go which sounds like you pay for each segment? I can see where she's very disappointed that this whole idea of residential cruising is falling apart, but she should be relieved that she didn't invest even more money into this.
I think endless thing is them preparing for fees a complete racket
That was an error in that story. She did not buy Endless Horizons ($300,000] she bought all segments of one 3.5 yr circumnavigation and she said in prior articles that if she liked it she would consider buying a cabin or the Endless Horizons program. You pay the $300,000 upfront and get your lifetime on the ship with no further monthly fees and can supposedly roll to a 2nd ship thereafter. That is, of course if the ship lasts 15 years (unlikely) as they said it will and if they buy another ship in the future which they said they would (originally the purchase was to have been announced in January and then it was to have been announced this summer except now the 1st one hasn't sailed and they've ruined their finances and reputation and it is doubtful anyone would lend them multimillions for a 2nd ship at this point).
@@RetiredZGrt well said
Yes that was incorrect and I asked them to correct it. I reserved the entire 3.5 years on the "Pay as you go" plan, one segment at a time, trying my best to protect myself financially. Had I sailed for a few months and everything was great I would have considered either Endless Horizons (flat fee for lifetime availability of a window cabin)or purchasing my cabin.
@@JennyatSea that endless horizons seems like a money grab. Likely using that to repair ship. If there is a bankruptcy its all gone.
Literally just the time share in a wet version, sounds scammy at the first place, lol
If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then I say F#$&!
You have said a few times there were 2 people kicked off. What is the story behind the other person?
She got kicked off and is owed over 100k
Lessons learned….use a lawyer to review these contracts specially for start up companies…
and keep them on retainer !!!
Full disclosure : I am a Villa (cabin) owner. In no way I want to talk about Jenny's story has it is hers not mine. All I want to say is that my experience has been way different then hers and I think its important to balance things. Did I have frustrations, disappointments etc etc ?? Absolutely. But one thing I admire from the owners is their absolute dedication to get this project going through all the bad surprises. I feel I have been kept inform as much as humanely possible by the owners of all the bads and the goods. Having started a business or 2 in my life, I understand how hard it is to plow a new route. To do something never done before. There was many mistakes done but the team kept rolling. And it pays off now that the ship is finally fully certified.
Talking about the ship, she was bought from a mainstream cruise line. But since she was unused for 4 years since COVID, had to be re-certified head to toe. She basically had to pass test like a brand new ship. One thing I can guarantee, she is now in a much better shape then most of mainstream cruise line ships.
I wish the best to Jenny.
Look at Belfast Saturday afternoon, there is a 90% possibility you will see this gorgeous lady leave harbor for this great adventure.
Pierre
Pierre, thank you so much for posting. I think it's important and healthy to hear different perspectives, and I appreciate hearing yours. My fingers are crossed that Saturday afternoon you'll be starting your life at sea! Best wishes.
This is going to get worse because even if they do manage to sail....there may be unexpected problems and my trust in the Owners and Captain would already be broken. Then you have a NDA where you can't complain or be evicted and lose all your $$. Then you have an HOA that will vote for what you can and cannot do on the Ship and raise fees based on unexpected costs and circumstances. And as more people leave....those that stay would have to cover for them. They will go bankrupt and I'm sure that's why they have there $$ in off shore accounts protected in case they do...
No literal HOA -just a group that acts as such.
@@JennyatSea Yes- and the founders are going to be woo-ing potential "residents"., but I doubt it's going to sail. Crew members have reported that this vessel is in the worst shape of any vessel they've seen. As of today- one worker stated catogorically that the ship will not pass inspection.
I would love more info about the NDA. I find that part fascinating. And the sales person tole me the HOA fee would remain the same regardless
@@alanamiller958 it's on the company website scroll very far down to the bottom to find a small link to Terms and Conditions and it's the 1st paragraph. It's been posted before in comments on these videos
there is no such thing as privacy. If you post anything, count on it being shared.
I guess your not listening She spoke out in private what’s app group not on Social media
@@KathleenHarrington-d5e Whether WhatsApp is a messaging app or social media might not be the point. To assume your messages in a group context are private to that group and will remain so is complete nonsense. Someone in that group provided her messages to an entity outside of the group and perhaps directly to VV management. She very stupidly assumed her messages would be held in confidence by the group she so naively trusted.
100%. Privacy is confiding in your cat or dog, and even they need to get the occasional side-eye. Tell one other human and expect what you said to be shared (and then often nuanced into something you didn't say).
@@KathleenHarrington-d5e A group chat doesn't mean members of the group can't or won't repeat things others said in the chat to people outside the chat, or take screenshots of the chat and share those with other people outside the group. There is only "privacy" when you don't tell anyone anything (and only disclose info and your thoughts to your lawyer, priest/rabbi/spiritual advisor, or therapist, as they all have to maintain confidentiality in most cases).
@@crimson-crimson Well- they started a group chat for residents. I'm sure that others complained too. Sounds like they wanted to make an example out of Jenny. That let other's know to walk the party line- first rule of VV, don't talk about how sucky Villa Vie is
Btw Jeff, its Phenix 😁
lol How the heck did THAT happen??? It does make you sound more exotic though. Off to the editing room I go...
Seems like another couple was praising the cruise line and their room has been upgraded😮😮. They now have left Ireland!!!.
Yes, I think I understood them to say they were temporarily moved from their inside cabin to an ocean view cabin during the remodel, but they they announced in a subsequent YT video that they were being allowed to keep the window cabin without paying for the upgrade. Regularly singing VV's praises paid off for them... if the ship ever actually sails.
They said they left because they said they could not afford to pay the expenses to stay and wait since the cruise company was no longer covering the hotel etc. So they went back to Georgia. The husband needed a medical checkup (he has a pacemaker) so it worked out cheaper to return to the states until it was actually starting to sail.
@@dsr8223 According to Angela and Steve- they negotiated for the outside cabin. They signed an NDA so they can't say exactly what they purchased it for. There are fees involved with each cabin type. An outside cabin's monthly fees are much more than the inside. So over time- Angela and Steve will be paying considerably more for the outside cabin.
@@rebeccahowell6538 unless none of it costs them anymore, neither the cabin itself nor the monthly fees because they are making continual Relentlessly Positive videos which benefit the company. It was a trade - good ongoing PR for nicer living quarters.
@@rebeccahowell6538 Unless they negotiated to keep the inside cabin monthly rate, too.
Have they been paying there monthly $3k/mth fees during all this?
From what I have heard, they are not paying the monthly fees until they sail.
Do we know if this is per cabin or per person? Then, what about the couple who bought 3 cabins and did the renovation? They had to make some kind of deal because that limits $6,000 per month that could be collected.
@@cookieisacutieSo, when VV was paying for their hotels and their meals on board, the passengers were basically living for free (sorta). Not a bad deal for a short term vacation, but I'm sure they were tired of it weeks ago.
@@dsr8223 not really because they'd already purchased a cabin (in whole or paid a portion thus far) and had already paid for Segment 1 if they were booking by segment as well as paying a 10% deposit on each future segment they had booked. And they should have been aboard already where their lodging and food and most drinks and some entertainment and travel would have been covered
No, all monthly fees were suspended until sailing
I would not trust it
This ship was in cold storage for four years …..just abandoned…almost….🙀will it ever be safe to sail on?
You can watch an episode put out by VVR about how they found the ship. It's on RUclips called. Episode 2 Chief Engineer to get a feel for the condition of the ship after sitting for four years.
I really wish you would just post the entire interview.
me too
He's milking it for views. Villa Vie has proven to be a driver of views, likes and comments. All of this results in more revenue for him. This isn't a means by which to get out information about Villa Vie, it's a means to attract eyeball$.
@@jayjoans186 Actually, I wish Jeff was a bit more cynical, but I appreciate that he is just stating the facts, and not wildly speculating. If he makes money- that's great. It takes time and energy to put out content
I liked that it was separated by time between the two interviews. He didn’t edit anything. Just gave us bitesize chunks. No problem!
Jenny sounds like a nice woman but the media is misrepresenting this lady's financial interest in the ship. She didn't buy a cabin, she paid for a few segments of trips, but there was no ownership. Too bad she sold her home, but that's not the fault of Villa Vie. Jenny still got some free meals and a free P&O cruise out of the deal. Comparing the Villa Vie to a condominium, Jenny made a deal to rent a unit for a period of time but didn't own it. One article I read implied that she lost $350,000 on the deal, and that can not be true. The room and fee prices are clearly stated on the Villa Vie website.
This is Mike again or his son or uncle
Clearly Mike thinks we are dumb. Luke started popping up defending Villa Vie after the Gerrie person was busted. Embarassing
Hi this is Jenny and you are correct I rented the segments and how to deposit on the entire cruise. The other woman kicked off did purchase a cabin and she is out tens of thousands of dollars. Please let me know where you saw the article stating I lost $350,000 because I do need to correct them. I have not spoken personally to many of these Outlets and it's like the game of telephone where little things get subtly changed. I'm doing my best to stay on top of it and make sure all information is accurate
When you buy 17 segments - that's a planned 3.5 year cruise. Each segment is about 10k. Those segment fees are due 90 prior to the sailing. So she would have to pay for each segment 90 days ahead. Segment one would be paid three months prior to the May 15 (proposed date) inaugural. All together it's about 160K for the 3.5 world cruise. My friend is a passenger- in a solo inside cabin- that's how I know the pricing. My friend, like Jenny, also sold her home and car because she won't need either for at least 3.5 years. Passengers that enjoyed the world cruise- can also opt to buy a cabin and live on the ship for the reported 15 year life span (MIke stated that's the lifespan). Mike also said that there would be other ships in the fleet and that the residents can transfer their owner ship to one of their new ships if this ship doesn't last the 15 years. These are middle class Americans- not wealthy people. This was to be Jenny's "home" for the next 3.5 years and possibly beyond (had she enjoyed living on the ship)
@@JennyatSea who but Mike would be correcting these details. Go fix the ship.
She thinks cruisers are stuffy elitists? She got along great with everyone! Yet, they weren't really all her friends. Her story already doesn't add up.
Another fake account from villa vie
@@michellejessey8654 maybe but of course there will be people with differing opinions so everyone who supports the company isn't necessarily going to be from the company.
@@RetiredZGrtmany Villa vie shills
She specifically made the point that VVR residents/travellers did not match that stereotype. I find her account believable.
That's not what she said. She said the people signing up for VV were/are "down to earth," more "older hippy vibe," the price point was intended for middle class explorers, and unlike the high-end ($$$$$) cruises, the people were not stuffy or elite types. At no point did she say, "cruisers are stuffy elitists." She also said she formed opinions based on her online interactions, as to who she thought she'd become friends with and who she didn't think she would, and once she met the people in person, she found out she was incorrect in some of her assumptions. That means perceptions of people online vs in-person are different, and you can't tell who you'll actually have chemistry with until you meet them (and she's right!) She said she "got along well with everyone she met," though of course not everyone was going to become a close friend (isn't that really kind of obvious?) It's *almost* like people don't actually listen to what's said vs their quick jump interpretation of what they think was said.
This is good to hear from a participant. Shame you couldnt have interviewed Jenny on Zoom as its a tad disconected just listening to a voice with no visual
Not sure what her actual complaint is -- other than the ship didn't meet the start date. She wasn't a resident, didn't actually buy a "villa", was just a tourist wanting to go on a segment. She was given food and hotel, even though the delay wasn't the fault of the owner and after she continuously and publicly complained to staff and residents, she was asked to go home . Again, she wasn't a resident, of course she should have been asked to go home.
This is Jenny and you are incorrect, I was a paid resident on the ship since December of last year. I reserved my cabin for the entire voyage and paid my deposit for the entire voyage and certain segments were paid in full. That is the payment plan I was on. Every paid passenger was referred to as a resident. And actually I am still a resident because I am still a paid passenger as I have not been refunded 100%.
@@JennyatSea No, you actually said you were not a resident who bought a villa. You paid for a segment. That was from your own interview.
@@michaelschweitzer7267she was not a resident who bought a villa, she was a resident who paid a segment ….the majority understood her.
@@J.A.Madventures For clarification- regardless of whether you are a segment passengers, an owner or a founder- there are terms and conditions on the website that apply to all passengers. It says that the passengers are not allowed to discuss the amount they paid for their cabins (voyage) and any proprietary information. Added to that would be contracts- that aren't posted on the website. Whenever you book a cruise you sign a contract. Most of us never read it though. I guess we should!
Agree ! But every passenger liked her!