This seems to be the only RUclips channel that is attempting a balanced view and allowing open discussion. I honestly do wish the existing residents well. It seems there are a lot of lovely people on board who have paid in good faith, including the two main RUclips couples who I do like and support. A third couple have just joined the RUclips party who give every appearance of being VVR subsidised supporters. They are two wealthy, intelligent men (DC Hidden Gems). I have asked them directly several times if they are affiliated with VVR and am hoping they will have enough integrity to confirm one way or the other. In the meantime, Jeff, the responsibility of transparency remains heavily on your shoulders! UPDATE: DC Hidden Gems have now replied to my questions and confirmed they bought their own cabin and are not affiliated with VVR. They stated in response to one of my questions "We have no affiliation beyond having bought a cabin". UPDATE one week later they released a second video and wrote in the comments that they are in fact Founders and that they "added extra funds" on top of the cost of their cabin. So, Founders and liars in a nutshell.
Thanks for asking them Julien. So far I have not seen them (DC Hidden) delete any comments. Now Midlife and Livinglifeonacruise are Extremely Diligent Deleters. Also you should know that Midlife is also compensated by VV. Midlife purchased an inside cabin on Deck 3 and was permanently upgraded to a window cabin on Deck 4. Additionally they have a link on their YT for people to buy a VV Segment. Also if what was reported in the comments here that residents were asked to pay VV an additional $8000 or their shipboard credits would become null, Midlife was exempted from that. They have received very close to the compensation they asked for and they can continue to use their shipboard credits and don't have to start paying their monthly dues for a number of additional months. They are working hard producing Very Bright & Happy YTs for VV and are being compensated for that.
@@RetiredZGrt is my opinion that anybody who makes overly positive comments about this venture is probably compensated. Also, they have every incentive to make this venture work because if it goes down, so does their investments so any resident would want to speak positively about the venture to the best of their ability.
They are all, at the very least, receiving a referral fee from VVR for people who enquire and subsequently book or buy. This is what the Code number means in the small print, though nobody is volunteering to disclose how much it is and I don't remember. It was mentioned briefly long ago. It's quite high - a percentage. The receiving of a fee does not have to mean that unbiased commentary isn't possible. Rather, that can be determined by the content. So far, nothing else I've seen is unbiased - only this channel and comments. And to be clear Jeff is not receiving a referal fee - no referral code. Does any resident remember the referral fee details? it was probably only mentioned once, either back in 2023 or early in 2024. Or can VVR confirm?
@@julienstanding2367 well this may be true. Whose laws are they breaking what country it may be possible that in the country whose laws applied to this transaction they’re not breaking the wall.
@@julienstanding2367 So far no one is being held accountable for anything. VV back in February, April and May heavily advertised a 3 cabin ( 6 month free travel giveaway contest for 6 people on all their channels- website, fb, instagram, TikTok etc. The original advertising in February was all 3 cabins to be awarded on April 1. After that date passed, they advertised for all 3 cabins 6 months free travel to be awarded on May 1. Instead on May 1 they changed the contest again and announced 1 six month trip would be awarded on May 1 and another on June 1 and another on July 1. On May 4 they showed a video of a phone call speaking to a British sounding woman whose first name was mentioned, but it was impossible to catch, being told she had won. Then the June 1 and July 1 giveaways NEVER happened. That violates the Truth In Advertising law which does cover contests and contests can't be changed after advertising the rules and features. But I'm sure it netted VV quite a few email addresses for those who signed up to the contest that didn't happen.
I’m just scared for them on their crossing of the Atlantic if you saw what happened recently on a royal Caribbean ship I don’t know what they would do if that happened on their ship
@@BeanieBabyTrader So far they have had Moderate breezes and Moderate waves. They had been going 14 knots through the first day and a half but today they have slowed down to 10 knots. They look to be about 1/2 way there.
@@RetiredZGrt I just checked myself. They’re out the middle Atlantic. I hope they have good weather forecast, but there’s always the possibility of a rogue wave or something that turns up that they can’t see the forecast. I think that’s what happened to Royal Caribbean because I’m sure they wouldn’t have intentionally sailed into a storm.
So much drama.. No rogue wave. From today's USA Today; Royal Caribbean passenger injured after ship's 'sudden movement' due to wind A Royal Caribbean International passenger was injured after one of its cruise ships was hit by strong wind. The cruise line’s Explorer of the Seas “experienced sudden movement” during an unexpected gust of wind near Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands @@BeanieBabyTrader
As some of you pointed out, Villa Vie just launched the new Tour La Vie program. Maybe this is a video that Jeff will do at some point, but is this correct as to all the different categories of customers (as opposed to cabins) on this cruise? 1. Founders - these are the folks that have financed the endeavor at the outset and have a profit stake in it. They likely each have a unique private arrangement with the company regarding any additional payments/fees. 2. Owners - these are folks who pay a single fixed fee for the cabin for 15 years, and have to pay a monthly fee that never goes up. They can exit the venture at any time and theoretically get part of their fixed fee back - for example, any owner could bail right now in the first year and supposedly get 60% of their fee back. Not a total loss but does make for some interesting game theory analysis. 3. Segment buyers (also known as "Pay as You Go") - folks who join for a particular segment, which are varied in length but have a fixed itinerary. There is no monthly fee, but full payment is due 6 months before the segment starts. So, for example, folks that are going on the segment starting December 18th in Panama City have already paid in full. What happens if the segment is cancelled - is there a refund? (I'd be steamed if I thought I was doing a South America/Antarctica trip and Villa Vie announced that the ship was not doing that anymore but staying in the Caribbean instead.) 4. Renters - they have a private contract with owners to rent a cabin 5. Tour La Vie - single up-front fee for one to four years, without the monthly fee. Not sure what the lead time is on payment. 6. Endless Horizons program - Pay up front and pay nothing more for the rest of your life (no monthly fee). Can transfer to other ships in the company. Any others? It's head-spinning. It would seem to me that, given the recent history of this ship, if one absolutely had to be on board this social experiment, the best play to join would be to wait until the day before a segment starts and then pay by credit card in case the whole thing goes belly up on the next day. And add a clause in the contract that says you get your money back if the segment doesn't stop at, say, at least 50% of the advertised ports. Just thinking out loud.
6. Endless Horizons program. Pay 350k up front and pay nothing more for the rest of your life. Can transfer to other ships in the company. All the deals are pretty good if only the company can stay solvent 🙏 Agree at this point Segments paid by Credit Card seem the wisest choice.
@DonS-g1x A few comments numbered per your points: 2. "single fixed fee for the cabin for 15 years" This "15 years" is a real tricky point and residents love to cite it. HOWEVER if you look at the VV contract what backs up this 15 year guarantee? Villa Vie Residentces. An actual guarantee would be backed by a bond or by insurance. This is backed by the company itself. Therefore if the company goes bankrupt, or decides to exit the business as not profitable, there is no guarantee and no 15 years. "They can exit the venture at any time and get part of their fixed fee back" They can only get the % buyback IF the company both decides to honor it AND has the required cash to provide the refund when requested. Both are very in doubt due to the present state of the company finances. 3. Segment buyers - A deposit is owed on every segment booked (ie book 10 segments and pay the deposit % for each). Interestingly the deposit was initially 10% for each segment booked (5% if you were former Life At Sea and at least 40 of them signed up). Then at some point post launch, the deposit due was increased to 25% and that was still in place as of 10/22. Well now the deposit due is 50% (help! We need funds!!). 6 months prior to segment start date the deposit is 100% refundable (if they have the money to return to you). 90 days prior to each segment start date it is 0% refundable. You aren't refunded if they skip ports including the port you were intending to embark or disembark at. The contract says they can skip any port at any time for any reason. They have used this frequently and liberally so far and always at the last minute. 4. Renters (the bottom of the ship hierarchy according to a Founder's post and per an Endless Horizon person "they aren't emotionally loyal". "is there anyone on board who fits this." I know of 1 LAS person who was into LAS for hundreds of thousands and got no refund who is renting from VV residents. 5. Tour La Vie- great name. Money is due upfront (Help! We need cash!!) 6. To Julien's point on Endless Horizons about transferring to other VV ships (this is supposed to be a for-your-lifetime program), VV initially said they would add a 2nd ship in January 2024 and that it, unlike Odyssey, would be $100MM. Then they said the 2nd ship would be summer 2024. It is unlikely this 2nd ship will ever materialize and most certainly not in the near to medium term. VV has ruined their finances and their reputation to such an extent, combined with the very low occupancy of the current ship, that there is no way any financial institution would loan them multi millions for another ship. The Endless Horizons program was debuted in May when the company should have launched and they needed $$ as they knew they weren't launching and were instead still in dry dock. It was supposed to be limited to 20 cabins. 2 weeks post debuting the program they sent emails telling people to join a Wait List. However they kept advertising the program and it's still available today so it seems the 20 cabin limit was never hit.
@@RetiredZGrt So I guess the "Segment buyers" are also called "Pay as you go" on the VV website. And the payment is due 6 months in advance according to the website: "Pay the balance 180 days before embarkation." Not sure how much is refundable after that date. I obviously have a different level of risk tolerance that those on board, but can't imagine paying 6 months in advance for a destination that has good likelihood of not happening. I'm sure the response is something like "well, you have to pay Disney or Royal Caribbean x months in advance and they can change the itinerary." That's true, but it is infrequent and the embarkation and debarkation points aren't usually in flux. (I'll edit my orginal post to add Endless Horizons per Julien's comment.)
@@DonS-g1x for Royal and Celebrity, final payment due is 90 days prior, after paying what sometimes can be a nominal deposit (eg book on board for your next cruise and put down a deposit of $100 or $200). And, if schedules get significantly screwed up you typically get refunds and or future cruise credits. And, these cruise lines have more financial stability and resources, so if you are due a refund, you pretty much get them quickly. I think those who pull out the argument that "these things" also happen on the big cruise lines, and the new ships, are trying to create a false equivalency... the experiences are not the same, nor are the day to day on board experiences.
I’m following your channel as a refreshing alternative to the VVR cheerleaders who are clearly being compensated for their efforts to promote this doomed venture. I’ve reached the stage where I can’t watch any more of their nonsense. I know they (eg Midlife Cruisers) will delete my comments, but like many others I will continue to ask questions that should receive a straight answer. Keep up the good work - yours is the only channel that has an ounce of integrity!
I think I figured out midlife, cruising there are a couple of American retirees who have an average level of income, but they wanna live like their ultra wealthy and that’s why they are living in Nicaragua instead of living in normal life in the US and that’s why they’re on this cruise because they’re trying to live like multi millionaires on a regular retirees income. And they don’t care about the substandard conditions on the cruise because they live in Nicaragua, which has substandard conditions compared to the average American lifestyle, no disrespect to midlife, cruising or Nicaragua, but they’re essentially trying to carve a path at a lower cost than what they can really afford. And I think they are the perfect spokesman forthis venture because essentially that’s what it is. It’s a venture where people wanna live beyond their means and are looking for a cheap way to do it and this is what they get.
@@BeanieBabyTrader II asked Midlife Cruisers if they were given a free cabin upgrade in return for their positive RUclips videos. Interestingly I received a reply saying "No" that they negotiated a "fair upgrade" and 50% of the current owners upgraded once onboard. If this statement is to be believed (and I have no reason to doubt their claim), then it would appear that people are being persuaded to part with even more money to support VVR. I wonder if the monthly fees are now based on the higher cabin categories.
@@AmandaHaley-x3z Yes I had posted about that in October. It was one in a series of actions VV took to "mine" their current residents for more money when they were failing to sell very many more cabins to new passengers. After getting $2MM more from Founders then offering current residents 10% discount for prepaying segments and monthly fees (at the Founders suggestion per the email because the Founders didn't want to have to give more), then came the upgrade scheme. Residents could benefit VV and help them through a difficult financial period by upgrading to more expensive cabins. After seeing their unremodeled 130sqft inside cabins with no virtual window the majority had purchased , it was an easier decision.
@@BeanieBabyTrader Yes, that, in essence, is exactly what it is for them. "Affordable Perpetual Cruising" is the whole point of this product. Whether that was ever realistic or not, I can't say. I can't blame a couple if their personal expectations are more...flexible. They seem to be happy just cruising around, and after a 4-month delay in getting started, their expectations were lowered. They've said they will, eventually, sublet out their cabin and maybe cruise part of the year and do other travel or visit family/friends during the months they're not on VVR.
@ it seems reasonable to me that if you have somebody who’s already bought in and you’ve got an empty higher grade cabin it seems worth it to take whatever you can from them to move them up to the higher grade cabin and then they have a cheaper cabin for selling to a new person so it seems like a win-win for all
Excellent points. But they are upside down financially and treading water. Hope they can see relief and focus on their clients. Good luck Ville Vie and Residences it is an awesome concept.
@@lynnfranklin5098 well the concept is good. It’s like trying to produce a brand new Mercedes-Benz quality car for under $10,000. It just can’t be done profitably so it’s either gonna be a situation where somebody infuse a lot of cash to keep it going or it’s gonna go belly up.
I agree with everything you have mentioned in this video regarding the Villa Vie and her management. I also was a business owner for starting from scratch in 1988 and recently sold out for a very good profit. This could not have been done without good customer service and attention to detail over the years. Without customers I would have had no business. I did pick up a lot of my customers from competition due to attention to detail and hard work. You can't catch and retain customers with promises and a broken product that doesn't perform 100%.
Their support staff and attention to detail is far above any cruise line I have ever traveled. It's not a broken product, it's just all the haters that wants it to fail....so sad!! Would you like it if everybody wanted to shoot down your start up company in 1988 ?Are things perfect? Was everything perfect with your start up? Or did you have to make adjustments as you built your business. Think about it!
@@richard-lifecrusier6488 You must not have traveled very much. I have cruised for 23 years, over 550 days at sea, around the world. I am not saying it is a broken product, but it could sure use more attention to detail. I stand by my statement.
We are approaching 6 months since one of the original launch dates, with 4.5 months of delays and 1.5 months of travel. I wonder how many of those on (and on/off) board feel they are getting the shipboard cruising and land exploring experience they were expecting, or whether it is exceeding or less than expectations, and whether they are paying (and costing them) what they expected, or costing them more or less than expected.
It looks like management underestimated the costs to rehabilitate this aging ship. And it looks like they're trying to avert a financial crisis. If the company goes belly-up, then everyone loses. I hope they can get back on track so everyone gets to have their dream, both management and passengers.
Basically, this is a condominium at sea for all intents and purposes. anybody who lives in a condo should know that the condo board can make special assessments at any time when the need arises. Unfortunately, for the residence, I think that time has come.
@@dlgregory35 This is exactly what it's about. They have no idea at all about operating a cruise ship. Someone just came up with an idea of how to make some money. The only person with any skill is the one that convinced all these people to hand over their money, unless there was a lot of lying involved. Then again, which sales person doesn't lie, you still need to be good enough to get people to hand over their money.
@@mrsnaoum Yes- it's true and Joe Rhodes posted the same thing. I also heard it from another passenger. So that's what is being asked by VVR but the passengers are balking at this. If they refuse to pay (as a collective) then VVR will backpedal again. The passengers are smart not to pony up more money for this venture.
Where did Joe Rhodes post this about $8000,- and bankruptcy? Not at Substack. There he mentions an average deduction from the OBC of $8800,- because of a new, sudden "maintenance fee", but no mention of any bankruptcy.. @rebeccahowell6538
@@rebeccahowell6538 That's exactly why VV didn't apply this to Midlife. Now Angela doesn't have to post a tearful video to her followers how VV is asking for $$ from them. So now there is no rallying point and no wide publicity and most passengers are both afraid to defend their rights (because of VV's spiteful reactions but also because of the extreme social pressure from other passengers) and also afraid VV will stop sailing and their dreams will be goneif they don't pony up.
The management of the Villa Vie is trying to sell a dream for a price people can afford. This price that they are charging does not reflect the true cost of a quality residential ship experience. Therefore, the only solution to fix the issues on this ship is a large infusion of cash. Without thethe necessary funding, this venture cannot succeed.
There are quite a number of old ships operating especially in the luxury or ultra luxury market but they have been re-built and some have been rebuilt so well they have qualified with such as Lloyds as new ships.
Thre are quite a number of old ships operating at the moment and many are considered luxury or ultra luxury ships but their owners have updated these ships.
100% agree with your points. I get frequent emails from Villa Vie marketing. I don’t know how they realistically expect to sell future segments with the current situation that is so publicly broadcasted. In today’s social media world, you can’t disguise issues, so solve them. Like you,I wish them success because the idea was good (except for the part about buying such an old hull) but the execution poor. I absolutely would not invest in them currently.
As PT Barnum purported to say, "There's a sucker born every minute." They'll sell a few more cabins and/or segments before it all comes crashing down, unfortunately.
23% occupied at present, 30% occupied after passengers board in Barbados and 53% occupancy for any passenger that has paid any deposit for a cabin or any segment for the entire voyage.
@@dlgregory35 I made a post elsewhere on this video of the actual numbers and where they came from. I believe it would be difficult for anyone who has paid a deposit (or god forbid paid 100% for a cabin) to pull out because I don't think VV would be willing or able to refund them at this point. Per the contract the deposit should be 100% refundable 6 months prior to the start of your boarding date (or segment start date). 90 days from boarding/segment start date 0% is refundable. So even if someone is due a refund, would they get it? The only sure way to "pull out" at this point is to walk away from the cruise and from your money.
Jennie and Bonny dodged a bullet!!! Not only would I NOT want to cruise with a resident/s that go running to management about a PRIVATE conversation like a nasty 8 year old, but the ship is falling apart….To Jennie and Bonny I say: you are so lucky not to be on that ship of disasters!
Keep forgetting to mention there is a new person on the Meet the Team page on their website "Resident Services Manager ". Been there a week or 2 at most. Even though residents parroted VV's line throughout the summer "they are so transparent with us" all the while they were being lied to "we're leaving in a week", the primary complaint many residents posted about post launch including Midlife was that communications were severely lacking. That's part of the role of this new person because the residents were so unhappy about the communications.
That's such a funny and untrue statement, maybe you should stay retired and keep your nose out of other peoples business...just saying! Another armchair bandit! Keep clicking, watching, listening and writing you are doing so well for yourself.
I’ve owned a successful business for over 30 years you are absolutely correct. Saying they are falling short is kind. They are guilty of deceptive advertising and business practices. They have not delivered what they promised to people who purchased residences that’s just a fact. The ship is not completely repaired and updated or as advertised and God bless those who stay onboard for this crossing. This company sold a dream but not a reality. 200 a day for months until they cut even that off as people waited in Belfast is nothing compared to what they themselves had to spend to wait week after week month after month as sail date was constantly postponed. Unplanned expenses no less with a promise for it to be returned on onboard spending. Now the company wants to take back that promise too. Many couldn’t even return to their homes they had sold to take part of this cluster. Villa V should be thanking them for their patience and their additional funds they were forced to spend. Personally the censorship of any resident would have done it for me. I wouldn’t want to be on a ship or in a community where I wasn’t free to speak my mind. I find the cheerleaders Pathetic and some we know have been compensated in some way to keep cheering. An upgraded cabin from an interior or other perks taints their cheers. They are clearly desperate to sell cabins and segments because without the money flowing in it all ends. That isn’t the fault of anyone unhappy with the lies the company sold them it falls back squarely on the villa v company. So I don’t have any respect for those pushing how wonderful it is who have a vested interest to bilk others out of their hard earned money. Imagine the expense of sailing that ship with only a couple hundred people onboard and more issues with the ship continue to go wrong. It can’t sustain itself. The company’s reputation is already tarnished because they’ve done that to themselves by not delivering what they’ve promised.
The dream is turning into a nightmare. Feel sorry for the captive residents who can’t complain because they will be kicked off or torpedo the need for new suckers to buy into the false tales.
I think anybody who didn’t learn a lesson from the failure of life at C and chose to continue on with this venture certainly did not do their due diligence. In the US we have securities laws that require you to provide a perspective before you buy securities. I know this is not a security, but it certainly an investment and in that way I would want to do my diligence just like I would wanna investigate the condo board before I bought a condominium.
According to VV's November 9 press release touting their new money grab...err.. I mean their Tour La Vie program , "Villa Vie Odyssey will be hosting familiarity events, inviting press, media and special guests throughout the rest of the Caribbean until the end of the year." Ugh more free trips in exchange for positive news they can't otherwise get as they to try to fill those 62% of empty cabins (after the Barbados boarding).
@@SherryStern the fb account is still there but he stopped comments and quit posting there months ago. He's on substack, hilarious wit but infrequent posts and per Jeff, he exited in Dakar (along with 40-50 other residents per my post above).
Some residents are blaming solo residents over the expenses, the Grinners being a vocal couple, it seems one or two resident couples are acting as shipboard police informants.
Who would want to even be on a ship with some of these people who act as informants? They’ve already had 2 women booted. 2 women who made major life changes to be on this ship to live. Founders who invested in this company would want to silence the people who simply wanted to live this life. All they would care about is making money on their investment.
Mike gave the passengers $200 per person per day right? That's what was stated. A couple could live comfortably on $200 per person sharing a hotel room. A solo passenger would have to use all $200 on a hotel room in Belfast during high season- summer. Either VVR made it clear that it was $200 a day or not. But if anyone cancelled their cruise- they aren't refunded the per diems. They are deducted from the refund. VVR has all the power here
@@simonhaines3441why anyone trusted this guy is beyond me. I said repeatedly- have you been reimbursed for your per diems and no they had not. They were held hostage with false promises. Now VVR has rescinded on the per diems. Each passenger now is being told to pony up $8000.00 and if they do- then they will get the remaining per diems as shipboard credits. That's right- they are telling residents that if they don't pony up $8000 now, they won't get the per diems. They said if the residents don't pay 8k- they will run out of money by segment four
Friends are currently on a west bound Transatlantic on a Royal Caribbean ship, and got hit by 80 MPH winds, lots of broken glass and apparently have turned around to head back to the Canary Islands. I hope the Odyssey wasn't caught in any of this...
@@RetiredZGrt just saw a news report about the Royal Caribbean cruise. One passenger was quoted as saying the crew was well trained and put them at ease. I can’t imagine that they passengers on the VAV would be saying the same thing if that if that happened to them.
The overly positive Villa Vie residents with RUclips channels remind me of someone who spent a lot of money on a botched cosmetic procedure and keep saying: “I know it looks strange but once the swelling goes down it’s going to be fabulous”
I would love to see an unaffiliated RUclipsr who has no financial stake in the ship visit the ship and give an unbiased review. I think the contrast would be eye opening
@@kennethpreston9813 You know that is what was originally planned. When the ship was to launch in May, international journalists were supposed to be onboard just for the launch. Then widely followed cruise influencers were supposed to be on for several weeks and others for the summer. That got cancelled as they realized the "renovation " was a fiasco and the launch was nowhere near (though they always told their own residents that it was in a week). In addition to the above, according to VV's February 7 press release "Villa Vie Residences have planned ship visits and events in Belfast for Journalists and Residents on March 23rd-24th." This was when they were supposed to close on the ship in late February and immediately sail for dry dock in early March. Instead they closed in early March and couldn't get the ship restarted after 4 years in cold layup and found out the ship was not certified (which any level of due diligence would have shown prior to purchase) so they didn't sail from Rosyth until April 24. The above journalist events were cancelled and never reinstated as the fiasco began and continued.
Odyssey looks very close to Barbados. They had slowed to 10 knots 2 days ago and yesterday slowed to 9 knots, but they still seem as if they will arrive well ahead of their 11/14 itinerary date. I wonder if they will sail around aimlessly again burning heavy fuel oil rather than going to port. The seas are presently the highest I've seen for the journey 2.4m. It was 2m at the beginning but then more around 1.7 or 1.8m until now.
VVR resident Joe Rhodes just put out a new entry on substack. For those following the saga, he puts numbers to the recent email VVR sent to residents regarding financial adjustments to the onboard credit they were reportedly promised by the CEO due to covering their own expenses in Belfast.
@@sai123aei Here’s a cut and paste of a small part. It’s.a long entry worth the reading if you can find it. “Until last week, just as the Odyssey started crossing the Atlantic, when the policy was changed again. Retroactively. Ex post facto. Instead of $200 per day, now we’d be getting $140 a day, with the $60 difference coming from a “maintenance fee” we would be charged for the 138 days spent waiting to board the ship? That’s approximately $8,800 per Resident. This would be the final offer, we were told. Basically, take it or leave it.”
@@susan3831 Whoa! Can they contractually do that? Of course everything has to be in writing, so if the $200/day credit wasn't put in writing, then.... hmmm....
@@crimson25543 Basically- they can't force the passengers to pony up the money. They are not contracted to do that but they are being held hostage to the situation. They have been told that if they don't pay the $8000.00 (and this is out of pocket- no shipboard credit used for this purpose) - there isn't enough in the kitty for the cruise past December 18. In other words- they will be tapped out. There are still repair items that have to be accomplished and certifications to renew by end of December. They are living on borrowed time. Before these people get ahead of themselves- they need to do some simple math. Best case scenario - they could take on a couple hundred passengers (using one of the Villa Vie programs). That would be an infusion of cash to the tune of about 40k per passenger x 300 passengers.-$12000000. That's enough to do the repairs and leave something in reserves. The monthly fees from the "residents" (approximately 400 maybe/250 segmenters who don't pay month fees) would be about $2000.00 per month. 400 residents x 2000 is $800000 per month. That would be the income. It costs approximately 1.5-2 million per month to operate this ship- food, beverage, FUEL and salaries., loan payments, port charges per month (a good guess) So they would still have to dip into the reserves to cover the money costs of the ship. There wouldn't be enough in reserves to sustain the cruise. The math doesn't work- even with best case scenario. Every month they will be at least 700,000 behind. Right now they don't have that many passengers and with the bad press- it's doubtful they will fill up in the Caribbean portion. There are far too many options out there for cruising the Caribbean on better ships.
I have been seriously considering purchasing a cabin myself up until I heard about the two women who were kicked off the boat after they purchased a cabin. You sink your life savings into your dream house only to have an emperor with unlimited power boot you off because you speak about things that, were promised but never happened. who wants to live like that? How can you be kicked off the boat when you own your cabin? Are there no deeds ? It was the biggest promotion blunder possible and made a very very bad impression out in the world of people who were seriously considering joining up. It's looking more and more like a boarding school for retirees that is run by a very thin skin and mean headmaster who is eager to expel anyone commenting on his mismatched socks
Even though cruisemapper has consistently categorized winds and seas as Moderate since Odyssey started the crossing, this is what 1 resident posted: "So far on this trip, the seas have been fairly calm, although there have been a few rough patches, including one day when we had dishes crashing to the floor in the dining room. That day I had mild nausea; my sea bands seemed to help. The second time was much worse; I was up most of the night with severe nausea, even though I was wearing sea bands. The sea has been a bit choppy at times-carrying a bowl of soup from buffet to table is sometimes a challenge."
@@susan3831 Sorry Susan wish there was a way to message you because I'd be happy to tell you. I don't like to post names publicly. This particular resident has almost never posted anything specific to VV nor to the ship. They concentrate exclusively on the excursions. That quote was both rare and the complete statement. Otherwise they just mentioned which seasickness meds they got.
@@RetiredZGrt I totally understand. I would not a resident’s name made public unless they made it so. I just wondered if it was on YT or Cruise Critic, as I could search it out.
I agree. The main thing that bothered me is that they invited residents before the ship was ready. That was irresponsible. When those people walked on board everything should have been ship shaped and all documents signed sealed and delivered. Wasting away months in Belfast was unacceptable.
They knew that they would have to do sea trials and they hadn't even done them yet. They should have delayed the sailing for 5 months, but they risked people asking for a refund. Who has lost here? The passengers - not Mike. He and Kathy are taking salaries and probably bonus's for selling cabins. They don't have skin in this game.
When. you have a great idea- people want to invest in it. This wasn't a great idea and only a few wishful people invested. Before even getting off the ground you have to have everything figured out. You find the ship in question, figure out the estimated repairs, and get investors (non passengers) . From there you have a timeline, find vendors, etc. etc. This was just a really amateur venture and it shows. It was either a Ponzi or incompetent management. Either way it's a disaster. Whether it keeps sailing or not- who wants to chronically wonder how long it is going to last- what new fire has to be put out- what the new itinerary is going to be. Will I really be in such and such place on any given date? How do I expect family to join when the itinerary changes and they can't get on in a major airport city- neccesitating overnight stays pre-cruise and expensive flights. Why would a family member do that to join the ship? The ship is so low rent. Not going to get too many interested family or friends to risk missing the ship and being stranded in Panama City.
@@julienstanding2367 My friend is living with her daughter and waiting for VVR to get their act together. She still has her belongings on the ship and plans to return at some point for the South America segment if it takes place. She is a segment passengers not an owner (thankfully).
I wouldn’t pour my life savings (and some have) and ongoing fees/expenses into a dodgy operation that isn’t delivering what it promised to be trapped on an old, barely seaworthy ship with some people I’d usually go out of my way to avoid. It’s like a floating HOA. I’ll spend my money on properly run world cruises with a reputable company.
at the risk of possibly being picky, and perhaps not understanding how HOA's govern themselves - but wouldn't you at least get to vote on who are the Directors or Board of the HOA from time to time? At least you have the appearance of a say in the process? It seems like the Odyssey residents don't even have that much input, so perhaps it is worse than a floating HOA?????
Agree..if you watch their videos it’s only positive and all good ….they are afraid to tell the truth, I just answered one of them and they did not counter answered, says a lot
@@irenekegel5988 if they decide to tell the real story with a negative spin, nobody will buy any of the unsolved cabins and the venture will fail. Therefore, I don’t blame them for not telling the bad side of the story because it’s not in their financial interest so they’re actually behaving as rational people. There are plenty of sources to get the real scoop so anybody who’s interested in buying on the Villa V should be looking there
Keep on doing what you’re doing! We all thought that this was an intriguing experiment and that what got us all interested. Then the story kept evolving, which has us following along. Your suggestions/recommendations are spot on! I hope that they take heed. We will be watching.
He says in all of his post that he is not shooting VVR down, but yet he does. Lets talk about integrity and transparency. The funny thing about it as that there is so much ignorance!
I doubt anything will change immediately, this will provide content for you for a long time yet. Seem to be doing OK though so they probably don't care.
I don’t think it’s doing well at all and this cluster is providing content for many. How could anyone say it’s doing well when they continue to default on what they were selling and what people actually bought. They are 2 different things
In aviation we call it "get-there-itis" when such warning signs are ignored and an ill-advised journey undertaken. "The plan must be stuck to no matter what!" So dangerous.
We talked about avaiation check lists practice when I was a surgical list. We ran down our checklist to prepare a case and before we ever touched a patient. Everything had to be there and working 100%.
Former Flt Att here. We always plan for the absolute worse case scenario and pray for the best. And yes, there's certain carriers you couldn't pay me to fly on.
I have been in an Airplane with an engine failure. Fortunately we were still on the ground and not over the Atlantic. Addressing mechanical issues before trip is infinitely easier than dealing with them over the ocean.
Gratitude for this very informative upload on the Villa Vie. Agree with all 4 points you covered. I have great hopes for the Villa Vie Residents. They ( from what I am seeing on their Vlogs) appear to be a very dedicated group as well as VERY forgiving , VERY supportive and VERY patient with the challenges they are experiencing. I accept that they, or some of them were & continue to be up for the challenges they are experiencing……for a period of time. That said I would never invest in a residence where I could not openly voice my concerns. This is a style of management that appears to exert control thru fear and silence people. Also I would never respect or accept rejecting residents on the basis of other residents complaining people’s opinions were causing them upset. That is unprofessional & illegal. I also agree that Mike is not a good spokes person. I would run from him as he presents like a used car salesperson working from a down & out car lot. But these are my observations and this is my opinion. Now hearing that they are potentially reneging on the $200. per night contract ….well my concerns re: management spokesman appear well founded. That said this was all very obvious to the dedicated residents of the Villa Vie. The delays, the promises, the glitches, the missed confirmed dates….all being tremendous red flags yet the die hard residents chose to support their mission. In for a penny, in for a pound so to speak. Therefore what they are experiencing has been their choice. That is unless it isn’t their choice but they are afraid to speak up. I don’t know. What I do know is that a great many of them have given up their homes and much of their retirement investments and chose to deal with what comes. Who am I to judge them?? Would I do it? No. But this is their dream and their life so I will wish them the best and hope & pray all goes well for them and within 3 to 6 months all concerns will be addressed & corrected. Back Road Tourist has been nothing but honest in every post re: the Villa Vie. I like honesty. I respect honesty. I am not afraid of honesty even if I were a Villa Vie resident I would welcome it. I will close by saying gratitude for this info Back Road Tourist and totally agree with all 4 points you made. It is after all basic common sense and good business practice. Best wishes and prayers for the Villa Vie residents. God speed. I hope one day they call at my Port, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. I would make it a point to welcome them at the dock and play tour guide & I am dying to meet the resident cat!!😊 I have a very soft spot for the Villa Vie Vloggers !! 🙏🙏🙏💙⚓️
Yje residents have no othret choice than to appear upbeat they will not wasn't to be seen as losers, but that is what they are in this case going into it with very romantic ideas when nothing was right about this hole thing.
@@henrikbredal7517it's certainly a fascinating tale on many different levels. Many of the Residents have had the times of their lives too both in Belfast/Europe pre launch and since sailing. Like lots of things in life it's not what they would have imagined but in many respects an even richer experience than they signed up for! I genuinely think even if the company doesn't go the full course many "early adaptors" will be happy they took the plunge and have had some wonderful experiences on a truly unique adventure!😊😊😊
What gives you the right to talk about 200+ people that way? You have not idea...you are the sucker because you don't have the guts to do what me and all the other residents have done... follow your dreams...right, wrong or indifferent. As far as a showman, the only showman I see are the followers of this youtube channel. A bunch of imposters and want to bees...buzz,buzz
One of my biggest concerns is how slow this old tub tends to travel on cruise mapper it is only doing 13 knots in relatively calm water.Most modern cruise ship do at least 18 knots and higher my concerns are that the distance this old tub is being asked to cover that she will inevitably break down at sea and very likely in rough weather.
I saw the original specs for Braemer indicated top speed was around 18 knots and cruising speed around 15 knots.... it does take this ship a while to get anywhere, for sure.
@@sai123aei after lengthening the ship it now has a top speed of 17 knots. The highest I've ever seen the Odyssey go for short periods was 14 knots. 13 knots seems to be their typical speed when they actually want to get somewhere. Many times they go only 7 knots because they are trying not to reach the port at night when they'd have to start paying dock fees so they crawl to not arrive until morning,
@@RetiredZGrt Still very slow when compared to modern vessels such as Virgin voyage's cruise ships etc I am sorry but with the prices people are paying in my opinion there idiots it's a clapped out 30 year old ship with clapped out systems.
Fuel is the biggest cost or very near the biggest cost category for any cruise ship and so I hope that 13 knots is the sweet spot for the most economical fuel consumption when there's no rush to get around as there would be for a short vacation cruise. I say I hope this to be the case as i have no expertise in this area, but expect that prudent $ economy is the main consideration here, in the circumstances. And rightly so. Unless there's a specific need for speed - for example, to escape bad weather - don't burn more fuel than you have to.
You only have one chance to make a good first impression. You never open the doors to a business until it's showtime. This company is so amateur. They don't care and this was a cash grab. They have no money coming in and it's because they opened the doors before it was showtime. This is why businesses fail. They could sell the ship to someone else and start over- but these passengers will be forced to buy in at a much higher price.
I totally agree. But they had no or not enough seed money to get this off the ground. That's why they had to get money from passengers first, before they could 'complete' repairs and renovations. Unfortunately there were people who fell for it and handed over their money. This reminds me of people buying houses in off-plan developments in Spain and then the buildings never materialised.
Why do I have the feeling this is not going to end well? When corporate starts doing what you've described pulling the plug may not be far away. A 30 plus year old tub with no service records is an accident waiting to happen.
From a CruiseHive article about a new marketing approach by Villa Vie: Through the Tour La Vie program, guests can select a one-, two-, three-, or four-year option in an ocean-view villa. Rates start at $49,999 per person for double occupancy or $79,999 for single occupancy for the one-year membership, while the four-year offering is $159,999 and $255,999 based on double or single occupancy. The prices are heavily discounted from Villa Vie Residences’ original year-round passengers who invested a minimum of $99,999 for a villa and pay a monthly fee. There is even a try-before-you-buy opportunity that gives potential Tour La Vie residents a 7-day stay for $1,998 for double occupancy or $999 for single occupancy. The cruises, like the residences, include accommodations, meals, activities, and fitness facilities.
@@susan3831 Yes! Buy now! We NEED the $$ and only 30 new passengers have signed up for any portion of the trip since end of August. It's on their website. "PAY ONCE AND NEVER WORRY ABOUT IT AGAIN" so it sounds like upfront money and no monthly fees. Completely cannibalizing their cabin sales (which aren't selling), the lowest inside cabin is now 139,000 plus monthly fees and for $129,000 PER PERSON DOUBLE with no monthly fees you get 3 years of nail-biting excitement (Will we stop in the advertised ports? Will we have clean water? Will the A/C work everywhere? Will the company continue to sail?)
My question is how do these prices compare to around the world cruise from Royal Caribbean carnival or Norwegian? I suspect the round the world cruise might be a little more expensive but if you’re thinking about spending this much money, a few extra bucks for the security is surely worth it.
I love the idea of residential cruise ships and it will one day be a huge profitable business for some companies. I don’t believe this company will be one of those companies. Too many red flags.
Very much doubt that they can correct anything they have no experience of ships at all it appears and I doubt very much if they have any money I expect for what they get in fees from the residents.
@@BeanieBabyTrader Unfortunately in addition to money they would also need the intelligence to hire the right expertise and so far they haven't demonstrated any level of acceptable business acumen.
The biggest problem is the business model and financial viability. They are bleeding funds and will not have enough to make the promised itinerary unless they pick up more along the way to get to breakeven and capacity. Ship is only 15% full and they spent a fortune in drydock. This will end with bankruptcy within a year just like mike’s las disaster, Life at sea. I feel badly for residents who don’t want to see it.
The only thing worse than Villa Vie are the passengers who continue to post videos saying things are fine and then when you question them about problems you get zombie responses like "it was an unforeseen issue, they're working on it and will be fixed soon". Are there some enjoyable moments, like the odd time the ship sails into the sunset or they have an excursion in a beautiful part of the world, I'm sure there are. But when it's supported by accommodation that doesn't have fresh water or hot water or flushing toilets or doesn't sail to where it needs to, etc, it spoils the whole experience and is definitely not what you paid a LOT of money for. Makes me think of these girls they find who were locked up in dark dingy basements for years with only a bucket for a toilet, and when they're found they say stuff like "he was kind to me because he spoke to me every day and brought me food and water".
Reminds me of just about anyone who posts photos and whatnot about their vacation(s), making it all look fabulous and fun when there are things they're not enjoying, maybe they fought with their spouse or their kids, maybe something didn't go as planned. Most people hide those things to others, especially on social media. Long time ago, before social media, I went on a 1 week cruise in Greece. My summary when I came back home: "right country, wrong man!"
I think a scam might be a little bit too hard on these people. I think it was a not well fought out venture with a high likelihood of failure. But I also have to believe that the people who bought into this did not do their due diligence.
I want to make a comment about the proposed pool idea. Mike was supposed to make the two pools into a lap pool (but like his other ideas- that never materialized and he just retiled the existing pools). His "new" idea was to flood the whole area- so that there is water outside of the two plunge pools with sun chairs in the pool area. When I look at this design- it's a drowning just waiting to happen. There would be nothing for the passengers to hang onto while in the pool. Drunken guests could easily hit their head or jump into that water haphazardly. I mean it wouldn't take much for an accident to occur. I hope they just forget that concept and leave the plunge pools as they are- with people able to hold onto the sides. Gives me the heebie geebies.
@@georgettenorth2776 I'm not sure what they replaced. If you go back to the VVR produced Vlogs they show the pools being retiled. It is all new but it looks poorly I agree. The small white tiles on the deck of the pool look bad.
@@georgettenorth2776 the tile inside the actual pool "holes" is not new and the grout was very dirty. I was told they would replace "down the road". Tile was only replaced in the newly built areas or where they joined old to new - you can see the difference in color.
There is a lot of public relations advice being offered to the company here, but as a viewer I’d like to know the pros and cons of getting a residence (The biggest con being how do we make our cabin pay for itself while we’re not occupying it)
@erikrichardgregory If renting out your cabin when you weren't occupying it was the biggest "con" then you wouldn't have any worries. Instead the biggest cons are that the company continues to not deliver on features sold to the residents and reneges on promises made, the ship has current repair needs, the ship doesn't presently meet requirements of key countries on its itinerary (Antarctica/January 2025, US June 2025 amongst others), it has 6 certifications expiring in November and December which must be extended by DNV or the ship cannot sail, the company is in significant financial distress due to overspending on the renovation by 100%, many repairs still urgently needed and being severely underbooked (23% occupied at present, 30% occupied once the people board in Barbados, and reaches only 53% occupancy for any cabin or segment booked during the entire voyage). So if you were a cabin owner you would be competing to rent your cabin vs all the empty cabins VV is trying to sell or rent (and has a Marketing team to promote) and vs other residents who want to rent their cabin.
@erikrichardgregory - in addition to the risks referenced in the comments by @RetiredZGrt, here is one I have wondered about. Given the Odyssey's track record for dropping ports on short notice, what will your personal liability be to someone who may have rented from you and then had the port dropped and couldn't board, had to incur extra expense due to short notice holiday cancellation, etc. What is your personal responsibility if they get injured or fall sick on board or because of the ship. Their rental contract would likely be with you. Will you have insurance that will cover you in such situations? How would you market the amenities on board available to the renter? Currently, many amenities being marketed by VV are not available, and may never be, so you may be under delivering....etc
The residents don't mind as the weather where they were was cold and rainy anyways. It will be working by the time they enter warmer waters and locations.😊
@karenmckersie2239 I am sorry but if I was paying over $150,000 dollars for a room plus the fees per month I would expect it working the second I get on board.I am coming to a conclusion there's a lot of people in that boat that are brainwashed or clinicaly insane.
@@karenmckersie2239 unfortunately that is the distorted picture you are being sold. It was in the 70s in Spain and Portugal and it was in the 80s in Dakar and Cabo Verde and yet none of the pools currently work. And when they were in colder climes, wouldn't it be nice to use a hot tub?? Additionally even if someone wasn't planning on getting in the pool, it would be much more scenic and pleasant to lounge around the pool deck with working pools and hot tubs instead of "lounging" beside empty concrete holes. Also there are a few children and teenagers onboard and I bet they would have loved to use the pools.
@@rebeccahowell6538 They are onboard. I saw pictures of them touring in Cabo Verde. The 50 passengers who disembarked before the crossing did so in Dakar (before Cabo Verde) because it was the last port with good air connections to Europe and the US.
Not my job to defend the residents, but I do feel the post from @CruiseDude-h5h down in this discussion (in response to a post from Tommyd3257) bears reposting: You can say that's how it looks to you Tommy, but the Residents that don't feel seen or heard, who can't speak out, who are yearning for accountability and proper transparency, wanting to actually realise their dream and get some financial and operating stability happening.....for those of us, Jeff's words are gold, spot on, wise and much appreciated. He took the time to make constructive criticism in a fair and balanced way. There may be hope yet, if well intentioned people like him and others in these comments are standing up for us. You are free to walk away Tommy, but Jeff and others...please, keep helping.
@@sai123aei I would love for Villa Vie to offer one week, Cruises to anyone who’s interested in buying and then offer them a portion of that one week cruise Fair towards the purchase of a segment or cabin. I don’t think they would try that because I think after you spend a week on board, you’d realize it wasn’t for you. Nobody would buy through that promo. If they offered it, I would start a GoFundMe to spend a week on there or get somebody to spend a week on there to give us the honest scoop. They know that if anybody went on for a week as a prospective buyer instead of a spokesman for the venture, they would quickly see how the lack of amenities the substandard port calls the low number of people, the lack of entertainment and things to do on board and first and foremost, the sewage smell and lack of waterwould make sure that they got off at the end of the week with no intention of returning it, any cost or even free.
This was billed as a luxury cruise, all-inclusive (whatever that means on VVR) with world class dining. If you go over to The Posh Travel vlog and see their recent video on the Regent Grandeur, the difference between the two ships, service and amenities is startling. Also note, that the couple on Regent is staying in the most basic room-no butler, fewer amenities.
Not only that but the space per passenger ratio is only 25.9 which is very very low with full capacity. The other thing where I live and in many other countries it is a offence to sell something that is not fit for purpose which this ship obviously is that is unfit for purpose, does this not also apply in the USA?
Exactly there’s a whole lot of discussion about this about how they could do this better that better but it just comes down to. They don’t have the money.
Thanks I think that you are right that the transatlantic will be the pressure test I have enjoyed watching other videos focused on the experience- but especially today I appreciate your insight and perspective I hope for the residence sake that things keep getting better- and that this video is taken as a rallying cry to “rise to the challenge “
These residents need prayers. I agree that a water problem at sea or no internet may be the last straw for some. They need enough people to combine resources for Lawyers to get their investment back.
It’s hilarious you have these ‘Pollyanna’ videos of residents being uploaded ‘living the dream’ all sunshine and smiles then ‘Mr Reality Check’, who is as upbeat as a dementor from Azkaban, comes along with a bucket of ice cold water 😂 Personally I see it as a horror show, I love cruising but after a couple of weeks (even on huge luxurious modern ships) I’m ready for a dose of normality so the idea of an eternity on this old tub is about as appealing as a crab infestation.
@@rebeccahowell6538How do you know this? I think Steve made a major mistake when he gave in to his wife's desire to live on this unstable ship since he gets sea sick. He is suffering. I would never do that to my husband.
@@georgettenorth2776 I'm guessing. I think they are trying so hard to keep this shitty cruise afloat but if they could they'd sell that cabin yesterday! They have cruised many times and they know this is a tub. They are just trying to recoup their investment. Angela rules that roost and it was 100% Angela's choice to live on the ship. Fortunately Steve is a good sport, but I would never have subjected my husband to this small ship that isn't going to handle large waves well.
As the commenting has now shifted focus to this latest video, I am copying here a comment I just posted on the last one, in response to one of the resident's post, criticizing all the "naysayer" commenters who aren't even on the ship. Here is my comment again, and I think it ties into the whole problem of getting factual information from both VV as the business, and the residents, who have bought into this: What I find really sad is that those who are on board never respond to the various issues with facts to correct any misunderstandings, and instead, use broad ad hominem attacks. For example - you haven't commented to set the record straight, nor has anyone else from the ship, on the issue of the pool functionality, and whether all the pools are fully operational or confined to the plunge pool and limited hours. And, if in fact it is limited, why all the Herculean efforts to spin videos and PR by both VV and the residents to hide the truth (and thereby raising suspicions and mistrust). And there are lots of other similar issues - water quality, food service and availability/restrictions, fees and reimbursements and perhaps broken commitments from VV, etc. So - instead of helping to clear up the situation with correct information, these recent attacks just engender more concern and less empathy for the residents and their experience. And, it also makes it easier to put less weight on residents' comments as merely self serving to try to drum up more business and revenue for VV in the hopes it doesn't all collapse, financially.
I fear, really, truly fear that the final chapter of this "voyage" will end with the Odyssey impounded in a foreign port thousands of miles away from home because of unpaid fuel bills. All your points are certainly valid!
@@sai123aei True, but in the past, unpaid fuel accounts have scuttled most of them. It seems the gas station likes to get paid. Payroll conflicts are usually up to the country of registry. Sometimes quite slowly. You don't pay at the pump, no sail-away- party!
@@ericericson3535 Going from vague memory, I believe at least one freighter was held or impounded in my home port for non-payment of crew wages. That would certainly slow down one's cruising itinerary!!!!
They decided to take advantage of those with dreams everybody dreams of a perpetual vacation, but most people can’t afford it, including the people who bought cabins on the Villa Vie.
All what you said I sis say weeks ago already. You are ao right!!!! But to be honest, I just wait for the news that the VV went bust and the storie ends... You mentioned repairs to be done correctly... my gess: theybare out of money for that, what brings us to the Belfast expenses 🙄... The poor residents who invested so much (Money, energy and fear...). With all that acrions and announcements VV presented themselves as a company you schould keep a big distance to. Even for a start up, I mean its a start up of a certain size and you do not have a public relations person (Who knows his/her job and not somebody who just thinks knows to do it...)
Check Rebecca's comment regarding Villa Vie going after the monthly fees for the time in Belfast before sailing, May through Sept. Shocking. Now the residents should know there is big trouble financially. Horrible.
I think they are well aware I think the four month delay was the final nail in the coffin of a shaky financial situation and it’s just a matter of time before the whole thing shuts down.
@@BeanieBabyTrader Sorry to say I think you're right. And probably sooner than later. I really feel for the folks on board who will lose everything. They did nothing to deserve this.
The new program Tour La Vie which starts at 129,999 (Double occupancy) for over 3 years Ocean View Villa (tender view?) pay once with no monthly and the same amenities as residents. So why would anyone buy a cabin now? Even the price for a solo cruiser is less than any decent assisted living facility. Could this be a scenario for granny dumping?
Granny won't be able to board or disembark. The stairs to get off the ship would discourage even an able bodied person like me from this cruise. The gangplank is way to steep.
@@rebeccahowell6538 one of the residents said that VVR said they would help people in wheelchairs even if it means staff assisting them down the gangway. Hey, granny doesn’t need to get off the ship. lol
@@susan3831 Unfortunately- they are only using the Deck 5 for the gangway. Depending on the tides-it's very steep and narrow. No way they are going to carry someone down those stairs. Mid-life Cruising even said that she would not recommend this ship for anyone in a wheelchair. I don't see any way to safely take a person down those stairs in a wheelchair or back up!
They announce their new tour la vie program now. Starting at under 40,000 a year and can rebook at that price up to 4 years. Under 40 a year will grab attention for what appears as a desperate need for funds. Not clear in ad is that the total? Are there other fees ? Is everything included for the year? What are they up to now? lol
according to them it does include everything food housekeeping port fees . So 3333.00 a month to live on the ship a year without having to make the big investment to buy a cabin. Wonder how the current residents feel about that who had to purchase a cabin.
@@irenekegel5988Mike Petterson is NOT the captain. You must learn to distinguish between a naval ship captain, and the "owner" of the ship, which is Mike Petterson, the founding residents, but more importantly, the bank/financing institution that so stupidly lent Mike the money to buy this flat bottomed, horrible at sea, ship.
@ not sure who the couple was that the showed he was introduced as captain and wife , both looked like they had a few and she carried a bottle on the stage dressed like trailer residence ! The whole things is a mess lucky not to be part off it !! As more high end cruisers this would not be my thing but I feel bad for this people being taken for their money and getting crappy at best !
Another great video from you Jeff. Thanks. You are spot on with the way Mikael Petterson presents himself (or should have presented himself!). I thought I was the only one that have noticed this. Nobody has mentioned this before. As you say, he shows no strength or confidence in the way he presents himself. I can't watch him speak. Every sentence is abrupted/interspersed with one or several of his regular "uhh's." And yes. He does come through as he does not care about anything. Nothing matters to him. Other than that, he should learn to pull his hands OUT FROM HIS POCKETS when he stands. Also, use proper trousers (and shirts) worthy of a CEO presenting his company, and not his usual jeans and t-shirts. If I am limited to describe Mikael Petterson with only two words, "dishonest clown" would sum it all up. Look forward to your next video Jeff!
Wholeheartedly agree. He lacked confidence and I said that from the first ship tour. He drags his feet, hands in pockets, trousers coming down, and acts like eyore. No spring in his step. Just flatline.
@@henrikbredal7517 As a former PR/Marketing consultant, I would have made sure the CEO had some speech-giving training including how to stand, move around, make eye contact, AND how to dress for success. He reminds me of a used car salesman, not the image he wants to portray I am certain. But all of that is “dressing the pig” if you don’t have a sound plan to address serious issues ahead of time with a spokesperson who can field the media onslaught. There is going to be a crisis here, for sure, the timing is just dependent on mechanical and weather problems, but it will come. And they are woefully unprepared. I used to consult on Crisis Management and the first thing we did was develop response scenarios… read how a recent ship hit by a wave responded to that crisis… they were clearly prepared on all levels… public speaking about it, taking action for the medical emergency, assessing ship damage and advising the passengers of what those action plans were. Can VV do that as well? Hmmmm…. We’ll have to see.
@@SandyBanks-vk5dlI agree. But their finances is the most pressing problem. Throw in more technical problems, and some bad weather (as you mention) to really let the residents understand how incredibly bad the decision to choose a little flat bottomed ship was. I told them so last December 2023. I got ridiculed, and then silenced when clown # 2, Kathy, the COO kicked me out of the Facebook group. So soon you will have the perfect storm ending the Villa Vie Odyssey. By the way. It was not a rogue/big wave that made the Royal Caribbean ship turn back to Tenerife. It was an extremely strong sudden change of wind that rocked the ship. Read today's USA Today. And yes. RCCL handled it perfectly. As one would expect and rely on from a Norwegian-run company..
@@BeanieBabyTrader Not quite right, the ship was up for sale for USD 15 million and that is the price Fred Olsen had on for scrap value and therefore no need for maintenance records bet Fred was amazed and delighted when these amateurs came along and bought the ship
I've said this elsewhere on this thread but will repeat it. You can say that's how it looks to you but the Residents who don't feel seen or heard, who can't speak out, who are yearning for accountability and proper transparency, wanting to actually realise their dream and get some financial and operating stability happening.....for those of us, Jeff's words are gold, spot on, wise and much appreciated. He took the time to make constructive criticism in a fair and balanced way. There may be hope yet, if well intentioned people like him and others in these comments are standing up for us. You are free to walk away but Jeff and others...please, keep helping.
I think everything will be fine, people need to stop complaining so much, from what i see the residents are quite happy! All ships have issues...things will be upgraded and fixed and life will go on...Wish I could join them!!❤🚢🚢🚢 Please stop being a downer...😮
You are just the right person that Villa Vie wants, gullible same as the people on the ship wold bet anything those on the ship would love to let off steam and tell the truth but cannot because of restriction put on them by Villa Vie.
@@karenmckersie2239 Clearly you've a right to you're opinion but so does everyone else and to be blunt if Royal Caribbean or other reputable cruise lines behaved the same as Villa vie residence's they would go out of business very quickly.
@karenmckersie2239 - I would direct you to my comment above telling these outside observers to stop being a downer, etc - despite this type of broad plea - no one on board has come out to say the concerns being raised are in fact completely untrue. For example - are all the pools working or not, etc. And, if not, why all the effort to mask the truth from coming out. etc. More elaboration in my main comment....
@@sai123aei Why don't Johan and Lanette talk with passengers? The only hang out with other founders. How about just taking a walk around and showing a day in the life with all the happy passengers. If they don't want to be filmed- that's one thing- but why not dispel the rumors and show a nice cross section of passengers- some fresh faces?
I don't disagree with much of what you've said in this video, but your channel has become a place for the haters to gather in the comments. I just don't understand the vitriol for the couples producing regular You Tube videos. As you mentioned, as is evidenced by Joe's writings, they are not restricted from complaining. Maybe they truly don't feel the need. And they have been adressing questions in their comments section pretty directly. I'm enjoying a lot of their videos and wish them nothing but the best. As for Jenni and Bonnie... I feel like theres a lot more to that story, but who knows? Kind like only watching the first half of a Dateline episode. 😉 I know my opinions are super unpopular in this group, and you'll probably label me ss a "Pollyanna" and eat me alive. So be it.
Why do people like you call people haters simply because they have different thoughts and ideas than you.People here may well hate Villa Vie for what they had done to the people that is the residents, but will guarantee that most people here would be on the side of the so-called residents and all hope that we are wrong and the people will get what they paid for.
I imagine that the vast majority of people don't make RUclips Vlogs. Of the 150 passengers onboard- only two couples are regularly updating. Johan and Lanette are founders and have a lot at stake- so obviously they want to encourage sales. Angela and Steve are from humble backgrounds and they "invested" in this as residents- hoping to use the ship as a second home and rent out their cabin when they aren't using it- to make some money back. Both couples have a vested interest and may be trying to make the best of a difficult situation and see their cup as half full, but when asked pointed questions about the mechanisms on the ship- they poo poo it or don't answer direct questions. Why? Because they want to encourage sales. They may even want to sell their own cabin at this point.
@jamisibley9511 Many people on this site used to follow Midlife and Livinglifeonacruise. They earned our disdain but it definitely took awhile. We watched as they repeatedly and diligently deleted comments that contained verifiable facts that reflected poorly on VV. They would leave negative comments that contained no facts (ie "it's a scam") but deleted the factual information. A good percentage of their answers actually sidestep the truth- they provide an answer to a portion of the question while failing to provide the complete answer which would reflect poorly on VV (ie actively covering up the truth). They have shamelessly hidden or vastly underplayed issues to mislead their followers because they desperately need more people to sign up to save their own dreams and they seem fine with creating a misleading picture which is incredibly unfair and unethical to those they encourage to sign up. That is why many no longer have faith in them and feel really bad for those who believe them because they are unaware of the facts.
@@RetiredZGrt Also- I think they are getting special treatment from VVR for promoting the ship and attempting to sell cabins or segments on behalf of VVR. I think they were thrilled with their upgrade. I suspect they did pay more for the outside cabin but perhaps VVR has allowed them to pay the inside cabin month fees. Mike is greedy. However, I think Angela and Steve don't want to push the envelop- or Mike could up their monthly fees to outside cabin fees (which are a lot more).
Tune off the news like I do. I see your point though- and I'm leaving next week for 5 weeks (nothing to do with the election but good timing!) Still- the VVR is a dictatorship and their leader is incompetent- so a mini- America at Sea LOL.
@@rebeccahowell6538 +1 to "turn off the news!" I cut cableTV 14 yrs ago, don't watch news on TV, keep my TV off 95% of the time and keep my home peaceful. It's good for one's mental health to take control of your environment. The OFF button is a most powerful ally.
I’m just calling you out for making unconstructive bitchy content. If you’re a business owner you should know better. Who the f**k are you to make to say what they should do immediately. Easiest thing to do is criticise, you are creating click bate for voyeurs. I couldn’t care less about your algorithm, another illustration of the way you are wired.
@@crypto_voyeur16 Let me explain this to you in a way that may speak to you. You buy a house. The house is supposed to be ready by May 15th. You've paid for the house in advance. Then the builder says that your house is actually smaller than the floorplan and none of the materials you picked out were used. They just did whatever they wanted and you have to also wait four months. At the end of the four month delay- you have contractors in your home while you are living there. Half the time you don't have hot water or AC. The house isn't what you contracted for and you don't know exactly when it will be completed. Now the property taxes and home owner's association dues from five months are supposed to be paid- but you haven't lived in the house five months. You've lived in it for one month. Would you sue?
You’re just some guy behind the microphone flapping your gums to get clicks. Drama about one thing based on rumors to get people to watch. Unsubscribing
@tommyd3257 - and yet - no one from on board has provided factual, supported information to counter the rumors. Why is that??? Could it be that they are mostly true? (EG - is only the plunge pool working and available, and only on limited hours...) And why the efforts from VV and the residents to conceal the truth, in that case ???
@ lol. Absolutely not, but when a channel I subscribe to posts one video after another about the same things with no news, it’s just clickbait. Maybe he should create some other content? I’ve run multiple a businesses for over 20 years, but it doesn’t make me an expert on stuff outside my industry.
I’m going to incorporate “Fluster Cluck” into my vocabulary from this day onwards 😂
This seems to be the only RUclips channel that is attempting a balanced view and allowing open discussion. I honestly do wish the existing residents well. It seems there are a lot of lovely people on board who have paid in good faith, including the two main RUclips couples who I do like and support. A third couple have just joined the RUclips party who give every appearance of being VVR subsidised supporters. They are two wealthy, intelligent men (DC Hidden Gems). I have asked them directly several times if they are affiliated with VVR and am hoping they will have enough integrity to confirm one way or the other. In the meantime, Jeff, the responsibility of transparency remains heavily on your shoulders!
UPDATE: DC Hidden Gems have now replied to my questions and confirmed they bought their own cabin and are not affiliated with VVR. They stated in response to one of my questions "We have no affiliation beyond having bought a cabin".
UPDATE one week later they released a second video and wrote in the comments that they are in fact Founders and that they "added extra funds" on top of the cost of their cabin.
So, Founders and liars in a nutshell.
Thanks for asking them Julien. So far I have not seen them (DC Hidden) delete any comments. Now Midlife and Livinglifeonacruise are Extremely Diligent Deleters. Also you should know that Midlife is also compensated by VV. Midlife purchased an inside cabin on Deck 3 and was permanently upgraded to a window cabin on Deck 4. Additionally they have a link on their YT for people to buy a VV Segment. Also if what was reported in the comments here that residents were asked to pay VV an additional $8000 or their shipboard credits would become null, Midlife was exempted from that. They have received very close to the compensation they asked for and they can continue to use their shipboard credits and don't have to start paying their monthly dues for a number of additional months. They are working hard producing Very Bright & Happy YTs for VV and are being compensated for that.
@@RetiredZGrt is my opinion that anybody who makes overly positive comments about this venture is probably compensated. Also, they have every incentive to make this venture work because if it goes down, so does their investments so any resident would want to speak positively about the venture to the best of their ability.
They are all, at the very least, receiving a referral fee from VVR for people who enquire and subsequently book or buy. This is what the Code number means in the small print, though nobody is volunteering to disclose how much it is and I don't remember. It was mentioned briefly long ago. It's quite high - a percentage. The receiving of a fee does not have to mean that unbiased commentary isn't possible. Rather, that can be determined by the content. So far, nothing else I've seen is unbiased - only this channel and comments. And to be clear Jeff is not receiving a referal fee - no referral code.
Does any resident remember the referral fee details? it was probably only mentioned once, either back in 2023 or early in 2024. Or can VVR confirm?
@@julienstanding2367 well this may be true. Whose laws are they breaking what country it may be possible that in the country whose laws applied to this transaction they’re not breaking the wall.
@@julienstanding2367 So far no one is being held accountable for anything. VV back in February, April and May heavily advertised a 3 cabin ( 6 month free travel giveaway contest for 6 people on all their channels- website, fb, instagram, TikTok etc. The original advertising in February was all 3 cabins to be awarded on April 1. After that date passed, they advertised for all 3 cabins 6 months free travel to be awarded on May 1. Instead on May 1 they changed the contest again and announced 1 six month trip would be awarded on May 1 and another on June 1 and another on July 1. On May 4 they showed a video of a phone call speaking to a British sounding woman whose first name was mentioned, but it was impossible to catch, being told she had won. Then the June 1 and July 1 giveaways NEVER happened. That violates the Truth In Advertising law which does cover contests and contests can't be changed after advertising the rules and features. But I'm sure it netted VV quite a few email addresses for those who signed up to the contest that didn't happen.
I just spoke with a resident in for $150k. They are miserable but can’t walk away from the $150k. So sad. The truth is not being reported
@@michellejessey8654 I am so sorry to hear this but unfortunately not surprised.
I’m just scared for them on their crossing of the Atlantic if you saw what happened recently on a royal Caribbean ship I don’t know what they would do if that happened on their ship
@@BeanieBabyTrader So far they have had Moderate breezes and Moderate waves. They had been going 14 knots through the first day and a half but today they have slowed down to 10 knots. They look to be about 1/2 way there.
@@RetiredZGrt I just checked myself. They’re out the middle Atlantic. I hope they have good weather forecast, but there’s always the possibility of a rogue wave or something that turns up that they can’t see the forecast. I think that’s what happened to Royal Caribbean because I’m sure they wouldn’t have intentionally sailed into a storm.
So much drama..
No rogue wave. From today's USA Today;
Royal Caribbean passenger injured after ship's 'sudden movement' due to wind
A Royal Caribbean International passenger was injured after one of its cruise ships was hit by strong wind.
The cruise line’s Explorer of the Seas “experienced sudden movement” during an unexpected gust of wind near Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands
@@BeanieBabyTrader
As some of you pointed out, Villa Vie just launched the new Tour La Vie program. Maybe this is a video that Jeff will do at some point, but is this correct as to all the different categories of customers (as opposed to cabins) on this cruise?
1. Founders - these are the folks that have financed the endeavor at the outset and have a profit stake in it. They likely each have a unique private arrangement with the company regarding any additional payments/fees.
2. Owners - these are folks who pay a single fixed fee for the cabin for 15 years, and have to pay a monthly fee that never goes up. They can exit the venture at any time and theoretically get part of their fixed fee back - for example, any owner could bail right now in the first year and supposedly get 60% of their fee back. Not a total loss but does make for some interesting game theory analysis.
3. Segment buyers (also known as "Pay as You Go") - folks who join for a particular segment, which are varied in length but have a fixed itinerary. There is no monthly fee, but full payment is due 6 months before the segment starts. So, for example, folks that are going on the segment starting December 18th in Panama City have already paid in full. What happens if the segment is cancelled - is there a refund? (I'd be steamed if I thought I was doing a South America/Antarctica trip and Villa Vie announced that the ship was not doing that anymore but staying in the Caribbean instead.)
4. Renters - they have a private contract with owners to rent a cabin
5. Tour La Vie - single up-front fee for one to four years, without the monthly fee. Not sure what the lead time is on payment.
6. Endless Horizons program - Pay up front and pay nothing more for the rest of your life (no monthly fee). Can transfer to other ships in the company.
Any others? It's head-spinning.
It would seem to me that, given the recent history of this ship, if one absolutely had to be on board this social experiment, the best play to join would be to wait until the day before a segment starts and then pay by credit card in case the whole thing goes belly up on the next day. And add a clause in the contract that says you get your money back if the segment doesn't stop at, say, at least 50% of the advertised ports.
Just thinking out loud.
6. Endless Horizons program. Pay 350k up front and pay nothing more for the rest of your life. Can transfer to other ships in the company.
All the deals are pretty good if only the company can stay solvent 🙏
Agree at this point Segments paid by Credit Card seem the wisest choice.
@DonS-g1x A few comments numbered per your points:
2. "single fixed fee for the cabin for 15 years" This "15 years" is a real tricky point and residents love to cite it. HOWEVER if you look at the VV contract what backs up this 15 year guarantee? Villa Vie Residentces. An actual guarantee would be backed by a bond or by insurance. This is backed by the company itself. Therefore if the company goes bankrupt, or decides to exit the business as not profitable, there is no guarantee and no 15 years. "They can exit the venture at any time and get part of their fixed fee back" They can only get the % buyback IF the company both decides to honor it AND has the required cash to provide the refund when requested. Both are very in doubt due to the present state of the company finances.
3. Segment buyers - A deposit is owed on every segment booked (ie book 10 segments and pay the deposit % for each). Interestingly the deposit was initially 10% for each segment booked (5% if you were former Life At Sea and at least 40 of them signed up). Then at some point post launch, the deposit due was increased to 25% and that was still in place as of 10/22. Well now the deposit due is 50% (help! We need funds!!). 6 months prior to segment start date the deposit is 100% refundable (if they have the money to return to you). 90 days prior to each segment start date it is 0% refundable. You aren't refunded if they skip ports including the port you were intending to embark or disembark at. The contract says they can skip any port at any time for any reason. They have used this frequently and liberally so far and always at the last minute.
4. Renters (the bottom of the ship hierarchy according to a Founder's post and per an Endless Horizon person "they aren't emotionally loyal". "is there anyone on board who fits this." I know of 1 LAS person who was into LAS for hundreds of thousands and got no refund who is renting from VV residents.
5. Tour La Vie- great name. Money is due upfront (Help! We need cash!!)
6. To Julien's point on Endless Horizons about transferring to other VV ships (this is supposed to be a for-your-lifetime program), VV initially said they would add a 2nd ship in January 2024 and that it, unlike Odyssey, would be $100MM. Then they said the 2nd ship would be summer 2024. It is unlikely this 2nd ship will ever materialize and most certainly not in the near to medium term. VV has ruined their finances and their reputation to such an extent, combined with the very low occupancy of the current ship, that there is no way any financial institution would loan them multi millions for another ship. The Endless Horizons program was debuted in May when the company should have launched and they needed $$ as they knew they weren't launching and were instead still in dry dock. It was supposed to be limited to 20 cabins. 2 weeks post debuting the program they sent emails telling people to join a Wait List. However they kept advertising the program and it's still available today so it seems the 20 cabin limit was never hit.
@@RetiredZGrt So I guess the "Segment buyers" are also called "Pay as you go" on the VV website. And the payment is due 6 months in advance according to the website: "Pay the balance 180 days before embarkation." Not sure how much is refundable after that date. I obviously have a different level of risk tolerance that those on board, but can't imagine paying 6 months in advance for a destination that has good likelihood of not happening. I'm sure the response is something like "well, you have to pay Disney or Royal Caribbean x months in advance and they can change the itinerary." That's true, but it is infrequent and the embarkation and debarkation points aren't usually in flux.
(I'll edit my orginal post to add Endless Horizons per Julien's comment.)
@@RetiredZGrt thanks for the details which are of course essential! You are the voice of reason as ever.
@@DonS-g1x for Royal and Celebrity, final payment due is 90 days prior, after paying what sometimes can be a nominal deposit (eg book on board for your next cruise and put down a deposit of $100 or $200). And, if schedules get significantly screwed up you typically get refunds and or future cruise credits. And, these cruise lines have more financial stability and resources, so if you are due a refund, you pretty much get them quickly. I think those who pull out the argument that "these things" also happen on the big cruise lines, and the new ships, are trying to create a false equivalency... the experiences are not the same, nor are the day to day on board experiences.
I’m following your channel as a refreshing alternative to the VVR cheerleaders who are clearly being compensated for their efforts to promote this doomed venture. I’ve reached the stage where I can’t watch any more of their nonsense.
I know they (eg Midlife Cruisers) will delete my comments, but like many others I will continue to ask questions that should receive a straight answer.
Keep up the good work - yours is the only channel that has an ounce of integrity!
I think I figured out midlife, cruising there are a couple of American retirees who have an average level of income, but they wanna live like their ultra wealthy and that’s why they are living in Nicaragua instead of living in normal life in the US and that’s why they’re on this cruise because they’re trying to live like multi millionaires on a regular retirees income. And they don’t care about the substandard conditions on the cruise because they live in Nicaragua, which has substandard conditions compared to the average American lifestyle, no disrespect to midlife, cruising or Nicaragua, but they’re essentially trying to carve a path at a lower cost than what they can really afford. And I think they are the perfect spokesman forthis venture because essentially that’s what it is. It’s a venture where people wanna live beyond their means and are looking for a cheap way to do it and this is what they get.
@@BeanieBabyTrader II asked Midlife Cruisers if they were given a free cabin upgrade in return for their positive RUclips videos. Interestingly I received a reply saying "No" that they negotiated a "fair upgrade" and 50% of the current owners upgraded once onboard. If this statement is to be believed (and I have no reason to doubt their claim), then it would appear that people are being persuaded to part with even more money to support VVR. I wonder if the monthly fees are now based on the higher cabin categories.
@@AmandaHaley-x3z Yes I had posted about that in October. It was one in a series of actions VV took to "mine" their current residents for more money when they were failing to sell very many more cabins to new passengers. After getting $2MM more from Founders then offering current residents 10% discount for prepaying segments and monthly fees (at the Founders suggestion per the email because the Founders didn't want to have to give more), then came the upgrade scheme. Residents could benefit VV and help them through a difficult financial period by upgrading to more expensive cabins. After seeing their unremodeled 130sqft inside cabins with no virtual window the majority had purchased , it was an easier decision.
@@BeanieBabyTrader Yes, that, in essence, is exactly what it is for them. "Affordable Perpetual Cruising" is the whole point of this product. Whether that was ever realistic or not, I can't say. I can't blame a couple if their personal expectations are more...flexible. They seem to be happy just cruising around, and after a 4-month delay in getting started, their expectations were lowered. They've said they will, eventually, sublet out their cabin and maybe cruise part of the year and do other travel or visit family/friends during the months they're not on VVR.
@ it seems reasonable to me that if you have somebody who’s already bought in and you’ve got an empty higher grade cabin it seems worth it to take whatever you can from them to move them up to the higher grade cabin and then they have a cheaper cabin for selling to a new person so it seems like a win-win for all
You are absolutely right! Customer care is paramount, they pay your wage and if you can’t keep promises at least be HONEST!
Excellent points. But they are upside down financially and treading water. Hope they can see relief and focus on their clients. Good luck Ville Vie and Residences it is an awesome concept.
@@lynnfranklin5098 well the concept is good. It’s like trying to produce a brand new Mercedes-Benz quality car for under $10,000. It just can’t be done profitably so it’s either gonna be a situation where somebody infuse a lot of cash to keep it going or it’s gonna go belly up.
@@BeanieBabyTrader BTW- Ive ridden in old Mercedes Benz and they suck- sorry- the shocks suck. Horrible ride.
@@rebeccahowell6538 I was suggesting a brand new one
I agree with everything you have mentioned in this video regarding the Villa Vie and her management. I also was a business owner for starting from scratch in 1988 and recently sold out for a very good profit. This could not have been done without good customer service and attention to detail over the years. Without customers I would have had no business. I did pick up a lot of my customers from competition due to attention to detail and hard work. You can't catch and retain customers with promises and a broken product that doesn't perform 100%.
Their support staff and attention to detail is far above any cruise line I have ever traveled. It's not a broken product, it's just all the haters that wants it to fail....so sad!! Would you like it if everybody wanted to shoot down your start up company in 1988 ?Are things perfect? Was everything perfect with your start up? Or did you have to make adjustments as you built your business. Think about it!
@@richard-lifecrusier6488 You must not have traveled very much. I have cruised for 23 years, over 550 days at sea, around the world. I am not saying it is a broken product, but it could sure use more attention to detail. I stand by my statement.
@@larryaerts4041 Actually I haven't traveled much and congratulations to you for your travels. Don't trash mine.
We are approaching 6 months since one of the original launch dates, with 4.5 months of delays and 1.5 months of travel. I wonder how many of those on (and on/off) board feel they are getting the shipboard cruising and land exploring experience they were expecting, or whether it is exceeding or less than expectations, and whether they are paying (and costing them) what they expected, or costing them more or less than expected.
It looks like management underestimated the costs to rehabilitate this aging ship. And it looks like they're trying to avert a financial crisis. If the company goes belly-up, then everyone loses. I hope they can get back on track so everyone gets to have their dream, both management and passengers.
Basically, this is a condominium at sea for all intents and purposes. anybody who lives in a condo should know that the condo board can make special assessments at any time when the need arises. Unfortunately, for the residence, I think that time has come.
It's a money pit, whack a mole, corrupt business, no chance of VVR coming back from this.
The did not underestimate so much as not having the slightest idea about ships or business in general.
@@dlgregory35 This is exactly what it's about. They have no idea at all about operating a cruise ship. Someone just came up with an idea of how to make some money. The only person with any skill is the one that convinced all these people to hand over their money, unless there was a lot of lying involved. Then again, which sales person doesn't lie, you still need to be good enough to get people to hand over their money.
Still checking the Vegas markets for the Over/Under Bet on Bankruptcy timeline
LOL!!!
I read a post on DC Hidden Gems that the residents were asked to pay $8000 or VV would go bankrupt on the 18th December...
@@mrsnaoum Yes- it's true and Joe Rhodes posted the same thing. I also heard it from another passenger. So that's what is being asked by VVR but the passengers are balking at this. If they refuse to pay (as a collective) then VVR will backpedal again. The passengers are smart not to pony up more money for this venture.
Where did Joe Rhodes post this about $8000,- and bankruptcy? Not at Substack. There he mentions an average deduction from the OBC of $8800,- because of a new, sudden "maintenance fee", but no mention of any bankruptcy..
@rebeccahowell6538
@@rebeccahowell6538 That's exactly why VV didn't apply this to Midlife. Now Angela doesn't have to post a tearful video to her followers how VV is asking for $$ from them. So now there is no rallying point and no wide publicity and most passengers are both afraid to defend their rights (because of VV's spiteful reactions but also because of the extreme social pressure from other passengers) and also afraid VV will stop sailing and their dreams will be goneif they don't pony up.
I love cruising but would be scared to cross the Atlantic in this ship. I hope I'm wrong and they make it safely without any major issues.
Well.... we did make it safely and contrary to popular belief, it was amazing! Keep listening to the haters and you will miss out on something great!
@richard-lifecrusier6488 Glad you did and hope all works out as you planned.
Amen, your spot on. The residents need to take control.
The management of the Villa Vie is trying to sell a dream for a price people can afford. This price that they are charging does not reflect the true cost of a quality residential ship experience. Therefore, the only solution to fix the issues on this ship is a large infusion of cash. Without thethe necessary funding, this venture cannot succeed.
It’s a very old ship it’s like buying an old car, it’s a money pit.
There are quite a number of old ships operating especially in the luxury or ultra luxury market but they have been re-built and some have been rebuilt so well they have qualified with such as Lloyds as new ships.
Thre are quite a number of old ships operating at the moment and many are considered luxury or ultra luxury ships but their owners have updated these ships.
100% agree with your points. I get frequent emails from Villa Vie marketing. I don’t know how they realistically expect to sell future segments with the current situation that is so publicly broadcasted. In today’s social media world, you can’t disguise issues, so solve them. Like you,I wish them success because the idea was good (except for the part about buying such an old hull) but the execution poor. I absolutely would not invest in them currently.
@frankyoung3626 Well said
As PT Barnum purported to say, "There's a sucker born every minute." They'll sell a few more cabins and/or segments before it all comes crashing down, unfortunately.
Do you know the percentage of the boat that is filled with passengers?
23% occupied at present, 30% occupied after passengers board in Barbados and 53% occupancy for any passenger that has paid any deposit for a cabin or any segment for the entire voyage.
@@RetiredZGrt But is that true surely many have already pulled out after reading what is happening here.
@@dlgregory35 I made a post elsewhere on this video of the actual numbers and where they came from. I believe it would be difficult for anyone who has paid a deposit (or god forbid paid 100% for a cabin) to pull out because I don't think VV would be willing or able to refund them at this point. Per the contract the deposit should be 100% refundable 6 months prior to the start of your boarding date (or segment start date). 90 days from boarding/segment start date 0% is refundable. So even if someone is due a refund, would they get it? The only sure way to "pull out" at this point is to walk away from the cruise and from your money.
@@RetiredZGrt Complete;y agree with you
Jennie and Bonny dodged a bullet!!! Not only would I NOT want to cruise with a resident/s that go running to management about a PRIVATE conversation like a nasty 8 year old, but the ship is falling apart….To Jennie and Bonny I say: you are so lucky not to be on that ship of disasters!
Keep forgetting to mention there is a new person on the Meet the Team page on their website "Resident Services Manager ". Been there a week or 2 at most. Even though residents parroted VV's line throughout the summer "they are so transparent with us" all the while they were being lied to "we're leaving in a week", the primary complaint many residents posted about post launch including Midlife was that communications were severely lacking. That's part of the role of this new person because the residents were so unhappy about the communications.
That's such a funny and untrue statement, maybe you should stay retired and keep your nose out of other peoples business...just saying! Another armchair bandit! Keep clicking, watching, listening and writing you are doing so well for yourself.
Jenny and Bonnie are the lucky ones
I’ve owned a successful business for over 30 years you are absolutely correct. Saying they are falling short is kind. They are guilty of deceptive advertising and business practices. They have not delivered what they promised to people who purchased residences that’s just a fact. The ship is not completely repaired and updated or as advertised and God bless those who stay onboard for this crossing. This company sold a dream but not a reality. 200 a day for months until they cut even that off as people waited in Belfast is nothing compared to what they themselves had to spend to wait week after week month after month as sail date was constantly postponed. Unplanned expenses no less with a promise for it to be returned on onboard spending. Now the company wants to take back that promise too. Many couldn’t even return to their homes they had sold to take part of this cluster. Villa V should be thanking them for their patience and their additional funds they were forced to spend. Personally the censorship of any resident would have done it for me. I wouldn’t want to be on a ship or in a community where I wasn’t free to speak my mind. I find the cheerleaders Pathetic and some we know have been compensated in some way to keep cheering. An upgraded cabin from an interior or other perks taints their cheers. They are clearly desperate to sell cabins and segments because without the money flowing in it all ends. That isn’t the fault of anyone unhappy with the lies the company sold them it falls back squarely on the villa v company. So I don’t have any respect for those pushing how wonderful it is who have a vested interest to bilk others out of their hard earned money. Imagine the expense of sailing that ship with only a couple hundred people onboard and more issues with the ship continue to go wrong. It can’t sustain itself. The company’s reputation is already tarnished because they’ve done that to themselves by not delivering what they’ve promised.
The dream is turning into a nightmare. Feel sorry for the captive residents who can’t complain because they will be kicked off or torpedo the need for new suckers to buy into the false tales.
I think anybody who didn’t learn a lesson from the failure of life at C and chose to continue on with this venture certainly did not do their due diligence. In the US we have securities laws that require you to provide a perspective before you buy securities. I know this is not a security, but it certainly an investment and in that way I would want to do my diligence just like I would wanna investigate the condo board before I bought a condominium.
$8000 to continue cruising???!!! is that true
According to VV's November 9 press release touting their new money grab...err.. I mean their Tour La Vie program , "Villa Vie Odyssey will be hosting familiarity events, inviting press, media and special guests throughout the rest of the Caribbean until the end of the year." Ugh more free trips in exchange for positive news they can't otherwise get as they to try to fill those 62% of empty cabins (after the Barbados boarding).
I keep hearing about Joe but when I search I can’t find him. Can you share a link to him?
@@SherryStern the fb account is still there but he stopped comments and quit posting there months ago. He's on substack, hilarious wit but infrequent posts and per Jeff, he exited in Dakar (along with 40-50 other residents per my post above).
@ can’t find him. Link?
@@CruisingKim his substack is called Unmoored
@@SherrySternThanks so much. What a great read! I've subscribed to his Substack. (There is no charge.)
Some residents are blaming solo residents over the expenses, the Grinners being a vocal couple, it seems one or two resident couples are acting as shipboard police informants.
Who would want to even be on a ship with some of these people who act as informants? They’ve already had 2 women booted. 2 women who made major life changes to be on this ship to live. Founders who invested in this company would want to silence the people who simply wanted to live this life. All they would care about is making money on their investment.
How can it be solo cabin people at fault? The monthly expense is per person and cabin size.
@@lifebysuzanne9405 Its how much the Solo people were saying it was costing them living off ship, that the Villa Vie informants are saying.
Mike gave the passengers $200 per person per day right? That's what was stated. A couple could live comfortably on $200 per person sharing a hotel room. A solo passenger would have to use all $200 on a hotel room in Belfast during high season- summer. Either VVR made it clear that it was $200 a day or not. But if anyone cancelled their cruise- they aren't refunded the per diems. They are deducted from the refund. VVR has all the power here
@@simonhaines3441why anyone trusted this guy is beyond me. I said repeatedly- have you been reimbursed for your per diems and no they had not. They were held hostage with false promises. Now VVR has rescinded on the per diems. Each passenger now is being told to pony up $8000.00 and if they do- then they will get the remaining per diems as shipboard credits. That's right- they are telling residents that if they don't pony up $8000 now, they won't get the per diems. They said if the residents don't pay 8k- they will run out of money by segment four
Friends are currently on a west bound Transatlantic on a Royal Caribbean ship, and got hit by 80 MPH winds, lots of broken glass and apparently have turned around to head back to the Canary Islands. I hope the Odyssey wasn't caught in any of this...
Especially on a ship with a flat bottom, it’s not good for crossing the Atlantic, especially during hurricane season
@sai123aei From what cruisemapper has said they started with 1.5m seas and today have had 2m seas all day so far.
@@RetiredZGrt just saw a news report about the Royal Caribbean cruise. One passenger was quoted as saying the crew was well trained and put them at ease. I can’t imagine that they passengers on the VAV would be saying the same thing if that if that happened to them.
The overly positive Villa Vie residents with RUclips channels remind me of someone who spent a lot of money on a botched cosmetic procedure and keep saying:
“I know it looks strange but once the swelling goes down it’s going to be fabulous”
@@mitchg7809 Couldn't of said it better myself and fully agree with you.
@@SCYorksgreat comparison! Lol. Funny thing is one of the women couples out talking also has some pretty 🤨 cosmetic procedures 😝
I would love to see an unaffiliated RUclipsr who has no financial stake in the ship visit the ship and give an unbiased review. I think the contrast would be eye opening
@@kennethpreston9813 You know that is what was originally planned. When the ship was to launch in May, international journalists were supposed to be onboard just for the launch. Then widely followed cruise influencers were supposed to be on for several weeks and others for the summer. That got cancelled as they realized the "renovation " was a fiasco and the launch was nowhere near (though they always told their own residents that it was in a week).
In addition to the above, according to VV's February 7 press release "Villa Vie Residences have planned ship visits and events in Belfast for Journalists and Residents on March 23rd-24th." This was when they were supposed to close on the ship in late February and immediately sail for dry dock in early March. Instead they closed in early March and couldn't get the ship restarted after 4 years in cold layup and found out the ship was not certified (which any level of due diligence would have shown prior to purchase) so they didn't sail from Rosyth until April 24. The above journalist events were cancelled and never reinstated as the fiasco began and continued.
Or people in those cult videos. Lol
Excellent info Geoff
Odyssey looks very close to Barbados. They had slowed to 10 knots 2 days ago and yesterday slowed to 9 knots, but they still seem as if they will arrive well ahead of their 11/14 itinerary date. I wonder if they will sail around aimlessly again burning heavy fuel oil rather than going to port. The seas are presently the highest I've seen for the journey 2.4m. It was 2m at the beginning but then more around 1.7 or 1.8m until now.
I wondered the same thing about distance. They are just on the razor edge of going from currently moderate (2.4 m)to rough seas (2.5 m).
I think they can't berth. Probably wasn't room
Wave size/height increases normally closer to land. Nothing dramatic about that. It is merely fluid dynamics. Google wave shoaling.
@@susan3831cruise mapper reported rough 8pm eastern time. Poor Steve.
BRAVO !!! Thank you for being our voice
Best wishes to you!!
@@dudettegirl3261thank you, Hopefully within a few weeks I'll have an update on my pending lawsuit
VVR resident Joe Rhodes just put out a new entry on substack. For those following the saga, he puts numbers to the recent email VVR sent to residents regarding financial adjustments to the onboard credit they were reportedly promised by the CEO due to covering their own expenses in Belfast.
Can you provide any of the details here?
@@sai123aei Here’s a cut and paste of a small part. It’s.a long entry worth the reading if you can find it.
“Until last week, just as the Odyssey started crossing the Atlantic, when the policy was changed again. Retroactively. Ex post facto. Instead of $200 per day, now we’d be getting $140 a day, with the $60 difference coming from a “maintenance fee” we would be charged for the 138 days spent waiting to board the ship? That’s approximately $8,800 per Resident. This would be the final offer, we were told. Basically, take it or leave it.”
@@susan3831 Whoa! Can they contractually do that? Of course everything has to be in writing, so if the $200/day credit wasn't put in writing, then.... hmmm....
@@crimson25543 I can’t speak to the legality of it. I know this will be a big hunk of $ for many residents. Yes, it should have been out into writing.
@@crimson25543 Basically- they can't force the passengers to pony up the money. They are not contracted to do that but they are being held hostage to the situation. They have been told that if they don't pay the $8000.00 (and this is out of pocket- no shipboard credit used for this purpose) - there isn't enough in the kitty for the cruise past December 18. In other words- they will be tapped out. There are still repair items that have to be accomplished and certifications to renew by end of December. They are living on borrowed time. Before these people get ahead of themselves- they need to do some simple math. Best case scenario - they could take on a couple hundred passengers (using one of the Villa Vie programs). That would be an infusion of cash to the tune of about 40k per passenger x 300 passengers.-$12000000. That's enough to do the repairs and leave something in reserves. The monthly fees from the "residents" (approximately 400 maybe/250 segmenters who don't pay month fees) would be about $2000.00 per month. 400 residents x 2000 is $800000 per month. That would be the income. It costs approximately 1.5-2 million per month to operate this ship- food, beverage, FUEL and salaries., loan payments, port charges per month (a good guess) So they would still have to dip into the reserves to cover the money costs of the ship. There wouldn't be enough in reserves to sustain the cruise. The math doesn't work- even with best case scenario. Every month they will be at least 700,000 behind. Right now they don't have that many passengers and with the bad press- it's doubtful they will fill up in the Caribbean portion. There are far too many options out there for cruising the Caribbean on better ships.
I have been seriously considering purchasing a cabin myself up until I heard about the two women who were kicked off the boat after they purchased a cabin. You sink your life savings into your dream house only to have an emperor with unlimited power boot you off because you speak about things that, were promised but never happened. who wants to live like that? How can you be kicked off the boat when you own your cabin? Are there no deeds ? It was the biggest promotion blunder possible and made a very very bad impression out in the world of people who were seriously considering joining up. It's looking more and more like a boarding school for retirees that is run by a very thin skin and mean headmaster who is eager to expel anyone commenting on his mismatched socks
Even though cruisemapper has consistently categorized winds and seas as Moderate since Odyssey started the crossing, this is what 1 resident posted:
"So far on this trip, the seas have been fairly calm, although there have been a few rough patches, including one day when we had dishes crashing to the floor in the dining room. That day I had mild nausea; my sea bands seemed to help. The second time was much worse; I was up most of the night with severe nausea, even though I was wearing sea bands. The sea has been a bit choppy at times-carrying a bowl of soup from buffet to table is sometimes a challenge."
Can you tell me which site this information came from?
The ship rocks even in moderate seas. Anyone sailing on this ship should be a good sailor, not someone who gets seasick.
@@susan3831 Sorry Susan wish there was a way to message you because I'd be happy to tell you. I don't like to post names publicly. This particular resident has almost never posted anything specific to VV nor to the ship. They concentrate exclusively on the excursions. That quote was both rare and the complete statement. Otherwise they just mentioned which seasickness meds they got.
@@RetiredZGrt I totally understand. I would not a resident’s name made public unless they made it so. I just wondered if it was on YT or Cruise Critic, as I could search it out.
@@susan3831 blog
I agree. The main thing that bothered me is that they invited residents before the ship was ready. That was irresponsible. When those people walked on board everything should have been ship shaped and all documents signed sealed and delivered. Wasting away months in Belfast was unacceptable.
They knew that they would have to do sea trials and they hadn't even done them yet. They should have delayed the sailing for 5 months, but they risked people asking for a refund. Who has lost here? The passengers - not Mike. He and Kathy are taking salaries and probably bonus's for selling cabins. They don't have skin in this game.
When. you have a great idea- people want to invest in it. This wasn't a great idea and only a few wishful people invested. Before even getting off the ground you have to have everything figured out. You find the ship in question, figure out the estimated repairs, and get investors (non passengers) . From there you have a timeline, find vendors, etc. etc. This was just a really amateur venture and it shows. It was either a Ponzi or incompetent management. Either way it's a disaster. Whether it keeps sailing or not- who wants to chronically wonder how long it is going to last- what new fire has to be put out- what the new itinerary is going to be. Will I really be in such and such place on any given date? How do I expect family to join when the itinerary changes and they can't get on in a major airport city- neccesitating overnight stays pre-cruise and expensive flights. Why would a family member do that to join the ship? The ship is so low rent. Not going to get too many interested family or friends to risk missing the ship and being stranded in Panama City.
Rebecca - out of interest, what happened to your friend on the ship? Are they still onboard?
@@julienstanding2367 My friend is living with her daughter and waiting for VVR to get their act together. She still has her belongings on the ship and plans to return at some point for the South America segment if it takes place. She is a segment passengers not an owner (thankfully).
@@rebeccahowell6538 relieved she bought a segment rather than a cabin. She is clearly a sensible person. I so hope 🙏 it works out for her.
I wouldn’t pour my life savings (and some have) and ongoing fees/expenses into a dodgy operation that isn’t delivering what it promised to be trapped on an old, barely seaworthy ship with some people I’d usually go out of my way to avoid. It’s like a floating HOA. I’ll spend my money on properly run world cruises with a reputable company.
Your comment made me laugh...a float HOA is priceless, and accurate 😄
@@baysideharpy8350 Fully agree.
A “floating HOA” is the best description yet, LOL!
at the risk of possibly being picky, and perhaps not understanding how HOA's govern themselves - but wouldn't you at least get to vote on who are the Directors or Board of the HOA from time to time? At least you have the appearance of a say in the process? It seems like the Odyssey residents don't even have that much input, so perhaps it is worse than a floating HOA?????
I can’t imagine spending what they have on a dream. Yet, I can’t believe how they are getting treated. I feel sad!
Agree..if you watch their videos it’s only positive and all good ….they are afraid to tell the truth, I just answered one of them and they did not counter answered, says a lot
@@irenekegel5988they have put their faith in a transparently dishonest clown company. They are adults. I pity them at this point
@@irenekegel5988 if they decide to tell the real story with a negative spin, nobody will buy any of the unsolved cabins and the venture will fail. Therefore, I don’t blame them for not telling the bad side of the story because it’s not in their financial interest so they’re actually behaving as rational people. There are plenty of sources to get the real scoop so anybody who’s interested in buying on the Villa V should be looking there
100% Agree
Keep on doing what you’re doing! We all thought that this was an intriguing experiment and that what got us all interested. Then the story kept evolving, which has us following along.
Your suggestions/recommendations are spot on! I hope that they take heed. We will be watching.
He says in all of his post that he is not shooting VVR down, but yet he does. Lets talk about integrity and transparency. The funny thing about it as that there is so much ignorance!
I doubt anything will change immediately, this will provide content for you for a long time yet. Seem to be doing OK though so they probably don't care.
I don’t think it’s doing well at all and this cluster is providing content for many. How could anyone say it’s doing well when they continue to default on what they were selling and what people actually bought. They are 2 different things
@lifebysuzanne9405 sorry if it wasn't clear, it seems to be doing well to Villa Vie, if it wasn't there would be motivation to do something different.
I think some of the resident are trying to make the most of it. And don’t want to admit things are not as good as promised
And they really should be. Because there’s really no other option the money is already sunk, pardon the pun.
@@BeanieBabyTrader that's giving up. I would be taking them to court while there is still some money.
@@farab4391 The cost of a lawsuit versus the chance of winning and there being any money left makes this a bad strategy
If they aren’t sailing, they can’t charge the monthly residence fee, so no income coming in.
You have completely and correctly encapsulated why the ship was launched when it wasn’t really ready.
Why in the world would they do a 7 day crossing with possible water issues?
In aviation we call it "get-there-itis" when such warning signs are ignored and an ill-advised journey undertaken. "The plan must be stuck to no matter what!" So dangerous.
We talked about avaiation check lists practice when I was a surgical list. We ran down our checklist to prepare a case and before we ever touched a patient. Everything had to be there and working 100%.
Former Flt Att here. We always plan for the absolute worse case scenario and pray for the best. And yes, there's certain carriers you couldn't pay me to fly on.
Let them drink beer! That's what Mike does.
I have been in an Airplane with an engine failure. Fortunately we were still on the ground and not over the Atlantic. Addressing mechanical issues before trip is infinitely easier than dealing with them over the ocean.
Gratitude for this very informative upload on the Villa Vie. Agree with all 4 points you covered.
I have great hopes for the Villa Vie Residents. They ( from what I am seeing on their Vlogs) appear to be a very dedicated group as well as VERY forgiving , VERY supportive and VERY patient with the challenges they are experiencing. I accept that they, or some of them were & continue to be up for the challenges they are experiencing……for a period of time.
That said I would never invest in a residence where I could not openly voice my concerns. This is a style of management that appears to exert control thru fear and silence people. Also I would never respect or accept rejecting residents on the basis of other residents complaining people’s opinions were causing them upset. That is unprofessional & illegal.
I also agree that Mike is not a good spokes person. I would run from him as he presents like a used car salesperson working from a down & out car lot. But these are my observations and this is my opinion. Now hearing that they are potentially reneging on the $200. per night contract ….well my concerns re: management spokesman appear well founded.
That said this was all very obvious to the dedicated residents of the Villa Vie. The delays, the promises, the glitches, the missed confirmed dates….all being tremendous red flags yet the die hard residents chose to support their mission. In for a penny, in for a pound so to speak. Therefore what they are experiencing has been their choice. That is unless it isn’t their choice but they are afraid to speak up. I don’t know.
What I do know is that a great many of them have given up their homes and much of their retirement investments and chose to deal with what comes. Who am I to judge them?? Would I do it? No. But this is their dream and their life so I will wish them the best and hope & pray all goes well for them and within 3 to 6 months all concerns will be addressed & corrected.
Back Road Tourist has been nothing but honest in every post re: the Villa Vie. I like honesty. I respect honesty. I am not afraid of honesty even if I were a Villa Vie resident I would welcome it. I will close by saying gratitude for this info Back Road Tourist and totally agree with all 4 points you made. It is after all basic common sense and good business practice.
Best wishes and prayers for the Villa Vie residents. God speed. I hope one day they call at my Port, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
I would make it a point to welcome them at the dock and play tour guide & I am dying to meet the resident cat!!😊
I have a very soft spot for the Villa Vie Vloggers !! 🙏🙏🙏💙⚓️
Yje residents have no othret choice than to appear upbeat they will not wasn't to be seen as losers, but that is what they are in this case going into it with very romantic ideas when nothing was right about this hole thing.
P.T. Barnum said "there is a sucker born every minute". A lot of them are on this ship.
@@incredibleshrinkingfungus1731 Ha ha…very good laugh :)
P.T. Barnum also said "The Greatest Show on Earth!"
It is! For us non-residents that is! 😂
@@henrikbredal7517it's certainly a fascinating tale on many different levels. Many of the Residents have had the times of their lives too both in Belfast/Europe pre launch and since sailing. Like lots of things in life it's not what they would have imagined but in many respects an even richer experience than they signed up for! I genuinely think even if the company doesn't go the full course many "early adaptors" will be happy they took the plunge and have had some wonderful experiences on a truly unique adventure!😊😊😊
What gives you the right to talk about 200+ people that way? You have not idea...you are the sucker because you don't have the guts to do what me and all the other residents have done... follow your dreams...right, wrong or indifferent. As far as a showman, the only showman I see are the followers of this youtube channel. A bunch of imposters and want to bees...buzz,buzz
One of my biggest concerns is how slow this old tub tends to travel on cruise mapper it is only doing 13 knots in relatively calm water.Most modern cruise ship do at least 18 knots and higher my concerns are that the distance this old tub is being asked to cover that she will inevitably break down at sea and very likely in rough weather.
I saw the original specs for Braemer indicated top speed was around 18 knots and cruising speed around 15 knots.... it does take this ship a while to get anywhere, for sure.
@@sai123aei after lengthening the ship it now has a top speed of 17 knots. The highest I've ever seen the Odyssey go for short periods was 14 knots. 13 knots seems to be their typical speed when they actually want to get somewhere. Many times they go only 7 knots because they are trying not to reach the port at night when they'd have to start paying dock fees so they crawl to not arrive until morning,
@@RetiredZGrt Still very slow when compared to modern vessels such as Virgin voyage's cruise ships etc I am sorry but with the prices people are paying in my opinion there idiots it's a clapped out 30 year old ship with clapped out systems.
@@RetiredZGrt also I suspect traveling slower, probably uses less fuel
Fuel is the biggest cost or very near the biggest cost category for any cruise ship and so I hope that 13 knots is the sweet spot for the most economical fuel consumption when there's no rush to get around as there would be for a short vacation cruise. I say I hope this to be the case as i have no expertise in this area, but expect that prudent $ economy is the main consideration here, in the circumstances. And rightly so. Unless there's a specific need for speed - for example, to escape bad weather - don't burn more fuel than you have to.
You only have one chance to make a good first impression. You never open the doors to a business until it's showtime. This company is so amateur. They don't care and this was a cash grab. They have no money coming in and it's because they opened the doors before it was showtime. This is why businesses fail. They could sell the ship to someone else and start over- but these passengers will be forced to buy in at a much higher price.
I totally agree. But they had no or not enough seed money to get this off the ground. That's why they had to get money from passengers first, before they could 'complete' repairs and renovations. Unfortunately there were people who fell for it and handed over their money. This reminds me of people buying houses in off-plan developments in Spain and then the buildings never materialised.
Why do I have the feeling this is not going to end well? When corporate starts doing what you've described pulling the plug may not be far away. A 30 plus year old tub with no service records is an accident waiting to happen.
You’re feeling stems from the fact that there isn’t enough money to keep this venture going
Like hitting an iceberg at the equator. If it is heavily insured, watch out.
Your voice is AMAZING ❤🌈✝️🕊️😇😘🥰😍 x x x I always imagine you on Police Academy when I hear it 😂
I have really enjoyed your unbiased videos on the Odyssey.
From a CruiseHive article about a new marketing approach by Villa Vie:
Through the Tour La Vie program, guests can select a one-, two-, three-, or four-year option in an ocean-view villa. Rates start at $49,999 per person for double occupancy or $79,999 for single occupancy for the one-year membership, while the four-year offering is $159,999 and $255,999 based on double or single occupancy.
The prices are heavily discounted from Villa Vie Residences’ original year-round passengers who invested a minimum of $99,999 for a villa and pay a monthly fee.
There is even a try-before-you-buy opportunity that gives potential Tour La Vie residents a 7-day stay for $1,998 for double occupancy or $999 for single occupancy. The cruises, like the residences, include accommodations, meals, activities, and fitness facilities.
Hail Mary Pass?
@@susan3831 Yes! Buy now! We NEED the $$ and only 30 new passengers have signed up for any portion of the trip since end of August.
It's on their website. "PAY ONCE AND NEVER WORRY ABOUT IT AGAIN" so it sounds like upfront money and no monthly fees. Completely cannibalizing their cabin sales (which aren't selling), the lowest inside cabin is now 139,000 plus monthly fees and for $129,000 PER PERSON DOUBLE with no monthly fees you get 3 years of nail-biting excitement (Will we stop in the advertised ports? Will we have clean water? Will the A/C work everywhere? Will the company continue to sail?)
Any scheme to get a large sum of money up front when many of us realize bankruptcy is very possible. @@RetiredZGrt
My question is how do these prices compare to around the world cruise from Royal Caribbean carnival or Norwegian? I suspect the round the world cruise might be a little more expensive but if you’re thinking about spending this much money, a few extra bucks for the security is surely worth it.
@@RetiredZGrtup front money all they want which they spend immediately. Then no income for years
I love the idea of residential cruise ships and it will one day be a huge profitable business for some companies. I don’t believe this company will be one of those companies. Too many red flags.
This is a shipwreck!
Excellent video and very valuable information! I appreciate your insight and context.
I really hope you do more research.
As a former business owner, I totally agree with your advice… so far the Villa Vie is a PR disaster. The company needs to correct all these issues.
@@SandyBanks-vk5dl all true, but the only correction would be a large infusion of cash
Very much doubt that they can correct anything they have no experience of ships at all it appears and I doubt very much if they have any money I expect for what they get in fees from the residents.
@ money is the key, with money they could buy the expertise.
@@BeanieBabyTrader Unfortunately in addition to money they would also need the intelligence to hire the right expertise and so far they haven't demonstrated any level of acceptable business acumen.
@ absolutely true, but without the money, the expertise wouldn’t helpn
The biggest problem is the business model and financial viability. They are bleeding funds and will not have enough to make the promised itinerary unless they pick up more along the way to get to breakeven and capacity. Ship is only 15% full and they spent a fortune in drydock. This will end with bankruptcy within a year just like mike’s las disaster, Life at sea. I feel badly for residents who don’t want to see it.
I doubt they’ll make it a year but otherwise I completely agree with you
The only thing worse than Villa Vie are the passengers who continue to post videos saying things are fine and then when you question them about problems you get zombie responses like "it was an unforeseen issue, they're working on it and will be fixed soon". Are there some enjoyable moments, like the odd time the ship sails into the sunset or they have an excursion in a beautiful part of the world, I'm sure there are. But when it's supported by accommodation that doesn't have fresh water or hot water or flushing toilets or doesn't sail to where it needs to, etc, it spoils the whole experience and is definitely not what you paid a LOT of money for. Makes me think of these girls they find who were locked up in dark dingy basements for years with only a bucket for a toilet, and when they're found they say stuff like "he was kind to me because he spoke to me every day and brought me food and water".
Exactly
Reminds me of just about anyone who posts photos and whatnot about their vacation(s), making it all look fabulous and fun when there are things they're not enjoying, maybe they fought with their spouse or their kids, maybe something didn't go as planned. Most people hide those things to others, especially on social media. Long time ago, before social media, I went on a 1 week cruise in Greece. My summary when I came back home: "right country, wrong man!"
They will run out of money soon. They are sailing with less than half capacity. Costs are going up and they can't pay
@robertb7864 23% occupancy for the crossing, 30% capacity after people board in Barbados
My question is if they were at 80 or 90% occupancy would they still have enough money?
It has become a scam, when contacts are not kept and renegotiations (looks like reneging to me) happen mid-ocean.
I think a scam might be a little bit too hard on these people. I think it was a not well fought out venture with a high likelihood of failure. But I also have to believe that the people who bought into this did not do their due diligence.
I want to make a comment about the proposed pool idea. Mike was supposed to make the two pools into a lap pool (but like his other ideas- that never materialized and he just retiled the existing pools). His "new" idea was to flood the whole area- so that there is water outside of the two plunge pools with sun chairs in the pool area. When I look at this design- it's a drowning just waiting to happen. There would be nothing for the passengers to hang onto while in the pool. Drunken guests could easily hit their head or jump into that water haphazardly. I mean it wouldn't take much for an accident to occur. I hope they just forget that concept and leave the plunge pools as they are- with people able to hold onto the sides. Gives me the heebie geebies.
The tile is very dated. Are you sure it is new?
@@georgettenorth2776 I'm not sure what they replaced. If you go back to the VVR produced Vlogs they show the pools being retiled. It is all new but it looks poorly I agree. The small white tiles on the deck of the pool look bad.
@@georgettenorth2776 the tile inside the actual pool "holes" is not new and the grout was very dirty. I was told they would replace "down the road". Tile was only replaced in the newly built areas or where they joined old to new - you can see the difference in color.
There is a lot of public relations advice being offered to the company here, but as a viewer I’d like to know the pros and cons of getting a residence (The biggest con being how do we make our cabin pay for itself while we’re not occupying it)
@erikrichardgregory If renting out your cabin when you weren't occupying it was the biggest "con" then you wouldn't have any worries. Instead the biggest cons are that the company continues to not deliver on features sold to the residents and reneges on promises made, the ship has current repair needs, the ship doesn't presently meet requirements of key countries on its itinerary (Antarctica/January 2025, US June 2025 amongst others), it has 6 certifications expiring in November and December which must be extended by DNV or the ship cannot sail, the company is in significant financial distress due to overspending on the renovation by 100%, many repairs still urgently needed and being severely underbooked (23% occupied at present, 30% occupied once the people board in Barbados, and reaches only 53% occupancy for any cabin or segment booked during the entire voyage). So if you were a cabin owner you would be competing to rent your cabin vs all the empty cabins VV is trying to sell or rent (and has a Marketing team to promote) and vs other residents who want to rent their cabin.
@erikrichardgregory - in addition to the risks referenced in the comments by @RetiredZGrt, here is one I have wondered about. Given the Odyssey's track record for dropping ports on short notice, what will your personal liability be to someone who may have rented from you and then had the port dropped and couldn't board, had to incur extra expense due to short notice holiday cancellation, etc. What is your personal responsibility if they get injured or fall sick on board or because of the ship. Their rental contract would likely be with you. Will you have insurance that will cover you in such situations? How would you market the amenities on board available to the renter? Currently, many amenities being marketed by VV are not available, and may never be, so you may be under delivering....etc
@@sai123aei Who the heck would rent one of these shitty cabins? I mean if you want to sail the world- so many better choices.
@@rebeccahowell6538 - well - there is that, too!!!
@ damn good questions
Find it shocking that only one pool is open and none of the hot tubs sorry but this tub seems to be unfinished??
The residents don't mind as the weather where they were was cold and rainy anyways. It will be working by the time they enter warmer waters and locations.😊
@karenmckersie2239 I am sorry but if I was paying over $150,000 dollars for a room plus the fees per month I would expect it working the second I get on board.I am coming to a conclusion there's a lot of people in that boat that are brainwashed or clinicaly insane.
@@karenmckersie2239 unfortunately that is the distorted picture you are being sold. It was in the 70s in Spain and Portugal and it was in the 80s in Dakar and Cabo Verde and yet none of the pools currently work. And when they were in colder climes, wouldn't it be nice to use a hot tub?? Additionally even if someone wasn't planning on getting in the pool, it would be much more scenic and pleasant to lounge around the pool deck with working pools and hot tubs instead of "lounging" beside empty concrete holes. Also there are a few children and teenagers onboard and I bet they would have loved to use the pools.
@@RetiredZGrt I hope those kids aren't on the transatlantic voyage. If they are- maybe they have home school stuff to do.
@@rebeccahowell6538 They are onboard. I saw pictures of them touring in Cabo Verde. The 50 passengers who disembarked before the crossing did so in Dakar (before Cabo Verde) because it was the last port with good air connections to Europe and the US.
ABSOLUTELY SHAMEFUL AND DESPERATE... Have you seen the latest vlog on Villa Vie Residences here on RUclips? Makes me feel sick to the stomach
I would report for 'misinformation' or 'spam and misleading'
Not my job to defend the residents, but I do feel the post from @CruiseDude-h5h down in this discussion (in response to a post from Tommyd3257) bears reposting: You can say that's how it looks to you Tommy, but the Residents that don't feel seen or heard, who can't speak out, who are yearning for accountability and proper transparency, wanting to actually realise their dream and get some financial and operating stability happening.....for those of us, Jeff's words are gold, spot on, wise and much appreciated. He took the time to make constructive criticism in a fair and balanced way. There may be hope yet, if well intentioned people like him and others in these comments are standing up for us. You are free to walk away Tommy, but Jeff and others...please, keep helping.
@@sai123aei I would love for Villa Vie to offer one week, Cruises to anyone who’s interested in buying and then offer them a portion of that one week cruise Fair towards the purchase of a segment or cabin. I don’t think they would try that because I think after you spend a week on board, you’d realize it wasn’t for you. Nobody would buy through that promo. If they offered it, I would start a GoFundMe to spend a week on there or get somebody to spend a week on there to give us the honest scoop. They know that if anybody went on for a week as a prospective buyer instead of a spokesman for the venture, they would quickly see how the lack of amenities the substandard port calls the low number of people, the lack of entertainment and things to do on board and first and foremost, the sewage smell and lack of waterwould make sure that they got off at the end of the week with no intention of returning it, any cost or even free.
This was billed as a luxury cruise, all-inclusive (whatever that means on VVR) with world class dining. If you go over to The Posh Travel vlog and see their recent video on the Regent Grandeur, the difference between the two ships, service and amenities is startling. Also note, that the couple on Regent is staying in the most basic room-no butler, fewer amenities.
I’m sure they paid a lot more money than these guys are paying
And that's why we travel on Regent and Explora! Yes it's more costly but misery at any price is too expensive!
Not only that but the space per passenger ratio is only 25.9 which is very very low with full capacity. The other thing where I live and in many other countries it is a offence to sell something that is not fit for purpose which this ship obviously is that is unfit for purpose, does this not also apply in the USA?
Villa Vie can’t do right because they don’t have the money.
Exactly there’s a whole lot of discussion about this about how they could do this better that better but it just comes down to. They don’t have the money.
Thanks
I think that you are right that the transatlantic will be the pressure test
I have enjoyed watching other videos focused on the experience- but especially today I appreciate your insight and perspective
I hope for the residence sake that things keep getting better- and that this video is taken as a rallying cry to “rise to the challenge “
These residents need prayers. I agree that a water problem at sea or no internet may be the last straw for some. They need enough people to combine resources for Lawyers to get their investment back.
@@dudettegirl3261they should have listened to people prior to sailing the Atlantic. God helps those that help themselves
It’s hilarious you have these ‘Pollyanna’ videos of residents being uploaded ‘living the dream’ all sunshine and smiles then ‘Mr Reality Check’, who is as upbeat as a dementor from Azkaban, comes along with a bucket of ice cold water 😂 Personally I see it as a horror show, I love cruising but after a couple of weeks (even on huge luxurious modern ships) I’m ready for a dose of normality so the idea of an eternity on this old tub is about as appealing as a crab infestation.
Steve and Angela want to sell their cabin so bad!
@@rebeccahowell6538How do you know this? I think Steve made a major mistake when he gave in to his wife's desire to live on this unstable ship since he gets sea sick. He is suffering. I would never do that to my husband.
@@georgettenorth2776 I'm guessing. I think they are trying so hard to keep this shitty cruise afloat but if they could they'd sell that cabin yesterday! They have cruised many times and they know this is a tub. They are just trying to recoup their investment. Angela rules that roost and it was 100% Angela's choice to live on the ship. Fortunately Steve is a good sport, but I would never have subjected my husband to this small ship that isn't going to handle large waves well.
Agree with you 100%.
As the commenting has now shifted focus to this latest video, I am copying here a comment I just posted on the last one, in response to one of the resident's post, criticizing all the "naysayer" commenters who aren't even on the ship. Here is my comment again, and I think it ties into the whole problem of getting factual information from both VV as the business, and the residents, who have bought into this:
What I find really sad is that those who are on board never respond to the various issues with facts to correct any misunderstandings, and instead, use broad ad hominem attacks. For example - you haven't commented to set the record straight, nor has anyone else from the ship, on the issue of the pool functionality, and whether all the pools are fully operational or confined to the plunge pool and limited hours. And, if in fact it is limited, why all the Herculean efforts to spin videos and PR by both VV and the residents to hide the truth (and thereby raising suspicions and mistrust). And there are lots of other similar issues - water quality, food service and availability/restrictions, fees and reimbursements and perhaps broken commitments from VV, etc. So - instead of helping to clear up the situation with correct information, these recent attacks just engender more concern and less empathy for the residents and their experience. And, it also makes it easier to put less weight on residents' comments as merely self serving to try to drum up more business and revenue for VV in the hopes it doesn't all collapse, financially.
A floating disaster ! ...........🍋
Where can you watch Joe rhodes vidios
There are no videos. It's a hilariously witty substack with very infrequent posts.
I fear, really, truly fear that the final chapter of this "voyage" will end with the Odyssey impounded in a foreign port thousands of miles away from home because of unpaid fuel bills. All your points are certainly valid!
And lawsuits
How about payments to the crew, as well? That may become another reason for impounding the ship.
@@sai123aei True, but in the past, unpaid fuel accounts have scuttled most of them. It seems the gas station likes to get paid. Payroll conflicts are usually up to the country of registry. Sometimes quite slowly. You don't pay at the pump, no sail-away- party!
@ yes they owe many folks
@@ericericson3535 Going from vague memory, I believe at least one freighter was held or impounded in my home port for non-payment of crew wages. That would certainly slow down one's cruising itinerary!!!!
I think this cruise line capitalized on their not so savy customers and then just kept taking advantage.
They decided to take advantage of those with dreams everybody dreams of a perpetual vacation, but most people can’t afford it, including the people who bought cabins on the Villa Vie.
All what you said I sis say weeks ago already. You are ao right!!!!
But to be honest, I just wait for the news that the VV went bust and the storie ends...
You mentioned repairs to be done correctly... my gess: theybare out of money for that, what brings us to the Belfast expenses 🙄...
The poor residents who invested so much (Money, energy and fear...).
With all that acrions and announcements VV presented themselves as a company you schould keep a big distance to.
Even for a start up, I mean its a start up of a certain size and you do not have a public relations person (Who knows his/her job and not somebody who just thinks knows to do it...)
😊
Check Rebecca's comment regarding Villa Vie going after the monthly fees for the time in Belfast before sailing, May through Sept. Shocking. Now the residents should know there is big trouble financially. Horrible.
I think they are well aware I think the four month delay was the final nail in the coffin of a shaky financial situation and it’s just a matter of time before the whole thing shuts down.
@@BeanieBabyTrader Sorry to say I think you're right. And probably sooner than later. I really feel for the folks on board who will lose everything. They did nothing to deserve this.
Grinners?
The new program Tour La Vie which starts at 129,999 (Double occupancy) for over 3 years Ocean View Villa (tender view?) pay once with no monthly and the same amenities as residents. So why would anyone buy a cabin now? Even the price for a solo cruiser is less than any decent assisted living facility. Could this be a scenario for granny dumping?
Granny won't be able to board or disembark. The stairs to get off the ship would discourage even an able bodied person like me from this cruise. The gangplank is way to steep.
Probably not you could probably find substandard accommodations and care for less at home
@@rebeccahowell6538 one of the residents said that VVR said they would help people in wheelchairs even if it means staff assisting them down the gangway. Hey, granny doesn’t need to get off the ship. lol
@@susan3831 Unfortunately- they are only using the Deck 5 for the gangway. Depending on the tides-it's very steep and narrow. No way they are going to carry someone down those stairs. Mid-life Cruising even said that she would not recommend this ship for anyone in a wheelchair. I don't see any way to safely take a person down those stairs in a wheelchair or back up!
@@rebeccahowell6538 I don’t either but tell that to Mike.
They announce their new tour la vie program now. Starting at under 40,000 a year and can rebook at that price up to 4 years. Under 40 a year will grab attention for what appears as a desperate need for funds. Not clear in ad is that the total? Are there other fees ? Is everything included for the year? What are they up to now? lol
according to them it does include everything food housekeeping port fees . So 3333.00 a month to live on the ship a year without having to make the big investment to buy a cabin. Wonder how the current residents feel about that who had to purchase a cabin.
The “squeeze” is on. Time to squeeze more money from the passengers.
They are almost broke ..that’s what it looks like to most of us
@ I agree. I don’t see how this has a good ending.
@@kennethpreston9813 no way …plus not sure how I feel about the captain and his wife ….more like used car salesman vibes …
@@irenekegel5988Mike Petterson is NOT the captain. You must learn to distinguish between a naval ship captain, and the "owner" of the ship, which is Mike Petterson, the founding residents, but more importantly, the bank/financing institution that so stupidly lent Mike the money to buy this flat bottomed, horrible at sea, ship.
@ not sure who the couple was that the showed he was introduced as captain and wife , both looked like they had a few and she carried a bottle on the stage dressed like trailer residence ! The whole things is a mess lucky not to be part off it !! As more high end cruisers this would not be my thing but I feel bad for this people being taken for their money and getting crappy at best !
How can they treat them like royalty Jeff, it’s a 1 star almost bankrupt ship….
Another great video from you Jeff. Thanks. You are spot on with the way Mikael Petterson presents himself (or should have presented himself!).
I thought I was the only one that have noticed this. Nobody has mentioned this before. As you say, he shows no strength or confidence in the way he presents himself. I can't watch him speak. Every sentence is abrupted/interspersed with one or several of his regular "uhh's." And yes. He does come through as he does not care about anything. Nothing matters to him. Other than that, he should learn to pull his hands OUT FROM HIS POCKETS when he stands. Also, use proper trousers (and shirts) worthy of a CEO presenting his company, and not his usual jeans and t-shirts.
If I am limited to describe Mikael Petterson with only two words, "dishonest clown" would sum it all up.
Look forward to your next video Jeff!
Wholeheartedly agree. He lacked confidence and I said that from the first ship tour. He drags his feet, hands in pockets, trousers coming down, and acts like eyore. No spring in his step. Just flatline.
@@henrikbredal7517 As a former PR/Marketing consultant, I would have made sure the CEO had some speech-giving training including how to stand, move around, make eye contact, AND how to dress for success. He reminds me of a used car salesman, not the image he wants to portray I am certain. But all of that is “dressing the pig” if you don’t have a sound plan to address serious issues ahead of time with a spokesperson who can field the media onslaught. There is going to be a crisis here, for sure, the timing is just dependent on mechanical and weather problems, but it will come. And they are woefully unprepared. I used to consult on Crisis Management and the first thing we did was develop response scenarios… read how a recent ship hit by a wave responded to that crisis… they were clearly prepared on all levels… public speaking about it, taking action for the medical emergency, assessing ship damage and advising the passengers of what those action plans were. Can VV do that as well? Hmmmm…. We’ll have to see.
@@SandyBanks-vk5dlI agree. But their finances is the most pressing problem. Throw in more technical problems, and some bad weather (as you mention) to really let the residents understand how incredibly bad the decision to choose a little flat bottomed ship was. I told them so last December 2023. I got ridiculed, and then silenced when clown # 2, Kathy, the COO kicked me out of the Facebook group.
So soon you will have the perfect storm ending the Villa Vie Odyssey.
By the way. It was not a rogue/big wave that made the Royal Caribbean ship turn back to Tenerife. It was an extremely strong sudden change of wind that rocked the ship. Read today's USA Today. And yes. RCCL handled it perfectly. As one would expect and rely on from a Norwegian-run company..
Let’s face it. Cruise lines would have scrapped this ship years ago.
Maybe, maybe not. A Greek little tycoon would buy ,it, drop it in the Med and squeeze the living h… out of its engines and rake in a ton of money
Fred Olsen did scrap it and then these guys came along and bought it
@@BeanieBabyTrader Not quite right, the ship was up for sale for USD 15 million and that is the price Fred Olsen had on for scrap value and therefore no need for maintenance records bet Fred was amazed and delighted when these amateurs came along and bought the ship
You are trying to grow your business, while VVR is "confidence scam." The two are not the same, as the objectives are 180 degrees different.
Even VVR's marketing, is going after pensioners, with little money, who have no financial cushion.
CEO Mek'el is the Feudal Lord & the residents are either lessor Nobles (Founder's Residents) or serfs.
Think of the ship, like L Ron Hubbard's flotilla.
@bodyloverz30 😂 It's definitely getting rather culty.
All Glassy Eyed while looking into the camera saying “Everything is Fine……”
these people are going to be cheated out of what they bought. It's disgusting.
Your channel has just become a beat-up for views.
I've said this elsewhere on this thread but will repeat it. You can say that's how it looks to you but the Residents who don't feel seen or heard, who can't speak out, who are yearning for accountability and proper transparency, wanting to actually realise their dream and get some financial and operating stability happening.....for those of us, Jeff's words are gold, spot on, wise and much appreciated. He took the time to make constructive criticism in a fair and balanced way. There may be hope yet, if well intentioned people like him and others in these comments are standing up for us. You are free to walk away but Jeff and others...please, keep helping.
I think everything will be fine, people need to stop complaining so much, from what i see the residents are quite happy! All ships have issues...things will be upgraded and fixed and life will go on...Wish I could join them!!❤🚢🚢🚢 Please stop being a downer...😮
You are just the right person that Villa Vie wants, gullible same as the people on the ship wold bet anything those on the ship would love to let off steam and tell the truth but cannot because of restriction put on them by Villa Vie.
@@karenmckersie2239 Clearly you've a right to you're opinion but so does everyone else and to be blunt if Royal Caribbean or other reputable cruise lines behaved the same as Villa vie residence's they would go out of business very quickly.
@@dlgregory35 Very well said couldn't agree more.
@karenmckersie2239 - I would direct you to my comment above telling these outside observers to stop being a downer, etc - despite this type of broad plea - no one on board has come out to say the concerns being raised are in fact completely untrue. For example - are all the pools working or not, etc. And, if not, why all the effort to mask the truth from coming out. etc. More elaboration in my main comment....
@@sai123aei Why don't Johan and Lanette talk with passengers? The only hang out with other founders. How about just taking a walk around and showing a day in the life with all the happy passengers. If they don't want to be filmed- that's one thing- but why not dispel the rumors and show a nice cross section of passengers- some fresh faces?
I'd like to see Joe's blog about this ship. Need a good laugh
This will be interesting. The crew will struggle at sea for 7 Days if they don’t have enough activities and entertainment.
The lack of entertainment and things to do are not why I wouldn’t want to be on that boat. I would be scared of rough seas, mechanical difficulties,
@ I have sailed in a much smaller liner in the mid sixties from Panama to Southampton. We felt safe but it was well maintained.
I don't disagree with much of what you've said in this video, but your channel has become a place for the haters to gather in the comments. I just don't understand the vitriol for the couples producing regular You Tube videos. As you mentioned, as is evidenced by Joe's writings, they are not restricted from complaining. Maybe they truly don't feel the need. And they have been adressing questions in their comments section pretty directly. I'm enjoying a lot of their videos and wish them nothing but the best. As for Jenni and Bonnie... I feel like theres a lot more to that story, but who knows? Kind like only watching the first half of a Dateline episode. 😉 I know my opinions are super unpopular in this group, and you'll probably label me ss a "Pollyanna" and eat me alive. So be it.
If you dont like it move on
Why do people like you call people haters simply because they have different thoughts and ideas than you.People here may well hate Villa Vie for what they had done to the people that is the residents, but will guarantee that most people here would be on the side of the so-called residents and all hope that we are wrong and the people will get what they paid for.
I imagine that the vast majority of people don't make RUclips Vlogs. Of the 150 passengers onboard- only two couples are regularly updating. Johan and Lanette are founders and have a lot at stake- so obviously they want to encourage sales. Angela and Steve are from humble backgrounds and they "invested" in this as residents- hoping to use the ship as a second home and rent out their cabin when they aren't using it- to make some money back. Both couples have a vested interest and may be trying to make the best of a difficult situation and see their cup as half full, but when asked pointed questions about the mechanisms on the ship- they poo poo it or don't answer direct questions. Why? Because they want to encourage sales. They may even want to sell their own cabin at this point.
@jamisibley9511 Many people on this site used to follow Midlife and Livinglifeonacruise. They earned our disdain but it definitely took awhile. We watched as they repeatedly and diligently deleted comments that contained verifiable facts that reflected poorly on VV. They would leave negative comments that contained no facts (ie "it's a scam") but deleted the factual information. A good percentage of their answers actually sidestep the truth- they provide an answer to a portion of the question while failing to provide the complete answer which would reflect poorly on VV (ie actively covering up the truth). They have shamelessly hidden or vastly underplayed issues to mislead their followers because they desperately need more people to sign up to save their own dreams and they seem fine with creating a misleading picture which is incredibly unfair and unethical to those they encourage to sign up. That is why many no longer have faith in them and feel really bad for those who believe them because they are unaware of the facts.
@@RetiredZGrt Also- I think they are getting special treatment from VVR for promoting the ship and attempting to sell cabins or segments on behalf of VVR. I think they were thrilled with their upgrade. I suspect they did pay more for the outside cabin but perhaps VVR has allowed them to pay the inside cabin month fees. Mike is greedy. However, I think Angela and Steve don't want to push the envelop- or Mike could up their monthly fees to outside cabin fees (which are a lot more).
The two ladies that got kicked off the ship, if they got a refund dodged the bullet.
Zero refund for Bonny who purchased a cabin and 50% refund for Jenny, lawsuit is pending
never thought I would say this. I am jealous of the residents because they can deflect from the tragedy in America. I hope they stay safe.
Got to get to America first.
Tune off the news like I do. I see your point though- and I'm leaving next week for 5 weeks (nothing to do with the election but good timing!) Still- the VVR is a dictatorship and their leader is incompetent- so a mini- America at Sea LOL.
@@rebeccahowell6538 +1 to "turn off the news!" I cut cableTV 14 yrs ago, don't watch news on TV, keep my TV off 95% of the time and keep my home peaceful. It's good for one's mental health to take control of your environment. The OFF button is a most powerful ally.
Troll!
Your comment helps the algorithm 🎉
I’m just calling you out for making unconstructive bitchy content. If you’re a business owner you should know better. Who the f**k are you to make to say what they should do immediately. Easiest thing to do is criticise, you are creating click bate for voyeurs. I couldn’t care less about your algorithm, another illustration of the way you are wired.
@@crypto_voyeur16 Angry much? Perhaps you could seek help for that.
@@crypto_voyeur16 Let me explain this to you in a way that may speak to you. You buy a house. The house is supposed to be ready by May 15th. You've paid for the house in advance. Then the builder says that your house is actually smaller than the floorplan and none of the materials you picked out were used. They just did whatever they wanted and you have to also wait four months. At the end of the four month delay- you have contractors in your home while you are living there. Half the time you don't have hot water or AC. The house isn't what you contracted for and you don't know exactly when it will be completed. Now the property taxes and home owner's association dues from five months are supposed to be paid- but you haven't lived in the house five months. You've lived in it for one month. Would you sue?
You’re just some guy behind the microphone flapping your gums to get clicks. Drama about one thing based on rumors to get people to watch. Unsubscribing
Are you employed by Villa Vie?
@tommyd3257 - and yet - no one from on board has provided factual, supported information to counter the rumors. Why is that??? Could it be that they are mostly true? (EG - is only the plunge pool working and available, and only on limited hours...) And why the efforts from VV and the residents to conceal the truth, in that case ???
Toot toot and awwwaaaayyy you go! Buh bye
Bye bye
@ lol. Absolutely not, but when a channel I subscribe to posts one video after another about the same things with no news, it’s just clickbait. Maybe he should create some other content? I’ve run multiple a businesses for over 20 years, but it doesn’t make me an expert on stuff outside my industry.