For Americans unsettled by the results of the recent U.S. presidential election, Villa Vie Residences is offering an escape like no other: a four-year cruise around the world, timed to conclude just as the next president is elected in 2028. Aptly named the “Skip Forward” package, this unique voyage takes passengers on a journey across seven continents, with stops in over 140 countries. Far from a typical cruise experience, this extended adventure offers a blend of luxury travel, global exploration, and a chance to pause the realities of home for the duration of Donald Trump’s re-election term.
The “Skip Forward” Package: A Four-Year Odyssey
The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship will depart for its four-year journey with amenities that make it more of a floating luxury resort than a conventional cruise. Featuring an all-inclusive lifestyle, the package includes an array of on-board amenities, such as a fitness center, a full-service spa, and unlimited dining and beverages. For those considering making the Odyssey their home away from home, however, the cost is a significant investment. Single-occupancy rooms for the four-year trip start at $255,999, while double-occupancy rooms are priced at $319,998.
Alternative Packages for Shorter Escapes
For passengers interested in a shorter hi atus, Villa Vie Residences has also launched additional packages. The “Mid-Term Selection” offers a two-year voyage, aligning with the U.S. midterm elections in 2026. This package, priced at $150,399 for single occupancy and $187,998 for double, allows travelers to take a break while still returning in time for the midterms.
Other options include the “Escape from Reality” one-year package, which starts at $79,999, and the “Everywhere but Home” three-year package, priced at $207,999. Each package allows passengers a chance to tailor their journey length to their personal needs, providing flexibility for those looking to either dip their toes in extended travel or fully immerse themselves for multiple years.
A Cruise That Offers More than Just Scenic Views
Villa Vie Residences emphasizes that the Odyssey offers an immersive escape from the daily grind, with a focus on providing residents with a balanced, enjoyable lifestyle. “This experience gives travelers a chance to escape traffic, politics, and the monotony of city life,” a Villa Vie spokesperson noted in an interview with Business Insider. The Odyssey will be stocked with all essentials and comforts, providing a home-like environment but with the allure of constant movement and ever-changing surroundings.
A World-Spanning Journey from the Comfort of Home
Villa Vie Residences had previously set the Odyssey on its course in September after a delay of several months, due to a mechanical issue. The ship, initially docked in Belfast for repairs, eventually set sail, marking the beginning of its extensive three-and-a-half-year voyage. Among its early residents were Johan Bodin and Lanette Canen, a couple from Maui who decided to join the Odyssey in May. They took up residence in the U.K. while waiting for the repairs to complete, and Bodin shared that he was prepared for such setbacks, noting, “It’s a start-up, and we’ve both run businesses—we both know there will be hiccups when starting something, so we weren’t that worried.”
In addition to the one-time ticket price, Bodin and Canen, like other long-term residents, pay a monthly maintenance fee of around $3,500. They invested approximately $100,000 in a private cabin, which they’ll have for the entire expected 15-year lifespan of the ship.
Escaping the Political Climate for a Floating Utopia
While political motivations may be a factor for some passengers, the four-year Villa Vie cruise promises a life of comfort and adventure. The Odyssey combines a luxury living experience with the thrill of a new destination at every port, allowing residents to temporarily detach from daily life and experience diverse cultures around the globe. Whether motivated by a desire to travel or an eagerness to take a break from the U.S., travelers can now book their passage for a once-in-a-lifetime journey designed to redefine the meaning of “getting away from it all.”
For those with the means and the inclination, the Villa Vie Odyssey’s “Skip Forward” package offers a unique, all-encompassing solution to leave behind political divides and enjoy an uninterrupted world tour until the next president is in office.