Mikael Petterson launches another residential cruise concept

Villa Vie Residences purports to give the opportunity to purchase a cabin at a price comparable to traditional condominium ownership, starting at $99,999. Or, instead of owning, the VVRI Voyagers Program offers a 'pay-as-you-go' concept where travelers buy world cruise segments ranging from 35 days to 120 days.

The ship?

Villa Vie's website doesn't specify the ship but mentions retrofitting plans. Seatrade Cruise News was told ship details are forthcoming.

May 15, 2024 is listed as the embarkation date for the first segment of the global itinerary, focused on northern Europe (87 days), followed by 'Greenland and Beyond' (47 days), the Caribbean (83 days), South America (127 days) and continuing with segments in the Pacific and Oceania, Australia-Bali, Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Villa Vie Residences touts amenities like a business center catering to digital nomads, an interactive and educational culinary center for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, a golf simulator and golf tours led by a master PGA professional.

Mikael Petterson

Fort Lauderdale-based Petterson, whose cruise experience includes financial roles at Prestige Cruise Holdings and Royal Caribbean, previously was with Life at Sea Cruises, which has a similar concept to Villa Vie.

Initially Life at Sea advertised global sailings on Miray Cruises' Gemini. After voicing concerns about about Gemini's ability to operate the program, Petterson departed.

Life at Sea Cruises subsequently replaced Gemini with the newly acquired 2003-built AIDAaura, renamed Lara.

Other Villa Vie team members

Other Villa Vie team members include Darren Brown, head of corporate social responsibiity and environmental sustainability; Kathy Villalba, chief operating officer; Najam Saqib, chief technology officer; and Irina Strembitsky, head of sales.

The company plans a webinar with more information at 6 p.m. EST Sept. 22.

Hemsworth Communications

Hemsworth Communications in Fort Lauderdale will be representing Villa Vie Residences, responsible for crafting and executing a national public relations launch and mapping out an integrated media relations, event and promotional strategic plan.

As a policy, Seatrade Cruise News has determined not to cover residential ship concepts in detail until they become a reality and then only if they offer a regular retail cruising program