Purchase Options for Residential Cruise Ships
Samantha Cruz | Editor
Published on 2025-06-18
Samantha Cruz | Editor
Published on 2025-06-18
So, you want to live at sea-not just take a cruise, but actually buy or lease a floating home that circles the globe. The dream is real, and there's more than one way in. Here's what you need to know about the three leading players in the residential cruise ship world: The World, Villa Vie Odyssey, and MV Narrative by Storylines.
Buy-In Price: As of 2024/2025, apartments range from $2.5 million to $15 million. Even studios cost deep into six figures; penthouses fetch eight figures.
Annual Fees: $60,000 to $300,000+ per year. This covers ship operation, crew, port fees, food, basic drinks-think of it as luxury HOA plus a cruise fare.
Ownership Model: Long-term leasehold (typically until 2052), not true freehold. No public rentals; subletting is tightly controlled. Residents are heavily vetted, requiring an eight-figure net worth and a spotless record.
Community: It's a floating private club for the ultra-wealthy. Most owners live aboard part-time and can invite close friends or family to use their apartment.
Full Ownership:
Prices: From $129,999 (small interior cabin) to $439,999 (largest suites).
Monthly Fees: $2,000-$5,500 per person (double occupancy), covering operations, meals, and most amenities.
Flexibility: Owners can use, resell, or rent out their cabins via Villa Vie's program. There's a buy-back guarantee, trade-in options, and even financing available.
Long-Term Voyage Packages:
3.5-Year World Cruise: $255,999 (single occupancy), $319,998 (double), which breaks down to $89-$199/day per person. This includes accommodation, all meals, housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and basic onboard healthcare.
Shorter Packages: 1-year, 2-year, and even 30-day or multi-month "seasonal ownership" packages starting at $24,999 for 30 days. You can literally try before you buy with a 7-10 day trial cruise.
Community: Far more diverse and dynamic than The World. The ship is for-profit, so expect a fluid mix of adventurous travelers, retirees, and digital nomads.
Full (Right-to-Occupy) Ownership:
Prices: $650,000 to $8 million depending on size, suite, and location. The "right to occupy" typically runs for the lifetime of the vessel (approx. 60 years).
Annual Fees: $60,000-$210,000 per person. All-inclusive: meals, entertainment, amenities, and port fees.
Fractional/Co-Ownership:
Shares: Buy 25% or 50% ownership-live on board 3 to 6 months per year. Shares start from $550,000 to $4.4 million.
Lease Terms: Choose 12, 24, or ~60-year occupancy (inheritable).
Flexibility: Use, rent, or gift your time aboard; swap seasons; and access all ship amenities.
Community: International, eco-conscious, with a strong focus on sustainability and modern onboard living.
| Feature | The World | Villa Vie Odyssey | MV Narrative (Storylines) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Cost | $2.5M-$15M+ | $130k-$440k (own) | $650k-$8M (full); $550k-$4.4M (shares) |
| Annual Fees | $60k-$300k+ | ~$24k-$66k per cabin (est.) | $60k-$210k per person |
| Ownership Model | Leasehold, no rentals | Full, resale, rental, finance | Leasehold (12-60 yrs), shares, custom |
| Commitment | Permanent | Flexible (own, lease, trial, season) | Moderate to high (fractional, full) |
| Short Packages | None | 1-yr, 2-yr, 30-day "seasonal" | Yes, via fractional options |
| Community | Ultra-wealthy, stable | Diverse, dynamic | Global, eco-conscious |
The World: For the multi-millionaire who wants exclusivity, privacy, and governance in a stable, club-like community. Think "Park Avenue at sea."
Villa Vie Odyssey: The "open to all" option-accessible, flexible, and customizable for a range of budgets. Full ownership, lease, or even short-term seasonal stays are possible.
MV Narrative: For those wanting something in between-a new ship, eco-minded, highly customizable, with both full and fractional ownership. Perfect for those seeking sustainability, modernity, and flexible time aboard.
Life at sea is no longer just for the ultra-rich or the endlessly adventurous-now there's a purchase option for almost everyone, whether you want permanent residence, a seasonal retreat, or a part-time home you share. Do your research, talk to residents, and (seriously) consult a maritime real estate expert before taking the plunge.
The dream of life at sea? Now more attainable than ever. Just bring your passport-and your checkbook.
For current listings, pricing, or trial bookings, contact the ship operators directly. Availability and terms may change-do your due diligence before you set sail.