Cruise Company Offers 'Skip Forward' Four-year Voyage As A Getaway From Trump's Second Presidency
11/11/2024 12:15 PM
In a bold response to Donald Trump's re-election, Florida-based Villa Vie Residences has unveiled an ambitious four-year global cruise package designed for travellers seeking to escape the political climate. Dubbed the "Skip Forward" voyage, this exclusive journey promises participants an extensive itinerary spanning all seven continents, offering an extraordinary alternative to facing the next presidential term on American soil.
An Unprecedented Itinerary for World Explorers
Villa Vie's new offering is far from an ordinary cruise. The luxurious Odyssey vessel will visit over 425 ports in 140 countries, taking in diverse destinations such as the Amazon River, Antarctica, and the Australian Outback. According to the Daily Mail, the "Skip Forward" cruise is designed as a once-in-a-lifetime journey for travellers who wish to leave behind the stressors of everyday life – including political controversies.
Beyond the four-year escapade, Villa Vie also offers options for one-, two-, and three-year packages. Each has its own theme, such as the "Escape from Reality" for a one-year journey or the "Mid-Term Selection" for two years, the latter allowing travellers to sit out the U.S. midterm elections while on the high seas. These options provide a unique level of flexibility, as residents can board the cruise at any participating port, creating a customised experience for each guest.
Luxurious Amenities and All-Inclusive Packages
According to Villa Vie Residences, the Odyssey offers a "floating home" experience, with an impressive array of amenities onboard, including a fitness centre, spa, and gourmet dining options. The cruise caters to comfort-seekers and wanderlust enthusiasts alike, providing "the comforts of home, along with amenities most discerning travellers expect." Ticket prices start at $255,999 for a single-occupancy room on the four-year package; meanwhile, a double-occupancy room, ideal for couples, costs just under $320,000, the equivalent of purchasing a home in many U.S. cities.
For those seeking a shorter escape, a two-year "Mid-Term Selection" package starts at $150,399 for a single room, while the three-year "Everywhere but Home" package costs $207,999. The shorter, one-year "Escape from Reality" is the most affordable, with starting prices at $79,999, according to Villa Vie's official website.
A High-Demand Escape from Political and Social Turmoil
Villa Vie Residences has cleverly marketed this voyage as a way to escape not just everyday pressures but also the divisive political climate. A company spokesperson described the journey as an ideal opportunity to "escape traffic jams, the monotony of city life, and politics." In light of Trump's second presidential win over Kamala Harris, the cruise company noticed heightened interest in their "Skip Forward" packages, as Americans consider unique ways to avoid the unfolding political landscape.
Villa Vie CEO Mikael Petterson emphasised the adaptability of the four-year voyage, noting that each trip offers "a perfect Circumnavigation" tailored to individual preferences. This commitment to personalised travel experiences is likely to attract Americans seeking a refuge from political discourse. With its current route charted along South America's east coast and scheduled stops across the globe, the Odyssey has already embarked on its first three-and-a-half-year journey, according to Petterson.
Mixed Reactions and a Glimpse into the Journey's Allure
Though this ambitious voyage has been well received by many prospective travellers, there has been some criticism. According to the Daily Mail, the Odyssey has previously encountered logistical challenges, including mechanical issues that temporarily moored it in Belfast for several months. Nonetheless, most passengers currently onboard express satisfaction with the experience, describing the cruise as a refreshing break from traditional travel norms.
In recent weeks, Villa Vie made headlines when two passengers were removed from the ship following complaints about customer service. Petterson stated the company reserves the right to refuse service to disruptive customers, underscoring the company's commitment to maintaining a positive experience onboard.
