The Couple Living on Cruise Ships for Life

Three years ago John and Melody Hennessee from Florida made a decision that completely turned their lives around. They chose to sell almost everything they owned – their main business their home – and embrace a life of adventure.

Initially they bought a motorhome planning to travel across the United States. Imagine the excitement of hitting the open road with all the freedom to explore different places and experience new things!

However after a while John found that driving the motorhome was not as fun as he thought it would be. It can be tiring to drive long distances and the charm of being on the road all the time started to wear off. That's when the Hennessees came up with an even more exciting plan – living permanently on cruise ships!

This idea might sound like something out of a dream. Living on a cruise ship means waking up to new horizons enjoying endless entertainment and having delicious meals without having to cook!

It's like being on a never-ending vacation. For John and Melody this was more than just a way to travel; it was a whole new way of life.

Their decision to live at sea is not just about seeing the world; it's about embracing a lifestyle that is free from the usual daily chores and responsibilities.

It's a life filled with new experiences meeting new people and making memories that last a lifetime. For the Hennessees the ocean is not just a getaway; it's their home. Their story is a fascinating example of how thinking outside the box and daring to dream can lead to an extraordinary life.

A Cheaper and Exciting Life

John and Melody Hennessee embarked on their journey of a lifetime when they came across a Facebook advertisement for a 274-day cruise with Royal Caribbean. Since then they have been sailing the seas and visiting places like Australia New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Not only is their new life filled with excitement but they also found it to be more cost-effective. John explains "We no longer have a mortgage or the expense of homes. We no longer have vehicle insurance property insurance or utility bills. The list goes on. We are certain cruising is cheaper. Right now it is probably close to half of what it was when we lived on land."

Living Life in Chunks

Currently John and Melody plan their life in monthly chunks as they hop from one ship to another. They have bookings until December 2024. However they have an even more permanent residence planned on Villa Vie's residential cruise ship. This cruise ship one of the first of its kind will circumnavigate the world every three years primarily following warm weather destinations.

The couple is eagerly looking forward to their new home even though they have only seen digital renderings of it. They will have more space than a traditional cruise ship room including a kitchenette and a pull-down bed for guests.

The Cost of a Permanent Home at Sea

Living permanently in Villa Vie won't come cheap. The prices for cabins on the ship vary with an inside cabin starting at $99000 (£78000) and a balcony villa with ocean views costing $249000 (£198000). Additionally there is a monthly fee of almost $8000 (£6369).

However Melody believes it is worth the investment saying "We wanted to buy a cabin so we can design it how we want. It's going to be home for us for probably a minimum of 15 years on the ship."

Building the Ultimate World Cruise Ship

Villa Vie Odyssey currently undergoing a multi-million-pound transformation will enter service in May 2024 launching from Southampton. Founder and CEO Mikael Petterson who has a background in cruising aims to create the ultimate world cruise experience. He explains

"Every operator has its world cruise and they just get longer and longer and longer. So why not push the envelope and create the ultimate world cruise where you don't stop and you just keep going?" Mikael learned from previous experiences and is determined to offer a unique and fulfilling experience to those who choose to live on the ship permanently.

The Growing Community on Board

While the majority of those living in Villa Vie are currently Americans they have recently welcomed their first British couple. Permanent residents on board will be allowed to bring their families on the ship for free with reserved cabins for their visits.

The ship will also have a business center and private offices catering to digital nomads who can work from anywhere in the world. With almost half of the cabins being singles and a third occupied by business owners the ship is designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles.

All-Inclusive Facilities and Activities

Residents of Villa Vie will have access to various amenities including dental and medical services. The ship will have a dentist doctor and hospital on board to provide routine check-ups and address any health concerns.

Additionally the ship will offer a wide range of activities ensuring residents never get bored. Melody and John enjoy staying active by walking around the ship sometimes walking up to eight miles in a day when they are exploring ports of call.

Staying Connected with Loved Ones

Despite living on a cruise ship the Hennessees are not worried about losing touch with their families. Villa Vie will have reserved cabins for friends and family to visit allowing for quality time together. With the ship's itinerary planned years in advance Melody shares that some family members have already made plans to join them on specific dates.

Living the Dream

For John and Melody their decision to sell everything and live on cruise ships forever has been a dream come true. They both share a deep love for the ocean and enjoy the adventure and freedom that comes with life at sea. As they continue their journey on the high seas their life is filled with new experiences breathtaking destinations and the fulfillment of living life on their terms.



John and Melody Hennessee's story is like something out of a dream. Imagine selling everything you own and deciding to live on cruise ships for the rest of your life.

That's exactly what this adventurous couple did and their story is both inspiring and super interesting. They chose to step off the traditional path and dive into a life filled with endless adventure and discovery.

Living on cruise ships John and Melody have turned their lives into a never-ending vacation. Every day is a new adventure for them. They get to wake up to different views meet new people and experience cultures from all around the world. It's like they're on a permanent holiday exploring one beautiful destination after another.