As President Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term in office, one cruise company is offering Americans a unique opportunity to “escape” the next four years. Villa Vie Residences, a residential cruise line, recently announced a series of multi-year travel packages designed for those looking to leave the US during Trump’s presidency.
An Extended Getaway at Sea
The packages, which range from one to four years in length, allow travelers to join the company’s ship, the Odyssey, at any port as it circumnavigates the globe. Over the course of the journey, passengers will visit a staggering 425 ports across 140 countries – an itinerary that spans from the Caribbean to Antarctica.
According to Villa Vie CEO Mikael Petterson, the idea for the “escape” cruises came about before the results of the 2024 election were announced. However, he acknowledged that the packages could be an appealing option for Americans unhappy with the outcome.
“Although the campaign was put together before the results of the election, we feel we have a perfect product for those who said they’d leave the country if XYZ wins the election,” Petterson stated.
Divided Onboard, United by Travel
Interestingly, the Odyssey hosted dueling election night watch parties, with Fox News and MSNBC each being shown on opposite ends of the ship. Despite differing political views among passengers, Petterson emphasized that the community is brought together by a shared passion for world travel.
“We may have differing political views, but our community comes together through our passion for exploring the world in a very real way that goes far beyond politics,” he explained.
Not Just for the Wealthy
While extended world cruises are often associated with luxury travel, Villa Vie’s “escape” packages aim to be more accessible. Pricing starts at less than $40,000 per year, which the company notes is comparable to the cost of living in many major US cities.
The packages are cleverly named based on their duration:
- Escape From Reality – 1 year
- Mid-term Selection – 2 years
- Anywhere but Home – 3 years
- Skip Forward – 4 years
A Growing Trend?
While it remains to be seen how many Americans will actually follow through on threats to leave the country due to election results, there are signs that the idea is being seriously considered by some. Financial advisers to high-net-worth families told CNBC that prior to the election, they fielded numerous inquiries from wealthy clients about relocating abroad.
For those not quite ready to make a permanent move but eager for an extended break from US politics, Villa Vie’s “escape” cruises could provide a unique middle ground. The ability to embark and disembark at any port offers flexibility, while the ever-changing itinerary promises no shortage of distractions from political headlines back home.
An Unconventional Form of Civic Engagement?
In a time of stark political polarization, there is perhaps something quietly revolutionary about Villa Vie’s approach. By bringing together travelers of diverse political persuasions and enabling them to find common ground through a shared love of global exploration, the cruise line is fostering dialogue and understanding in an unconventional setting.
As the Odyssey sets sail in the wake of the 2024 election, its passengers will embark on individual journeys of escapism and self-discovery. But they will also be participating in a grander experiment – one that tests whether travel has the power to bridge even the deepest political divides. In a sea of uncertainty, it is a voyage that will be fascinating to follow.
