Cruise Line Launches "Golden Passport" for Affordable Retirement at Sea

A cruise line has introduced a new program designed to make extended sea travel more accessible for retirees. Previously offering the "Endless Horizons" program, which allowed customers to purchase, rent, or lease permanent accommodations on a vessel, the company has now launched the "Golden Passport." This new initiative provides a tiered pricing structure, making long-term living at sea more affordable for older individuals.

The "Golden Passport" offers various pricing options, starting at $99,000 for those aged 90 and above, securing a residence on Deck 2. The cost increases to $199,999 for the most premium option, an Oceanview stateroom on Deck 6. This program follows the launch of the company's first cruise ship, the Odyssey, in October.

The Odyssey, a large vessel with eight decks, can accommodate 650 residents and is scheduled to visit 147 countries across seven continents over a three-and-a-half-year period. The one-time fee covers dining, Wi-Fi, housekeeping, and various activities, eliminating additional charges for taxes, port fees, and other travel expenses. Residents can also invite guests on board for a daily fee. Passengers also have the option of purchasing a round-the-world trip or a segment of it without committing to long-term residency.

The "Golden Passport" is designed to be transferable across all of the cruise line's ships. According to the cruise line's chief executive, the program aims to make global travel dreams a reality in a way that the cruise and travel industries have not seen before. The founder of Villa Vie Residences emphasized that the program addresses the common fear of outliving one's financial resources in retirement, offering a lifetime of adventure with a single payment.