An around-the-world cruise that's stuck at port is kicking off passengers who complain

12.09.2024 - 18:55 / insider.com / Mikael Petterson

Jenny Phenix was ready to spend the rest of her life on a cruise ship.

Vacations at sea had always been her preferred travel method. As a 69-year-old solo traveler and self-described "water addict," she found cruises to be easy, safe, and convenient.

So, unsurprisingly, Villa Vie Residences' promise of a new never-ending voyage that would circumnavigate the globe every 3 ½ years was impossible to pass up.

Unfortunately, she was kicked out before she could fulfill her world cruise aspirations.

Villa Vie canceled two women's contracts — Phenix and another buyer, Bonny Kelter, 66 — for their "continuous complaints and negativity," according to emails reviewed by Business Insider.

"They didn't just complain, they outright threatened with media unless they get what they want," Mikael Petterson, the founder and CEO of Villa Vie, told BI in an email. "At the end of the day, we have the same option as anyone of doing business with people or not."

(Phenix and Kelter denied having threatened to go to the media until after her contract was terminated. Kelter told BI she now intends to pursue legal action.)

The company's ship, Villa Vie Odyssey, has been readying to embark on a lifelong voyage that would stop at 147 countries and 425 destinations in its first go around the world. Travelers would see Europe, Asia, Australia, South and North America, and Africa — all while living on a floating condominium outfitted with the comforts of a traditional cruise.

Villa Vie has been refurbishing the more-than-30-year-old vessel ahead of its departure. However, issues like the aging ship's rudder stocks and certifications have delayed the voyage.

Petterson said he hopes to finally sail in mid-September — about four months behind schedule.

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Residents can either purchase a cabin or reserve segments of the itinerary. Phenix opted for the latter, reserving the first 3 ½ years with plans to eventually buy her interior stateroom. (Single occupancy cabins start at $120,000 with an additional monthly fee of $2,500.)

"I would've lived on that ship for the rest of my life," she told BI. "There's no question about it."

Like more than 200 other buyers, Phenix arrived in the UK in May for Odyssey's initial departure date. She said she's already been onboard twice — residents can visit but aren't allowed to stay overnight — and left luggage in her future condo.

The transition from land to sea living would've been smooth. She said she had already retired from her job and rented out her West Palm Beach, Florida, condo in anticipation of another three-year voyage, Life at Sea Cruises.

However, Life at Sea's sailing was called off two weeks before embarkation in November 2023 after the company failed to secure enough