In a surprising development for the cruise tourism sector, the Villa Vie Odyssey — a long-term residential cruise ship — has failed a critical health inspection by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With plans for a 3.5-year voyage around the world, this luxury residential ship scored only 81 out of 100 during its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) inspection conducted on July 9, 2025, falling below the CDC’s minimum passing score of 86.
The Villa Vie Odyssey, formerly known as the MS Braemar, was envisioned as a pioneering floating community offering passengers an opportunity to live aboard while exploring over 425 destinations in 147 countries. Marketed as the world’s most affordable residential cruise, the Odyssey captured the imagination of global nomads and retirees alike. But the failed inspection has cast a shadow on the project’s ambitious trajectory.
🚢 A Luxury Cruise Lifestyle Meets Regulatory Roadblocks
Cruise ships docking at U.S. ports are subject to rigorous inspection under the CDC’s VSP, designed to prevent gastrointestinal outbreaks and maintain high hygiene standards. The Odyssey’s failure centered around critical violations in food sanitation, storage cleanliness, and pool safety protocols.
Among the alarming findings:
- Unsanitary galley conditions, including a grease-laden waffle iron stored next to clean utensils.
- Pooled water and dead insects in refrigeration areas.
- Lack of required pool safety signage, visible depth markers, and proper lifesaving equipment.
These issues pose a serious concern not only for passenger safety but also for the integrity of a ship intended to serve as a home at sea for hundreds of residents.
🏡 The Odyssey’s Residential Promise
Originally launched in the 1990s and repurposed in 2023 by Villa Vie Residences, the ship underwent several updates to align with its new mission as a residential cruise liner. Unlike conventional voyages, the Odyssey offers continuous global travel with onboard residences that passengers can lease or purchase. Accommodations range from studio cabins to suites, complete with communal spaces, coworking areas, restaurants, and even healthcare services.
The cruise embarked on its inaugural journey from the UK in mid-2024 with stops scheduled across the Caribbean, South America, Asia, and beyond. However, its first U.S. stop in over 20 years has revealed that recommissioning a legacy vessel for modern living comes with significant regulatory hurdles.
⚠️ Response from Villa Vie Residences
Mikael Petterson, founder and CEO of Villa Vie Residences, issued a statement addressing the inspection outcome. He attributed the issues primarily to the ship’s original construction, noting that the Odyssey was not originally built to meet stringent U.S. health regulations.
“We’ve already implemented numerous upgrades since acquiring the vessel in 2023. The inspection has provided valuable feedback that will allow us to bring the ship into full compliance,” Petterson said.
Villa Vie has pledged to correct the deficiencies and expects a reinspection soon. According to the company, corrective actions include modernizing kitchen equipment, improving cleaning protocols, and retraining staff to align with international standards.
🧼 Why the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program Matters
The CDC’s VSP is a critical element in protecting public health aboard cruise ships. Regular, unannounced inspections cover eight major areas including food safety, water quality, medical facilities, and recreational areas. A score below 86 signals non-compliance and can damage a cruise line’s reputation or delay port access.
While non-passing scores are relatively rare among large operators, older ships retrofitted for modern use often struggle to meet evolving standards — a challenge that Villa Vie is now facing head-on.
🌎 The Future of Residential Cruising
The concept of living full-time on a cruise ship has grown in popularity, especially post-pandemic, as travelers seek remote-friendly, adventure-based lifestyles. Startups like Villa Vie and Storylines are tapping into this trend, but the Odyssey’s setback underscores the operational and regulatory complexities of sustaining long-term life at sea.
For the Odyssey, the road ahead will require not just infrastructural upgrades, but also transparency, ongoing quality control, and collaboration with health authorities.
✈️ A Temporary Setback or Course Correction?
Despite this rocky chapter, Villa Vie Odyssey continues its scheduled global voyage, with upcoming stops in Central America and the South Pacific. With plans to revisit U.S. ports in the future, the ship must demonstrate compliance with sanitation protocols if it hopes to maintain credibility and avoid further scrutiny.
For prospective residents or travelers eyeing this once-in-a-lifetime journey, the inspection may serve as a reality check — reminding us that innovation in travel must always keep pace with public health and safety standards.
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Villa Vie Odyssey remains a bold experiment in modern cruising — blending global exploration with residential comfort. While its health inspection failure is a clear misstep, it also provides a valuable opportunity for course correction. If successful in its remediation efforts, Villa Vie could still lead the way in a new era of luxury nomadic living at sea.
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