In a daring move that left many jaws dropped and eyebrows raised, John and Melody Hennessee made a life-altering decision in 2020. The couple bid farewell to their comfortable Florida home, their thriving business, and most of their worldly possessions, all in pursuit of a dream that would redefine the concept of home and adventure.
It’s a story that reads like a page-turning novel, an account of audacity, and the relentless pursuit of a life lived to the fullest. John and Melody, the dynamic duo, chose to embark on a journey that would take them far beyond the familiar horizons of the American Dream. Their decision to swap dry land for the vast and endless seas became an inspiration for those who dare to dream differently.
Initially, the Hennessees sought adventure within the borders of the United States, crisscrossing the nation in their trusty motorhome. But the open road, while exhilarating, couldn’t satisfy their growing wanderlust. Their hearts yearned for something more, something that would challenge their notion of what life could be.
Then, serendipity struck. John stumbled upon a Facebook advertisement that promised 274 days of pure maritime bliss with Royal Caribbean. Without a moment’s hesitation, he signed up for this nine-month voyage that would change their lives forever.
Since setting sail, the Hennessees have roamed the globe, casting anchor in exotic locations such as Australia, New Zealand, and the enchanting corners of the South Pacific. Currently, they navigate the azure waters of the Dominican Republic, where the sunsets rival even the most vivid of dreams.
What makes their story even more remarkable is that this seafaring lifestyle has proven not only to be exhilarating but also more economical than their former landlocked existence. As John pointed out, “We now have a telephone bill, a ship bill, and a few credit card bills for when we go ashore, but that’s it. 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.”
The Hennessees have indeed found the secret to a life that combines frugality and fun. Their approach involves docking at various destinations for three to five days at a time, an opportunity to explore, discover, and create lasting memories. “We are certain cruising is cheaper,” John confidently declares. “Right now, our expenses are probably close to half of what it was when we lived on land.”
Their adventurous spirit knows no bounds, and the Hennessees have their journey mapped out until December 2024. They’re gearing up for their next big adventure, boarding the Villa Vie residential cruise ship. Here, they’ve invested in a cabin that they can customize to their liking, making it a true home at sea for the foreseeable future.
Villa Vie stands as one of the pioneers in the realm of all-inclusive cruise ships offering permanent residences. With approximately 30% of passengers choosing to become full-time inhabitants, it’s clear that this is a lifestyle that’s gaining traction. Moreover, a staggering 85% of the occupants are American, underscoring the allure of sea-bound living for those hailing from the land of opportunity.
The ship itself is a marvel in the making, featuring inside cabins starting at $99,000 and balcony villas offering breathtaking ocean views, priced at around $249,000, along with a monthly fee of nearly $8,000. Cabins come equipped with a kitchenette and pull-down beds in the living rooms for guests, and residents have the privilege of bringing their families aboard for free, provided they cover the port fees.
With their upcoming sea-bound home secured, the Hennessees are ready to indulge in the adventure of a lifetime. As Melody explains, “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.”
Villa Vie’s founder and CEO, Mikael Petterson, sheds light on the ship’s demographics, revealing that almost half of the cabins are designed for singles. Business owners and remote workers make up a significant portion of the residents, taking advantage of the ship’s business center and private offices to maintain their careers from the high seas.
In contrast, the Hennessees have no intentions of working while afloat. Instead, they find their biggest challenge onboard to be the temptation of overindulgence. To stay healthy, they’ve committed to walking as much as possible while enjoying their seafaring existence.
Ensuring the well-being of all residents, the ship boasts a dentist and doctor available for routine procedures, with the foresight to prepare for worst-case scenarios, including a hospital and a two-person morgue.
Scheduled to circumnavigate the world every three years, Villa Vie is on a mission to chase the sun, following the warm weather across the globe. As Melody beautifully puts it, “We are just water people. We are both boaters. We love being on the ocean.”
The Hennessees’ story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to chart their course away from the ordinary. In an age where adventure knows no boundaries, they stand as a shining example of what it means to live life on their terms, with the open sea as their canvas and the world as their muse.
