NEW: Luxury Cruise Offers Four-Year Getaway During Trump’s Presidency
As the country emerges from one of the most charged elections in modern history, some are choosing a unique way to steer clear of partisan tensions: a four-year world cruise. Villa Vie Residences’ new “Tour La Vie” program promises passengers a chance to circumnavigate the globe, docking at over 425 ports in 140 countries.
Marketed subtly as a retreat for those seeking a break from the country’s current political landscape—and, for some, President-elect Donald Trump—the cruise aims to offer a sanctuary for those weary of divisive debates and cultural clashes.
Villa Vie’s ambitious program includes stops at seven continents, the World Wonders, and over 100 tropical islands. For passengers, it presents an opportunity to witness firsthand the global ripple effects of American policies, from trade routes redefined by Trump’s tariffs to diplomatic breakthroughs that have fostered peace in historically volatile regions.
With pricing starting at $40,000 per year, the “Tour La Vie” offers options ranging from a one-year escape to a full four-year commitment. Travelers can choose from a variety of commitment options tailored to their needs. The “1-Year Escape from Reality,” or the “2-Year Mid-Term Selection.” For those seeking a deeper immersion, the “3-Year Everywhere but Home” and the “4-Year Skip Forward,” ensures a comprehensive journey around the world.
Mikael Petterson, the chief executive officer, explained to Newsweek, “We came up with this marketing campaign before we even knew who would win. Regardless of who would have won, you would have half of the population upset.” He added, “Quite frankly, we don’t have a political view one way or the other. We just wanted to give people who feel threatened to have a way to get out.”
According to the company’s website, the “Skip Forward” option allows residents to essentially bypass the forthcoming administration of President-elect Trump. This four-year plan costs $256,000 for single occupancy and $320,000 for a double. Mikael Petterson, the CEO, noted a significant increase in interest following the announcement of the cruise a few days ago.
“We are already experiencing three times the normal call load, with a huge uptick in calls and leads,” he explained. Typically, it takes two to three weeks to finalize a purchase, so the company will need some time to determine how quickly the excursion will sell out.
The cruise also featured watch parties for Election Night: one group tuned into Fox News, while the other watched MSNBC. Petterson said, “They didn’t want to talk to one another. They wanted to stay away from one another.” Despite the differing political views, he noted that there were no issues among the guests. “At the end of the day, everyone there isn’t there to talk politics. They actually have similar lifestyles,” he added.