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CNN
a day ago
- CNN
CNN reveals America's Best Towns to Visit in 2025
See More Videos America's most interesting towns bring together the best of a beautiful country. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, packed with entrepreneurial talent and evolving with the tastes of the people who settle and explore them, these destinations show off what makes the United States so distinctive. For our second annual list of America's Best Towns to Visit, CNN Travel editors tapped our readers and contributors for nominations. We considered hundreds of candidates and winnowed the list to 10 by evaluating the finalists' attractions, food and beverage offerings, cultural and nightlife scenes, diversity, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and 'wow factor.' We also looked at travel essentials, including lodging options and the ease of getting there. Our choices this year skew smaller than last year's top 10, ranging in size from about 15,000 residents to about 115,000. They're spread across the country and capture the incredible variety that defines the United States — from history and natural beauty to culture and food. And they serve as reminders of what Americans do best: build towns and communities that add up to more than the sum of their parts. Here are our 2025 picks: High scores: Presidential attractions, big-name parks, Native art, easy day trips Taking a page from Mount Rushmore nearby, Rapid City leans into its 'City of Presidents' nickname with sculptures of nearly every US head of state on display downtown. This Black Hills hub is close to myriad natural wonders — from the Badlands to the bison herd in Custer State Park – and it's a place to sample locally sourced walleye or bison and view Native American art. In this friendly Midwestern town, you can gather at Main Street Square for year-round events and then fan out onto its greenway and into the hills to see more of South Dakota's wonders. High scores: Musical heritage, festival calendar and live shows, Southern flavors It's no surprise that this Mississippi Delta town — considered the cradle of the blues — is a year-round festival destination. Clarksdale's musical identity has solidified in recent years, and now this small Deep South city entertains locals and visitors with more than a dozen music festivals, in addition to its core lineup of juke joints hosting live performances every day of the week. Locals embrace the city's 'gritty' character and its unvarnished charm. But new lodging and dining options are keeping things fresh, and local eats go beyond typical Southern soul-food fare to fold in Cajun and Creole flavors as well. High scores: Lively downtown, diversity, countercultural vibe, cycling A coffee-drinking, bike-riding oasis, Northampton combines the charm of a village with big-city culture. Long a welcoming haven for gays and lesbians, this western Massachusetts town is a regional destination for dining, shopping and concerts. It's also home to Smith College, a cornerstone of this town's reputation for new ideas and strong women. Regional rail trails make it a hub for biking, too. Founded by Puritans in 1654, Northampton is today a place to enjoy sinfully good pastries and bread. High scores: Blend of cultures, jaw-dropping scenery, outdoor access, day trips A sunny, moderate climate and stunning landscapes in every direction make Las Cruces ideal for outdoor activities nearly all year long. If you're looking to hike, opportunities abound to the east in the Organ Mountains and northwest of town in the Robledo Mountains, where Prehistoric Trackways National Monument preserves tracks left by reptiles 280 million years ago. The second-largest city in New Mexico, Las Cruces still has the laid-back pace of a much smaller town, with a rich blend of Mexican, Native American and Western culture. High scores: Farm-to-table scene, historic architecture, easy day trips, riverfront setting Known for top-notch farm-to-table dining and historic architecture, Petaluma still shines from its Gold Rush boom. This quirky Northern California town is perfectly situated for day trips to the coast, wine country and San Francisco. In town, you can run or walk along a trail by the Petaluma River past outdoor artwork or get out on the water for kayaking and paddleboarding. Once known as 'The World's Egg Basket,' owing to the region's poultry farms, Petaluma offers boundless variety for foodies and beverages to complement any craving. High scores: Maritime and colonial history, waterfront setting, boating, seafood Annapolis has long lured day-trippers from nearby Baltimore and DC for an outing on the Chesapeake Bay and a hearty meal of seafood. But this picturesque waterfront city also offers a charming downtown whose narrow streets, brick sidewalks and Georgian buildings reflect its rich history as a colonial capital frequented by George Washington and other founding fathers. Throw in sailing cruises, a historic state house, the handsome US Naval Academy campus and bustling restaurants serving Maryland's trademark blue crabs, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable visit. High scores: Outdoor wow factor, play-hard vibe, live music, beverage and food scene A remote getaway at the edge of the Cascade Mountains, Bend was named after that feature in the river that flows through town. You can keep busy fishing and boating along the Deschutes and on dozens of lakes in the area, in addition to kayaking, biking, rock climbing and more. This big outdoor playground — with its 'go-play-all-day energy' — tops things off with food trucks and fancier fare, live music and plenty of expertly crafted local beer. High scores: Scenic setting, dining and drinks, outdoor access, arts and crafts For well over a century, Asheville has been drawing visitors looking for a restorative escape in the Blue Ridge Mountains. America's largest home, the Biltmore House, was constructed here at the end of the 19th century as a country retreat. Then last year, Hurricane Helene's destruction knocked Asheville off its stride. But the storm has unified this resilient community more than ever. And Asheville's mountain views, scenic trails, vibrant neighborhoods, lively arts scene and delicious food and drinks are all still here for you to enjoy. High scores: World-class wilderness, fly fishing, live music and arts Missoula sits at the confluence of four top rivers for fishing, and you may have already caught a glimpse of this area years ago in 'A River Runs Through It.' More than ever, fly fishing is ingrained into the local way of life, and the water and surrounding wilderness offer boundless opportunities for adventure. This university town has become a hub for live music and world-class ceramics. A place to experience the American West, Missoula galleries also showcase a distinctive medium of Indigenous art. High scores: Natural wow-factor, outdoor activities, wine and cider, college-town culture You don't have to go far to find a spectacular waterfall in this upstate New York college town. The area around Ithaca is jam-packed with gorges and cascading falls, slicing through fertile land dotted with wineries and cider houses in the state's Finger Lakes region. In town, there's a lively farmers market and more cultural offerings than Ithaca's size would suggest. That's thanks in part to a large student population that adds layers of diversity to the town's homegrown offerings. Fans of geology, birding, music and more will find plenty to do here. Text by Jeanne Bonner, Marnie Hunter and Brandon Griggs.
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
US Woman Leaves Home At 77 To Spend 15 Years On A Cruise Ship
Sharon Lane, 77, began daydreaming about life on board as soon as she learnt that a cruise line was conducting a global tour. In mid-June, she departed California to live on the residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey, which will be sailing around the world. Ms Lane, a former California high school teacher, loves to travel. She used to teach foreign languages and enjoyed taking her students on European vacations. She moved to Cape Town, South Africa, in the 1990s for two years of adventure. She has recently switched to cruise travel, not only because it gives her the chance to travel the world but also because she loves the experience of being lost at sea. 'I am finally able to do what I have wanted to do for years,' Ms Lane told CNN Travel. This is not a short cruise holiday for Ms Lane. The 77-year-old Californian intends to spend the next 15 years travelling around the world's oceans and making port calls at places like Japan and New Zealand. Being a "residential" cruise ship, guests usually do not board Villa Vie Odyssey for a brief excursion. The Odyssey is a newly rebuilt, three-decade-old ship, and its cabins are sold permanently, or for as long as the ship is expected to last. According to CEO Mikael Petterson of Villa Vie Residences, cabin rates begin at $129,000 for a 15-year stay, plus monthly costs of $2,000 per person for double occupancy and $3,000 for single occupancy. Cabins outside start at $169,000, and each person's monthly fee goes up by $500. Ms Lane purchased her cabins at the end of 2024, and she boarded the ship a few months later when the ship arrived in her hometown of San Diego, California. The monthly charge for residents includes food and soft drinks. Wi-Fi, medical visits (but not surgeries or medications), and wine during dinner are also acceptable. Furthermore, there is free weekly housekeeping, biweekly laundry service, and room service available. Ms Lane claimed that she bought her inside cabin with all her money, but she considers it to be a fantastic deal. 'I buy the cabin, I live in the cabin, and that's it. And then there's no end,' Ms Lane remarked to the outlet. "I no longer have to do my laundry. I don't have to go grocery shopping. It is far less expensive to live on the ship than it is in Southern California," she added. Although she is eager to see the places, Ms Lane said her favourite aspect of cruising is being on the ship, and she intends to spend most of her free time on deck. She claimed that the only purpose of her windowless cabin is to sleep. Originally scheduled to set sail in mid-2024, Villa Vie Odyssey was delayed for four months at Belfast, Northern Ireland, while it awaited safety certification. The Odyssey finally sailed in late September of last year.
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Ait Ben Haddou Listed Among CNN Travel World's Most Beautiful Castles
Fez – What do castles mean to us today? Once built to protect and project power, these historic fortresses are now windows into the past, blending architecture, politics, and legend. Across continents and centuries, they stand as reminders of how humans sought permanence, whether through military strength, royal extravagance, or sheer visual poetry. And listed among the world's finest – within an exclusive list of 21 places as endorsed by CNN Travel – Morocco's own Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou takes its rightful place. These structures offer more than just imposing walls or romantic silhouettes. They were built to be both homes and strongholds, serving a dual purpose that has long fascinated historians and travelers alike. Marc Morris, a British medievalist, writes in CNN Travel that castles are unique in their combination of comfort and defense, a paradox resolved through ingenious design. And castles are everywhere, not just Europe. Japan, Mexico, India, and Morocco all boast distinctive examples. Some rise from forests, others cling to cliffs. Some are carved from stone; others, like Aït Ben Haddou, from mud and earth, blending seamlessly into their landscape. But all of them tell stories about ambition, survival, betrayal, art, and empire. Consider Japan's Himeji Castle, nicknamed the White Heron. A vision of elegance, it embodies the perfection of feudal Japanese architecture. Or Neuschwanstein in Germany, which looks more like the dream of a poet than the commission of a king, and yet it was King Ludwig II's operatic imagination that birthed its iconic spires. In Portugal, the Pena Palace explodes with color and theatrical flair, mixing Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance influences on a hill above Sintra. Meanwhile, India's Amber Fortress uses light and geometry to dazzle the eye, a stone choreography above Jaipur. Morocco's earthen treasure Let's talk about Aït Ben Haddou. Unlike many European castles, this Moroccan kasbah (fortress) is still alive. Located along the Asif Ounila River at the edge of the Sahara, it's a community of earthen dwellings fortified by high walls and watchtowers. Some families still live there, within its lower town. The hilltop citadel, partially in ruins, once gave strategic control to caravans traveling between Marrakech and Sudan. It's a product of Amazigh ingenuity, designed not for luxury but endurance, though its beauty is undeniable. Aït Ben Haddou's global fame was sealed through film. It's iconic architecture has appeared in productions ranging from 'Gladiator' to 'Game of Thrones.' Yet, the real drama lies in its survival: of time, climate, and now tourism. Unlike many castles turned into museums or relics, it is still partly inhabited, still breathing. Different locations, shared beauty If Morocco offers fortresses made from earth, France delivers grandeur in stone. The Château de Chambord, commissioned by François I in the Loire Valley, boasts 440 rooms and a staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. It's a structure that signaled the shift from fortress to palace, a change in how power chose to represent itself. In the same spirit, Istanbul's Topkapi Palace was more than the residence of Ottoman sultans. It was a city within a city: a political center, a religious institution, and now, a museum that houses imperial treasures and whispers of past intrigues. In Puerto Rico, Castillo San Felipe del Morro protected San Juan Bay from pirates and invaders for centuries. Built by the Spanish in the 16th century, it still stands defiantly, now part of a UNESCO site enjoyed by kite-flyers and history buffs alike. Scotland's Edinburgh Castle has endured more than 25 sieges and houses Britain's oldest crown jewels. It remains a symbol of Scottish identity, perched on a volcanic rock, hosting military tattoos, concerts, and state occasions. Back in the Mediterranean, Italy's Castello Aragonese rises from the sea on a volcanic islet near Naples. Its foundations stretch back to Greek antiquity, while its modern revival includes art exhibits and open-air cinemas with views of Mount Vesuvius. Even more dramatic is Slovenia's Predjama Castle, built into the mouth of a cave. Hidden tunnels made it nearly impossible to conquer. Today, it stages jousting tournaments and festivals that bring medieval life vividly back. There's also Kalmar Castle in Sweden, which began as a 12th-century tower and became a Renaissance residence, and the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes, Greece, where Byzantine fortifications were turned into a Gothic sanctuary for knights, and later, a retreat for Mussolini. Across the Atlantic, Mexico's Castillo de Chapultepec is the only royal castle in the Americas. Once the palace of Emperor Maximilian, it's now the National Museum of History. And in the Middle East, Syria's Krak des Chevaliers remains a towering symbol of the Crusades, battered, but not erased by modern conflict. Each of these castles, in their own way, blends artistry with power. Some tell stories of conquest; others of refuge. Some dazzle with gold and glass; others impress through simplicity and endurance. CNN Travel's inclusion of Aït Ben Haddou among them proves something essential: that the idea of a castle transcends stone and steel. It can be built from mud, shaped by hands, and still survive centuries. Its strength lies not only in architecture, but in its connection to the land, to people, and to memory. These fortresses are not just monuments to what once was, they're living archives of how humans dreamt of power, shelter, and beauty. And among them, Morocco's desert stronghold stands firm.
CNN
2 days ago
- CNN
CNN reveals America's Best Towns to Visit in 2025
See More Videos America's most interesting towns bring together the best of a beautiful country. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, packed with entrepreneurial talent and evolving with the tastes of the people who settle and explore them, these destinations show off what makes the United States so distinctive. For our second annual list of America's Best Towns to Visit, CNN Travel editors tapped our readers and contributors for nominations. We considered hundreds of candidates and winnowed the list to 10 by evaluating the finalists' attractions, food and beverage offerings, cultural and nightlife scenes, diversity, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and 'wow factor.' We also looked at travel essentials, including lodging options and the ease of getting there. Our choices this year skew smaller than last year's top 10, ranging in size from about 15,000 residents to about 115,000. They're spread across the country and capture the incredible variety that defines the United States — from history and natural beauty to culture and food. And they serve as reminders of what Americans do best: build towns and communities that add up to more than the sum of their parts. Here are our 2025 picks: High scores: Presidential attractions, big-name parks, Native art, easy day trips Taking a page from Mount Rushmore nearby, Rapid City leans into its 'City of Presidents' nickname with sculptures of nearly every US head of state on display downtown. This Black Hills hub is close to myriad natural wonders — from the Badlands to the bison herd in Custer State Park – and it's a place to sample locally sourced walleye or bison and view Native American art. In this friendly Midwestern town, you can gather at Main Street Square for year-round events and then fan out onto its greenway and into the hills to see more of South Dakota's wonders. High scores: Musical heritage, festival calendar and live shows, Southern flavors It's no surprise that this Mississippi Delta town — considered the cradle of the blues — is a year-round festival destination. Clarksdale's musical identity has solidified in recent years, and now this small Deep South city entertains locals and visitors with more than a dozen music festivals, in addition to its core lineup of juke joints hosting live performances every day of the week. Locals embrace the city's 'gritty' character and its unvarnished charm. But new lodging and dining options are keeping things fresh, and local eats go beyond Southern staples to include Cajun and Creole cuisines. High scores: Lively downtown, diversity, countercultural vibe, cycling A coffee-drinking, bike-riding oasis, Northampton combines the charm of a village with big-city culture. Long a welcoming haven for gays and lesbians, this western Massachusetts town is a regional destination for dining, shopping and concerts. It's also home to Smith College, a cornerstone of this town's reputation for new ideas and strong women. Regional rail trails make it a hub for biking, too. Founded by Puritans in 1654, Northampton is today a place to enjoy sinfully good pastries and bread. High scores: Blend of cultures, jaw-dropping scenery, outdoor access, day trips A sunny, moderate climate and stunning landscapes in every direction make Las Cruces ideal for outdoor activities nearly all year long. If you're looking to hike, opportunities abound to the east in the Organ Mountains and northwest of town in the Robledo Mountains, where Prehistoric Trackways National Monument preserves tracks left by reptiles 280 million years ago. The second-largest city in New Mexico, Las Cruces still has the laid-back pace of a much smaller town, with a rich blend of Mexican, Native American and Western culture. High scores: Farm-to-table scene, historic architecture, easy day trips, riverfront setting Known for top-notch farm-to-table dining and historic architecture, Petaluma still shines from its Gold Rush boom. This quirky Northern California town is perfectly situated for day trips to the coast, wine country and San Francisco. In town, you can run or walk along a trail by the Petaluma River past outdoor artwork or get out on the water for kayaking and paddleboarding. Once known as 'The World's Egg Basket,' owing to the region's poultry farms, Petaluma offers boundless variety for foodies and beverages to complement any craving. High scores: Maritime and colonial history, waterfront setting, boating, seafood Annapolis has long lured day-trippers from nearby Baltimore and DC for an outing on the Chesapeake Bay and a hearty meal of seafood. But this picturesque waterfront city also offers a charming downtown whose narrow streets, brick sidewalks and Georgian buildings reflect its rich history as a colonial capital frequented by George Washington and other founding fathers. Throw in sailing cruises, a historic state house, the handsome US Naval Academy campus and bustling restaurants serving Maryland's trademark blue crabs, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable visit. High scores: Outdoor wow factor, play-hard vibe, live music, beverage and food scene A remote getaway at the edge of the Cascade Mountains, Bend was named after that feature in the river that flows through town. You can keep busy fishing and boating along the Deschutes and on dozens of lakes in the area, in addition to kayaking, biking, rock climbing and more. This big outdoor playground — with its 'go-play-all-day energy' — tops things off with food trucks and fancier fare, live music and plenty of expertly crafted local beer. High scores: Scenic setting, dining and drinks, outdoor access, arts and crafts For well over a century, Asheville has been drawing visitors looking for a restorative escape in the Blue Ridge Mountains. America's largest home, the Biltmore House, was constructed here at the end of the 19th century as a country retreat. Then last year, Hurricane Helene's destruction knocked Asheville off its stride. But the storm has unified this resilient community more than ever. And Asheville's mountain views, scenic trails, vibrant neighborhoods, lively arts scene and delicious food and drinks are all still here for you to enjoy. High scores: World-class wilderness, fly fishing, live music and arts Missoula sits at the confluence of four top rivers for fishing, and you may have already caught a glimpse of this area years ago in 'A River Runs Through It.' More than ever, fly fishing is ingrained into the local way of life, and the water and surrounding wilderness offer boundless opportunities for adventure. This university town has become a hub for live music and world-class ceramics. A place to experience the American West, Missoula galleries also showcase a distinctive medium of Indigenous art. High scores: Natural wow-factor, outdoor activities, wine and cider, college-town culture You don't have to go far to find a spectacular waterfall in this upstate New York college town. The area around Ithaca is jam-packed with gorges and cascading falls, slicing through fertile land dotted with wineries and cider houses in the state's Finger Lakes region. In town, there's a lively farmers market and more cultural offerings than Ithaca's size would suggest. That's thanks in part to a large student population that adds layers of diversity to the town's homegrown offerings. Fans of geology, birding, music and more will find plenty to do here. Text by Jeanne Bonner, Marnie Hunter and Brandon Griggs.
CNN
2 days ago
- Business
- CNN
She left her home in California to live on a cruise ship for 15 years
When Sharon Lane stepped onto Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship in mid-June, she was flooded with feelings of joy and relief. This moment was the fulfillment of a dream a long time coming. 'I'm finally able to do what I've wanted to do for years,' she tells CNN Travel. For Lane, this is no brief cruise vacation. The 77-year-old Californian plans to be on this ship for the next 15 years, perpetually circumnavigating the world's oceans and stopping off at destinations from Japan to New Zealand. Villa Vie Odyssey is a 'residential' cruise ship, meaning passengers don't generally board for just a quick jaunt. Its cabins are sold on a permanent basis — or at least for the estimated 15-year lifetime of the Odyssey, which is a recently renovated, three-decade-old ship. 'I buy the cabin, I live in the cabin, and that's it. And then there's no end,' says Lane. Or at least that's the hope. Residential ships are still new territory for the cruise ship industry. While the Odyssey is currently sailing smoothly up the US West Coast, its initial launch was delayed by months. Meanwhile some passengers, including Lane, had already experienced the disappointment of an earlier long-term residential cruise collapsing before it even secured a boat. Operated by cruise startup Villa Vie Residences, the Odyssey finally set sail at the end of September last year. There are still cabins available to purchase. Lane bought hers at the end of last year and boarded several months later, when the ship passed through her home port of San Diego, California. Villa Vie Residences' CEO Mikael Pettersen says cabin prices start at $129,000 for an inside for 15 years, on top of which there are monthly fees — $2,000 per person per month for double occupancy, $3,000 for single. Outside cabins start at $169,000, with monthly fees rising $500 per person. These figures aren't cheap — but remain comparatively so in contrast to The World, the only other residential cruise ship experience currently at sea, which caters for a more luxury market with a starting price of $2.5 million. There are other residential ship projects in the works — such as NJORD, a self-described 'exclusive community at sea' — but they've yet to be realized. Odyssey's concept is also potentially cheaper than hopping from one shorter cruise voyage to another. Villa Vie owners can also rent their cabin out to others, which means short-term passengers can still come and go from Odyssey. But the majority of owners have purchased their cabin with the intention of living on board, according to the cruise company. 'Most of our cabins are sold to full-time or mostly full-time residents,' Pettersen tells CNN Travel. 'I only know of a couple of residents who have investment cabins that they actively rent out. Most rentals come from owners who decide to stay off the ship for a period of time.' Lane says she used her life savings to purchase her interior cabin, but she sees this as a good deal. Food and soft drinks are included in residents' monthly fee. So is alcohol at dinner, Wi-Fi and medical visits (but not procedures or medicines). There's also 24/7 room service, weekly housekeeping and bi-weekly laundry service at no extra cost. 'I don't have to do my laundry anymore. I don't have to do grocery shopping,' says Lane. 'Living on the ship is much less expensive than living in Southern California.' Entertainment is also provided, including 'a singing duet, pianist, professional dancers,' according to Pettersen. Local performers are booked at ports of call, and residents are also encouraged to host their own events at a regular 'speakers' corner.' 'Residents present every week,' Pettersen says. 'We have a very diverse community including a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a White House chief of staff, an astronaut and many scientists and doctors onboard that share their knowledge and experiences.' Odyssey usually stops in each port for a couple of days, where optional shore excursions are organized for an additional fee. Throughout the course of its anticipated 15-year life span, the ship will continually circle the globe, calling at different locations with each circumnavigation. Lane says she is excited about the destinations, but being on the ship is her favorite part of cruising and she plans to spend most of her downtime on the deck. She says her windowless cabin is simply for sleeping. Her berth is 'toward the front of the ship, because I can feel the ocean more there,' she adds. 'I like the ocean motion.' The eight-deck Odyssey can 'technically' accommodate 924 people, according to Villa Vie's Pettersen, but some cabins have now been combined into one, meaning 'about 450 cabins in total.' 'Given the solo rate and that residents often travel away from the ship, we don't expect more than 500 residents onboard at any given time,' he explains. 'I find that delightful,' Lane says. 'It's very roomy for the number of people.' In November 2024 Villa Vie said that 50% of passengers in the first takeup were traveling solo. Today, Villa Vie Residences' CEO Pettersen confirms single travelers now make up 'close to 55%' of those on board — Lane among them. Pettersen says 80% of Villa Vie Odyssey's owners are from the US and Canada, with Australia and New Zealand a close second. As a recent addition to the on-board community, Lane is enjoying meeting and mingling with her fellow residents. 'There's very, very few, if any, people on the ship who are not lifelong travelers,' she says. 'When you're with a group of people that think like you, life gets easier.' Villa Vie Odyssey was originally supposed to embark in mid-2024, but ended up stalled in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for four months, awaiting safety certification. When the vessel eventually set sail, Villa Vie contended with some cancelled ports and itinerary changes. Missed stop-offs in the Galapagos Islands, the Falklands in the South Atlantic and Antarctica led to some disappointment among passengers. 'Residents understand for the most part that we are doing something new and there will be occasional challenges but I think overall we are getting better,' says Villa Vie's Pettersen. Pettersen blames cancelled ports on weather, red tape and logistical problems in destinations where smaller 'tender' vessels are needed to carry passengers ashore. 'Galapagos was not possible for us to go because you need 100% Ecuadorian crew,' he says. 'Falklands was due to 50-knot winds.' Pettersen says that in Antarctica, Villa Vie 'did not get the certificates in time and the weather did not allow for an exemption. We had some other missed tender ports where waves were simply not safe for tender operations.' Pettersen suggests these teething problems will be overcome as Villa Vie Residences' gains more experience. He points out this is a kind of voyage never really attempted before. Villa Vie is currently building a custom walkway to link the ship and tender boats to reduce movement from waves and swell. This, says Pettersen, will 'greatly reduce these missed ports.' 'We have a very capable itinerary planner who plans about a year ahead,' Pettersen adds. 'It is an extremely difficult task as there is really nobody that has done this sort of itinerary before so it is challenging to understand all regulations in every region of the world. However, we are learning a tremendous amount.' To make up for the missed ports, a new segment has been added to the cruise 'which offers everything that was missed in 2024, including Antarctica, Falklands, Greenland, and northern Europe,' according to Pettersen. This will involve an extended stay in the Argentine port of Ushuaia, on the southern tip of South America. 'This time we are spending an entire month in Ushuaia, giving us plenty of opportunity to work with the weather to make sure we hit the Falklands and Antarctica,' he adds. 'We learned that the weather down there is highly unpredictable so giving us this flexibility will ensure an amazing customer experience.' Lane says she's relieved to have missed much of the Odyssey's early drama and is confident that Villa Vie had enough time to 'work out the kinks' by the time she joined in mid-June. 'I don't want complications in my life, you know, I'm at a point in my life where I want simplicity,' she says. Lane has, however, experienced first-hand some of the uncertainties of the nascent years-long cruising industry. She was among hundreds of passengers who committed thousands of dollars toward a three-year-long cruise voyage planned by a start-up called Life at Sea. After repeated postponements, that project collapsed, with management company Miray Cruises never actually managing to secure a ship to host the voyage. Lane got a refund, but by then had given up her rental lease and sold many of her belongings. When the cruise dream collapsed, she moved into a retirement village in Orange County, California, where she felt stagnant. 'The whole two years I was there, I was looking for someplace else to go… I wasn't settled. I didn't feel settled. Because it wasn't the life I wanted,' says Lane. Lane explains she wasn't aware of the progress with Villa Vie Residences until the Odyssey made headlines when it finally set sail in fall 2024. She was immediately sold. Her reaction, she says, was just two words: 'Holy cow.' 'I called them up and I gave them money the same day,' recalls Lane. Pettersen, who worked for Life at Sea until departing in a management schism, says about half of the passengers let down by Life at Sea have followed him to his new company. 'We have about half of them on the Odyssey,' he says. Those who purchase long-term cabins on Odyssey do have the option to sell up should circumstances change. Lane says she currently hopes to see out the full 15 years at sea, finally living her dream life. 'There's no end,' she says. 'Sure, in 15 years… but in 15 years, I'll be ready for a home… Or maybe, at the end, I'll go on their next ship… I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.' 'Being on a ship deck, that's my happy place,' Lane adds. 'Whenever the weather is good, I will be on that deck. And when the weather isn't quite good, I'll bundle up and be on that deck, because that is my happy place. You can stand there, you can sit there, you can chat with people, you can read a book. You have the ocean breeze, you have sea air.'
