14 years RV living: They lived aboard before Villa Vie Odyssey; ship shutdown hasn’t changed what they want

A new chapter at sea

After 14 years living full-time in an RV and traveling around the US, Jim and Chris Guld were ready for a change. They later spent seven years in Chris’ mother’s townhouse in Fort Lauderdale, near family and friends, but Jim had grown tired of the traffic.

The couple tried the Villa Vie Odyssey for a week in December 2024. By the end of the trip, they felt ready to move aboard. Their initial plan was to stay seven years, which they understood would allow for two trips around the world.

Community and growing doubts

Life aboard brought an unexpected sense of community. Chris took up line dancing and connected with dancers in other countries while the ship was in port. But the couple questioned whether the arrangement could last. Their concerns intensified when internet service was curtailed and their connectivity suffered, followed by cash calls.

Travel plans remain

The Gulds brought the tech equipment needed for their business and some clothes, while leaving many belongings behind. These included sentimental items from Florida and scuba gear such as regulators, lights and a camera.

They did not want to carry the equipment through several Southeast Asian countries while working out their next steps. They want to keep traveling, with India and Africa among the places they had hoped to visit, and do not plan to return to the States anytime soon.

They feel they have not yet received their money’s worth from the Odyssey, but say their experiences were wonderful. That contrast is why they are so disappointed.