Villa Vie Odyssey

The 1993-built (as "Crown Dynasty") cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey was last named "MS Braemar" as part of Fred Olsen's cruise fleet. The sistership/same-designed Crown Jewel (1992-built) was later renamed to MS Gemini and time-chartered by Celestyal Cruises as "Celestyal Nefeli".

By design, the ship is similar to Superstar Gemini (Star Cruises/defunct).

Crown Dynasty's shipbuilding cost was USD 75 million. The vessel was last refurbished by Fred Olsen in 2019 November. Braemar's last drydocking was in December 2023, following the acquisition by Villa Vie Residences.

The vessel (IMO number 9000699) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311541000) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

On November 29, 2022, Fred Olsen announced that is looking for a buyer for the 29-year-old MS Braemar. The last AIS report was on March 9, 2022 (at 18:30 UTC) showing the boat docked/laid up in Rosyth-Edinburgh. When the announcement was made, the shipowner had a total of 45x voyages scheduled for Braemar for 2023-2024 (April 28th through May 7th).

On November 29th (2023), Villa Vie Residences (a new brand) announced a pending ship purchase agreement. The announcement was made by Mikael Petterson (the company's CEO). The vessel's name was not revealed but a video showed MS Braemar. The residence ship's expected lifespan is 15 years (through 2039). Mikael Petterson also announced the possibility for Villa Vie Residences to acquire a second vessel, for US$100+ million.

The vessel changed ownership in March 2024, with a scheduled 8-day drydock followed by a 2-week drydock for refits and basic refurbishments.

On December 13th (2023), Villa Vie Residences confirmed the vessel's acquisition from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. Renamed (from Braemar to Villa Vie Odyssey), the 924-passenger ship started revenue operations for the new owner in June 2024 (postponed from May) following a multimillion drydock refurbishment at Harland & Wolff (shipyard in Belfast). The refit project transformed the 31-year-old vessel into a residential ship offering residences/villas instead of staterooms.

During the refit, Villa Vie Odyssey received a large-capacity business center (grouping conference spaces and private offices), Starlink internet, an interactive culinary center, a modern golf simulator, and a premium golfing program (with golf-themed land tours and classes led by a PGA-certified professional golfer.

In May 2024, Villa Vie Residences announced the Endless Horizons program. Based on a one-time payment (US$300K single occupancy and US$500K double occupancy), travelers can carelessly live on the ship with everything (outside stateroom, meals, activities and amenities) included in the fare.

In 2025-Q2, Villa Vie Residences plans to expand its fleet with a second ship.

Fred Olsen Group wholly owns the companies Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd, Fred Olsen Travel Ltd (worldwide tours and vacations via independent operators), Fred Olsen Marine Services AS (shipowner and vessel management), First Olsen Ltd (tanker ships), Dolphin Drilling Holdings Ltd (offshore drilling rigs), Fred Olsen Express (Canary Islands-based fast ferries/catamarans ), Fred Olsen Freight Ltd (cargo shipping and air freight), Fred Olsen Windcarrier AS (transport and installation of offshore wind turbines), Fred Olsen Production AS (offshore petroleum production), Fred Olsen Renewables AS, SeaRoc Group Ltd (offshore and marine consultancy and contracting services), ZephIR Lidar UK (wind measurement devices), Ganger Rolf ASA (energy and shipping).

Also part of Fred Olsen Group, the company Bonheur ASA manages several fully-owned companies, among which are NHST Media Group AS (newspapers and online media) and the real estate companies Stavenes Byggeselskap, Koksa Eiendom, Fred Olsens gate 2. Part of Fred Olsen Group is also Timex Group BV - parent of several watchmaking companies, including the subsidiaries in the USA, India and the Philippines).

The 1000-passenger ship Braemar was originally built/launched as "Crown Dynasty" for Crown Cruise Lines (1984-founded/2001-defunct) and joined Fred Olsen's fleet in 2001. One of the biggest changes that past cruisers are going to note is the Braemar Room on Deck 5, leading into the new Scottish-inspired Morning Light Pub (that was released on sister cruise liner Balmoral in early 2008). Before the renovation, this space was more of a walkway, but now the expanded Braemar Room has become more of a public room in its own right, with Aztec and nautical-themed design of the decor. This space is also home to a new library, a card room, and an Internet room.

In 2009, MV Braemar (under Fred Olsen's ownership) was stretched by adding a prefabricated middle section. The refit resulted in increased gross tonnage and passenger capacity. During the ship's stretching (done in Germany, at Lloyd Werft's shipyard) were built new cabins, lounges and a restaurant, along with the 2 swimming pools (plus a paddling pool) on Marquee Deck 8 (Sun Deck).

The list of other stretched (elongated) cruise ships includes the fleet mates Balmoral, Boudicca, and Braemar, also three MSC ships (Armonia, Lirica, Opera), Phoenix Reisen's Albatros and Royal Caribbean's Enchantment OTS.

Decks and Cabins

MS Braemar/Villa Vie Odyssey staterooms (a total of 485) include 19x Suites, 200x Balcony cabins, 130x Inside, in all 21 grades. Most staterooms are sized 130-140-175 ft2/12-13-16 m2.

Braemar's largest accommodation was the Superior Suite (300 ft2/28 m2). The stateroom on Villa Vie Odyssey was enlarged to 675 ft2/63 m2

Fred Olsen Braemar had a total of 40 solo cabins (single-occupancy).

The boat has 8 decks, of which 7 are passenger-accessible and 6 with cabins.

Note: At the Villa Vie Odyssey staterooms section (link) you can also compare cabin sizes, purchase prices and monthly fees (per person/cabin costs as of 2024) and see all accommodation types.

Villa Vie Odyssey ship review

The main dining room (Marina Diner) offers a rotating 14-day menu, emphasizing healthy, globally inspired dishes, with daily specials. Guests can also enjoy a buffet of pastries and bread during breakfast, and desserts in the evening. The menus integrate local cuisine elements, offering regional flavors in appetizers, main courses, and desserts. A focus on healthy and plant-based options is also featured.

Grampian Restaurant combines French culinary techniques with American steakhouse traditions. This fusion creates a sophisticated dining experience, offering two dynamic a la carte options. A curated wine list accompanies the menu, providing guests with a refined gastronomic journey.

Palms Cafe serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a 14-day rotating menu. An American grill enhances the lunch options, offering a wide variety of international cuisines that cater to different dietary preferences. Complimentary beer, wine, water, tea, and coffee are provided with meals.

The poolside Mike's Bar offers a casual atmosphere with a range of beverages, including cocktails and beers, such as Miller Lite. Light snacks are available, and guests can enjoy outdoor activities such as pickleball, table tennis, or watching sports on large TV screens.

Morning Light Pub operates from morning until late evening, offering the ambiance of both a coffeehouse and a traditional pub. Guests can enjoy hot beverages or relax with drinks, engaging in board games, darts, or reading in a comfortable setting.

The Observatory (Deck 8, at the ship’s forward) is a bow-facing venue providing unobstructed panoramic views. By day, it functions as a lively cafe bar, and by evening, it transforms into a sophisticated venue for pre-dinner drinks, featuring live piano music. Guests can enjoy a selection of premium wines, gins, and whiskeys while watching the sunset.

The Neptune Lounge, located at the front of the ship, is an ambient space for relaxation and entertainment. It hosts first-class performances (live music, folkloric shows).

The Coral Club, located aft, is the go-to venue for late-night entertainment. Guests can join for live music performances and karaoke sessions.

The cozy Library (Deck 5) is where residents can enjoy peaceful moments with a curated selection of books.

Fitness Center (Deck 7 aft) is equipped with modern cardio machines, free weights, and strength training stations, offering a comprehensive workout environment. Yoga and wellness classes are also available, providing opportunities for relaxation and fitness at all levels.

The SPA (Deck 3 midship) offers a variety of relaxation services, including massages, hairdressing, and nail care. Guests can also enjoy the sauna and steam room, providing a serene environment for unwinding.

The Pool Deck (Deck 8) features swimming pools, Jacuzzis, and a Pickleball court. Guests can enjoy the ocean views while relaxing or engaging in recreational activities.

Business Center (Deck 5 midship) provides professional workspaces with private offices and high-speed internet. This facility is designed to cater to guests requiring a quiet, focused environment to work while aboard.

The Medical Center/Infirmary (Deck 2) is staffed with experienced healthcare professionals and equipped to handle a range of medical needs. Services include routine check-ups, emergency care, and management of chronic conditions. A pharmacy onboard stocks essential medications and supplies.

Included medical services cover the initial consultation for acute care and diagnostic testing for communicable diseases. Additional services, such as annual physical exams and chronic disease management, are available at an extra cost, with charges applied to the guest's onboard account. Insurance documentation is provided for submission to international or travel insurance providers.

Fred Olsen MS Braemar ship review

Most guests have dinner at the Thistle Restaurant for either 6:15 pm or 8:30 pm seating. The Thistle Dining Room is an elegant, circular room with unobstructed panoramic windows. Those who prefer a more intimate setting should choose the smaller Grampian Restaurant. This also has two seatings but it's mainly for travelers staying in the upper decks. Breakfast and lunch are open-seating, so guests can order waiter-served meals at either restaurant or try the self-serve Palms Cafe.

Follows the complete list of MS Braemar restaurants and food bars.

• Thistle Restaurant (main dining room; hosts the formal Gala Dinner; with 2 fixed dinner seatings at 6:15 pm and 8:30 pm, open-seating buffet-style Breakfast 8:00 - 10:00 am and Lunch 12:00 - 2:30 pm)
• Grampian Restaurant (ship's 2nd largest dining room, with the same menu as the Thistle; features floor-ceiling windows and intimate design)
• Palms Cafe (alternative buffet-style restaurant, open-seating; offers Breakfast 7:00 - 9:30 am, Brunch 10:30 - 11:30 am, Lunch 12:30 - 2:30 pm, Afternoon Tea 3:30 - 4:30 pm, Dinner 6:30 - 9 pm and Supper Club 11:30 pm - 12:30 am; also features a 24-hour open tea-coffee station)
• Lido Bar (outdoor bar for alfresco breakfast and lunch)
• Marquee Bar (casual restaurant for lunch; al-fresco dining, with large, floor-ceiling panoramic windows; serves the pool area with alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks).

MS Braemar is clearly a vessel which attracts repeat cruisers, and much of this is due to the friendliness of the travelers and the camaraderie the small vessel engenders. A lot of the conversations on the liner start with "Last time I was on Braemar..." or "We sailed on the cruise before the extra space was added...." But, instead of acting cliquey, the repeat cruisers are very welcoming, even offering cruising tips to Fred. Olsen newbies.

Follows the complete list of MS Braemar lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Arts & Crafts Room; Art Gallery
• Atrium (4-deck high; has a spacious seating area)
• Port Shop (duty-paid, sells essentials, hats, swimwear, toiletries, beachwear, sweets, books, snacks)
• Photo Gallery & Shop (offers digital images printing/transferring; personal video making; sells photo and video equipment at duty-free prices)
• Neptune Lounge (378-seat; ship's theater lounge/main entertainment venue for grand-style show productions in the evenings at 8:45 pm and 10:45 pm; during the day serves the Fred Olsen enrichment program, with various lectures and seminars, multimedia presentations, dance classes, workshops, bridge lectures, cards playing tournaments)
• Boutique Shops (duty-free luxury gifts, perfumes, cosmetics, fashion clothing, watches, fine jewelry, Fred Olsen logo merchandise)
• Library; Card Room; Internet Room
• Bookmark Cafe (a la carte priced patisserie; offers luxury chocolates, specialty coffees, hand-made chocolates)
• Cafe Venus
• Braemar Lounge (relaxation place with large windows); Casino
• Morning Light Pub (features stand-up comedy acts, live music performances)
• Coral Club (170-seat, with floor-ceiling windows and dance floor; disco nightclub)
• The Wellness Centre (Atlantis Spa & Fitness; has treatment rooms for massages, Steam Room, Sauna, gym; the Fitness Centre hosts exercise classes Yoga/Pilates/aerobics/meditation/dancing classes)
• Beauty Salon (part of the Wellness Centre; offers hairdresser/barber services, facial/body treatments, manicure/pedicure, massages)
• Observatory Lounge (indoor observation lounge with piano, glass dancefloor, panoramic windows for 270-degree views; serves Afternoon Tea)

On Deck 8 are located the Golf Nets, a Deck Games area (shuffleboard, quoits, darts, tennis tables), the Sundeck/pool deck (2x swimming pools, 1x paddling pool, 2x Jacuzzies, sunbathing area served by Marquee Pool Bar) and the Walking Track.

Villa Vie cruise itineraries

Villa Vie Residences' customers/"cruise residents" own the majority of the company's shares and actively participate in decision-making, including planning the itineraries (regions and destinations to be visited throughout the year).

The Villa Vie brand prioritizes extended port stays (ranging from 2 to 7 days) allowing the ship's residents plenty of time to connect and fully enjoy each destination.

The company offers two all-inclusive options for the residents. The first option is ownership (starting at US$100,000, with monthly maintenance fees from US$1750 per person), while the other option is a "pay-as-you-go" plan (residents select and combine portions/segments of the World Cruise itinerary with a 10% upfront deposit, starting at US$89 pp per day).

Following several delays, Villa Vie Odyssey's Maiden Voyage started out of Belfast on October 3, 2024, with around 100 passengers. The ship's first call port (for the new shipowner) was Brest France (Oct 5th).

Due to technical and compliance issues during the drydock, Villa Vie Residences' inaugural cruise was postponed several times - May 15th and May 30th (both from Southampton), then June 15th, 25th, July 2nd, July 15th, July 20th, July 27th, July 30th, August 20th, and finally September 30th (boarding)/October 3rd (departure) from Belfast.

Villa Vie Residences has scheduled visits to 425 ports globally with itineraries ranging from 35 to 120 days (World Voyage).

The full circumnavigation itinerary of World Voyage 2024-2027 (dates/ports/segment prices) you can see in the ship's Wiki section.

Fred Olsen Braemar itineraries

Fred Olsen's Braemar cruise itinerary program was based on ex-UK voyages visiting ports in the Mediterranean, Iberia (Spain and Portugal), the Canary Islands and the Norwegian Fjords. The itineraries were roundtrips from England (homeports Dover and Southampton). The ship also offered seasonal Caribbean fly-cruises (departures out of Bridgetown Barbados), with Transatlantic repositioning crossings between the Caribbean and Europe.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, the ship was passed for 3+ years (March 2020 through May 2023), restarting on April 28th from Southampton.

MS Braemar was well-known worldwide for its annual (since 2019) voyages in the Aegean Sea (Eastern Med) passing through the Corinth Canal.