The new ‘Golden Passport’ scheme that allows passengers to retire on cruise ships

Older people can get a permanent home on the ship more cheaply. (Image: Jam Press/Villa Vie Cruises)

A cruise line has launched a new scheme that allows more people to enjoy their retirement years on the high seas. Villa Vie Residences previously had an Endless Horizons programme, offering customers the opportunity to buy, rent, or lease a villa permanently on a vessel exploring the world through a one-time payment.

This week, the US-based firm also unveiled their "Golden Passport", making it cheaper for older people to live at sea with a tiered pricing structure. Prices start at $99,000 (£73,200) for people aged 90 and above to secure an abobe on the Deck 2 Porthole.

It rises to $199,999 (around £147,880) for the most expensive option, the Deck 6 Oceanview.

The company says there are no additional charges for taxes, port fees, or other typical travel expenses, the firm says. (Image: Jam Press/Villa Vie Cruises)

The package includes activities on the ship. (Image: Jam Press/Villa Vie Cruises)

It comes after the US-based firm launched its first cruise ship, Odyssey, in October. The vast vessel has eight decks, can accomodate 650 residents, and is set to visit 147 countries across seven continents every three-and-a-half years.

The one-time fee includes dining, Wi-Fi, housekeeping, activities, and more, and there are no additional charges for taxes, port fees, or other typical travel expenses, the firm says.

Residents can also invite family and friends on board for a daily fee of $129 (£96), the company says on its website.

Passengers can still choose to purchase a round-the-world trip or a segment of it without staying longer term.

Villa Vie says the Golden Passport will be transferable across all its ships, though it currently only has one, reports The Independent.

The cruise line's chief exectutive, Kathy Villalba, said: “Life moves quickly, and the regret most people share is that they didn't travel the world when they had the chance.

“The Golden Passport makes that dream possible—and affordable—in a way the cruise and travel industries have never seen before.”

Villa Vie Residences founder Mikael Petterson said: “As people retire, one of their biggest fears is outliving their money. With the Golden Passport, that uncertainty disappears — one payment secures a lifetime of adventure.”