Former Ryndam and Veendam to become floating residences (an article)

[JennysUncle]

For open-ended round the world cruising.

https://cruiseradio.net/former-holland-america-ships-to-operate-as-floating-residences/

[JennysUncle]

https://victoria.cruises/

 

https://www.businessinsider.com/victoria-cruise-lines-majestic-residential-cruise-ship-8000-month-photos-2023-2#-while-storylines-has-plans-to-launch-its-first-547-residence-ship-in-2025-starting-at-about-1-million-for-a-studio-apartment-38

 

[VermeulT]

Inside is about $5200/mo if you commit to 2 years.

Find me independent senior living in the US that's a whole lot cheaper - especially with 3 meals a day, housekeeping, activities, and living space.

 

If something like this is still in business when I get a wee bit older, I'd mostly likely try it.

 

Honestly - I haven't been able to understand why a cruise line hasn't come up with a timeshare concept.  7 day off peak Caribbean in Veranda stateroom category up to VC for 2.  X to buy in, plus per cruise gratuities.  (plus option to upgrade weeks &/or room category, add HIA etc.)

 

 

[ski ww]

Sounds like a good deal. But a little rich for my blood, when I win the Lotto I'll consider it for sure.

[friendswithdave]

I can see this concept exploding in popularity in the next 10 years. Wife and I are definitely considering it in our upcoming retirement years.

[rafinmd]

For now it's only the Veendam (Ryndam is now Celestial Journey) and Veendam has not moved at all from the berth where Seajets put her (Aigio Greece) in 2020.  There may be work going on there but I don't think they have a drydock there so more will need to be done.  There's still time as web site shows departure date of December 1 from Fort Lauderdale.

 

Roy

 

 

[mcrcruiser]

Very interesting concept .What about medical though ?

[Mary229]

I just wonder how prepared they are to address the needs of the very mature passengers who will want to sail.  When I researched “living on a cruise ship” a few years ago one thing that did arise was the cruise lines discouraging long time “residents” because of the special assistances required.   

[Langoustine]

This is from their website:

The ship has 2 doctors, 1 dentist and a fully equipped "on-board hospital" ready for any emergency!

On VCL ships, the passengers are long-term residents and live their lives here, so we have set up a much better equipped medical centre with a professional medical team to ensure that everything is at the disposal of the residents in case of need.

Our medical centres are equipped with 5 beds in case a patient needs to be under medical supervision for a few days.

The medical centre is equipped with ECG, EEG, X-ray, ultrasound, defibrillator, etc. All the necessary equipment is available for minor outpatient operations.

The medical centre is on call 24 hours a day. On board, 2 doctors and 3 nurses take turns to attend to patients. We also have a small pharmacy where patients can be supplied with essential medicines. If you need a continuous supply of medicines, please consult your pharmacist before departure to ensure you do not run out of the medicines you need. As we are supplied with essential medicines, you will need to bring any special medicines on board with you.

The health centre also has a dental clinic. If necessary, we can provide all outpatient treatment, as our dental department is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.

[RICHARD@SEA]

My mother was in an assisted living facility 3 years ago before she passed away in the New York suburbs...the monthly cost was $7300 a month & rose according to the level of care  needed.

 

[BetsyS.]

RICHARD@SEA - I'm sorry for your loss.

BetsyS.

[Mary229]

15 minutes ago, Langoustine said:

This is from their website:

The ship has 2 doctors, 1 dentist and a fully equipped "on-board hospital" ready for any emergency!

On VCL ships, the passengers are long-term residents and live their lives here, so we have set up a much better equipped medical centre with a professional medical team to ensure that everything is at the disposal of the residents in case of need.

Our medical centres are equipped with 5 beds in case a patient needs to be under medical supervision for a few days.

The medical centre is equipped with ECG, EEG, X-ray, ultrasound, defibrillator, etc. All the necessary equipment is available for minor outpatient operations.

The medical centre is on call 24 hours a day. On board, 2 doctors and 3 nurses take turns to attend to patients. We also have a small pharmacy where patients can be supplied with essential medicines. If you need a continuous supply of medicines, please consult your pharmacist before departure to ensure you do not run out of the medicines you need. As we are supplied with essential medicines, you will need to bring any special medicines on board with you.

The health centre also has a dental clinic. If necessary, we can provide all outpatient treatment, as our dental department is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.

That is different than orderlies who escort people to meals and other activities.   Some lines expressed concerns about the additional staffing costs of mobility assistance, slips and falls and other types of daily assistance 

[rafinmd]

I wonder what's happening here.  Veendam is still at it's dock in Aigio which I don't think is a place for renovations and is not on the December 1 Fort Lauderdale schedule.

 

OK, just checked the Victoria Cruises website and startup is now July 6, 2024.

 

Roy

Edited October 23, 2023 by rafinmd

[VermeulT]

3 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I wonder what's happening here.  Veendam is still at it's dock in Aigio which I don't think is a place for renovations and is not on the December 1 Fort Lauderdale schedule.

 

OK, just checked the Victoria Cruises website and startup is now July 6, 2024.

 

Roy

They recently pushed it back saying they need 80% booking to start up.

 

https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/10/victoria-cruises-delays-residential-cruise-start-up-again/

 

Its a fantastic concept.10-15 years from now I'll be ready.  Victoria though doesn't seam reliable at the moment.

[rafinmd]

1 hour ago, VermeulT said:

They recently pushed it back saying they need 80% booking to start up.

 

https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/10/victoria-cruises-delays-residential-cruise-start-up-again/

 

Its a fantastic concept.10-15 years from now I'll be ready.  Victoria though doesn't seam reliable at the moment.

And at one time it was going to be 2 ships.

 

Roy

[Haljo1935]

I think I could handle full time life on a ship; however, I would miss my fur babies.

[VermeulT]

On 10/24/2023 at 1:42 AM, Haljo1935 said:

I think I could handle full time life on a ship; however, I would miss my fur babies.

I believe there was an option for 1 pet (?)

[foodsvcmgr]

These concepts like many other great plans in the cruise industry over the years all appear to be struggling with money.

Mirai lacks the cash to close on Aida.

Veendam still languishing.

And the latest entrant wants to buy a ship that isn’t even currently for sale.

Do you see a pattern here?

[OlsSalt]

They could call this the Silk Road Cruise Residences and offer stay 23 miles away from any jurisdictions that might extradite its passengers. Might stimulate more sales.