Living on the ship: Woman gave up everything but was not allowed on board

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Woman sells everything to live on ship – but is not allowed on board

Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship

© Villa Vie Residences

Spending your retirement on the high seas is the dream of many people. 68-year-old Jenny Phenix from Florida wanted to make this dream come true with a cabin on the “Villa Vie Odyssey” for just over three years. She wanted to decide over time whether she would simply stay on board after that. A special offer from the shipping company would have even made this possible.

But that does not happen, at least on the ship of Villa Vie Residences. The “telegraph” reports that Phenix has now been ruled out entirely due to ongoing criticism of the trip’s delays.

According to the report, she initially expressed her displeasure that the ship was now four months late – and that a stop in her home country was therefore being missed, which she would have wanted to use to completely move into her cabin. In addition, according to the report, she was worried that the ongoing renovations on the “Villa Vie Odyssey” could continue even after the month-long stop in Belfast, which would have prevented her from accessing her rented cabin, as crew members are currently living there.

Roommates on ship no longer wanted Phenix with them

This “behavior that affects the morale of the community” has now led to her not being allowed on board at all. “We have received more than a dozen formal complaints from local residents about your constant complaining and negative attitude. This behavior has significantly affected the morale and well-being of other passengers. Given the overwhelming feedback, we must permanently terminate your contract in order to protect the well-being and satisfaction of our community,” explained Kathy Villalba, the ship’s operations manager.

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Jenny Phenix does not see the blame as her own. She took on the role of guest spokesperson in private chat groups after noticing increasing dissatisfaction among waiting passengers, she explains. Mike Petterson, the managing director of Villa Vie Residences, disagrees. In an interview with “Business Insider” he said Phenix had not only complained but also threatened to go to the media.

The decision to exclude her from the trip completely has hit the globetrotter hard. She has spent the last year and a half selling all her belongings in order to start a new phase of her life with full pockets, it is said.

Switching to a motorhome

She had already flown to Southampton in May 2024 to look forward to the start of the journey. But the renovation of the “Villa Vie Odyssey” was repeatedly delayed. For a long time, the organizer paid for the accommodation of the waiting guests, but has now stopped the financial support after four very expensive months. The ship is finally due to set sail next week.

In a statement, Petterson said, “Ms. Phenix violated several terms and conditions and signed a non-disclosure agreement. The founding residents have voted and decided to uphold her suspension and we intend to respect that decision. We have nothing further to say regarding the ongoing dispute.”

Jenny Phenix seems to have come to terms with this. She is currently back in Florida and living with her daughter. She told Business Insider that she is now planning to switch to an RV for her travel plans.

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