We SOLD our CABIN on the Villa Vie Odyssey | Hiroshima, Japan | Ep 140
The thumbnail is not clickbait. And yes, we sold our cabin on the Villa V Odyssey. [Music] Hey friends, I’m Steve and I’m Angela and we are Midlife Cruising. So you heard that correctly. We sold our cabin on the Villa V Odyssey. We are full-time cruisers. We’re not going to quit cruising, but it was time for us to move on. And we’ll tell you more about that later in the episode. In today’s episode, we head to Hiroshima for 2 days. And on day one, our good friend Joe Rhodess, he organized a baseball game for about 50 residents. So, we got to experience a major league game there in Hiroshima. And it was the hottest day ever, ever with no wind. On day two, we head over to Miaima Island. It is a super cool island, very historical. One of the oldest Tory gates, and it’s out in the water. So, it was just amazing to see the temples and shrines there. Um, wild deer roaming around. It was just a fabulous day. And later in the video, we’ll talk a little more about us leaving the Villa Odyssey. Day one in Hiroshima. And we are at a Karp baseball game with a bunch of other residents from the Millie Odyssey. [Music] Oh no. Standing high. What do you think about that color? guys. [Music] You All right, they’re keeping the fans cool here on a hot night. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat [Applause] up [Applause] All right. Well, we are leaving the game. I think it’s in the fourth inning and I’ve lost like 27 lbs already in water weight. We sweating, baby. Oh my word. What’s really neat about the baseball game? Two things. Uh they have uh ice for you to put in a bag to like put on your head or your back to keep you cool down and it’s free. Um another thing is is that they can stamp you out of the game and you can go to a convenience store or go have dinner. I mean you can bring food in. Yeah, it’s really wild. You can bring drinks in. Like you can bring a cooler in. You can bring craft beer in. I mean, you just have to transfer it to a paper cup. And I what I my takeaway is I felt like I was at a college championship final game. It’s electric. There’s a band just like in college and they cheer and chant the whole time. It’s so just exciting and electric. I’m like, it’s just like a game of three that they were playing randomly in the middle of the season. And it feels like a championship. It’s that exciting. You can hear them. And we’re so far away. Well, we are headed back to the train, back to the ship and uh for a shower. I need a shower. Yes, you do. That same holds 32,000. And I’m pretty sure they were at capacity. Well, I’m glad we got back when we did because this is super high tide and we are as just about as steep as we’ve ever been. Hope it doesn’t get any higher. So, we are on the fairy ride to Via Gima to see the famous Tory gate that’s in the water and the shrine. And we’re excited for a great day. believe in a while. Yeah, we don’t feed him garbage. [Laughter] I don’t have anything in my purse. I promise. Oh, get out of my purse. I don’t have anything. [Music] I better steal my purse up. [Music] All right, it’s still early. Uh, but look what’s right next door. This is so cool. Say hi to here. Look at the mama and the baby. Look at the little baby and the baby. Look at the mama. Look at this one. Do I wild deer all over the island? Look at my friend. She my friend. No, that my friend. Hey, honey. She my friend. I think she’s sick of the heat. So am I. And it’s very quiet. 9:00. Wait, let me get your [Applause] [Applause] Oh, you say cross the brick. His legs are middle. [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] [Music] Well, this is pretty impressive here. And if you’re wondering, it’s hot. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey. Hey. [Music] All right, here we are at lunch and we have beef curry with rice, chicken nuggies. It’s not the kernels, but we’ll have to taste them and see how they are. And sparkling lemonade. All made to order. It’s too hot to pick up. Really tasty. Uh, a lot of spice on there. I get sweetness, a little sour, a little soy. All right. Nothing but the scraps left here. Miaima is a sacred island and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Japan’s Sito Inland Sea. Known for its iconic floating Tory gate at Itsukushima Shrine, a centuries old Buddhist and Shinto pilgrimage site with forests, wild deer, and temples. The island is a popular day trip from Hiroshima and offers local cuisine like fried oysters and mumiji mangju maple leaf shaped cakes. [Music] like I got to get to the shade. She’s getting your food. [Music] These are all different flavor. There’s like a custard, a bean paste. [Music] Whatever. [Music] Heat. Heat. Yep. [Music] 2. [Music] Yeah. [Music] [Music] Hello. Weren’t the drummers great that came aboard the Odyssey? Just an amazing job by them. And so we are literally and figuratively still unpacking this whole thing. For those of you who have been with us since the beginning or just longtime viewers, you know, we’ve been big supporters and defenders, if you will, of this amazing lifestyle. But we also said probably a hundred times in the beginning that we will give them a year of grace. It’s a startup and I know some startups take two to five years but after a year we decided to put our money where our mouth was and it was time for us to leave. And for us during the last few months that we were on board we just weren’t enjoying ourselves as much as we had been and our joy was kind of going away. We had been praying for a few months pretty uh intensely um to kind of figure out what is it that we should do? what should we do? Should we stay the course? Should we move on? And when those prayers got intense, more and more signs happened. That gave us a pretty strong sign that it was time to head out. And during this time, we were contacted by a former resident who was ready to buy. And so, the timing was right for us, and we made the decision to go ahead and sell. And we felt comfortable selling to this person because they had been aboard. um they were happy with the status quo and that was important to us um that they had experienced it, they were happy with it, so we felt comfortable in selling and moving on and it was a win-win for both parties. Yes. And um we made some great lifelong friends, but there were definitely some things that stole our joy and we just had to go. And we’ll tell you more about that in future videos. And during the process of selling, we had to sign the cabin ownership release form. And in there, it has some terminology that we can’t really explain a lot of the reasons why we sold. Yes. To sell your room. So, uh, so we’re not going to Yeah, we’re not going to. Um, I’m certain that a lot of you have a million questions going on. You can drop it down in the comments and we’ll answer to the best of our ability without getting in trouble. All in all, we don’t have any regrets. We got to travel the world for an entire year. It was a great time. Uh we just learned that there’s certain things that we want in life and certain levels of service that we like and people are happy with it and that is okay. It’s okay if I disagree with someone else who says no this is superb. It’s okay if I don’t feel that way and you do. That doesn’t make me a bad person and you a good person. One meal that you like, maybe I don’t like. And it’s okay that that in those instances where you like and dislike some things. I like to sleep when it’s 65° in my room. And you may uh like to sleep where it’s 75. And that’s okay. It’s fine. And we should be allowed um to feel safe and comfortable, especially in our own community, to speak our truths without feeling like you’re going to get hammered on by somebody who say has a really large investment in the company. And it’s not okay to steal other people’s joy. Um we loved it. We’ve sold more rooms than anyone aboard combined. We have 50 plus rooms directly uh connected to us um where people have come to our faces. I remember at the very beginning Mike and Darene’s like, “You are the reason we bought.” I’ve got tons of emails, Facebook messages. There’s like 20 people who haven’t even joined yet who said, “You guys the reasons we bought.” Um, and I hope you love it. Um, we had a great first year. There’s just so many things that were stealing our joy. It’s just not okay. And I hope the people who are probably watching this for the first time because they’re trying to figure out why we left um that they just didn’t judge us based on a thumbnail that they realize that we were huge supporters and big promoters of this adventure and lifestyle. Um but but it it’s just not okay to ever attack somebody for having an opinion different of yours. Period. End of story. It’s not okay. In the end, we just had to make a decision what was best for us. And so, no regrets here. We have some exciting news on the horizon and cruising that’s definitely not left our blood. In fact, I’m quite proud of myself for getting my sea legs. Yes, you sure did. And remember, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, put them below and we will do our best to answer them. And until next time, bye friends. Yeah. Heat.
Join Angela and Steve as we enjoy an evening at a Hiroshima Carp baseball game then spend a day exploring Miyajima Island, Japan. We also discuss the sale of our cabin on the Villa Vie Odyssey. Subscribe and don’t miss an episode as we continue to travel the world. Check out our epic adventure in Machu Picchu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXyKQq–Vv4
Steve and Angela bought a cabin on a residential cruise ship, the Villa Vie Odyssey, and now they are traveling the world 🌍. UPDATE: We sold that cabin and have moved on. We will continue to share our travel and cruise life with you all.
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48 Comments
To buy us a cup of ☕ (or Steve a🍺beer) : https://buymeacoffee.com/midlifecruising
I'm shocked! You two were VV's biggest cheerleaders and always so positive even when things were not so great. Whatever happened must have been really bad to dampen your spirits, wish we could know more detail. I read Joe's substack, so I knew he was leaving and he never hid his feelings about VV from the first moment he could not get a decent beer on board. Wish you all the best in your next adventure.
I've enjoyed watching all your videos and hope you continue making them. I hope your be able to explain more of what transpired as I have hoped some day to try this lifestyle out, but now I'm very concerned. Good luck for the future.
Thanks for your honesty. Its been so fun watching you. Keep the faith God's got bigger plans for you. You are an amazing couple. Blessings
I’m sorry but I dislike all the bleeps. Maybe it’s because you’re in the middle of signing a contract (so wait to post) or you’re under some kind of none disclosure (so don’t post at all). I just don’t get the point of the video. I hope you both find your peace.
I’ve been here from the start. I feel that you guys were some of VVO’s greatest supporters. With that said…….you’ve got to know that I felt there were problems. Something tells me you may not have been appreciated for helping to sell those rooms. I don’t know that to be true, but, I assumed. If I had been VVO, I would have gone out of my way to make sure your needs were met. I have appreciated all that you’ve done to share your adventures. I’m sure, you will let us know in time….at least what you can “legally” say. Go home, rekindle with friends and family and experience different modes of traveling. It’s like owning a two week timeshare in Hawaii. How many times can you go there appreciate the same thing when, that same money can do so much more. Just let us know what’s up, you have a community of followers now. Take care and as always, thank you! 🙏🏼♥️
Dang. You were the only VVR channel worth watching (plus Joe Rhodes' substack) and the reason I was seriously considering purchasing a cabin despite so many red flags. I've been watching since before you boarded the ship and will continue to look forward to your adventures off the ship. VVR management and founders must be kicking themselves for losing such a tremendous asset. Well, this saved me a good chunk of change!
I don't think I would be happy in a 50 plus community simply because of there is always a busy body male or female or two that will be in your business. That would drive me crazy so living on a small ship with a group of retirees just sounds like a trainwreck waiting to happen. Outside of that the fact that the company who owns the ship doesn't allow you to speak freely tells me all I need to know about them. I hope things go well for you going forward.
I am so sad that you were forced to leave due to the actions of others. I have followed from the beginning and will continue to follow your journey. Sending prayers for a joyful future.
I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you. I must say I was extremely skeptical of this endeavor from the beginning and expect it to ultimately fail.
I guess the saying is it was good while it lasted and the going was good when it was good, but then after that, apparently it wasn’t so good😂 .
I enjoyed watching you on the ship and you were so complementary of everything and understanding. It’s a shame whatever happened, but if the time is right to leave then I’m glad you made that decision. I’m now wondering how many other people will be leaving.
Wow. Thank you for the year of showing us your travel. A couple months back I noticed a changed and asked how issues were dealt with and you said to bring the issue up with the powers that be. That was a sure sign of what was going on. Well I look forward to seeing your next Journey. Thank You Thank You for the last year. Be careful with telling your story,,,They have a history of lawyering up.
Bless you for standing your ground. Freedoms matter! ❤❤
Will you continue mid life crusing channel?
I assume the beeped parts were that in order to sell your room you had to first sign a gag order to never talk about anything negative that led you to sell, or anything negative at all. That's sad though, because something you simply don't like isn't necessarily speaking out against VVR negativily. Everyone has different likes and dislikes and preferences.
May you always have Jesus Christ to bring you joy and peace. You have been a huge treat to watch, chocked full of history and life lessons. (MACHU PICCHU!!) praying for your next big adventure! All the best to you both ❤❤❤
Oh dear….😪😥😢Have followed you both since Belfast. I am six months away from being in a position to rent a cabin for 3 to 4 weeks and I’ve done it all because of you 2. What you have shown & what you have shared.
Mid Life Cruising is the best Ambassador the VV could have ever had. I am so sad for you. What a difficult decision that must have been. Though I followed other VV content providers YOU BOTH were the HEART BEAT of the Odyssey. I am so very sad this has happened to you.
I won’t bother with pursuing the rental on the VV now but I will be watching for your next and all future posts! I am confident your future travels will be wonderful. Take good care of each other!! God bless🙏💙🩷.
Sorry to see you leave. I’ve enjoyed following since Belfast and admired your positive attitude when most others were being negative. Best wishes for your next adventure.
I have so enjoyed your videos, living vicariously through your content! Freedom of thought and expression are precious commodities and worth living for! You have brought so much positivity to VV but it doesn’t seem to have been appreciated by them and time is too precious to waste. It was another adventure for you guys and God’s path for you will bring you bigger and better things. Plus, we would miss our children/grandchildren like crazy as I am sure you have missed your daughter!! I look forward to getting the “tea” and also seeing your next adventures! Much love! 🫶🏼💙
Im sorry things went awry but im glad you stood up for yourselves. I hope you continue with videos. I loved cyber travelling with you. I would never be able to have seen all of these places w/o you. I really enjoyed your narratives as you walked "us" around the ports. It made me feel like I was right there with you. Wish you both all the best. And look forward to seeing whats next
Ridiculous you have to beep out what your saying
I don’t understand the bleeping out of the words. I thought you were cussing at first, but now I see you’re trying to say something to us without us knowing what you’re saying.
So sad that it ended up with you not being happy any more, I wish you all the best in your adventures going forward😀🏠👏💕
Gag orders to buy a cabin.
Gag orders to sell that cabin.
Sounds like a pretty solid business model.
All the best for the future. Have loved your videos. Sorry you experienced what seems like bullying.
Lolz you are hilarious beeping your comments 😂😅
TOXICITY belongs in hell.
Bravo! and take extra care always God bless you both 24/7
I’m guessing VVR were not happy with your other channel selling cabins for residents who want to leave when they are struggling to increase capacity.
I hope you’ll continue to do this as people should not be trapped into a financial commitment they don’t need or want. You won’t be able to film the cabins yourself but you can provide an excellent voiceover Angela so you could continue to offer this service if you wanted to.
I’m sorry to see you leave the ship. I’ve enjoyed your videos and look forward to your future cruises. I’ve followed you and DC Hidden gems. I love the idea of living on a cruise ship … but unfortunately couldn’t do it full time. While I don’t know the circumstances, if it’s not right for you, then you are doing the right thing😢….
Hi Friends! I was hoping to join you guys someday when I’m cat-free, but that’s not going to happen anymore. I’m appalled at what happened to you. You’ve been so positive and accommodating with just about anything, but to be bullied because you have a different view or expectations of service is unacceptable to me. I’m glad you made the decision to continue to have joy in your life! Perhaps you can now go to places not at the peak of summer 🥵. I burst out laughing seeing the pool of sweat at Steve’s feet 😂. For a second there I thought he peed in his pants 🤣🤣🤣. Loved the deer too. The deer that wanted to inspect your bag reminded me of my cat 😂.
Sending ❤❤ to both of you.
WOW! You two are the last people I would expect to be leaving VVR. You have been so enthusiastic about the venture throughout, and seem to have taken all the disappointments in your stride. I love the concept, but there are several glaring red flags for me. Firstly all the itinerary disappointments, most notably all the headline locations in the South America segment (Antarctica, Falklands, Amazon etc) but, most significantly, the business model. Freezing monthly fees is not a sustainable model for a cruise ship, especially one of that age, and I fear that this alone could cause the whole venture to fold in a few years time. I have watched (and enjoyed) every single one of your videos since Belfast and I have really appreciated the fact that you have focussed primarily on the ports and locations, unlike another couple on board whose videos are all about themselves and their lifestyle choices, which has really put me off them. Thank goodness that, unlike some folk on board, you didn’t sell your land based property, so you have a home to go back to and, even more importantly, that you have sold your lease on the cabin whilst you can. It really worries me that a lot of people seem to think that they have bought a cabin, and therefore ‘own’ it, whereas the reality is that they have rented one on a long term basis. If the venture fails, which I fear it will, those folk will lose everything. Their entire investment will be lost, which would be devastating. Whilst, on a selfish basis, I shall miss your videos (which have been by far the best of those on board whose videos vlog) I think you have done the right thing. You have seemed at your happiest when on the multi-day tours that you have done away from the ship, which is telling. I wish you both well and in a few years time (or possibly less) you will be thanking God that you got out whilst you could and didn’t lose a life changing sum of money. Bye ‘friends’.
Answer them? With a smiley face and loud beep? You essentially said nothing
Those cheeky deers😂
We have followed you guys from Belfast and enjoyed the journey sad to see you have sold. Hopefully at a profit for your cabin. We were hoping to meet you sometime on the ship but now maybe somewhere else….. the worlds a small place. Cheers to you and thanks for all the time it took to entertain us …Thankyou Jo and Steve
Good on you both. I’ve been watching your journey from the start, albeit touching in sporadically. I was very impressed by your positivity in the face of uncertainty at the beginning and willingness to give the management the benefit of the doubt. I am also now impressed by your ability to listen to your judgement and make the right decision for yourselves. I look forward to seeing the next steps of your journey. (Plus those deers are a menace! I have a rather fabulous photo from my own visit to Miyajima with one munching happily on a guide map!) Take care and all the best.
I’d say you got out before the ship sunk! Management was always rubbish from the beginning of the videos.. you can do what you like it’s your room, I think people need to be aware of their management style and it ain’t good! 1 yr too long 😂 a retirement village on the water.. yuk 😮 enjoy your retirement..
Oh so they didn’t like you speaking your mind.. I’d call it bullying behaviour.. promote no more!
Your selling and leaving should speak volumes to anyone thinking of continuing on this cruise and others thinking of purchasing!
I've watched the vlogs form the beginning, and will miss the VV travels, but I'm certain you'll be going on more adventures , and cruises so I'll stay tuned. I always wondered what it'd be like on board with all types of people as there's always at least one who makes life miserable, and my guess is that is one reason you're off to grander peaks in life. Whatever the case may be I look forward to the dirt when you feel it's the right time. Wishing nothing but great travels, and experiences in the future! 👍✌🗽
Hi Angela and Steve, I have been lurking in the back ground, following every vid since before and after you boarded the Odyssey and even though we travel and cruise a lot, VVO did prick our interest as a possibility in the future.
You have both been amazing, independent ambassadors for Villa Vie product with your positivity.
It is obvious to me and many others that you are under some sort of signed confidentiality agreement and for that I am sorry. It must be so frustrating for you both, as it is for all of us that follow you.
Angela and Steve – I wish you all best for your future travels and look forward to following you on your future adventures.
Bev (Western Australia)
🙏
Loved following along. All the very best for the future ❤
why all the bleeps out of conversation
Angela and Steve, so sorry to hear that you felt that you had to move on from the Odyssey and that you weren't able to be honest without being taken down for it. I have been following from the beginning and have always thought you were super positive about VV! I can't wait to see where your next adventures take you.
I have to say your decision has definitely given me food for thought about joining a small community like this and VV was something I was considering.
Glad you got to MMiyajima Island – was an absolute highlight on my recent cruise to Japan (along with the Atomic Dome)!
Had to shed a few tears on this news. That said, we all deserve respect, shared love and happiness. It’s such a pity that what’s good for one person does not have to satisfy others: residents, VillaVie, naysayers, even those we see eye-to-eye does not require us to appease all.
Knowing you (I certainly feel that way) has enriched my life immensely and I will always cherish God’s direction, given so freely. He provides direction and helps us with guidance – whenEVER we need it. What a gift!
I’m certain you haven’t made this decision lightly. Still, you always show gratitude to
everyone you meet – I hope to always follow that model.
Be well, friends. It may be time to have a cappuccino & a craft beer ❤😢.
Love to you both.
Frank
PLEASE continue to share your lives as you see fit, so that those who choose to know
You, and always most importantly, give you , and return the gifts we are given.
most importantly respect each other
Steve and Angela, Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I've enjoyed watching you both since your time in Belfast. Your positive attitudes and humor are refreshing. May God's blessings be with you on your new adventures. 😊
It makes you wonder….
Steve & Angela: thank you for tour. We were really considering renting for a month on the Villa because of your adventures.
Your honesty of big brother monitoring you (if I read you correctly) would have been a deal breaker for me.
Be well
Wow…based on everyone’s videos I’m not shocked but wish you the best❤
So sorry to hear this. I have followed you since Belfast days. There was lots of beeping/ censorship on this video so hopefully you will let us know the truth in the future.
Click bait 😡