Villa Vie to Launch New Luxury Brand, Second Residential Ship - Cruise Industry News
Villa Vie Residences is planning to unveil a new premium cruise line, currently working under the name Project Lumina, and intends to acquire a luxury cruise ship for its operations.
At present, the company operates the Villa Vie Odyssey, a 1993-built vessel with a 970-guest capacity, used as a residential ship on a continuous world cruise.
The firm has appointed Chris Cox as president of Project Lumina. The project is described as a product within the broader Villa Vie brand family.
In his role, Cox will oversee the ship’s acquisition, full-ship conversion planning, architectural programming, sales and marketing strategy, investor relations, and global partnership development.
Private residences are priced from $539,999 for Oceanview and $899,999 for Balcony Suites, according to a post on social media.
Cruise Industry News reports that investment pitches have already been presented to interested parties, including current Odyssey residents.
Kathy Villalba, co-founder and CEO of Villa Vie Residences, stated that Chris’s appointment marks a major milestone in its evolution as a global leader in residential life at sea. She described Project Lumina as a strategic extension of the Villa Vie foundation designed to broaden lifestyle options while preserving the day-to-day experience residents currently enjoy aboard the Odyssey.
Chris Cox commented that there is strong demand for authentic residential oceangoing lifestyles, ranging from affordable world-travel homes to ultra-luxury villa experiences. He said Project Lumina will focus on listening to that demand and translating it into well-designed, high-value products that feel elevated yet personal.
Cox’s previous role was with Crescent Seas, a company that paused plans to charter the Regent Seven Seas Navigator and Oceania Insignia for conversion into residential ships. His LinkedIn profile lists him as having served as director of sales and marketing for nine months.
Villa Vie indicates that Project Lumina will operate in parallel with the existing Villa Vie Odyssey model. The Odyssey will continue to receive dedicated leadership, sales, and operational attention, preserving its status as the brand’s flagship contemporary residential product.
