Villa Vie Unveils Project Lumina: The Future Of Luxury Living At Sea In Brazil

Published on December 3, 2025

Brazil’s coastline is about to welcome an exciting new chapter in luxury cruising. Villa Vie Residences, known for providing outstanding residential experiences at sea, has plans to launch a new luxury cruise brand. This venture, temporarily named Project Lumina, will involve acquiring and transforming a luxury cruise ship into a unique residential vessel. This announcement marks a significant move into the luxury cruise market, with the first ship expected to continue Villa Vie’s tradition of offering upscale living spaces and a distinctive cruising lifestyle.

Project Lumina: A Glimpse into the Future

Project Lumina marks a new phase in Villa Vie’s strategy. The company aims to serve an increasingly wealthy and selective global audience looking for a permanent residential experience at sea. Villa Vie plans to design and run luxury residences that offer exceptional amenities and a strong sense of community while traveling the globe.

Chris Cox, an established executive with a solid background in the cruise industry, has been appointed president of Project Lumina. He will oversee the ship acquisition, plan the complete transformation of the vessel, manage architectural design, and lead sales and marketing efforts. He will also focus on building key partnerships and engaging with potential investors for the project.

A Strong Foundation and Bright Future

Villa Vie Residences has built its reputation on providing luxury living experiences aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey, a cruise ship built in 1993 that serves as the company’s flagship residential vessel. The Odyssey offers guests a continuous world cruise experience, enabling them to enjoy the comforts of home while exploring the world.

In a statement, Kathy Villalba, the co-founder and CEO of Villa Vie, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture. She stated that Project Lumina will build on the company’s established reputation and expand options within the Villa Vie brand. Villalba noted that Chris Cox’s appointment is an important step, as his industry experience and vision will drive Villa Vie’s next phase of growth without compromising the experience residents currently enjoy aboard the Odyssey.

Investment Opportunities and Exclusive Residences

Reports indicate that Project Lumina will provide a range of luxury residential options. Interested buyers can invest in Oceanview residences starting at $539,999 and Balcony Suites beginning at $899,999. The project has already garnered attention, with an investment pitch presented to various stakeholders, including current residents of the Odyssey. The company believes that demand for these unique floating residences will continue to rise, as more people seek a luxurious lifestyle while traveling the world.

Villa Vie’s commitment to high-value, personalized living spaces is reflected in the design approach for Project Lumina. The company envisions the new ship as an elegant yet personal environment, blending modern luxury with the freedom of a world-traveling lifestyle.

Chris Cox’s Leadership and Vision

Chris Cox, who recently departed Crescent Seas, where he was the director of sales and marketing, is eager to bring his expertise to his new role at Villa Vie Residences. He has extensive experience in the cruise industry, having worked on projects aimed at developing residential cruise ships. His vision for Project Lumina emphasizes listening to prospective residents and turning their desires into beautiful, functional living spaces that feel luxurious and personal.

In his role as president, Cox will guide the development of the residential cruise ship, ensuring that every detail aligns with Villa Vie’s values of high-quality design, comfort, and an exclusive ocean-going lifestyle. His leadership is crucial for the success of Project Lumina as the company prepares to offer a new level of residential cruising experiences.

The Odyssey’s Continued Excellence

While Project Lumina aims to expand Villa Vie’s offerings, the Villa Vie Odyssey will continue to operate under the company’s guidance, maintaining its status as the flagship residential cruise vessel. The Odyssey will receive ongoing attention, with dedicated leadership and focus, ensuring it remains a top-quality product in the residential cruise market. The Odyssey will serve as a benchmark for excellence as Project Lumina begins its journey.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Luxury Residential Cruises

With Project Lumina’s launch, Villa Vie Residences is ready to redefine luxury living at sea. Travelers will have an extraordinary opportunity to live aboard a cruise ship while enjoying top-notch amenities and ever-changing views. The company’s expansion into this exciting new area of the cruise industry is set to attract more people seeking a high-end, permanent home on the water, blending adventure with luxury.

In the coming years, the vision for Project Lumina will continue to develop, with more vessels expected to join the fleet, each catering to the unique needs and desires of its residents. With Chris Cox at the helm, Villa Vie is poised to lead in residential cruising, upholding its legacy of excellence and expanding its presence in the luxury cruise sector.

As Project Lumina progresses, the potential to redefine luxury cruises is vast. Villa Vie Residences is committed to providing an outstanding, exclusive living experience that fulfills the dream of a luxury ocean-going lifestyle for those who seek it. The company’s next chapter is just beginning, and the future looks as broad and promising as the oceans.

Final Thoughts

With Project Lumina, Villa Vie Residences is changing the idea of luxury cruising, giving people a chance to live aboard a floating paradise. By merging the luxury of residential life with the excitement of global exploration, Villa Vie is reshaping our views on travel and home. This innovative approach sets new standards in the cruise industry, ensuring that the future of living at sea has never been more thrilling.