January 20, 2026

I write this post with a heavy heart, tragedy has struck our happy Community. One of our much loved, founding residents had a heart attack and sadly didn't recover, as we sailed to Moorea.

Friday night, a large group of us had dined together, to celebrate another's Birthday and then we had a Latin Dance Party afterwards in the Lounge. Chaz  ( pictured in the middle above - from the day before) had been out dancing Salsa, (which he loved to do) and then went to the bar, sitting on a stool there, when he collapsed. Despite immediate resuscitation, he did not regain consciousness. We have all been a bit numb and in disbelief since it happened. His best friend and travel companion for the last 9 years, Alex (pictured to left of him above) was by his side and gave the doctors, his pressing medical history.


I think we all knew, tragedy was bound to happen one of these days, since we have been sailing for over a year now. But none of us saw it coming that night,  nor with the seemingly energetic Chaz.

Chaz and Alex were the first people I met who had signed up for residency on the Villa Vie Odyssey, after I purchased my cabin, in December of 2023. I met them in Puerto Vallarta in January of 2025, while I was there for a month., waiting for the adventure to start.

It was great to get insights from them and I always enjoyed my time with them both, on board the Ship and on excursions. One of my favorite memories is shopping for Halloween supplies, with them and Ben last year.They all had very different ideas on what is the best way to stuff a bra, to portray the very well endowed figure of Melody.  Chaz and Ben are barely recognizable below as they imitated the fellow legends on boar the Ship, John and Melody.

Rest is peace dear Chaz.

It was a great pleasure to get to know you and spend time with you, on this fantastic journey. 

SHIP SHENANIGANS - CLUE PARTY

By Pat Patrick • September 16, 2026
It's never a dull Sea Day on the Odyssey! We have such creative residents, that are always coming up with new ideas to entertain ourselves and have a good time. This plot was the calculating of Eddie and Michelle - a Game of Clue! The rules were simple - find the party venue at 8:30 pm, come dressed as a character, weapon or room from the game and solve the mystery of who stole the Ship's bell.

TERRACOTTA ARMY - XI'AN, CHINA

By Pat Patrick • September 16, 2026
In March of 1974, some local farmers outside Xi'An, China are digging a well and accidentally hit one of the great archaeological sites in the World! They were paid one day's wages for the find, roughly 4 USD! The Terracotta Army was dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World by France's President in 1980 when he came to visit and wanted to meet the farmers, the oldest was then, 89 years old.

XI'AN, CHINA - WALLED CITY

By Pat Patrick • September 15, 2026
Xi'An, China has been on my must do list , for awhile. The story of the Terracotta Army has fascinated me, since I first heard it. What I didn't know too much about, was the actual City of Xi'An and the walled inner City that remains today. It was built from 1370 to 1378 during the Ming dynasty on top of the older Tang dynasty foundations. There are 9 miles of City walls, they are 39' high, 45' to 50' wide at the top and 55' to 60' at the base. There are four main gate towers and the only draw bridge restored is at the South Gate. There are 98 ramparts, watchtowers, battlements and a wide surrounding moat. It one of the oldest and best preserved fortifications in China .