25 Comments
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Jay's avatar

Possibly one of the funniest things I have read in a while. More please.

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Susan3831's avatar

Joe I appreciate that you well-curated writer, who unlike other residents, doesn’t make me feel like for whatever devolved reason I find myself so interested in the ongoing saga of the Villa Vie wasn‘t time I won’t get back again.

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Susan3831's avatar

Correct “you are a well-curated…” I don’t see a way to edit.

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Merry-Beth Noble's avatar

Love your insider scoop! Hopefully no more poop 💩

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Lesley's avatar

gah, Joe, we hqe the same experience here at home—no water, the delightful odor of human waste—and we got it for free! why sail the seven seas when you can just stay home and go a couple counties over and watch mudslides right out your window?

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Andrew's avatar

I really appreciate and enjoy your writing. It is refreshing to be able to read honest reviews written in a light hearted enjoyable style. My partner and I have been thinking of joining but are being cautious before committing so your insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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Joe Rhodes's avatar

Thank you. Just so you know, things are running more smoothly onboard since Bilbao and I hope that continues to be the case. But giving them a little more time to work the kinks out seems like a smart way to go.

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Eva's avatar

Heard you on Hyperfixed and broke both my ankles sprinting to your Substack to read more from you… You did not disappoint. I’m only a few posts in, feeling like I should maybe read slow down to “savor” your posts (unless you can promise me drop dates for seasons 2-8). Maybe it’s the on-land horror show predictably and frighteningly unfolding in real time where I’m at in the world right now, but your particular flavor of “can’t-make-this-shit-up” served with gentle humor and cautiously optimistic curiosity is like a salve or a balm of some kind. Thank you for providing this diversion that I know I already know I will devour today rather than saving any for later.

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Emily Herr's avatar

Seconded! I got here the same way. Kudos for embracing the free-will option of doing something without (reliable) guarantees and approaching the whole thing with mirth. Looking forward to reading more.

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Janet McElroy's avatar

Great writing, sucky situation. Hope it improves! It has to! Where else can it go but up!

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Leslie Van Buskirk's avatar

Definitely has miniseries potential—sort of like White Lotus” on the high seas, but without the top notch amenities, glamorous people and murders (well, too early to say about the latter). Paging Mike White…

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Joe Rhodes's avatar

Oh, there will be murders. I can almost guarantee it.

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Naomi's avatar

I am greatly surprised, to be honest, that nobody in management has been murdered already.

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Rhonda Egan's avatar

Good lord...

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Clare McGinn's avatar

Hilarious and spiky writing. Glorious to read but sorry the cursed journey is proceeding as before. Speedy recovery though and can’t wait for the next chapter.

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Jill Hancock's avatar

More.

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Jo's avatar

Absolutely hilarious. Laughed so much. Pure genius. Sanity in an insane world. Thank you so much. 🙏 keep writing about VVR!!!

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Pj's avatar

Great post! I had heard that residents weren’t allowed to speak ill of the ship? (Aka their truth).

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Rebecca Fitzgerald's avatar

Oh, Joe---I told you not to go.....hope you feel better soon, though. SO SORRY TRIP IS SO SUCKIE SO FAR.

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John mcelroy's avatar

Laugh out Loud stuff. Sorry you'r getting shit end of stick with this voyage and hope your case of Covid is near end. Also, we're in Austrailian and New Zealand mid January through mid February 2025. Let's have a beer if the Clusterfuck is in the neighborhood.

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