Passengers on the Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey cruise ship have been stuck in Belfast for three months after technical issues delayed their long-awaited world voyage. The cruise was supposed to set sail on May 30, 2024, but due to problems with the ship’s rudders and gearbox, it remains docked. Some passengers, like Dr. David Austin, who sold his home in Georgia to join the cruise, have been living on board without knowing when the journey will finally begin. Despite the delays, Austin remains hopeful, saying, “The payoff of seeing the world in this fashion is too great to feel too disappointed with each delay announcement.”
Other passengers have adapted to the unexpected stay, like Holly Hennessey from Florida, who is traveling with her cat and can’t leave the ship easily. The cruise company has tried to accommodate travelers by flying some home or sending them on other cruises while waiting for repairs. However, a few, such as Angela and Stephen Theriac from Nicaragua, have settled into Belfast life, even joking about applying for residency due to their extended stay.
The Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey cruise is advertised as the first round-the-world residential cruise, offering cabins at prices ranging from $99,999 to $899,000. This cruise allows passengers to buy a cabin or pay for different legs of the journey, which was meant to be a three-year adventure. While the delays have been frustrating, many passengers are making the best of the situation by exploring Belfast and enjoying the amenities provided on board, such as meals, movies, and shuttle services.
A spokesperson for the cruise line announced that, despite the significant repairs needed for the 30-year-old vessel, they are now in the final stages of preparing for departure. The ship is expected to finally set sail next week, with plans to visit several European cities before heading to the Caribbean. The passengers eagerly await this much-anticipated launch, ready to begin their global adventure.
