Passengers on a round-the-world cruise with Villa Vie Residences' ship Odyssey have been stranded in Belfast for three months due to delays. The ship arrived at Queen’s Island in Northern Ireland for outfitting and was scheduled to depart on 30 May for a three-year cruise. However, it has yet to leave the port due to issues with its rudders and gearbox.
Among the passengers is Florida resident Holly Hennessey, who has remained in Belfast with her cat, Captain. "We can spend all day aboard the ship, and they provide shuttle buses to get on and off," Hennessey said. "We have all of our meals and entertainment, like movies and trivia, almost like cruising except we’re at the dock."
Passengers, who paid up to $899,000 to purchase a cabin, have been allowed to stay onboard during the day but must leave the ship overnight. Villa Vie Residences has tried to ease the inconvenience by organizing trips, other cruises, or providing hotel accommodations.
Villa Vie Residences, which describes itself as a “leading innovator in modern-day residential cruising,” offered passengers the opportunity to buy cabins for the 15-year life of the vessel, with prices ranging from $99,999 to $899,000 plus monthly fees. This would allow for unlimited cruises during this period. For those not interested in a long-term commitment, shorter stays of 35 to 120 days were available.
Although targeted at retired people, the company does not have a minimum age requirement for its residents. The average age of passengers is 58, with about half of the cabins occupied by a single person. The majority of residents, 80%, are from the US, and around 90% intend to remain onboard for the full world cruise.
Built in 1993, the Odyssey has a capacity of 929 passengers and features eight decks with three restaurants, eight bars, four lounges, a library, a business center, a gym, and a spa. It offers various activities, including live music, lectures, film screenings, and a complimentary medical service during cruises.
Mike Petterson, CEO of Villa Vie Residences, said, “Despite having to undertake major repairs, we are now in the final stages of departure. We expect to set sail next week, heading first to Bremerhaven, then Amsterdam, Lisbon, and across the Atlantic to begin our Caribbean segment. We are grateful for our residents who have remained with us through these challenges.”
The company remains optimistic about the future, looking forward to the next 15 years of cruising and discovery.
