Passengers who bought cabins for a 3 1/2-year round-the-world cruise have been waiting months for the vessel to depart, but say they are enjoying their time in Belfast.

The Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey was scheduled to leave Queen’s Island in the city in May, but issues with the rudders and gearbox have led to several delays.

The ship, which features eight decks with three restaurants, five bars and lounges, a pool with two Jacuzzis, a spa and fitness centre, and a library, arrived in Belfast to be outfitted before it was set to leave on May 30th for a round-the-world cruise. However, the cruise ship has still not departed yet thanks to issues with its rudders and gearbox.

The Odyssey, a retired cruise vessel purchased by a start-up during Covid, is the latest venture in the tempest-tossed world of continuous cruising. It offers travelers the chance to buy a cabin and live at sea on a ship circumnavigating the globe. On its maiden voyage, it is scheduled to visit 425 ports in 147 countries on seven continents. Cabins – billed as “villas” — start at $99,999, plus a monthly fee, for the operational life of the vessel, at least 15 years. Passengers can also sign up for segments of the voyage lasting weeks or months.

While the ship remains in dry dock in Belfast there seems to be plenty to keep the passengers occupied. They have the choice between pay-as-you-go and ownership options. Under ownership, residents can ‘own a villa’ and ‘customise’ the living space. Owning means residents have a villa guaranteed for 15 years and it starts at $99,000 (£77,696). Friends and family can join residents on the cruise at a cost of $129 (£102) a day.

Those unable or unwilling to make such a commitment could book shorter spells onboard, from 35 to 120 days.

The ship itself features eight decks with three restaurants, five bars and lounges, a pool with two Jacuzzis, a spa and fitness centre and a library.

There is also private offices and conference spaces onboard, meaning those who work ‘remotely’ can take it to the extreme can work online from anywhere in the world. Passengers can even master their swing in a cutting-edge simulator, then take it to the real world on stunning courses. There is even an onboard golf store with everything from the latest clubs and tech to attire. Passengers even have access to an onboard hair salon onboard during the three and a half year trip.

Passengers don’t have to live on board the entire time, but 30 days’ notice must be given before re-joining.

The 924-passenger, 25,000 GRT vessel is able to reach parts of the world that larger ships cannot access. The ship’s flatter hull which enables her to navigate inland waterways and rivers too.

In October 2019 (sailing as The Braemar), she became the longest ship ever to transit the Corinth Canal.

Life Aboard The Odyssey

Passengers have been making the most of their time in Belfast, with many taking the opportunity to explore the city and surrounding area.

One passenger, Holly Hennessy, said she has enjoyed her time in Belfast, despite the weather. 'I love Belfast,' she said. 'Belfast people are wonderful. I just want to thank everybody in Belfast who's been so kind to us. And I mean, it's been really nice.

Another passenger, Rina Cavazza, said she has been able to travel around Europe while waiting for the ship to depart. 'I haven't had it as bad as everyone else, so I haven't had to do hotel, shopping and stuff like that like everybody else,' she said. 'I've been very lucky, and I've been able to travel around Europe and stuff like that, and I've been back home twice now.'

Awaiting Departure

Passengers are anxiously awaiting the ship’s departure, but they are remaining optimistic.

'The launch, everyone is anticipating it so,' said Fred Bush. 'All we know is it will be soon. They had been working so hard. I don't know how many hundreds of workers they have here working on all the things that need doing.'

'I've looked at this delay as an opportunity,' said Joey Martino. 'I have been back and forward to Budapest and Amsterdam, and just enjoyed everything about this process.'

A Trip to Remember

Despite the delays, passengers are making the most of their time in Belfast and are confident that the cruise will be worth the wait.

'I hate airports so I have done everything here in Belfast, gone further north, I have gone down to the Republic (of Ireland),' said Fran Paroissien. 'I have been over to Scotland last weekend by ferry. I wasn't as put out by the weather in Belfast as some because I come from Melbourne in Australia, and we have the reputation of having four seasons in one day as well as they do here. The Belfast people are fantastic.'

The passengers on the Odyssey are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of travelers. They have embraced the unexpected delays and are making the most of their time in Belfast. They are confident that the cruise will be a memorable experience, even if it takes a little longer than expected.