Passengers on a round-the-world cruise have been left stranded in Belfast for three months after their voyage was beset by delays. Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey arrived at Queen’s Island in the Northern Ireland capital to be outfitted before it was scheduled to leave on 30 May for the first leg of a three-year cruise. But the ship has still not left yet thanks to problems with its rudders and gearbox.
Florida resident Holly Hennessey is among those on board to have "hunkered down" and made the city their unexpected home. Travelling with her cat, Captain, has meant the self-proclaimed "cruise addict" has been unable to leave Belfast while waiting for the ship to be ready. Passengers are allowed to spend time on the ship during the day, but must disembark in the evenings.
"We can spend all day aboard the ship, and they provide shuttle buses to get on and off," Ms Hennessey said. "We can have all of our meals and they even have movies and trivia entertainment, almost like cruising except we're at the dock."
Despite enjoying the sights, the damp weather has been a shock for the US native. "I've never had so much use for my umbrella in my life, and I carry my raincoat everywhere I go."
Passengers on the cruise were given the option of buying their cabin outright rather than paying a daily rate for their room like a traditional hotel. It allows them to remain onboard beyond the Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey's initial three-year tour.
"I want to stay just as long as I am able,” she said. “I have always wanted to live on a ship, and it will be a dream come true for me."
Villa Vie Residences' website states that the cost of buying a cabin can range from $99,999 to $899,000. Ms Hennessey’s cabin has space for a double bed, small living area with room for the cat and a balcony. "Villa Vie is a community and a real community has pets,” she said.
The company says they are trying to do everything they can to "relieve the anxiety" of passengers by planning trips and other cruises or putting them up in hotels.
Embracing the Unexpected: Passengers' Adventures in Belfast
While some passengers may be experiencing the frustrations of delays, others have chosen to embrace the unexpected situation and make the most of their time in Belfast.
Angela and Stephen Theriac, who previously lived in Nicaragua, have been taking advantage of their extended stay in Belfast. Since May, they have embarked on a whirlwind of adventures. They have travelled by train around Spain, enjoyed weekend trips to England, and even ventured to Greenland.
"We are travellers, and we want to make the most of the place we are in,” said Ms Theriac. “We keep teasing we will apply for residency here in Belfast."
Her husband Stephen echoes their sentiment, sharing that they have integrated seamlessly into Belfast's local scene.
"We have eaten in every restaurant and had a Guinness in every pub,” he said. “It is just all part of our adventure."
A Dream Come True, Despite Delays
Dr David Austin, from Georgia in the United States, exemplifies the unwavering enthusiasm of many passengers. He has embraced the delays as part of the grand adventure, even after selling his house before his arrival.
"The payoff of seeing the world in this fashion is too great to feel too disappointed with each delay announcement," he said. "I was committed, having sold my house right before my arrival, and I’ve stayed committed to this adventure with every delay."
A Glimpse into the Future of Cruising: Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey
CEO Mike Petterson of Villa Vie Residences emphasizes their commitment to delivering a unique cruising experience, despite the setbacks. He remains optimistic about the ship's launch in the coming days, outlining the company's vision for the future.
"We're not focused on the next days or weeks, we are focused on the rest of our lives and what this company will do for the residents and the industry," he said.
Mr Petterson positions Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey as a pioneering venture in the cruise industry, offering an "affordable" residential cruise ship experience.
"When you're the first at doing something, you will run into hiccups, but we're definitely getting there, and although we are late, we will launch," he added.
Awaiting the Maiden Voyage
With the ship's launch expected by the end of next week, passengers like Holly Hennessey are patiently waiting for the journey to begin. Their unexpected adventures in Belfast have given them a taste of a new world, but their eyes are set on the horizon, eager to embark on the odyssey that awaits them.
The Odyssey's maiden voyage is a testament to the spirit of adventure and the resilience of travellers who embrace the unexpected twists and turns of life.
