Passengers Set to Travel on 3-Year Cruise Haven’t Set Sail for Months

Passengers Set to Travel on 3-Year Cruise Haven't Set Sail for Months

As I reflect upon this extraordinary ordeal, I find myself in awe of the indomitable spirit of these travelers, who, much like castaways on Gilligan’s Island, have found themselves stranded, albeit in Belfast rather than an uncharted tropical paradise. Their voyage around the world, initially filled with anticipation and excitement, has been met with unexpected twists and turns, much like the winding roads of Northern Ireland itself.


These travelers are living out their very own Gilligan’s Island storyline. 

The passengers of the Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey cruise ship were eager to embark on a global voyage lasting over three and a half years that was scheduled for May. Unfortunately, due to problems with the ship, they have been residing in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for the past three months.

The world voyage provided an opportunity for travelers to purchase a cabin, marketed as a “villa,” and reside at sea throughout the trip, stopping at 425 ports across 147 countries on all seven continents. The cabins began at $119,999, along with a regular monthly charge, as stated on the cruise’s official website. Travelers could also opt for shorter trips that lasted either a few months or an entire year.

Despite being constructed in 1993 and temporarily decommissioned in 2020, the vessel has been encountering difficulties with its rudder and gearbox, leading to a delay of three months. Presently, the Odyssey is undergoing repairs at Belfast’s Harland & Wolff shipyard, a historical site where the Titanic was constructed more than a century ago.

However, Sebastian Stokkendal, the marketing manager at Villa Vie Residences, shared with the Associated Press that the company remains optimistic that the voyage will commence within a few weeks following repairs on the rudder shafts, structural steelwork, and engine refurbishment.

Passengers Set to Travel on 3-Year Cruise Haven't Set Sail for Months

However, Sebastian Stokkendal, the marketing manager at Villa Vie Residences, informed the Associated Press that the firm remains optimistic the voyage will commence within a few weeks following repairs to the rudder shafts, structural steel, and an engine overhaul.

Stokkendal added that they found it astonishing to realize the extent of effort needed to bring back into service a 30-year-old ship which had been out of operation for four years.

He went on to say that we are eagerly looking forward to a highly expected, prosperous debut in the coming week. Our journey will take us from Bremerhaven, through Amsterdam and Lisbon, followed by a voyage across the Atlantic towards our Caribbean phase.

Passengers Set to Travel on 3-Year Cruise Haven't Set Sail for Months

Before the vessel is prepared for departure, the company has been covering the daily costs for approximately 200 passengers residing in Belfast. Additionally, it has arranged accommodations in various European cities for those eager to sightsee during their waiting period before the cruise commences.

Florida native Holly Hennessey, along with her feline companion Captain, are among the passengers temporarily residing in Belfast, Northern Ireland. According to Holly’s account, they are now permitted to be on board the ship during daylight hours.

She explained to the BBC that we could stay on the ship for an entire day, and they offer shuttle buses for getting on and off. It’s similar to a cruise experience, but with one key difference: while we’re there, the ship remains docked.

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2024-09-04 02:00