Holiday-goers often tout all-inclusive food and drinks and endless on-board activities as reasons to choose a cruise ship for their summer getaway.
Some love cruises so much, that they even buy flats on ships. But, in order to take advantage of the endless benefits cruising has to offer, you actually have to set sail.
And for passengers who spent up to £680,000 for a lavish three-year trip around the world starting in May 2024, this is yet to happen.
On 30 May, Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey was set to leave Belfast for the first leg of its three-year-long journey, which would see it visit 147 countries and 425 destinations.
Passengers of Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey have been stranded in Belfast for three months as the ship faces technical issues (Villa Vie Residences)
However, the ship has been plagued by issues, including problems with the gearbox and rudders.
As a result, passengers have spent the past three months stuck in the Northern Irish capital instead of one of the promised 100 tropical islands, while the company desperately attempts to get the vessel fit for its expedition.
While the passengers who’d travelled from across the world for the cruise have taken to calling Belfast their temporary home, it’s not exactly the exotic destination they’d hoped for.
And, to make things worse, while they’re allowed enjoy the ship’s amenities, including a swimming pool, theatre and gourmet restaurant, during the day, they have to pack up and leave each evening.
The company has paid for passengers to stay in hotels while the ship is docked in Belfast.
Florida native and self-described ‘cruise addict’ Holly Hennessey joked about the British weather in an interview with the BBC.
She said: “I’ve never had so much use for my umbrella in my life, and I carry my raincoat everywhere I go.”
While Holly has chosen to stay put, taking advantage of the passenger meals and onboard entertainment on offer while the boat is docked, others have chosen to travel around Europe while they wait for news on a launch date.
Lanette Canen and John Bodin have been showing off the ocean liner on social media, while taking trips around Europe during the delay to its launch (Lanette Canen)
During the delay to the cruise, Lanette Canen and Johan Bodin have taken trips to Croatia and Sweden.
They’ve also been showing off the ocean liner on their social media page Living Life on a Cruise, claiming that they plan to live on the Odyssey for the next 15 years.
But, passengers may not be stuck in Belfast for much longer, as according to Villa Vie Residences’ CEO Mike Petterson, the round-the-world cruise will launch by the end of next week.
He told the BBC: “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.”
LADbible has contacted Villa Vie Residences for further comment.
