Cruise passengers are set to embark from Belfast on Monday for a three-and-a-half-year global journey, after being stranded in the city for months due to unexpected repairs on the ship. Some have even decided to make it their permanent residence.
Passengers of the Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey, touted as the world's first continuous cruise, have the option to either purchase their cabins for the entire operational lifespan of the ship or rent them for specific segments of the voyage. The vessel, which can accommodate 650 passengers, was initially scheduled to depart from the Northern Irish capital in May but faced delays due to issues with its rudders and gearbox.
Following a series of sea trials, the Odyssey announced on social media last Friday that it had received clearance from Britain's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Public Health, and was ready to welcome passengers aboard. "It has just been dragging on for a long time," said John Frim from Canada, who, along with his wife Monica, chose the cruise to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. "But we've never lost faith in the concept." Monica added, "We're not happy about the delay... but when you think in a period of three-and-a-half years, what's four months?"
The cruise company compensated guests for the unexpected delay by covering their accommodation costs in Belfast and other European cities. The inaugural voyage will span 1,301 days, visiting all seven continents and stopping at 425 ports, including Rio de Janeiro and Singapore. The ship is equipped with restaurants, a pool, spa, business center, and medical facilities.
Despite being stuck in Belfast awaiting their departure, passengers have made the most of their time in the city. "I will always have a fond place in my heart for Belfast," said retired American wealth manager Holly Hennessy. "Meeting so many different kind people, living in an urban environment, being carless, and being away from American politics has been wonderful." Some passengers, like Melody and John Hennessee from the United States, plan to stay on the cruise for the rest of their lives, considering it their new home.
Others found love during the wait. Canadian Gian Perroni and American Angela Harsanyi met at the Belfast hotel where some passengers stayed and announced their engagement last week. "It probably couldn't get any better than that, right?" Harsanyi told Sky News. "We're getting married between the Panama Canal and Costa Rica."
