The Villa Vie Odyssey, a three-year cruise delayed by paperwork, finally set sail from Belfast, Northern Ireland after a four-month delay due to maintenance issues. However, the journey was short-lived as the cruise ship stopped hours later in Belfast Lough, still needing paperwork completion. Despite passing inspections, the Odyssey remained anchored off the coast overnight, disappointing passengers who were eager to begin their voyage.
The Odyssey, a 31-year-old cruise ship, is a residence-at-sea where passengers either own their accommodations or rent them. The cruise offers a unique experience of visiting various destinations around the world on a continuous itinerary. Living on this aging cruise ship comes at a price starting at $119,999 for an inside cabin with a monthly fee of $1,750.
During the delay, Villa Vie arranged accommodations for its residents in Belfast hotels. However, as the delays persisted, residents were asked to either return home or pay for their own rooms. This decision left many residents, who had sold their homes to live on the Odyssey, feeling frustrated and unhappy with the situation.
In a surprising turn of events, one woman was reportedly kicked off the cruise for making negative comments in a private WhatsApp group chat that allegedly impacted the morale of the community onboard. With the threat of losing their new home looming over their heads, residents are facing uncertainty and mixed emotions as the Odyssey encounters yet another obstacle.
Despite the setbacks, the Odyssey is expected to continue sailing on Tuesday after spending an entire day anchored in Belfast Lough. Passengers, although disappointed with the delays, remain hopeful that their long-awaited cruise will finally begin in full swing. As the Odyssey navigates through these challenges, the resilience and patience of its residents will be put to the test, highlighting the unique lifestyle and experiences that come with living on a cruise ship for an extended period.
