Villa Vie Troubles Continue: New Delays and Additional Costs for Guests

The anticipated launch of the Villa Vie residential cruise has encountered a significant delay, now approaching four months past its scheduled mid-May departure.

In a recent communication to its guests, the cruise company disclosed that it has already spent around $500,000 to manage guest-related expenses during the delay, which covered accommodations, excursions, and more. The company is now requesting that passengers bear their own expenses for the next week, as detailed in a video update by MidLife Cruising on YouTube.

Since the original planned departure in May from Southampton, the ship encountered multiple setbacks, including a damaged tank that led to a move to Belfast for repairs and refurbishment at Harland & Wolff shipyard.

The video update also highlighted that recent sea trials did not meet expectations, indicating more potential delays.

The vessel, a 31-year-old former Fred. Olsen ship, was scheduled to commence its journey in mid-May, with passengers arriving from various locations to board in the UK. Initially delayed due to the tank issue, the setback led to further accommodations being made for guests in Belfast. Some passengers even enjoyed a temporary relocation to a resort in Spain over the summer. While accommodations allowed passengers to stay in their assigned cabins on the ship during the day, overnight stays were not permitted and transportation, along with three daily meals and entertainment, were provided.

Since the initial May departure date, a series of technical and logistical issues have arisen, constantly pushing the planned departure further back. By June, the cruise company announced it was nearing the final stages of certification, hopeful for a near-future sailing.

Challenges have included issues with the ship’s rudder stocks, missing maintenance records, the urgency of re-classifying and re-certifying the ship, and the crucial sea trials.