Cruise Set to embark on 3.5-Year Journey After 4-Month Delay in Norway

LONDON, UK — A cruise ship set to embark on a 3½-year journey around the globe has finally departed from the docks of Belfast, having been stuck for four months in the Northern Irish city.

As the moment of departure approached, passengers erupted in cheers, applause, and hugs for the ship’s captain when he announced they were ready to sail. The Odyssey initially left the dock and dropped anchor in the waters of Belfast Lough overnight. It remained there as the ship’s operator indicated that some final paperwork was still necessary. The vessel was slated to depart Northern Ireland’s waters by late Tuesday.

The cruise kicked off from Southampton in May, with a stop in Belfast to prepare for its journey. During its weeks at the Harland & Wolff shipyard, famous for being the construction site of the ill-fated RMS Titanic over a century ago, the ship underwent essential repairs to its rudder and engine.

Throughout this period, Villa Vie Residences, the operator of the cruise, covered living expenses for many passengers. They were allowed on board during the daytime, enjoying meals and entertainment, but were unable to stay overnight. While some chose to return home, others opted for hotels in Belfast or explored various locations across Europe.

Cyndi Grzybowski, 69, from Appling, Georgia, shared her lifelong dream of exploring the world and expressed her joy as her journey commenced. She cherished “every minute” spent in Belfast.

“We began our adventure as strangers in Southampton and Belfast, and now we genuinely consider each other family,” she remarked. “I am immensely grateful to everyone – indeed, Belfast has been such a delightful place.”

In a heartwarming twist, one couple found love during their time waiting for the cruise to start.

Gian Perroni from Vancouver, Canada, and Angie Harsanyi from Colorado formed a bond while walking to and from the ship during their stop in Belfast. They are now engaged and have plans to marry on board, officiated by the captain, in April.

“We’ve discovered our soulmates,” Perroni shared. During their time “stranded” in Northern Ireland, he noted, “we’ve gained patience and perseverance – and we’ve experienced the warmth of the people in Belfast.”

Originally constructed in 1993, the vessel known as the Odyssey has changed hands among various cruise lines over the years. However, it fell into inactivity due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. In 2023, it was acquired by Villa Vie Residences.

This residential ship represents the latest endeavor in the volatile realm of continuous cruising. It offers an opportunity for travelers to purchase a cabin and reside at sea aboard a ship that will circle the globe. Its inaugural journey is set to explore 425 ports across 147 countries on all seven continents.

Promotional materials, targeting adventurous retirees and nomadic professionals, highlight “the amazing chance to own a residence in a floating paradise,” featuring amenities such as a gym, spa, entertainment facilities, onboard medical services, a business center, and a “culinary arts center.”

Cabins, referred to as “villas,” begin at a price of $99,999, with an additional monthly fee for the vessel’s operational life, which spans at least 15 years. Travelers also have the option to enroll for parts of the voyage that can last several weeks or months.

The CEO of Villa Vie Residences, Mikael Petterson, expressed that he was feeling “a little stressed” while eagerly awaiting the final clearance to set sail. He had some candid thoughts about Belfast.

“Your summer is terrible,” he remarked, adding, “you can’t cook to save your lives. But you certainly know how to enjoy a drink.”

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