Passengers on a continuous residential world cruise have been left
stranded in Northern Ireland for three months after their voyage was hit
by delays.
Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey arrived in Belfast to be outfitted
before it was scheduled to leave on 30 May for the first leg of a
three-year cruise.
But the ship has still not left due to problems with its rudders and gearbox, the BBC reported.
Options for the cruise include buying an onboard villa for the
duration (US$99,999 inside, US$299,999 balcony) or buying segments of
the journey.
For less than US$99 per day for the entire voyage, travellers were
hoping to explore 425 destinations, including 13 of the 14 Wonders of
the World, across 147 countries and more than 100 islands.
But so far they have only been exploring Irish pubs and Belfast landmarks.
Passengers are allowed to stay and eat on the ship during the day,
but cannot stay onboard overnight. Still, those spoken to by the BBC
appeared philosophical about their enforced stay in Northern Ireland
"We can have all of our meals and they even have movies and trivia
entertainment, almost like cruising except we're at the dock,” one US
passenger said.
“I want to stay just as long as I am able,” the woman added. “I have
always wanted to live on a ship, and it will be a dream come true for
me."
Another passenger said, "We have eaten in every restaurant and had a
Guinness in every pub. It is just all part of our adventure.”
The redesigned Odyssey previously sailed as Braemar, Crown Dynasty, Cunard Crown Dynasty, Crown Majesty, and Norwegian Dynasty.