Passengers of the Villa Vie Odyssey finally commenced their round-the-world voyage after being stranded in Belfast for months due to engine issues. The cruise, originally scheduled to begin on 30 May, faced delays that left the vessel and its passengers in Northern Ireland. After a four-month postponement, the ship departed late Monday at approximately 11.35pm. It spent its first night at sea near the dock in Belfast Lough, resuming its journey on Tuesday.
John Hennessee and his wife, Melody Thor Hennessee, from Palm Beach, Florida, expressed their fondness for Belfast before embarking. Mrs Hennessee highlighted the kindness and generosity of the local people, noting that they had made numerous friends and enjoyed exploring the city’s tourist attractions and dining venues. She mentioned developing a taste for Guinness, a sentiment echoed by her husband, who pointed out the difference in quality between American and Irish Guinness.
Passengers carried various souvenirs as they boarded the Villa Vie Odyssey on Monday evening. Among them was Andy Garrison, 75, who had constructed a model of the Titanic during the extended stay. Despite the potential symbolic concerns, Garrison intended to display the model proudly in his cabin.
We’re going to miss Holly Hennessy 🇺🇸
… if the Villa Vie cruise-ship finally departs on Sunday after 5 months in Belfast. ⛴️ https://t.co/fxcQHTfh0v pic.twitter.com/quccuSUC1S— Mark Simpson (@BBCMarkSimpson) September 27, 2024
The Hennessees made the most of their extended stay in the UK by also visiting Tenerife and Paris and taking a shorter cruise on a Norwegian ship. While they were thrilled to finally have a departure date, Mrs Hennessee noted that the delay allowed them to complete their cabin renovations, ensuring they could cruise in comfort.
The luxury ship offers rental cabins for periods ranging from 35 to 120 days, with entire villas available for purchase between £90,000 and £260,000. Villa owners retain rights to their space for as long as the ship operates, with a minimum guarantee of 15 years.
During the four-month delay, passengers were unable to stay onboard and instead resided in hotels and short-term rentals in Belfast. Remarkably, two passengers who were strangers at the start of the delay ended up getting engaged during their time in the city.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Sky News reports on Villa Vie Odyssey passengers finally setting sail after four months in Belfast, praising Belfast’s hospitality and enjoying extended stay experiences.(read more)
- The Guardian reports on Villa Vie Odyssey passengers’ four-month delay in Belfast, highlighting their patience, newfound friendships, and excitement for the upcoming three-year global cruise.(read more)
- Euronews reports on a couple abandoning their dream round-the-world cruise due to repeated delays, affecting hundreds of passengers stranded in Belfast port.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise delayed?
The cruise was delayed due to engine problems.
How long was the delay for the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise?
The delay lasted four months.
What did passengers do during the delay in Belfast?
Passengers explored Belfast, visited Tenerife and Paris, and took a short voyage on a Norwegian ship.
Can you rent or buy cabins on the Villa Vie Odyssey?
Yes, cabins can be rented for 35 to 120 days, or entire villas can be purchased.
How much does it cost to buy a villa on the Villa Vie Odyssey?
Villas cost between £90,000 and £260,000.
