The luxury cruise ship, Villa Vie Odyssey, which was stuck in Belfast for four months due to unexpected repairs, finally departed the harbour on Monday night. Passengers were excited and ready to set off on their three-year, round-the-world cruise. Despite the initial delay, they cheered and hugged the chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, Mike Petterson, when he confirmed that the liner was ready to depart.
As the passengers boarded the ship and waved goodbye to the media, the Villa Vie Odyssey remained in Belfast Lough on Tuesday and Wednesday. Passenger Donna Martemucci mentioned that people on board were enjoying themselves with drinks and parties, anticipating the departure. Mike Petterson explained that administrative paperwork needed to be completed before the ship could leave, assuring that it would be done without inconveniencing the passengers.
The next destination for the Villa Vie Odyssey is Brest, France, with several stop-offs planned before heading to the Bahamas. The luxury cruise offers rentals ranging from 35 to 120 days, with the option to purchase villas onboard. Owning a villa guarantees a room for a minimum of 15 years, with ownership remaining valid for the entire operation of the ship. Many passengers expressed their gratitude towards Belfast for hosting them for several months, praising the city’s people and numerous pubs.
One passenger, who brought a self-assembled model of the Titanic on board, shared his enjoyment of Belfast but was eager to continue the cruise. The anticipation for the voyage to new destinations and the unique experience of living on a luxury liner created a sense of excitement among the passengers. Despite the unexpected delay, the Villa Vie Odyssey is now ready to sail the seas and offer an unforgettable journey to its passengers.