A cruise ship embarking on a 3 ½-year around-the-world journey has finally departed from Belfast after being stuck in the Northern Ireland capital for four months. The Odyssey, operated by Villa Vie Residences, left dock on Monday night amidst cheers and applause from eager passengers. The ship had initially set sail from Southampton in May but had to make a stop in Belfast for repairs at the historic Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the Titanic was famously built.
During its extended stay in Belfast, passengers were provided with living expenses by the ship's operator and were allowed on board during the day for meals and entertainment. Some passengers opted to stay in hotels in Belfast or explore other parts of Europe while waiting for the repairs to be completed.
One heartwarming story that emerged during the delay was the engagement of two passengers, Gian Perroni and Angie Harsanyi, who found love while waiting for the cruise to resume. The couple plans to tie the knot aboard the Odyssey in April, with the captain officiating the ceremony.
The Odyssey, designed for continuous cruising, offers passengers the opportunity to own a cabin and live on board as it travels to 425 ports in 147 countries across seven continents. The ship boasts amenities such as a gym, spa, entertainment facilities, onboard hospital, business center, and culinary arts center.
Cabins, referred to as 'villas,' are available for purchase starting at $99,999, with additional monthly fees for the operational life of the vessel, estimated to be at least 15 years. Passengers can also opt for shorter segments of the voyage lasting weeks or months.
Villa Vie Residences' chief executive, Mikael Petterson, expressed relief as the Odyssey finally received clearance to depart. While acknowledging the challenges of the delay, he also praised the warmth and hospitality of the people of Belfast, despite jokingly commenting on the city's weather and culinary skills.
