After four long months of delays, 125 excited passengers are finally boarding the Villa Vie Odyssey in Belfast, ready to begin their much-anticipated round-the-world journey.
The ship was originally set to sail in May, but issues with its rudders and gearbox kept it stuck at the Harland & Wolff shipyard for months.
During that time, passengers have been living in hotels and temporary accommodations, anxiously waiting to move into their new home at sea.
From Frustration to Celebration
The delays were frustrating, but passengers made the most of their unexpected time in Belfast.
Lesly Curtis from Seattle, who spent over four months in the city, says she now knows Belfast so well that she’s been giving directions to other tourists.
Becky Cressy, from Florida, even joined a local church and built connections with the community. While many passengers will be on the ship for months, Becky and her husband plan to live on board for up to 15 years, making this more than just a vacation.
On Monday evening, CEO Mikael Petterson finally gave the news everyone had been waiting for—the ship would set sail and anchor overnight before heading to its first stop in France.
The announcement was met with cheers and applause, as passengers prepared to move into their cabins and leave Belfast behind.
Live Coverage Keeps Enthusiasts Engaged
Midlife Cruising, a popular channel in the cruising community, has been streaming the boarding process live, giving enthusiasts a real-time look at the excitement.
You can follow along with their journey here.
Although the stream lacks audio, viewers have been glued to the footage as passengers settle in and explore the ship’s interior. For many, this isn’t just about watching a ship leave port, it’s about being part of a major moment in the cruising world.
Love at Sea
Not everyone was unhappy about the extended stay in Belfast—two passengers who met during the delay have found love. Gian Perroni from Canada and Angela Harsanyi from the US, who initially met as strangers, are now engaged!
We found that we had so much in common and enjoyed each other’s company so much that we really couldn’t picture a life without each other,
– Angela shared in an interview with Sky TV
Gian proposed last week during a romantic walk along the Lagan River, under the supermoon, after buying a ring in Belfast city centre.
Their story will have a fairytale ending as well—the couple plans to tie the knot aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey next April, with the ship’s captain officiating the ceremony somewhere between the Panama Canal and Costa Rica, surrounded by their fellow passengers-turned-friends.
What’s Next?
The Villa Vie Odyssey will now begin its three-year world voyage, stopping in dozens of countries along the way. While some passengers will only stay for a few months, others, like Holly Hennessey and her Siamese cat, Captain, are planning to live aboard long-term. “It’s the life I’ve dreamed of, to live on a ship and have my little buddy here with me,” Holly said.
Despite the setbacks, everyone is eager to start this new adventure.
As the Villa Vie Odyssey finally pulls away from Belfast, passengers can look forward to experiencing the world from the comfort of their floating home.
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