They had signed up for the adventure of a lifetime: a three-year journey exploring the globe from the luxury of a cruise ship. However, the dream voyage took an unexpected turn when passengers found themselves stranded in Belfast for three months while the start of their round-the-world cruise was subjected to relentless delays. The Villa Vie Odyssey had docked at Queen’s Island in the Northern Irish capital for outfitting before a scheduled departure on May 30 for the first leg of its three-year voyage.
However, the vast ship has remained in harbour ever since due to problems with its rudders and gearbox. Holly Hennessey from Florida is among those on board who have “hunkered down” and made Belfast their unexpected home. Travelling with her cat, Captain, has meant that the self-proclaimed “cruise addict” has been unable to leave Belfast while waiting for the ship to be ready.
Passengers can spend time on board during the day but must disembark every evening. “They provide shuttle buses to get on and off,” Hennessey told the BBC..