Luxury cruise passengers who have been marooned in Belfast for four months are hoping to hit the seas this week. The worldwide voyage of the Villa Vie Odyssey has been long set back, leaving its guests stuck exploring Northern Ireland instead. Cruisegoers could avail of offered rental segments varying from 35 to 120 days, or purchase villas ranging from £90,000 to £260,000.
Owning a villa on board guarantees the room for a minimum of 15 years, but the ownership stays valid for the entire operation of the ship. However, the start of the dream stay boasting an “ever changing backyard” has been delayed for four months due to unexpected repair works, meaning the cruise ship has been stranded in Belfast. The ship’s eventual passengers hope to board on Monday, beginning their life at sea soon thereafter.
In the meantime, the would-be voyagers have fallen in love with Belfast, and each other. Gian Perroni, from Vancouver in Canada, and Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado in the US, first met in Belfast four months ago having bought cabins on the ship. Both were looking forward to an adventure at sea but were not looking for a relationship.
The pair started walking through Belfast on their way to and back from the ship, before realising how compatible they were. Mr Perroni said the two are “made for each other”, adding: “We found our soulmates.” With love blossoming in Northern Ireland, the pair recently announced their engagement following a proposal on the Lagan Weir Brid.
