After months of delays, a US cruise ship set for a global voyage departed from Belfast for the second time this week, according to passengers. Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey sailed on Thursday afternoon, with reports indicating it is heading to Scotland for refuelling.
Passengers were seen celebrating at one of the ship’s bars. Holly Hennessy from Florida expressed her excitement, saying, “Hallelujah! All of us are beyond words, delighted, and the celebration is already under way.” Filming herself on deck, she added, “It is my beautiful home-ship-home. And I am waiting for the horn to blow.”
MarineTraffic confirmed the ship’s movement, listing its status as “Underway, using engine.” Initially scheduled to depart Belfast in May, the Odyssey’s departure was postponed due to necessary repairs, leading to an extended stay in Northern Ireland for many guests.
🚢 Cruise passengers set sail from Belfast on a three-and-a-half-year world voyage after being stranded in the city for months, as the ship underwent unexpected repair works https://t.co/1rHNH5MbkW pic.twitter.com/tHhJfA7yhi
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 2, 2024
The cruise ship finally left Belfast Harbour just after 11pm on Monday night but was quickly instructed to anchor off Northern Ireland’s coast to complete administrative paperwork. During the delay, passengers stayed in hotels and rental properties in Belfast rather than on the ship.
Cabins on the Odyssey can be rented for 35 to 120 days, with purchase options ranging from £90,000 to £260,000. Owners retain their space for as long as the ship operates, with a minimum guarantee of 15 years.
Many passengers expressed gratitude to Belfast for hosting them, praising the city’s hospitality and vibrant pub scene. Gian Perroni and Angela Harsanyi, who met while stranded, are now engaged. Perroni told The UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee that they “love this place” but are eager to continue their journey. The Odyssey is expected to make its next stop in Brest, France, before continuing to the Bahamas, with several stops along the way.
What Other Media Are Saying
- LBC reports that the Villa Vie Odyssey luxury cruise ship finally sets sail after four months in Belfast, despite initial delays due to unexpected repairs and administrative paperwork.(read more)
- The Irish News reports that after four months stranded in Belfast, the luxury cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey departed, following extensive technical delays and repairs, amidst passenger celebrations.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was the US cruise ship delayed in Belfast?
The ship needed repairs and had to complete administrative paperwork.
Where is the Odyssey cruise ship heading after departing Belfast?
The ship is heading to Scotland to refuel.
How long can passengers stay on the Odyssey cruise ship?
Rooms can be rented for 35 to 120 days, or cabins can be purchased with a 15-year minimum guarantee.
What are the prices for renting or purchasing cabins on the Odyssey?
Renting costs between £90,000 and £260,000; short-term stays are from 35 to 120 days.
What was the reaction of passengers when the ship finally set sail?
Passengers were delighted and celebrated on board.
