Imagine planning the adventure of a lifetime—a three-year world cruise with luxury accommodations, breathtaking destinations, and the promise of endless exploration.
However, for passengers aboard The Odyssey, a cruise ship promising just that, the dream turned into a much longer-than-expected stop in Belfast.
Since May, the ship has been anchored in Belfast’s dry dock, undergoing extensive repairs.
For three months, passengers who paid up to £27,000 a month for this epic voyage found themselves exploring the sights of Northern Ireland instead of the world.
But now, there’s finally a glimmer of hope that their journey might soon continue.
A Long-Awaited Sea Trial
The big news arrived when the Odyssey finally took to the sea again, albeit for a sea trial rather than the grand voyage.
Excitement rippled through the ship when passengers like Starr Davis saw movement after months of waiting.
“I’m thrilled she’s finally moving,” she shared, reflecting the collective sigh of relief on board.
However, even this brief moment of progress didn’t come without hiccups.
A tugboat that was supposed to assist the Odyssey in leaving the harbor experienced its own technical issues, causing yet another delay.
Eventually, the ship made its way out of Belfast Harbor, escorted by two tugs, as passengers watched eagerly from the deck.
Hope on the Horizon
Although the Odyssey returned to its berth after a few hours, the mood on board remained optimistic.
Passengers were informed by crew members that the sea trials seemed to have gone well, raising hopes that the long-awaited journey might soon resume.
One particularly excited passenger was Holly Hennessy, who had been hoping for good news ahead of her 68th birthday.
“It’s been a busy couple of days,” Holly said.
“We’ve had official updates twice a week, and now we’re hearing positive things about the sea trials.
We’re all very excited about what comes next.”
The Cost of Luxury and Patience
The Odyssey is no ordinary cruise ship. Billed as the world’s first “perpetual global cruise,” it boasts a 425-port itinerary spanning 147 countries, with plans to sail through 2028.
The ship’s cabins, referred to as “villas” by its Florida-based owner, Villa Vie Residences, come with a hefty price tag.
Cabins start at $99,999, with monthly fees ranging up to $27,000.
Holly explained how her charges work: “My cabin, a balcony suite, cost $329,000, and I’ll be paying $7,000 a month as a solo traveler.
For couples, it’s $8,000 a month.
Outside cabins are around $169,000 to purchase, with monthly fees starting at $3,999 solo or $4,999 for a couple.
Inside cabins are the most affordable at $99,000, with monthly fees ranging from $2,500 to $3,000.
And I believe prices may go up once we sail.”
Despite the delays and high costs, Holly and other passengers remain committed to the concept.
“Lots of people are waiting and watching, which makes sense.
But without those of us who believed in the idea and booked early, this would never have happened.”
The Unexpected Northern Ireland Summer
Around 200 passengers, mainly from the US, Australia, and New Zealand, have spent an unplanned summer in rainy Belfast due to the ship’s delay.
Villa Vie Residences, the company behind the Odyssey, has been contacted for updates on what comes next for the ship and its hopeful passengers.
While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: after months of waiting, the Odyssey’s passengers are more than ready to embark on the adventure they signed up for.
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