After an unplanned four-month layover in Belfast, a high-end cruise ship has finally set sail, marking the commencement of a three-year voyage. As the news of departure was given by the vessel’s captain on Monday evening, the travellers aboard celebrated with cheers, applause and displays of affection.
The residents of the Villa Vie Odyssey bid their farewells to the city of Northern Ireland that they’ve come to know and love. They embarked on this new phase of their journey, not without mementos and recollections of this unexpected hiatus.
One of the passengers, wielding a self-made replica of the Titanic, admiringly admitted his pleasure in the Belfast stay, but also expressed readiness for the cruising adventure that lay ahead. The vessel had found itself marooned since May due to unanticipated restoration needs, thus providing the guests with an opportunity to explore the delights of Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Indeed, the forced downtime turned out to be fortuitous for a couple of intended travellers who ended up getting engaged during this time. The Canadian, Gian Perroni, from Vancouver, and his American partner, Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado, grew close to each other while going back and forth from the ship over the past months.
A bicycle tour of Belfast was the passengers’ last event in the city before setting sail on Monday. One of the passengers, 75-year-old Andy Garrison, shared his surprise of the extended stay. Initially planning to be in Belfast for three days in August, he ended up spending six weeks. During this time, he took up the task of constructing a model of the Titanic. Despite the potential ominous symbolism, Andy dismissed any worries, planning to display it in his room on the ship. He praised the travellers’ patience during the repair period and enjoyed the camaraderie among them. Despite his fondness for Belfast, he was eagerly looking forward to the maritime adventure.
“I am elated to embark on this voyage, fully prepped to set sail. Our course includes a brief pause in Brest, France, before we journey to Spain, Portugal, and then make our way across the Atlantic to the Bahamas where we are scheduled for an extended stay.”
The high-end Sea tour offers lettings for durations varying from 35 to 120 days, with an option to buy a villa for a price between £90,000 and £260,000.
Getting a villa assures a viable space on the ship for at least 15 years, though ownership remains intact for the vessel’s entire operational span.
Prior to embarking, when questioned about his impressions of Belfast, Mike Petterson, Chief Executive of Villa Vie Residences responded, “Your summers are dreadful,” and “Cooking doesn’t seem to be your forte; however, you do have a knack for enjoying a drink”.