Delayed Departure of Villa Vie Residences' Around-the-World Cruise
Faced with unexpected delays, the departure of Villa Vie Odyssey has been postponed from May 30th to the end of July. Initially set to sail from Belfast, Northern Ireland, the cruise's postponement is attributed to unforeseen technical issues with the ship.
The Villa Vie Odyssey, which passengers had eagerly awaited, encountered problems with its grey-water tanks, later compounded by the need for new rudder stocks. These issues arose after the vessel's acquisition from Fred. This tight turnaround left no room for such significant repairs, leading to the delay.
To manage the delay, passengers were sent home and offered alternative European cruises. CEO Mikael Petterson confirmed that minor delays could still occur. He reassured that, despite these setbacks, the cruise would indeed commence soon. Petterson expressed regret over the tight schedule between acquiring the ship and its planned departure, acknowledging that additional preparation time would have been beneficial. However, he remains confident that the upcoming departure is achievable, with the ship now out of dry dock and pending two final certifications.
As for the passengers, around 12 individuals remained in Belfast, while others were booked on flexible tickets, ready to return when the ship is set to sail. Villa Vie Residences continues to work on interior refurbishments, enhancing both passenger and crew accommodations to ensure a better onboard experience.
Despite the setbacks, the cruise has sold approximately 320 of its 350 cabins, with an expected 200 passengers boarding in Belfast and others joining later. Among them are about 40 individuals who had previously been part of the ill-fated Life at Sea project. Interestingly, former Life at Sea management team members have announced a rival venture, Globecruisers, set to embark on a three-year cruise in April 2025. Unlike previous ventures, Globecruisers plans to secure a ship before taking any deposits, ensuring passengers' money is held in escrow.