Villa Vie’s Odyssey has arrived back at the Belfast cruise terminal. Following its prolonged stay in Belfast due to major repairs since May, the Odyssey attempted to depart but only travelled a few miles before potentially heading back toward Belfast.
Another departure was scheduled for last evening after a nearly five-month delay, where approximately 100 guests boarded the vessel for its first voyage, with Brest, France, as its first port of call. The ship overnighted just off Bangor in county Down.
CEO Mike Petterson announced that the ship has received full clearance from DNV, allowing it to begin operations after completing necessary repairs and sea trials, although initial departures faced significant delays due to certification issues. The final stage was getting coastguard clearance.
Mike Petterson, chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, was applauded by waiting passengers after telling them the ship was on the way at around 7pm.
Speaking to reporters at the cruise terminal, he said he was “a little stressed” as efforts were made to clear “a few last-minute things”.
The Odyssey, a refurbished 31-year-old vessel previously named the Braemar, is set to offer a unique residential cruise experience, with passengers paying up to £27,000 per month, and had initially planned a three-year world cruise.
Passengers have made the most of their extended stay in Belfast, with some forming friendships and even proposals during their time waiting for departure, while expressing excitement about the upcoming journey, which includes stops in Spain, Portugal, and the Bahamas.
The Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey successfully completed sea trials, which are critical for obtaining Passenger Ship Survey Certification (PSSC), with CEO Mike Petterson reporting that the results were positive and only minor adjustments were needed.
These adjustments included updates to staff training and other outstanding items that were expected to be completed over the weekend, allowing for the imminent departure of the ship.
The Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey arrived in Belfast in May and had been stuck ever since as it needed major repairs.
It was supposed to be undertaking the first part of a three-year cruise, but repairs took much longer than expected.
