Villa Vie Odyssey required more extensive work than expected to warm up engines and equipment in Ireland after being laid up for four years company, CEO and Founder Mike Petterson revealed in a video update.
Villa Vie acquired the 977-guest vessel in March, which had been out of service since early 2020 and had its maintenance records deleted, providing a fresh start for the company. It found that exterior areas were worn down from exposure to the elements.
The Odyssey is now scheduled to set sail on July 20, 2024, after previously being operated by Fred. Olsen as the Braemar and initially set to depart on a world cruise on May 15, 2024.
Mr Petterson mentioned that the ship requires complete recertification, with every onboard equipment, including lightbulbs and machinery, needing testing to ensure proper functionality.
Although common areas and staterooms are ready, an issue with the Odyssey’s rudder stock has been causing delays in the launch date.
The vessel, built in 1993, has been undergoing preparations for its maiden voyage, with certification and technical issues requiring attention before setting sail.
Mr Petterson said that the Odyssey, said to offer a unique concept allowing guests to live onboard, is almost ready to enter service for Villa Vie Residences, with all critical work completed despite a rudder stock issue delaying its departure from Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast.
Despite delays caused by unforeseen issues such as rudder stock problems, Villa Vie will continue to enhance the vessel’s common areas and perform further technical and hotel perspective improvements before its scheduled launch.
