Lanette Canen and Johan Bodin, aspiring seaborne nomads, are currently stranded in Belfast as their ship, the Odyssey, undergoes repairs that have delayed their planned May departure for a 3.5-year global voyage.
While they have enjoyed their time in Ireland, the couple is eager to set sail and continue their journey, having already visited numerous local attractions.
The Odyssey, operated by Villa Vie Residences, offers travellers the chance to buy a cabin on a ship that will visit 425 ports across 147 countries, with cabin prices starting at $99,999 plus a monthly fee.
Residential cruising has proved troublesome. MS The World, launched in 2002, is currently the only vessel of the type in operation. Another venture, Life at Sea, cancelled its planned 3-year voyage late last year after failing to secure a ship.
Despite the delays, the company continues to support around 200 passengers, providing daytime access to the ship and accommodations in hotels, while Bodin and Canen document their stalled journey and keep optimistic about their future adventures.
Bodin said “We might be crazy, stupid, naive or resilient. I don’t know, you can put any label on it that you want.”
