A residential cruise ship that was due to sail around the world has been stuck in Northern Ireland for the past three months.
Business Insider previously reported that the Villa Vie Odyssey was originally scheduled to set sail from Belfast in May. The ship, formerly known as the Braemar and operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, had been docked there because it was more than 30 years old and in need of an update.
Villa Vie said the departure was delayed by three months due to issues including the ship's ageing rudder and recertification.
Each of the 509 rooms will cost at least $100,000. The Odyssey will sail around the world every three and a half years, visiting 425 destinations in 147 countries along the way.
However, while the ship is docked in Belfast, passengers will be able to come on board during the day but will not be able to stay on board overnight.
The cruise line's CEO, Mikael Pettersson, previously told BI that Villa Vie will provide guests with shuttles to and from the ship, as well as food, drinks, sightseeing, accommodation and a per diem allowance for those who want to “do their own thing.”
Johan Bodin and Ranett Kanen, a couple who were on board the boat, previously told BI they had travelled to other countries during the delay, including Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Sweden.
The couple said Villa Vie has also taken them on various excursions, including a trip to the Canary Islands and a cruise to the Norwegian fjords.
“I know there are problems,” Bodin told BI, “They're trying to please us by flattering us a little bit. They're almost too service-minded. I don't need to be pampered all the time.”
Holly Hennessy from Florida told BBC News: “You get all the food, there are movies and quiz shows. It's like being on a cruise ship, but on a dock.”
Angela and Steven Teliak said they bought pillows, throws and artwork to match the cabin's blue palette.
Angela and Steven Teriak told the outlet that they had used the postponement to take a train trip around Spain, visit Greenland and take a weekend trip to the UK.
“We keep saying we're going to apply for a residence permit in Belfast,” Angela Teliac told the BBC.
“We ate in every restaurant and drank Guinness in every pub,” her husband added. “It's all part of our adventure.”
Angela previously told BI magazine that they've begun decorating their overwater condo with “personal touches”, adding: “Our rooms are our bedrooms and the boat is our home.”
CEO and founder Pettersson previously told BI in an August 19 email that the Villa Vie Odyssey was due to set sail from Belfast “in the coming days.”
Villa Vie did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment sent outside U.S. business hours.
