Passengers on a cruise ship sell their belongings to take part in a three-year trip around the world. Instead, they have to wait for months.
Belfast – Since May, the cruise ship “Villa Vie Odyssey” was scheduled to set off on a three-and-a-half-year trip around the world. The passengers, who had sold their homes and possessions for this voyage, were to visit 400 ports and 147 countries and live aboard the ship. But since May they have only ever looked at the same port: Belfast in Northern Ireland. The ship’s departure was repeatedly postponed, which not only got on the nerves of the 800 passengers, but also put a strain on their wallets.
30-year-old cruise ship needs renovations before it can sail
The over 30-year-old ship, which was purchased by Villa Vie Residences from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, had to undergo a series of inspections and tests for certifications. Areas that needed to be renovated were repeatedly discovered. The re-certification required for the ship’s seaworthiness resulted in significant delays. “These were unforeseen things that took time because they are not easy things, especially when this cruise ship is going to be traveling around the world for three and a half years,” passenger Jerry Grady explained Euronews Travel. He and his wife Grace, like many others, were in a constant state of waiting, having previously sold everything.
At the beginning, passengers were allowed to live on the ship and use the various facilities such as bars and restaurants. “The ship has been really well restored inside and has regained its original beauty,” said Jerry Grady. They were even allowed to go on trips to other countries financed by the owners Villa Vie Residences. The Gradys visited Amsterdam, Tenerife, Seville, Liverpool and Wales. But after further problems with the certification, the passengers were no longer allowed to stay on board and were accommodated in hotels. Another cruise around the world was recently canceled due to suspected cholera.
Belfast mayor on cruise passengers: “Guests have been here longer than I’ve been in office”
The Gradys have stayed in six or seven different hotels in Belfast. “We’ve been here so long that taxi drivers and restaurant waiters know our names,” says Grace Grady. Her husband Jerry adds, “We just wait and wait and wait.” And joked: “We should get citizenship.” The mayor of Belfast joked that the passengers who had stimulated the local economy had been in the city longer than he had been in office. But the delays are costly: according to reports, Villa Vie is no longer covering the costs for all passengers.
The Gradys are lucky that one of their daughters insists that they can stay with her. “Other passengers probably would have left, but they have sold their homes and don’t know where to go,” Grace said. The couple have decided to give up their place on the cruise but are not ruling out returning at a later date.
Passenger banned from cruise because she complained too much
Another passenger, 68-year-old Jenny Phenix of Florida, was banned from the trip because she complained too much. According to a report by the British telegraph She was denied access to her cabin due to the renovations. She had taken on the role of guest speaker in private chat groups and loudly Business Insider threatened to go to the media.
Phenix was ultimately no longer allowed on board because of “behavior that undermines the morale of the community.” “We have received more than a dozen formal complaints from residents about your constant complaints and negative attitude. This behavior has significantly affected the morale and well-being of other passengers. “Given the overwhelming feedback, we must permanently terminate your contract to protect the well-being and satisfaction of our community,” said Kathy Villalba, operations manager on the ship.
The exclusion hit Phenix hard, as she had sold all of her possessions to spend her new phase of life aboard the ship. However, there was a happy ending for all remaining passengers: on September 30th, the ship “Villa Vie Odysee” finally set sail. Other cruise passengers recently chased their ship for seven days after it abandoned them. (cgsc)
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