Northern Ireland

Inside the cruise ship Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey stranded in Belfast with three restaurants, five bars and a pool

The ship has three restaurants, five bars and lounges, a pool with two jacuzzis, a spa and fitness centre and a library

Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey arrived in Belfast to be outfitted before it was scheduled to leave on 30 May
Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey arrived in Belfast to be outfitted before it was scheduled to leave on 30 May
By Caoimhe Quinn McCullough

Cruise ship passengers on a continuous round the world trip remain docked in Belfast more than three months on from their scheduled departure.

Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey was scheduled to leave Queen’s Island in the city in May issues with the rudders and gearbox have led to several delays.

More: Passengers on a continuous round the world cruise stranded in Belfast

Villa Vie Odyssey features eight decks including cascading aft decks and a wrap-around promenade
Villa Vie Odyssey features eight decks including cascading aft decks and a wrap-around promenade

According to the Villa Vie official itinerary, the cruise was supposed to stop at 425 destinations in 147 countries. Right now, at the end of August, passengers should be sailing around France and Belgium.

However, while the ship remains in dry dock in Belfast there seems to be plenty to keep the passengers occupied.

A Balcony Villa is one of three room options onboard
A Balcony Villa is one of three room options onboard

Passengers have the choice between pay-as-you-go and ownership options.

Under ownership, residents can ‘own a villa’ and ‘customise’ the living space. Owning means residents have a villa guaranteed for 15 years and it starts at $99,000 (£77,696).

Friends and family can join residents on the cruise at a cost of $129 (£102) a day

Those unable or unwilling to make such a commitment could book shorter spells onboard, from 35 to 120 days.

Its eight decks have three restaurants, eight bars, four lounges, a library, a business centre and a gym and spa
Its eight decks have three restaurants, eight bars, four lounges, a library, a business centre and a gym and spa

The ship itself features eight decks with three restaurants, five bars and lounges, a pool with two Jacuzzis, a spa and fitness centre and a library.

There is also private offices and conference spaces onboard, meaning those who work ‘remotely’ can take it to the extreme can work online from anywhere in the world.

A state-of-the-art Business Center provides space for staying productive while enjoying the beauty of oceanic views
A state-of-the-art Business Center provides space for staying productive while enjoying the beauty of oceanic views

Passengers can even master their swing in a cutting-edge simulator, then take it to the real world on stunning courses.

There is even an onboard golf store with everything from the latest clubs and tech to attire.

A golf simulator allows passengers to practice their swing
A golf simulator allows passengers to practice their swing

Passengers even have access to an onboard hair salon onboard during the three and a half year trip.

The ship also has an onboard hair salon
The ship also has an onboard hair salon

Passengers don’t have to live on board the entire time, but 30 days’ notice must be given before re-joining.

The 924-passenger, 25,000 GRT vessel is able to reach parts of the world that larger ships cannot access.

The ship’s flatter hull which enables her to navigate inland waterways and rivers too.

In October 2019 (sailing as The Braemar), she became the longest ship ever to transit the Corinth Canal.

The vessel features eight decks including cascading aft decks and a wrap-around promenade
The vessel features eight decks including cascading aft decks and a wrap-around promenade