Those on board have been stranded in Belfast for nearly three months due to problems with its rudders and gearbox.
The ship was meant to leave Belfast on May 30 (Image: BBC News)
Cruise ship passengers on a dream round-the-world trip have been stuck in Belfast for nearly three months.
Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey has been plagued by delays and has not left the Northern Ireland capital – despite being scheduled to leave on May 30.
The ship is still to embark on the first leg of the three-year cruise due to problems with its rudders and gearbox, BBC News reports.
Florida resident Holly Hennessey is travelling with her cat, meaning she hasn’t been able to leave the city while the ship is fixed.
During the day, passengers are permitted to spend time on the vessel but have to disembark in the evenings.
Passengers Angela and Stephen Theriac joked they had had a Guinness at every pub in the area. (Image: BBC News)
Ms Hennessey told the broadcaster: “We can spend all day aboard the ship, and they provide shuttle buses to get on and off.
“We can have all of our meals and they even have movies and trivia entertainment, almost like cruising except we’re at the dock.”
Passengers had the option of buying their cabin outright rather than paying a daily rate, with the price of purchasing one ranging from $99,999 (£75,600) to $899,000 (£679,900). Cabin owners can remain on the vessel beyond the end of the Odyssey’s three-year tour.
Ms Hennessey’s cabin is large enough for a double bed, with room for her cat in its living area and even a balcony.
Villa Vie Residences says it is doing all it can to “relieve the anxiety” of passengers by planning trips for guests, other cruises or ensuring they’re put up in hotels.
Villa Vie Residences’ CEO says he expects the ship to be ready by the end of next week. (Image: BBC News)
Married couple Angela and Stephen Theriac are among those who have immersed themselves in the city, insiting: “We are travellers, and we want to make the most of the place we are in”.
Ms Theriac said: “We keep teasing we will apply for residency here in Belfast. Stephen says they’ve been getting to know the locals, and have “eaten in every restaurant and had a Guinness in every pub”, adding that’s it “just all part of our adventure”.
Mike Petterson, chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, says he expects the ship to be ready by the end of next week.
He told the outlet: “We’re not focused on the next days or weeks, we are focused on the rest of our lives and what this company will do for the residents and the industry.”
Mr Petterson pointed out that Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey is the first “affordable” residential cruise ship of its kind.
“When you’re the first at doing something, you will run into hiccups, but we’re definitely getting there, and although we are late, we will launch,” he said.
