Three months into their global cruise, they've not left Belfast

Passengers on a round-the-world cruise have found themselves stuck in Belfast for three months due to delays with their ship, the Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey. The ship was supposed to leave on May 30, but it has not been able to depart because of issues with its rudders and gearbox. One of the passengers, Holly Hennessey from Florida, has been waiting in Belfast with her cat, Captain. She describes herself as a 'cruise addict' and has made the city her unexpected home while waiting for the ship to be ready. Holly shared, 'We can spend all day aboard the ship, and they provide shuttle buses to get on and off. ' This means that during the day, they can enjoy the amenities of the ship, but they must leave in the evenings. Holly also mentioned that the ship offers meals and entertainment, making it feel almost like a real cruise experience, even though they are still docked. However, the weather in Belfast has been quite a change for her. 'I've never had so much use for my umbrella in my life,' she said, explaining how she carries her raincoat everywhere she goes. The cruise passengers have a unique option to buy their cabins outright instead of paying a daily rate like in a traditional hotel. This allows them to stay on board beyond the initial three-year tour. Holly expressed her excitement about this opportunity, saying, 'I want to stay just as long as I am able. I have always wanted to live on a ship, and it will be a dream come true for me. ' Another couple, Angela and Stephen Theriac, have also been making the most of their time in Belfast. They previously lived in Nicaragua and have taken the chance to travel around while waiting for the ship. They have visited places like Spain and Greenland, and Angela said, 'We are travellers, and we want to make the most of the place we are in. ' Stephen added that they have enjoyed trying local restaurants and pubs, joking that they might apply for residency in Belfast because they have settled in so well. Dr. David Austin, another passenger from Georgia, has been on this cruise adventure since he retired. He mentioned that he has stopped counting the days until the ship finally leaves. 'The payoff of seeing the world in this fashion is too great to feel too disappointed with each delay announcement,' he said. The CEO of Villa Vie Residences, Mike Petterson, is optimistic that the ship will be ready to launch soon. He stated, '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. ' He explained that this cruise ship is the first of its kind, designed to be affordable for people who want to live on a ship. Despite the delays, he is confident that they will eventually set sail and fulfill the dreams of the passengers.