August 31st 2024.
Lanette Canen and Johan Bodin made a bold decision to leave their life on land behind and embark on a long journey at sea as nomads. However, despite months of preparation, the couple has yet to spend a single night on their ship, the Odyssey. Unfortunately, their departure has been delayed due to repairs being done in Belfast. The original plan was to set sail in May for a 3-and-a-half-year trip around the world.
Although they have enjoyed their time in Belfast, Bodin admits that they have exhausted all the pubs, fish and chips places, and Irish music venues. Both he and Canen are eager to continue their journey. "We're ready to set sail, for sure," Canen says with determination.
The Odyssey, owned by Villa Vie Residences, is a unique concept in the world of continuous cruising. It offers travelers the opportunity to purchase a cabin and live on the ship while it travels around the globe. On its maiden voyage, it is scheduled to visit an impressive 425 ports in 147 countries across seven continents.
The cabins, marketed as "villas," come at a starting price of $99,999, plus a monthly fee, for a minimum of 15 years. Passengers also have the option to join for shorter segments lasting weeks or months. The target audience for this venture is adventurous retirees and digital nomads, with the promise of a luxurious experience complete with a gym, spa, putting green, entertainment facilities, a business center, and a culinary center.
However, before any of this can happen, the Odyssey needs to leave the dock. Currently, it is undergoing repairs at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, the same place where the Titanic was built over a century ago. Sebastian Stokkendal, marketing manager for Villa Vie Residences, acknowledges the challenges of reactivating a 30-year-old vessel after a four-year layup. Despite this, he remains optimistic and says that the ship is almost ready to set sail.
In the meantime, the company has been covering the living expenses for the 200 passengers who are eagerly awaiting the ship's departure. They are allowed to spend their days on the ship and are provided with meals and entertainment, but they cannot stay overnight. To make the wait more bearable, the cruise line has arranged for hotels in Belfast and other European cities for those who wish to explore while they wait.
One of the passengers, Holly Hennessey, is unable to leave Northern Ireland due to her furry companion, a cat named Captain. She expresses her gratitude to the welcoming city of Belfast and the cruise line for taking care of them during this unexpected delay.
While waiting, Bodin and Canen, originally from Sweden and America respectively, have taken this opportunity to travel to Italy, Croatia, and Bodin's hometown in Sweden. Canen plans to continue running her auto-glass business from the ship, while Bodin, a carpenter, is documenting their journey on a YouTube channel.
The Odyssey, built in 1993 and previously operated by various cruise lines, was purchased by Villa Vie Residences in 2023. However, the residential cruising business has had its fair share of challenges. Currently, MS The World, launched in 2002, is the only vessel of its kind still in operation. Another venture, Life at Sea, was forced to cancel its 3-year voyage last year due to not securing a ship. Canen and Bodin had also put down a deposit for this venture and are still in the process of getting a refund.
Despite these setbacks, the couple remains determined. "We might be crazy, stupid, naive, or resilient," Bodin says with a chuckle. "You can put any label on it that you want." And with that, they eagerly await the successful launch of the Odyssey and continue their journey as seaborne nomads.
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