August 31st 2024.
Lanette Canen and Johan Bodin were once rooted to land, living a traditional life like most people. But they decided to take a leap of faith and embark on a journey as seaborne nomads, traveling the world on a cruise ship. It was a bold decision, one that many would consider unconventional, but for them, it was a dream come true.
Months have passed since they set sail, but they have yet to spend a single night at sea. Their ship, the Odyssey, is currently docked in Belfast, undergoing necessary repairs that have delayed their planned departure in May. The couple has been enjoying their time in the charming city of Belfast, but they cannot help but feel eager to begin their journey.
Johan shared, "We've had a great time exploring every pub and trying every fish and chips place, as well as listening to traditional Irish music. But now, we're ready to move on and discover new places." Lanette added, "Yes, we are definitely ready to set sail and continue our adventure."
The Odyssey, owned by Villa Vie Residences, is a unique cruise ship that offers travelers the opportunity to buy a cabin and live on board as they travel around the world. On its maiden voyage, the Odyssey is set to visit 425 ports in 147 countries, spanning seven continents. The cabins, marketed as "villas," start at a price of $99,999 plus a monthly fee for at least 15 years. Passengers can also choose to join specific segments of the voyage, lasting weeks or months.
The company's marketing material targets adventurous retirees and digital nomads, highlighting the chance to own a home on a luxurious floating paradise. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a gym, spa, putting green, entertainment centers, a business center, and a culinary center for a unique dining experience.
However, before the Odyssey can continue its journey, it needs to leave the dock. Currently, the ship is undergoing repairs at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, where the infamous RMS Titanic was built over a century ago. Sebastian Stokkendal, the company's marketing manager, shared that the process of reactivating a 30-year-old vessel has been a humbling experience. He added that the ship will soon depart for its next destination after completing necessary repairs.
While they wait for the ship to be ready, the company has been covering the living expenses of around 200 passengers. They are allowed to spend the day on board, enjoying meals and entertainment, but are not permitted to stay overnight. For those who want to explore more of Europe while waiting, the cruise line has arranged for hotel accommodations in Belfast and other European cities.
Holly Hennessey, a passenger from Florida, shared her experience with the BBC, stating that she cannot leave Northern Ireland because she has her cat, Captain, with her. She expressed her gratitude to Belfast for being so welcoming and accommodating to all of them.
As they wait for the Odyssey, Johan and Lanette have been making the most of their time by traveling to different countries, including Italy, Croatia, and Johan's hometown in Sweden. Lanette plans to continue running her auto-glass business from the ship, while Johan documents their journey through their YouTube channel.
Built in 1993, the Odyssey has been operated by several cruise lines before being purchased by Villa Vie Residences in 2023. However, the residential cruising business has faced its fair share of challenges, with MS The World being the only vessel of its kind currently in operation. Another venture, Life at Sea, had to cancel its planned voyage due to the difficulties of securing a ship. Johan and Lanette have also faced setbacks with Victoria Cruises, but they remain determined and undeterred.
Johan shared, "Some may call us crazy, stupid, or naive, but we like to think of ourselves as resilient. We have a dream, and we're not going to let any setbacks stop us from achieving it." With determination and a sense of adventure, Johan and Lanette are ready to continue their journey and explore the world as seaborne nomads.
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