August 31st 2024.
Lanette Canen and Johan Bodin have chosen a unique and adventurous lifestyle - they left their life on land to embark on a years-long cruise as seaborne nomads. However, their journey has hit a slight bump in the road as their ship, the Odyssey, is currently undergoing repairs in Belfast, delaying their scheduled departure in May. Despite this delay, the couple is eager to set sail and continue their voyage.
While their ship is being fixed, Lanette and Johan have been enjoying their time in Belfast. They have explored the city and tried all the local pubs and fish and chips spots, but now they are ready to move on and continue their journey.
Their ship, the Odyssey, is operated by Villa Vie Residences and offers travelers the opportunity to buy a cabin and live onboard as the ship travels around the world. The ship's maiden voyage will visit 425 ports in 147 countries, making stops on all seven continents. Cabins, or "villas," start at $99,999 and passengers have the option to join for the entire voyage or for shorter segments.
However, before they can set sail, the Odyssey must first leave the dock. Currently, it is docked at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, the same shipyard where the Titanic was built over a century ago. The company is working hard to reactivate the 30-year-old vessel and prepare it for its journey. The marketing manager, Sebastian Stokkendal, is confident that the ship will be ready to depart in the coming week.
In the meantime, the cruise line has been covering the living expenses of the 200 passengers aboard the Odyssey. They are allowed to spend their days on the ship, enjoying meals and entertainment, but are unable to stay overnight. For those who want to explore more of Europe while they wait, the company has also paid for hotel stays in various European cities.
One passenger, Holly Hennessey, is unable to leave the ship due to her furry companion, her cat Captain. Despite this, she is grateful for the warm welcome they have received in Belfast. Lanette and Johan have also used this time to travel to other European countries, including Italy and Croatia, and to visit Johan's hometown in Sweden. Lanette plans to run her business from the ship, while Johan is documenting their journey through his YouTube channel.
The Odyssey, built in 1993, has operated under various names and cruise lines before being bought by Villa Vie Residences in 2023. The residential cruising business has faced its fair share of challenges, with only one other vessel of its kind currently in operation. Despite this, Lanette and Johan remain determined to continue their journey, even after facing setbacks with other cruise ventures.
Whether they are seen as crazy, naive, or resilient, Lanette and Johan are excited to set sail and explore the world as seaborne nomads. They are grateful for the welcoming and supportive community in Belfast and are eagerly awaiting the day when they can continue their journey on the Odyssey.
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