August 31st 2024.
Lanette Canen and Johan Bodin made the bold decision to leave their lives on land and embark on a journey as seaborne nomads, sailing on a cruise that would last for several years. However, their plans hit a snag when their ship, the Odyssey, became stuck in Belfast for repairs, delaying their scheduled departure in May for a round-the-world voyage.
Despite the delay, the couple has made the most of their unexpected stop in the Northern Ireland capital. Bodin shared that they have explored the city, visiting pubs, trying out local fish and chips, and listening to traditional Irish music. But now, they are eager to set sail and continue their journey.
The Odyssey, owned by Villa Vie Residences, offers travelers the opportunity to purchase a cabin and live at sea while circumnavigating the globe. The ship is expected to visit 425 ports in 147 countries on seven continents during its maiden voyage. Cabins, marketed as "villas," start at a price of $99,999 plus a monthly fee for a minimum of 15 years. Passengers can also opt for shorter segments of the voyage.
The ship boasts luxurious amenities, such as a gym, spa, putting green, entertainment facilities, and even a business center. However, before any of this can be enjoyed, the Odyssey must first leave the dock. Currently, it is undergoing repairs at Belfast's Harland & Wolff shipyard, the same place where the doomed Titanic was built over a century ago.
According to Sebastian Stokkendal, Villa Vie Residences' marketing manager, the company has been humbled by the extensive work needed to reactivate a 30-year-old vessel that had been in layup for four years. After completing repairs on the rudder shafts, steel work, and engine overhauls, the ship is almost ready to set sail.
In the meantime, the company has been covering the living expenses of around 200 passengers who are eagerly waiting to board the ship. These passengers are allowed to visit the ship during the day and provided with meals and entertainment. However, they are not allowed to stay overnight. For those who want to explore more of Europe while they wait, the cruise line has arranged for them to stay in hotels in Belfast and other European cities.
Holly Hennessey, a passenger from Florida, is grateful to the city of Belfast for being welcoming to all of them. She shared that she is unable to leave Northern Ireland due to her furry companion, her cat named Captain. She is not the only one in this situation, as many other passengers also have their pets with them on the ship.
For Bodin and Canen, this delay has given them the opportunity to travel to various places such as Italy, Croatia, and Bodin's hometown in Sweden. Canen even plans to run her auto-glass business from the ship while Bodin, a carpenter, has been documenting their journey on their YouTube channel.
The Odyssey, which was built in 1993, has been operated by different cruise lines over the years before being purchased by Villa Vie Residences in 2023. However, the residential cruising business has faced its fair share of challenges. Currently, the only vessel of its kind in operation is MS The World, launched in 2002. Another venture, Life at Sea, had to cancel its planned voyage last year due to a lack of a ship.
Despite their setbacks, Bodin and Canen remain determined to continue their journey and have even put down deposits on other ventures that have also faced delays. They may be seen as crazy, naive, or resilient, but for them, the opportunity to live on a floating paradise is worth the risk.
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