The cruise with the Villa Vie Odyssey, which was supposed to go around the world, apparently doesn’t have a good star. The ship has been lying idle in Belfast harbor since the end of May. Hundreds of passengers are stranded. Loud “Euronews“Many of them sold their homes and belongings to live on board permanently.
Cruise passengers: “We stayed in six or seven hotels”
The 30-year-old ship repeatedly failed certifications. Extensive improvements are now needed. All passengers had to leave the ship and be accommodated in hotels. G. Grady says: “We stayed in six or seven hotels here in Belfast.”
Passengers’ patience is being strained as Villa Vie Residences repeatedly made last-minute departure announcements that were then postponed. Her husband, J. Grady, adds: “We’ve been here so long that the taxi drivers and waiters know us by name.”
The couple understands the problems because the Odyssey is a thirty-year-old ship. “These were unforeseen things that took time because they are not easy to solve, especially when this cruise ship is supposed to travel around the world for three and a half years,” says J.
Cruise lovers are stuck in Belfast
Operators have stopped covering all passengers’ costs. “Euronews” explains that this further aggravates the situation, especially since some passengers have no other accommodation because they sold their homes. This is also reported by the “star“.
Due to the ongoing uncertainty and the concerns of their children, the Gradys are returning to the United States for the time being. “Our children are worried about us,” says G.. Despite the setbacks, they remain optimistic and hope to be able to continue the cruise at a later date.
Cruise passengers demand money back after route change
At sea, but not on the planned route: That’s why passengers on the Carnival Vista recently demanded their money back. The shipping company had informed them about a change of course due to engine failure. Instead of the planned Caribbean route, the Bahamas should be visited. Some guests reacted indignantly and wanted to leave the ship. An eight-day cruise on the Vista costs an average of $779 per person. The cruise line offered credits toward future cruises and full refunds.
Many passengers were frustrated by the short notice. “They knew about the problem before we boarded the ship,” said one passenger. At least the cruise ship was able to leave.