Passengers of the “eternal cruise” waited for the start four months later

The “forever” cruise has finally set sail from Belfast after waiting for passengers in port for four months. The travelers boarded the Villa Vie Odyssey for a three-and-a-half year circumnavigation of the world.

More than 100 passengers were finally able to leave Belfast on Monday for a three-year round-the-world “forever” cruise after being unexpectedly stuck in the Northern Irish city for four months, The Guardian writes.

They were expected to set sail from the legendary Harland and Wolff shipyards in Belfast, best known as the home of the Titanic, on May 30th.

But after several years of inactivity, work to certify the seaworthiness of the Odyssey took longer than expected. The ship was due to sail just before midnight on Monday evening after all the necessary paperwork was completed and checked at the last minute and the ship moved to a new berth so passengers could board shortly before 9pm. However, it later became known that its departure had been postponed to 6 pm on Tuesday.

Holly Hennessy, a retired asset manager, said “most of us don't really care” and that passengers are just itching to get on the road. “Shuttle buses have been ordered that will take us on board today at 17:00,” said the Florida native. “First of all, we are supposed to go to Brest in France, then Bilbao and Vigo in Spain, Porto in Portugal, then the Azores, Bermuda and the Bahamas.”

The maiden voyage will last 1,301 days, visiting all seven continents and stopping at 425 ports, from Rio de Janeiro to Singapore. The ship is equipped with restaurants, a swimming pool, a spa, a business center and medical equipment.

Despite being stuck in Belfast, passengers tried to enjoy their stay in the city. “I will always have a love for Belfast in my heart,” Hennessy said. “Meeting so many different kind people, living in an urban environment, not having to use a car and being away from American politics was wonderful.”

Described as the world's first indefinite cruise, sailing around the world every three and a half years, passengers on Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey can either buy their own staterooms for the life of the ship or rent them for the duration of the trip.

Passengers, mostly from the US, had already arrived in Belfast for their dream trip in May when the bad news was announced, leaving many stranded in hotels and Airbnbs throughout the summer. They were allowed to stay on board during the day, but not overnight.

Some took the opportunity to remember their Irish roots, others enjoyed a holiday in the Canary Islands, paid for by the company. Others took advantage of the unexpected free time to explore Europe and keep up with departure news.

Two passengers have fallen in love and are planning to get married. The ship's captain will marry the new couple in a "grand wedding" on board in April between Costa Rica and Panama. Both passengers were looking forward to sea adventures, but neither was looking forward to a relationship.

One of the passengers waiting to board Monday was Monica Finn. “It's not just about the journey and the destinations we go to, but also about the new friends we make,” she said. “We have our down times, but then we always pull together and push forward.”

The company announced on social media Friday that it has passed public health and safety certification tests. “We can't wait to welcome our employees on board,” the statement said.

As for the delay, Hennessy believes the cruise was “worth the wait.” She paid $329,000 for her mini-suite with balcony: “I will be incredibly comfortable.”

The Villa Vie Odyssey was sold as a “long-term cruise”, sailing “to some of the world’s most stunning destinations” for three and a half years, allowing passengers to “admire spectacular scenery from their home at sea.” Perhaps next time we will do without a four-month stopover.