Will the third time be the appeal for Villa Vie Residences’ world cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey? The cruise firm has postponed, for the third time in two weeks, the launch of its solely ship, a 929-guest vessel that may’t appear to seek out its manner out of a dry dock renovation.
The most recent launch date is confirmed to be June 21, 2024, almost a month later than the ship’s unique debut, which was set for Might 30, 2024. The continued delays are problematic for friends who’ve already booked journey to, or have arrived in, Belfast, Northern Eire, the place to begin for the vessel’s first 3.5-year world cruise.
Below renovation since April 28, 2024 on the metropolis’s Harland & Wolff shipyard, Villa Vie Odyssey was initially slated to exit dry dock on Might 21, 2024 and depart on her inaugural voyage on Might 30, 2024.
The primary delay, to June 4, 2024, stemmed from points with the ship’s gray water tanks, which maintain used water from the kitchen, showers, laundry services, and different sources (not bathrooms). The water is handled earlier than being discharged into the ocean, in compliance with native guidelines and rules.
The water tank downside was resolved however then the road revealed one other impediment — a rudder inventory downside, and introduced a second launch delay, to June 15, 2024. A rudder is required for navigation functions; and not using a rudder, a ship can not flip. Unable to shortly remedy the rudder subject, Villa Vie Residences was compelled to once more postpone the ship’s debut, this time to June 21, 2024.
The cruise line is aiding friends who already arrived in Northern Eire to board the ship, providing lodging, transportation, and excursions.
As soon as the ship lastly enters service, barring any additional mechanical points or different issues, Villa Vie Odyssey will start her world cruise. Villa Vie Residences, whose enterprise mannequin relies on working steady world voyages, every with a period of three.5 years, purchased the ship in March 2024.
Villa Vie Odyssey, in-built 1993, was previously named MS Braemar and was final owned by Fred. Olsen Cruise Strains. Earlier than that it was operated by different traces, together with Cunard, as Cunard Crown Dynasty.
World Cruise Cabin Prices Are Primarily based on Stateroom Selection
Fort Lauderdale-based Villa Vie Residences revealed its residence-at-sea program in 2023, inviting cruisers to purchase a cabin and reside on the ship because it operates steady world cruises each 3.5 years. Charges begin at $99,999 (USD) for an inside cabin, rising to $299,999 for a balcony stateroom, and to $349,999 for a balcony suite.
Learn Additionally: How A lot Does It Price to Stay On a Cruise Ship?
Costs are inclusive of meals and drinks; housekeeping and laundry; medical help; WiFi; use of all public areas, and extra. The ship’s world cruises will go to 147 international locations and greater than 400 locations.
The cruise line’s newest pitch to potential cabin house owners was introduced in early Might 2024, when it launched a particular program for retirees — Infinite Horizons, that includes a one-time price of $299,999 (USD) for single occupancy and $499,999 (USD) for double occupancy. With the acquisition, retirees can spend the remainder of their lives aboard the ship, crusing steady world cruises.
Along with the Infinite Horizons provide and the world cruise cabin buy plan, the cruise line has another choice for these not in a position to cruise long-term — a pay-as-you-go deal the place cruisers can purchase world cruise segments from 35 to 120 days.
