Cruise ship stuck in Belfast

2024 - 8 - 29

Cruise Ship Stuck in Belfast: Passengers Discover the Joys of Pub Crawling!

Belfast - Cruise Ship - Irish Culture - Northern Ireland - Pubs - Tourism - Travel - Villa Vie Odyssey

Who knew being stranded could lead to a pint-filled adventure? Find out how cruise passengers turned a hiccup into a holiday in Belfast! 🍻🌍

A round-the-world cruise ship, the Villa Vie Odyssey, has found itself anchored in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for an astonishing three months! Initially set to leave in May bound for over 425 ports across 147 nations, technical problems have caused significant delays. While many would view this predicament as a disaster, two things are certain: the ship has turned into a floating hotel, and the passengers are living their best pub life in the fair city of Belfast.

With such an extended layover in the heart of Ireland, some of the passengers have taken the initiative to make the most of their unplanned stop. One adventurous traveler proudly declared to have visited every pub in the bustling city, while others have been indulging in local delicacies like fish and chips. Rather than sitting idle, many have headed out to explore the enchanting landscapes and rich culture of Northern Ireland, from the iconic Giant’s Causeway to the historic streets of the city. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade— or perhaps Guinness into a pint!

Despite the inevitable frustration that comes with a trip gone awry, the atmosphere on board has been surprisingly upbeat. With fellow passengers bonding over shared experiences and the surrounding charm of Belfast, some couples report being continuously invited by locals for pints, sharing warm laughs and tales of the sea—proving that even a setback can lead to unforgettable connections. As the ship’s CEO, Mike Petterson, assures that they expect to set sail by the end of next week, the passengers are left with stories that could rival the tales of even the most seasoned seafarers.

As the Odyssey prepares for its eventual departure, it’s fascinating to note that experiencing the charm of one city does not diminish the thrill of world exploration. In fact, for those on a long journey, a little unexpected time in port can create lasting memories and new friendships. So, the next time your travel plans hit a snag—remember the Odyssey crew who turned three months of delay into a journey of good times and great pints!

Did you know that Belfast is officially known for its shipbuilding industry and is home to the world-famous Titanic Belfast museum? Also, the Odyssey cruise isn’t just an ordinary cruise; it’s part of an ambitious three-year venture that promises adventure across all seven continents. Seems like it’s not just the passengers, but the entire world that awaits them!

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Image courtesy of "Business Insider"

Round-the-world cruise ship stuck in Northern Ireland for 3 months (Business Insider)

Some passengers on the Villa Vie Odyssey have used the delay to take other trips around Europe, and one said he'd visited every pub in Belfast.

Tourists still stuck on cruise ship in Belfast - The World from PRX (PRI)

A cruise ship full of passengers has been stuck in Belfast, Ireland, for three months. A vessel called the Odyssey was meant to leave port in Belfast in May ...

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

The Odyssey: Cruise passengers spending up to £680000 on three ... (The Independent)

Villa Vie Residences said they expect the ship to set sail by the end of next week.

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Image courtesy of "Evening Standard"

Cruise ship stuck in Belfast for three months: passengers and cat ... (Evening Standard)

The cruise was scheduled to call at almost 425 ports across 147 nations and cover all seven continents.

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Image courtesy of "Belfast Live"

Belfast cruise ship couple "keep getting asked to go out for pints by ... (Belfast Live)

"While in Northern Ireland we've been to loads of pubs and eating fishing and chips"

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Image courtesy of "New York Post"

Cruise passengers stranded in Ireland for three months after ... (New York Post)

The Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey ship had been scheduled to depart Belfast back on May 30 for the first leg of a three-year cruise before problems were ...

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Image courtesy of "Extra.ie"

Passengers on cruise stranded in Belfast for past 3 months (Extra.ie)

Villa Vie Residences CEO Mike Petterson told the BBC that the Odyssey's round-the-world cruise ship will launch by the end of next week. He said: 'When you're ...

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