Villa Vie Residences’ CEO and Founder Mikael Petterson has released a video statement, after the company’s three-year cruise suffered yet more delays.
Villa Vie Odyssey was originally scheduled to depart on her incredible itinerary on 15th May 2024, but then suffered a series of delays, being ultimately rescheduled to 15th June 2024.
However, more delays meant that the ship was pushed back even further, and now Petterson has been forced to issue a statement to reassure guests and to set a new departure date of 20th July 2024.
In the update, Petterson explains that the problems are due to the rudder stocks on the ship. Everything internal is ready to go, but problems with the rudder stocks meant that they needed to be replaced.
Petterson admits that, when the company took ownership of the ship (the former Braemar for Fred. Olsen), they had no idea what condition it was in and that all maintenance records had been deleted.
He claimed that the wear and tear on the rudder stocks show that they’ve been deficient for at least 15 years, while sailing for Fred. Olsen, but now that Villa Vie Residences owns the ship, they’ve had to carry out the repairs.
It’s expected that the work will be completed and the ship floated out between 10th and 12th July, with additional time factored in in case of further delays.
“Things haven’t exactly gone perfectly, and this is still an older vessel”
Villa Vie Residences’ CEO and Founder Mikael Petterson
Several guests had already arrived in Belfast in May for the ship’s departure – it’s believed that the company has been paying for their accommodation in the meantime.
Here’s hoping the ship can finally embark on her epic journey and guests can enjoy three years of sailing around the world in luxurious comfort.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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