The launch of the Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential world cruise ship, has been delayed again, causing a lot of frustration among guests who have been waiting in Belfast since May 2024.

The ship, run by Villa Vie Residences, was supposed to start its 3.5-year world cruises in May 2024. However, ongoing issues have repeatedly pushed back the launch date.
The ship finally underwent sea trials last week, which caused excitement amongst guests who felt that she was getting close to departure.
But the company emailed guests to inform them that further issues had been identified during the sea trials, and that the departure was delayed once again.
While no specific date has been set, the ship will be delayed by at least 7 days.
The company also informed guests that it would no longer be covering the living expenses for those who had chosen to remain in Belfast until the ship launched, although guests are expected to be able to get refund credit after paying for their hotels themselves.
Some guests have travelled back and forth to Belfast several times, while others have remained in the city. The company revealed that it had so far spent $2 million supporting those guests, and would no longer be able to do so.
Here’s hoping that the guests (who have invested at least $99,999 if they are planning on cruising for the duration of the voyage) get to sail soon!
TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!
Don’t miss these offers…
Related posts
- Three-Year Cruise CEO Releases Video Statement After Yet More Delays To Departure
- The Best Villa Vie YouTubers To Follow For The Drama
- You Can Live Permanently On A Cruise Ship! Here’s How Much It Costs
- Want To Cruise Around The World? Here’s How Much A World Cruise Really Costs

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.
Carnival To Pour Coca-Cola Again – Here’s Exactly What Will Be On The Menu
Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that the soft-drink fountains on its North-American ships will soon sparkle with Coca-Cola once more. The line first moved to Pepsi in January 2020 but…
Luxury Cruise Line Rolls Out Updated Loyalty Programme (With Status Match)
Explora Journeys has just rolled out a very tempting updated loyalty programme, which could tempt other cruisers to consider switching allegiances. The luxury cruise line has launched phase two of…
Urgent Search For Missing Cruise Guest
Authorities in Juneau, Alaska, have launched a large-scale search for a missing cruise guest after 62-year-old Marites Buenafe failed to return to Norwegian Bliss on Tuesday 1st July 2025. Buenafe,…
Backlash Over Ridiculous Rental Prices Causes Carnival Backtrack – But Not Far Enough
Just days after cruise fans erupted in disbelief over the cost of a basic pool noodle rental at Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line has quietly reduced the price by 45%….