3.5 year cruise further delayed, guests asked to cover hotel costs, passengers say

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Villa Vie Residences is not covering hotel and other costs for passengers waiting to board its 3 ½-year world cruise, according to guests.

Angela and Steve Theriac said the company asked guests to pay for their own expenses “for at least the next seven days” amid additional hurdles before the vessel can depart in a video posted to their YouTube channel, MidLife Cruising, on Tuesday.

Given the cost of accommodations in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the Villa Vie Odyssey ship is currently docked, the pair determined it was cheaper for them to fly back to the U.S. Guests had been able to board the ship during the day but have had to disembark at night.

“It is what it is,” Angela said in the video. “Yes, we’re still hopeful that this will set sail. Hopefully, we get news in the next week (saying), ‘Come back, we’re ready to set sail.’ But this time, I’m gonna say, ‘Can I see that in writing?’”

The Theriacs did not immediately respond to an interview request.

“While the road has had its challenges, every decision we’ve made is focused on the well-being and safety of our residents,” CEO Mikael Petterson told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. “We have supported our residents with trips around Europe, and spent over $2m in hotel stays and trips to accommodate and entertain them while Odyssey has been getting ready for launch. Since residents are scattered throughout Europe in over 20 different hotels, we have decided to let residents plan their hotels and way back to the ship for launch.”

He said guests would receive compensation for those costs in the form of onboard credit up to $200 per day.

“The hard work continues, and we are on track to welcome passengers onboard by the end of this week,” Petterson added. “We look forward to launching with pride and purpose, knowing we’re not just building a ship but a united community at sea together.”

The cruise was originally set to begin in May, but the company faced numerous setbacks as it readied the vessel for the voyage. Petterson told USA TODAY last month that Villa Vie had “been quite humbled by the scale of what it takes to reactivate a 30-year-old vessel from a four-year layup. After the lapse of all certifications of class we are now considered (a) new ship where all machinery and equipment must work as if new.”

What is a world cruise? It's not a 'shoot-from-the-hip decision'

The Odyssey previously sailed as MS Braemar for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines before Villa Vie bought it in 2023.

He said in the statement on Aug. 29 that the ship was expected to launch the following week.

The delays come after a three-year world cruise from Life at Sea Cruises was scrapped late last year following investor withdrawal and difficulties acquiring its desired ship. Petterson worked on that sailing as well but left the company months before the cancellation, The New York Times reported.

Angela Theriac said in Tuesday’s video that Villa Vie’s cruise is “our dream, and we’re gonna hang in there.”

“We hope this doesn't end up like some other ill-fated residential cruise ships,” she added. “We hope it’s just another week or so.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Delayed 3.5 year cruise guests say company will no longer cover hotels