We met when our luxury round-the-world cruise was delayed - four months later were engaged: How the long wait in Belfast to set sail on the Villa Vie Odyssey has proved life-changing for passengers (and infuriating for others)

A couple who met when their luxury three-year cruise experience was delayed in Belfast have told how they are engaged four months later.


A couple who met when their luxury three-year cruise experience was delayed in Belfast have told how they are engaged four months later. 

Passengers on the Villa Vie Odyssey paid as much as £27,000-a-month for the epic ship experience, which was due to set sail from Southampton on May 15 and then from Belfast on May 30.

But after engine problems struck the ship four months ago, voyagers have been forced to entertain themselves in the Northern Irish capital while they wait to set sail again. 

Gian Perroni, 62, who is Canadian but lives in Costa Rica, and Angela Harsanyi, 53, of Colorado, met in Belfast and got to know each other while walking around the rain-lashed city. 

A few months later, Mr Perroni has proposed to Ms Harsanyi during a romantic stroll along the River Lagan under a supermoon on Tuesday. 

The couple, who both own cabins on the ship, plan to host an engagement party onboard when they finally take off again next week. 

Mr Perroni told The Times: We both truly believe we have found our soulmate and couldnt imagine spending the rest of our lives apart.

Are YOU a passenger on the ship? Email your experince to katherine.lawton@mailonline.co.uk 

Gian Perroni, 62, (left) and Angela Harsanyi, 53, (right) are engaged after meeting in Belfast after the cruise ship got stuck four months ago

Gian Perroni, 62, (left) and Angela Harsanyi, 53, (right) are engaged after meeting in Belfast after the cruise ship got stuck four months ago 

The Odyssey, a US cruise liner operated by Villa Vie Residences, docked at Harland & Wolf ship repair facility in Belfast Harbour on August 30

The Odyssey, a US cruise liner operated by Villa Vie Residences, docked at Harland & Wolf ship repair facility in Belfast Harbour on August 30 

Captain the Cruising Kitty (pictured) is travelling on the ship with his owner

Captain the Cruising Kitty (pictured) is travelling on the ship with his owner 

Holly Hennessy, of Florida, (pictured) has enjoyed her stay in Belfast with her cat Captain the Cruising Kitty

Holly Hennessy, of Florida, (pictured) has enjoyed her stay in Belfast with her cat Captain the Cruising Kitty 

Meanwhile, 68-year-old Holly Hennessy, of Florida, said she has stayed annoyingly positive, thoroughly enjoying the delay with her feline companion, Captain the Cruising Kitty. 

The cat, which has its own Facebook page, travels the world with its owner, who bought a balcony cabin on the ship for $329,000 (£247,000).

Ms Hennessy previously told The Mail: I love Belfast. Belfast people are wonderful.

I just want to thank everybody in Belfast whos been so kind to us. And I mean, its been really nice.

She added: I love the traditional music being played in the pubs. I had a blast. 

Some passengers decided to visit all of Belfasts 131 pubs during their four-month stay in the city. 

Steve and Angela Theriac, of Nicaragua, had a pint of Guinness at every pub in the city centre. 

Captain the Cruising Kitty has his own Facebook page where his adventures are documented by his owner

Captain the Cruising Kitty has his own Facebook page where his adventures are documented by his owner 

Ms Hennessy takes her cat Captain the Cruising Kitty on her travels with her

Ms Hennessy takes her cat Captain the Cruising Kitty on her travels with her 

Holly Hennessey, 67, from sunny Florida, is travelling with her cat Captain the Cruising Kitty

Holly Hennessey, 67, from sunny Florida, is travelling with her cat Captain the Cruising Kitty 

The luxury cruise liner includes cabins that are worth between $92,000 and $920,000

The luxury cruise liner includes cabins that are worth between $92,000 and $920,000

Others are more excited to leave Belfast, with one couple saying they are overjoyed at the news they will be sailing again next week. 

Johan Bodin, 54, said: We are hoping something will happen by mid-next week.

The Odyssey underwent its final sea trial with DNV, a maritime safety assessment organisation, on Saturday. Managing director of Villa Vie Residences Mike Petterson confirmed they are hopeful to at last be under way as soon as next Wednesday. 

The vessel, which has an action-packed 425-port itinerary across 147 countries, has been plagued with mechanical issues since it was initially expected to launch in May. 

One dock worker confirmed to MailOnline: She sailed though her final test, and she should be off as soon as Wednesday. Everything is looking good.

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Источник: Daily Online

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