Couple who got engaged after meeting on delayed round-the-world cruise show off matching tattoos and reveal lessons learned after being marooned for four months
A couple who got engaged after meeting on a delayed cruise have shown off their matching tattoos after being marooned together for four months.
A couple who got engaged after meeting on a delayed cruise have shown off their matching tattoos after being marooned together for four months.
The worldwide voyage of the Villa Vie Odyssey, which hopes to set sail this week, has been long set back - leaving its guests stuck exploring Northern Ireland instead.
Cruisegoers could rent rooms for between 35 and 120 days, or purchase villas ranging from £90,000 to £260,000.
Owning a villa on board guarantees the room for a minimum of 15 years, but the ownership stays valid for the entire operation of the ship.
However, the start of the dream stay boasting an ever changing backyard was delayed for four months due to unexpected repair works, meaning the cruise ship has been stranded in Belfast.
Gian Perroni, from Vancouver in Canada, and Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado in the US, first met in Belfast four months ago having bought cabins on the ship.
They previously told MailOnline how they fell in love with Belfast, and each other, and have now received matching trinity knot tattoos.
Gian Perroni, from Vancouver in Canada , and Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado in the US, first met in Belfast four months ago having bought cabins on the ship
The pair are seen on the Lagan Weir, near where Gian proposed to Angie earlier this month
They previously told MailOnline how they fell in love with Belfast, and each other, and have now received matching trinity knot tattoos
The couple have gone for a pink engagement ring rather than a more traditional clear diamond
Mr Perroni said the two are made for each other, adding: We found our soulmates.
With love blossoming in Northern Ireland, the pair recently announced their engagement following a proposal on the Lagan Weir Bridge under a supermoon.
Ms Harsanyi, who says she loves Mr Perroni from the bottom of her heart, added: I cant imagine spending another day of my life without him.
On being unexpected waylaid in Northern Ireland, Mr Perroni quipped: I dont think wed consider it stranded as much as ... marooned?
He said the Villa Vie Residences company has been great and diligent in making sure the vessel is safe and ready, as well as covering their expenses during the extended shore excursion.
Weve all had the opportunity to travel and go home as needed. So weve learned patience and perseverance - and learned how wonderful the people of Belfast have been.
Ms Harsanyi said visiting Belfast for the first time has been absolutely lovely, with the pair, who got matching tattoos to commemorate their time in the city, almost ready to start giving their own tours after soaking up the central area.
We enjoy the people, the pubs, the architecture, and a lot of the nature around here.
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
The pair believe they are soulmates after meeting in Belfast when the cruise ship suffered engine problems
The couple are happily engaged after meeting just weeks ago in Belfast
The hospitality and the kindness has been awesome.
Mr Perroni, who is half Irish, said they have been able to travel around Northern Ireland to destinations like the Giants Causeway: I dont think we could have picked a better place to end up. It is always going to be close to our heart.
However, he admits: Weve enjoyed the pubs - my liver is crying a little bit.
Ms Harsanyi, who is also travelling with her sister, is looking forward to the cruises community outreach programme around the world.
Mr Perroni, who has spent the last six years in Costa Rica, said the idea of the cruise really struck a chord with him. He is able to continue his work on board while seeing the world.
The ships captain will marry the new couple as part of a gigantic wedding on board in April, between Costa Rica and Panama.
Also waiting to board, Florida native Holly Hennessy said passengers were informed over the weekend that the ship has passed all certifications.
It was an arduous four-month process but we get to board on Monday and then we get to perpetually sail around the world.
She reflects fondly on her time in Belfast: What you lack in warmth of temperature, the people make up for. It has been a remarkable experience.
As for the delay, she believes the cruise will be worth the wait.
The luxury cruise liner includes cabins that are worth between $92,000 and $920,000
Holly Hennessy, of Florida, (pictured) has enjoyed her stay in Belfast with her cat Captain the Cruising Kitty
She paid 329,000 US dollars (£275,000) for her balcony mini-suite: Im going to be incredibly comfortable.
She added: When I see her (the Odyssey), my heart goes pitter-patter. I have a genuine affection for this ship.
Ms Hennessy said the experience on board will be an actual community. At her side is her yachting companion, Captain the cruising kitty.
The Siamese cat is used to life on deck, having spent every winter of his eight-year life on a boat.
However, Ms Hennessy knows that hotels are not always accommodating of pets.
Therefore, as part of what she describes as a generosity of spirit in the city, she said the Europa Hotel and others have been heroes by creating exceptions for Captain.
Im abundantly grateful for what could have been a much worse situation for me - and Captain!
The cat has made friends all over Belfast, even being invited to the Lord Mayors office.
Ms Hennessy, who said Belfast was her favourite part of the island when she last toured Ireland five years, said her shipmates are renting out three beer bikes as part of their last full day in the city.
We are going to make a grand statement saying goodbye to Belfast!
