Doomed cruise liner that got stranded for four months in Belfast is dubbed SS Clusterf*** by passengers after being left without flushing toilets
Passengers on a world voyage that has been stuck for four months in Belfast considered abandoning ship after being left without flushing toilets - branding the doomed cruise liner SS Clusterf***.
Passengers on a world voyage that has been stuck for four months in Belfast considered abandoning ship after being left without flushing toilets - branding the doomed cruise liner SS Clusterf***.
Those living on board say that the stench of sewage was left wafting through the corridors - with another saying the situation was Third-World.
Residents complained that the tv channels and the swimming pools are not yet operational - and said the company even messed up smashing the champagne bottle against the side, which took three attempts before it broke.
Joe Rhodes, who has been writing about his experiences on board the doomed ship, said that the water broke on the very first night after they set steam from Ireland.
In an understated passage, he said: Its all been somewhat disappointing, somewhat shoddier and somewhat less functional than the brochures led us to believe.
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Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship leaving Belfast Lough for the last time after being anchored for four months
Passengers wave as they board the Villa Vie Odyssey at Belfast Cruise Ship Terminal on September 30
Joe Rhodes, who has been writing about his experiences on board the doomed ship, said that the water broke on the very first night after they set steam from Ireland
And when they finally got to their first stop - Brest, in France - passengers were trapped on the ship because there were not enough port workers to set up a gangplank.
Soon things went from bad to worse, when all the water was cut off and residents found themselves with no way to flush their toilets - supposedly because the wastewater tanks were not properly installed.
While this was fixed later that day, the hot water did not return until their second day in Bilbao.
He continued: Most Residents didnt realize this — the shutdown happening in the middle of the night — until AFTER theyd made deposits, so to speak. Yep, we awakened to the faint smell of s**t marinating in a hundred unflushed bowls, wafting through the corridors, gently mixing with the ocean breeze.
Mr Rhodes told The Telegraph: Things have gone much more smoothly since Bilbao. No more problems with the hot water or non-flushing toilets. The food has gotten exponentially better and things are going pretty well, much closer to what wed anticipated the cruise would be. The beer is still terrible, though.
The Villa Vie Odyssey had been scheduled to leave Belfast since May for a three-year, round-the-world cruise but was delayed due to unexpected repairs.
Earlier this month, passengers were in good spirits as they finally prepared to set off on their expedition.
They cheered and hugged chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, Mike Petterson, when he confirmed that night that the liner was ready to depart Northern Ireland.
Mikael Petterson (centre), chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, speaks to passengers as they prepare to board the cruise ship at Belfast Ports Cruise Ship Terminal on September 30
A person on the strand close to Bangor Marina takes a photo of the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship on October 1
But the cruise ship returned less than 12 hours later and remained in Belfast Lough as Mr Petterson aid it still had to complete administrative paperwork.
The vessel was expected to make several stop-offs before heading to the Bahamas.
But due to unexpected repair works, the 125 passengers have been forced to while away their summer with city booze cruises and sight seeing tours in Northern Ireland.
To make the best of their situation, some passengers turned to inhaling Vitamin D pills to offset the effects of the sullen Belfast sky.
Others focused on themselves and found love, with one couple who met while marooned on the port getting engaged there just four months later.
Despite the relative understanding some passengers showed, there was also fury among their ranks - with on lady claiming she was ousted from the cruise after her private WhatsApp messages critiquing the operation were leaked.
Chief Operating Officer Kathy Villalba claimed that had received over a dozen formal complaints from residents about her negativity and it was impacted the morale and well-being of other passengers.
But before they were forced to make their way back, the unlucky tourists said they made the most of the celebrations on deck.
The Villa Vie Odyssey leaves Belfast Harbour on September 30 where it had been stranded since May
Andy Garrison, 75, prepares to board the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship in Belfast on September 30
Melody Thor Hennessee and John Hennessee prepare to board the ship in Belfast on September 30
Retired doctor David Austin from Georgia in the US told MailOnline on October 1: A few of us literally partied until sunrise. Joyous to the point of disbelief that is actually happening.
Passenger John Frim told the BBC he was a little confused by the situation but was happy to be home and have slept in his own bed on the ship for the first time.
Another passenger, Mary Ann Demsar, said she was still very excited to be going to see the world, adding: Its been tough getting here with all the delay.
But Ive had the time of my life these last five months exploring Ireland and Europe and enjoying everything Belfast has to offer.
Ms Demsar, who is Canadian, added: Not sure exactly whats happening but we are going to be docking back in Belfast today [October 1] and then leaving later on. There is some paperwork that still needs to be done.
After they set sail again for the final time at the start of this month, passenger Holly Hennessey said: Hallelujah! All of us are beyond words, delighted, and the celebration is already under way.
The celebrations continued on deck as videos surfaced of the residents cheered and hugged Mr Petterson, when he confirmed that the liner was ready to depart Belfast.
Many of the passengers thanked Belfast for hosting them for many months, praising the people and the many pubs the city has to offer.
The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship at Belfast Port on September 28 as preparations continued
One man, who carried a self-assembled model of the Titanic on board on Monday, said he enjoyed Belfast but was ready for the rest of the cruise.
The luxury cruise offers rentals from 35 to 120 days, or villas can be purchased for £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.
Villa Vie Residences has been contacted for comment.
