Villa Vie World Cruise delays lead to self-paid hotel stays for passengers | Cruise News
Villa Vie Residences has reportedly declined to cover hotel and related expenses for passengers awaiting the delayed departure of its three-and-a-half-year world cruise, according to guests.
Angela and Steve Theriac, who are among those affected, shared on their YouTube channel that Villa Vie instructed passengers to cover their own costs “for at least the next seven days” as the vessel remains docked in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Given the high cost of accommodations in Belfast, the Theriacs decided to return to the U.S. while awaiting further updates. Passengers have been permitted to board the Villa Vie Odyssey during the day but are required to disembark each night. Angela added they remain hopeful for the cruise to begin soon but expressed a desire for more concrete assurances.
In response, Villa Vie Residences CEO Mikael Petterson stated that every decision has been made with the well-being and safety of their residents in mind. While they have provided trips around Europe and spent US$2+ million on hotel stays and excursions, they have now opted to let residents arrange their own accommodations and return to the ship for launch. He confirmed passengers would be compensated with onboard credit up to US$200 per day for their expenses.
Petterson added that the Odyssey is still on track to welcome passengers by the end of the week, noting that the company aims to create “a united community at sea.”
The world cruise, initially scheduled to begin in May, has been delayed by multiple logistical issues, particularly the challenges of reactivating a 30-year-old vessel after a prolonged layup. The ship, previously known as MS Braemar under Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, was acquired by Villa Vie in 2023.
This delay follows the cancellation of a similar long-term cruise from Life at Sea Cruises late last year due to financial difficulties and issues securing a ship. Petterson had been involved with that project before departing months prior to its cancellation.
