A would-be passenger aboard much-delayed residential cruise Villa Vie Odyssey claims she has been thrown off due to comments she made in a WhatsApp group.
Jenny Phenix, 68 and from Florida, USA, sold her possessions to join the three year round-the-world voyage with the intention of stopping off in Miami along the way to pick up belongings for the rest of the cruise.
Passengers calling the ship home have been stranded on the vessel in Northern Ireland for three months while awaiting a new departure date.
Ms Phenix’s comments on WhatsApp about when the ship would set sail, as well as concerns about the duration of refurbishments and having a temporary cabin, has led to her being removed from the cruise all together.
She was told her contract had been cancelled for impacting community morale.
The Telegraph reports that Villa Vie Residences chief operating officer, Kathy Villalba, informed Ms Phenix: “We have received over a dozen formal complaints from residents regarding your continuous complaints and negativity. This behaviour has significantly impacted the morale and wellbeing of other passengers.
“Given the overwhelming feedback, we must cancel your contract permanently to uphold the wellbeing and satisfaction of our community.”
Ms Phenix, who has been living out of a suitcase since December 2023, told The Telegraph: “These were private conversations – I posted nothing on social media platforms. The frustration among the residents grew after every delay. I tended to be one of the more outspoken in asking important questions. Many of the residents thanked me privately for speaking up for the entire group.”
It’s not the first time Ms Phenix has encountered twists in the road when it comes to around-the-world cruises. The Florida-based Life at Sea residential ship scheme filed for bankruptcy July 23 2024, owing her thousands of dollars in the process.
Ms Phenix has now returned to Florida, having joined the last leg of Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas nine-month voyage, but not without experiencing some “emotional devastation”. She now plans to stay with her daughter until she comes up with “a whole new plan for my life”.
The Independent has contacted the Villa Vie Residences for comment.
In a statement shared with The Telegraph, Mike Petterson, the chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, said: “Ms Phenix broke multiple terms and conditions and signed a non-disclosure agreement. The founding residents voted and agreed to uphold her suspension and we plan on respecting that decision. We have nothing else to comment on the ongoing dispute.”
Villa Vie Odyssey was scheduled to set sail from Northern Ireland in May 2024. It was due to visit all seven continents, with stops at more than 425 ports in 147 destinations, but has been stalled due to the ship requiring work to the rudders and the gearbox, among other repairs and tests.
Earlier this week, YouTube vloggers MidLife Cruising, who have been detailing their experiences on board the delayed Odyssey, revealed they’d received an email from Villa Vie Residence’s CEO on Monday 9 September announcing there were “still problems” and that the company had extended a request for passengers to cover their food and accommodation expenses for “at least the next seven days.”
Ealier this week, Mr Petterson told The Independent: “While the road has had its challenges, every decision we’ve made is focused on the wellbeing and safety of our residents. 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.
“The hard work continues, and we are on track to welcome passengers onboard by the end of this week. We look forward to launching with pride and purpose, knowing we’re not just building a ship but a united community at sea together.”
For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast