Imagine being stuck on a cruise for months.
That’s exactly what’s happened to passengers on a round-the-world cruise who have found themselves stranded in Belfast for three months after their voyage hit several delays.
The Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey arrived at Queen’s Island in Belfast to prepare for its journey. It was scheduled to leave on 30 May this year for the first leg of a three-year cruise.
But problems with the ship's rudders and gearbox means that the cruise has still not left its berth.
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Among the stranded is Holly Hennessey, a Florida resident and self-proclaimed 'cruise addict' who has been travelling with her cat, Captain.
She, as well as others, have been making the most of the situation.
'We can spend all day aboard the ship, and they provide shuttle buses to get on and off,' Holly said in a BBC interview.
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'We can have all of our meals and they even have movies and trivia entertainment, almost like cruising except we're at the dock.'
Villa Vie Residences offers villas at sea with the motto: 'a world cruise adventure we call home.'
According to their website, the prices of their cabins range from a hefty $99,999 to a whopping $899,000.
Onboard passengers can buy their cabins outright, allowing them to stay onboard beyond the initial three-year tour.
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The Odyssey features eight decks including cascading aft decks and a wrap-around promenade.
All passengers have access to three restaurants, five bars and lounges, an extended pool with two Jacuzzis, a spa and fitness centre and a library.
Passengers have the choice to buy their cabin outright rather than paying a daily rate for their room, sort of like a traditional hotel.
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It allows them to remain onboard beyond the Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey's initial three-year tour.
Some people have been making the most of the situation.
'I want to stay just as long as I am able,' Holly said. 'I have always wanted to live on a ship, and it will be a dream come true for me.'
Angela Theriac, travelling with her husband Stephen commented in a BBC interview: 'We are travellers, and we want to make the most of the place we are in
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'We keep teasing we will apply for residency here in Belfast.'
Meanwhile, Dr. David Austin, from Georgia in the US, has 'stopped counting down' the days until the ship finally launches.
He said: 'The payoff of seeing the world in this fashion is too great to feel too disappointed with each delay announcement.'
Which is true, after all, there are worse places in the world to be stranded.