We are finally aboard our ship, after it finally passed all inspections (including the unfair ones, and the truly stupid ones), marking the true start of our Residential Cruising life.
Media: You are welcome to use portions of this as quotes.
Attribute to Randy Cassingham, posting at ResidentialCruising.com
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The ship’s hospitality staff is gleeful that residents are finally arriving. I’m sure they were hugely bored, but probably also grateful to have extra time to train and study for the exams that they have to take before being personally certified. Things like knowledge of all emergency procedures, and proving they can get the ship safely evacuated in a hurry into the lifeboats if needed.
Thursday I went back to the Turkish barbershop I’ve been using while in Belfast for one last trim. I had already gone to the “big” liquor store to stock my bar for my two favorite libations (Old Fashioneds, and my self-concocted rum drink — I even brought my favorite cherries for it). Yes, the ship has bars, but I like making my own, using the exact ingredients I like — and paying less than bar pricing (which has yet to be revealed).
On the other hand, there’s a feature they told us we can take advantage of: we can store a special bottle at the bar(s) of our choice with our names on them, and they will serve them to us upon request. Not sure yet if there’s a fee for that, but that’s really cool either way. But then, my office is 30 seconds away from the bar I like, so it’s easy to pop over to my own space to mix up what I want.
Home Ship Home
We’ve been mighty tired of being in stasis. We’re mighty tired, period. The first thing we really need to do is rest, and we’re glad that (with several stops along the way), we’ll mostly be beating feet to the Caribbean, which is about 9 days’ of travel from Belfast (if we went straight there). I think every one of those days we’ll be sleeping in, eating well, taking naps, and going a bit easy with work.
We sold and left our Colorado house for the last time on September 27, 2023 — a year ago last Friday. To move onto/into our new home more than a year later is a something we never contemplated. We left Colorado expecting to start a Residential Cruising life on December 1 of last year. But that first company we signed with is, according to investigators, a scam. We sure as hell weren’t going to let that stop us.
But the year+ delay made us weary.
“Why Didn’t You Just Leave Belfast?”
The long delay was mostly not under Villa Vie Residence’s control. When they knew that a repair would take awhile, they did give us the option to leave. That would be why we went to the Canary Islands.
On other issues, they were piecemealed in by the inspectors. “Fix this.” It took 3 days, which the company clearly communicated to us. Then “Fix that.” Which would take 5 days, which the company clearly communicated to us. And on, and on, and on, and on, with varying lengths of delay.
Much of it was downright unfair: things that were “absolutely cannot sail with this issue” when it was clear that issue had been there for many years with the ship in operation under its previous company …and had been inspected before by the exact same inspection agency and passed. So why did the ship’s previous owner get to not only sail with that problem, which clearly turned out to not be a major safety issue, but we can’t agree to fix it next time we’re in drydock, which has to happen every 2-3 years anyway, and were willing to prove then it was fixed as agreed? Because that is allowable for items that are not safety-critical.
Crickets.
And there have been several issues like that; I’ll probably write about some of that down the line.
The company finally put their foot down and demanded a plan for getting to the end and getting out to sea. The inspectors replied with a list of 21 items that the company pounded out pretty quickly, and (as promised), the inspectors at DNV (Det Norske Veritas, the ship certification agency in charge) signed off on the Passenger Ship Safety Certification.
And then another hitch. And then another. Seriously?!
The Final Hitch, er, Hitches
Harland & Wolff, the ship-building company here in Belfast, best known for building the ill-fated Titanic (“Hey, it was fine when it left here!” — the classic line heard many times in Belfast when the Titanic is brought up), filed for bankruptcy. Or, as they put it in the U.K., “under administration.”
Press reports say that the company’s Belfast operations are not affected, but that’s not completely true: they pulled out the security by the ship, and said the company could not load Residents there.
Thank goodness the ship is “floating alongside” and can simply leave. Our COO had a contingency plan in place: to move Odyssey to the commercial ship terminal for us to board. Cripes that was a close call, even though it caused a bit of a scheduling jam since its space was already reserved for the weekend, so we still could not leave right away, because we could not board right away (until that other ship was gone), delaying us again, to today, Monday. 🙄
Then, as they were ready to throw off the ropes and head to the cruise terminal, the Harbor Master said no: not until he could get official word directly from DNV that the PSSC was issued. He didn’t happen to mention that, say, three months ago? Or when he started seeing news reports that they finally got the PSSC and were getting ready to leave? What a fookin’ idjit, as the Irish might say.
Still, Even More Important
For us, and many like us, we haven’t left Belfast because it is truly vital that we actually are on the first ship when it first sails. So we didn’t want to leave for, say, 2–3 weeks and be deep into a trip and have them say, “All set! We leave in three days!” and not be able to get back in time.
And guess what? That’s exactly what we heard Tuesday — and that meant some Residents are really struggling to get back in time. They took the risk; we weren’t willing to. It was that important to us. But with the delay to Monday, we probably won’t leave anyone behind.
So that’s why we didn’t leave Belfast: we had no true assurance that it would definitely be “two weeks” (or more) other than that one time, relatively early in our stay here.
There has been one other thing, particularly for us, which we have communicated in several recent interviews with The Press. (The media is recently quite interested in the story of The Ship, in part because of Kit’s “Ireno” walk, which has been covered in the news.) That thing is, we’re not here as tourists; we’re here as residents.
The longer we’ve been here, the more we have felt that we live in Belfast — because our home is that ship that’s parked right over there, just a few miles away. The local newspaper reporters can literally see it out their office window!
We haven’t been staying in a hotel, we’ve been living in an apartment in a residential neighborhood. We’ve shopped in the local stores, eaten in the local restaurants.
And because of the press coverage, all we have needed to do recently is say “We’re ship people” and locals instantly knew the back story. They’ve understood why we’re here, and they’ve been rooting for us to be able to get going soon.
They didn’t treat us as tourists, they treated us as neighbors. That’s a truly wonderful thing. Some have given us their email addresses, asking that we stay in touch.
So Yes: Finally! We are now onboard, in our home, starting at the moment we were allowed to. Not for the day, but permanently. The press was here to see us arrive, and to get a few quotes about how we feel to finally be going.
We are scheduled to leave in a few hours. Kit and I won’t really “feel” it until then. And then we can go to sleep in our own bed, and wake up tomorrow somewhere else: to Travel the World, Go Home Every Night.™
And when our former neighbors see it in the news, they will cheer.
Update: Tuesday
The slightly cryptic news as we left was, we will not be going far the first night. We anchored off Bangor, about 10 miles out of Belfast. Tuesday morning we were told we might have to return to Belfast. But at 4:30 this afternoon, we are still off Bangor.
I tracked down the CEO: the inspector apparently still hasn’t finished all the paperwork. After all those delays?! What the hell?! But here we are, waiting again.
Though we aren’t all that perturbed. Here’s my statement to a reporter this morning:
De sfeer op het schip was maandagavond heel goed, vertelt Randy Cassingham telefonisch vanuit zijn werkkamer op de boot. Hij werkt als auteur van verschillende nieuwsbrieven en wil dat de komende jaren vanaf het schip doen. Hij heeft goed geslapen, voor het eerst in zijn nieuwe thuis, en vertrouwt erop dat het schip binnenkort écht het ruime sop zal kiezen. „Het lijkt erop dat we moeten pauzeren omdat een formulier nog niet volledig is ingevuld door de inspecteur. Maar de reis is begonnen.” (NRC)
Or, if you are one of the few who don’t read Dutch:
The atmosphere on the ship was very good on Monday evening, says Randy Cassingham by telephone from his office on the boat. He works as an author of various newsletters and wants to do that from the ship in the coming years. He slept well, for the first time in his new home, and trusts that the ship will soon really set sail. “It looks like we have to pause because a form has not yet been fully completed by the inspector. But the journey has begun.”
Update: Thursday, 3:00 p.m. Local Time
After hearing the horn blast, I looked out to see we had gotten underway. A few minutes later, the company CEO showed up in the main bar, knowing he’d find a gathering there.
I said I hoped we are not going back to Belfast. “We are not going to Belfast,” he replied, bringing cheers from everyone there. We need fuel, and he told the planner he doesn’t care where we go, just go. But not to Belfast.
The first destination is Brest, France.
We … are … underway!
Last Updated October 3, 2024
Originally Published September 30, 2024
- About the Author
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Randy is the co-founder of Residential Cruising, and is best known as the founder of the oldest entertainment feature on the Internet, This is True. He and his wife, Kit, live full-time on the Residential Cruising ship Villa Vie Odyssey, where they are “Digital Nomads” — continuing their work while aboard the ship.
Bon Voyage!!
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That’s the one I’ll allow, since it’s first. So, thanks to all who wanted to say it! -rc
Belfast will be sad to see you go, but how exciting for you to finally get under way.
I’m looking forward to reading your updates.
Good for you, I have enjoyed following this. Waiting for the next tale.
Great to hear you will be on your way – whatever happened with NCL Stole My Most Important Bag?
I hope you and Kit enjoy every day.
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The final chapter on that has yet to be written. -rc
Once upon a time, a big driver behind this entire experience was allergy problems that were pushing you out of your prior home. When convenient, please give us an update on your allergy issues.
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Short answer: much improved. The longer answer must await until we have had more time on the move. -rc
Five quid says you’ll have to make an “emergency” stop in Derry or Dublin (depending on which way you go).
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You’re on! -rc
Just long enough for gas and directions, right?
I am so happy for you all! And I am wishing I was one of the Residents. I am looking forward to reading of your adventures as they unfold.
Yessss! Finally! So happy for y’all! I’ve been following along reading about this way cool pioneering journey you and Kit have embarked on. I can’t be on the ship with you guys, but still feel this sense of excitement as you prepare to set sail. Can’t wait to read more as you post.
And after reading about Kit’s Ireno, I’ve decided to get out and start walking more. Who knows what hidden treasures I may discover right around my town that I never knew about? Thanks Kit, for the inspiration!
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She’ll be thrilled to hear it. We’ve been underway since around 11:30 p.m. -rc
I can hardly believe you’re finally “home” and about to sail, Randy. You and Kit approached this as an adventure, and it’s certainly started out that way! I suspect by this time next year, your adventure will have hit some peaks that’ll have you both laughing at your residency in Belfast!
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I think it will be a fond memory …and we’ll be really glad it ended! -rc
Smiling through tears, here. SO happy that it’s finally happening! So heart-touched by the loveliness of the Irish who’ve been your neighbors.
I was fine until that last picture: “Don’t forget to remember!” I know you will always remember Belfast, and the lovely people there. If you’ll excuse me now, I’m off to have a wee cry and a wee dram to celebrate your departure.
Now you know what Noah must have felt! 🙂
Good sailing, my friends….
So, so happy for you all. Our potential ex-neighbours. 🥰
To all the nay-sayers, particularly the nasty ones — up yours!! 🖕 🤣
Take care Randy, Kit, Lanette, David, Holly and all of the other ex-VCL’ers. Drop us a line when you’re near our corner of the world and we’ll celebrate life and living!
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🤣 Taryna is a fellow VCL Victim — hence a comrade in arms. -rc
They’re not the only ones cheering. Surely I’m not the only one living vicariously through this newsletter, and so happy that you finally get to the next adventure.
Looks like you’ll be dodging quite a few storms on the way to the Caribbean.
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The company points out we can move. 🙂 -rc
Congratulations on finally being on board, and on your anniversary!
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Well, we enjoyed our anniversary in Belfast. This is a good beginning of the next year, though! -rc
So, congrats! And, after reading about the cherries/rum/amaretto I was hoping you’d share your old fashioned recipe as well since that seems to be my unicorn… trying to perfect it.
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I tend to like it a little sweeter than most. My “secret” is some of the cherry syrup. A burst of flavor. -rc
WhoooHooo!!!! Outstanding! Alright, Alright, Alright!
Cheering from NW Arkansas.
As another old fashioned drinker…try one with Screwball peanut butter whiskey and chocolate bitters…and the dark cherry. I don’t like PB but do like peanuts and the Screwball is a lot better and sweeter than it sounds. I only have a single one of those whereas I might have 2 normal ones.
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I’ve tried screwball before, and don’t like it enough to actually drink the stuff. -rc
Brilliant! You’ve got people all over the world rooting for you. Once the adrenaline wears off, get some rest.
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The news coverage turned to heavy and positive very quickly. I’m pretty convinced Kit’s Ireno was the trigger. And yeah, as soon as I finish the backlog of comment approvals, I’m heading to bed and sleeping late! -rc
Looking forward to more posts and continued publication of True.
When we were in Ireland last year my wife kept joking I needed the Turkish Barber. I’m a bit picky when it comes to my stylist — would love to hear more about your experience; unless I just missed it in another post!
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“Style” isn’t this sort of shop’s strong point. But it beat the shaggy look. I’ll spend much more time training the staff on the ship. 🙂 -rc
I sincerely wish this will turn out to be exactly the adventure you expected. Clear skies and smooth water my friends.
I’m so happy for you to be finally home.
It’s about d*mn time the local authorities got off their collective butts & told the company *ALL* of what they needed to do to get their certificate. Then the Harbor Master was causing you all more aggravation?!?!?! It all sounds like 1 giant bureaucracy exercising its innate ability to cause the most hangups, confusion, & delays possible. (smh)
I really hope that’s the last of the delays & you all can finally set sail soon!
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Already have! -rc
Makes you wonder a but if the industry doesn’t like the disruption residential cruising might cause. Or perhaps the surveyors being extra cautious being the first ship certified and doesn’t want some failure to come back and point at them. In some other parts of the world it would involve a new car or holiday to speed things up!
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We were beginning to wonder if that’s what it was going to take. -rc
Awesome news guys! Lookout world, here come the Cassinghams!
Could you give us reviews of the restaurants and sites you liked in Belfast. It sounds like a wonderful place to visit for an extended stay.
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Already did: Daisies, Noodz, and the Garrick. -rc
Truly a milestone! I saw you in you office on Steve and Angela’s live cast. I’m guessing you were working on this piece. And when I started reading it, I checked the map and you were still quayside. By the time I finished it you were underway to destinations unknown and to be explored! Wonderful!
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I still haven’t seen that video! Been too busy. It’s here, linked to where that segment starts. -rc
A bit jealous, even though something like that has never been on my radar. I especially loved the part about how you became part of the neighborhood. Enjoy, and let us know what happens.
Also, if we ever get the chance to meet in person again, we will have to compare recipes for Bourbon drinks. I do a Manhattan, somewhat modified, that you might like.
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Send me your recipe! But yes, I enjoy meeting my readers, especially the long-timers. -rc
I’m fairly long term… Can’t remember how long but probably 15-plus years? Since long before you changed the name of your newsletter anyway. If you do make that stop in Dublin, let me know and I’ll stand you to a pint.
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If you remember the previous name, under which it ran for a bit less than 10 months, then you’re an old-timer: that was 30 years ago. But we left Irish waters days ago; we are between France and Spain now. Maybe next time around! -rc
Well done Randy you outlasted, outwitted and outplayed all those who said it would never happen. Now are your new neighbors those on the high seas? The ships that transit to deliver the goods? The men and women in the Navy providing security or just those on the adventure with you on the ship.
Knowing this is not the last bump on the sea looking forward to more lessons from Randy and Kit on how to properly handle the adversity that life brings.
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Our neighbors are others who live on the ship. The others are just those who pass in the night. -rc
I feel like there’s a bigger story behind the ineptitude and antagonism the ship got — probably due to the fact that the regulators won’t be able to grift more money from the ship once it leaves (but I am, it should be noted, wildly speculating).
Best wishes for life at sea. The updates are going to be fascinating.
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The site’s 666th comment! My favorite number. 🙂 -rc
I recall you mentioning it, but I don’t recall the resolution: How are you going to be able to cast your ballot in the upcoming election? And is your ballot a special “Federal-only” ballot since you’re not a resident of a local US municipality?
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One “always” has an address somewhere, and can vote the ballot of that address. One of the reasons we were in Nevada so long was to establish residence there, since we have friends who can deal with our mail; it’s our home anytime we choose to go back to the U.S. Meanwhile, Nevada makes it very easy to vote when outside the U.S. We have already cast ours for November’s election. -rc
Safe travels for sure. And I don’t want to put a damper on your journey just beginning, but it gave me pause when you said the ship is heading to the Caribbean. Having just experienced Hurricane Helene on the west coast of Florida, hurricanes will still be forming in the Caribbean for at least another month. Your crew will surely keep abreast of any developments. All the best on your much anticipated life at sea!
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As noted in a previous comment, “The company points out we can move. 🙂 -rc”
How wonderful that you are finally afloat. We look forward to hearing all about life afloat, as well as all about your ports of call.
I first met you & Kit in a coffee shop in Westminster (CO) one evening to pick up some of your books, a long time ago. Looking forward to keeping up with you on this part of your life journey!
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A couple of lifetimes ago now! Glad you’re still along for the ride. -rc
You’re on board. And the ship is UNDERWAY??????? What a thrill. Just wonderful news. San Francisco says ‘Bon Voyage’!
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I used to drive an ambulance in SF. Some amazing memories. -rc
I am really, really happy to hear that you are finally getting to begin your journey. I hope to be able to vicariously tag along with you and learn all about the experience. I love cruising, but I am not so sure about doing it full-time. I will be fascinated to hear how your experience turns out.
Enjoy your travels.
Time to relax and chill now — all the best.
Saw a UK Daily Mail article.
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I’ve removed the link, but will include it in a post I do about it — because there is SO MUCH WRONG in that article it’s absolutely ridiculous! Am pretty busy today, but I’ll try to get it posted before bed. -rc
There were times when I wasn’t sure you were going to make it out of there, at least not on the ship. Very glad to have been wrong.
It would be nice if some high ranking bureaucrats in the British maritime establishment saw all of this and realized how much it made them all look like putzes, particularly the last minute spasms of the Harbour Master. Maybe they would decide it was time to clean house and get everyone back to the proper “civil servants are to service you” mentality.
Enjoy the next however long it will be!
Re: your Cherry Rumtini recipe
A simple drink I learned about 60 years ago is the Rum Dum.
After a hard day’s exertion or a hot day the Rum Dum is very refreshing. After two it’s more like Dum Dum.
Start with a chilled blender full of ice cubes.
Add one 6 oz. Can of frozen Pineapple Juice (variant: frozen Orange/Pineapple Juice)
Add 6 oz. Quality rum (I use Bacardi light)
Blend until smooth (add a little water if the blend freezes up).
You might want wait for the warm(er) weather of the Caribbean or further south.
Enjoy.
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You had me until you defined “quality” rum! But I suppose Bacardi is fine as a mixer. -rc
Sixty years ago I was young, poor, and ignorant.
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Good comeback. 🙂 -rc
Thank you for translating that quote, I’m one of the few who did not do well in Duterish class.
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Yeah, you were among the 2 or 3 of my readers I was thinking would need the help. -rc
The translation was useful, but I was pleased that I understood all except a couple of words of the Dutch.
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See?! I knew my readers are all above average! -rc
Me too! Randy will be tour guide when they get to Cape Town!!
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You fiend! You want me to WORK when we get to port?! And here I thought you liked me. -rc
I looked out for you on the BBC news last night, but sadly no show. 🙁
Never mind: the voyage has finally become bon!
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Yeah, we were tired and decided not to do any “exit interviews”. I did get a few email requests for comments, and did those, but I just wanted to get onboard and get my work done. Didn’t get to bed until 2:00 a.m. 🥱 -rc
So happy you’re finally off, and looking forward to your reports! The Irish bureaucracy sounds familiar — we share a lot with the Irish, here in Greece, besides a warm welcome!
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The Irish were only involved at the very end, as far as I could tell. It was the Norwegians that were the main problem! -rc
Hope all goes well and yous getaway. Gonna look strange the ship not sitting here in Belfast lol. Wishing yous all the very best on your epic aventure. Looking forward to seeing your posts and photos. 335
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She became quite the fixture of the docks, but enough was enough! Have a wee celebration for us. -rc
So very happy that you and Kit are finally home! Like all the other commenters, I have been breathlessly following your adventures and travels as you awaited boarding.
My husband refuses to go on any sort of cruise, so I guess residential cruising is out for me. Am I a bit more than a touch jealous? You bet!
Safe travels and aloha from the Garden Island of Kauai!
Congratulations!! I enjoy reading your blogs. I saw you in your cool new “office” onboard the VV, on Midlife Cruising’s video 😬. It was amazing watching the welcome party, with residents greeting each other and chatting like old friends. I guess that would not have happened if not for all the delays. The community developed! So I think something really positive came out of this highly challenging situation. Sending my best regards.
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Yes, some great friendships were cemented, and one engagement. And we’ve hardly started! -rc
I saw the news this morning that the ship did, indeed, hit that one more hitch, and had to turn back to sign papers. Seriously? You can buy a house without ever signing a piece of paper, but they couldn’t accept an electronic signature and made the boat turn back? I do hope that, as reported, your boat sails at 11:30 p.m. tonight.
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I’m unclear on what actually needs to be done, physically. Signatures? Inspection? Envelope of cash? Naked dance around a bonfire? We may never know. -rc
I’m living vicariously through you and Kit. If I had the money I’d be seriously considering this lifestyle too. Blessings to you for safe travels around and around the world.
Wouldn’t it be nice if inspectors who dragged their feet on paperwork had to pay the company’s costs out of their salaries?
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If it’s true foot-dragging, some sort of liability should be in order! -rc
Good for you! Envy here. I hope you enjoy residential cruising. I think I would.
I love the different office location views. I had that 14 years in RVs.
We make our living on the Web. We’re leaving for an 18-day cruise next week, our longest so far. I hope to get some work done during the cruise.
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It’s a fun way to work. The office environment is reminiscent of my time at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. -rc
Life at sea will surely help with your allergies based on my experiences. 20 Years US Navy and the only time I even caught a cold or had sinus drainage was when I was over 100 miles from the sea.
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I’m hoping! -rc
Only 1276 days left! On which one do you get to Cape Town? And where do you go after that? Maybe I will join you for the last leg of your Odyssey… I’m getting itchy (sea) feet again! 😎
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Actually, we don’t count the days like that: we bought our cabin and intend to stay indefinitely. As for when we get where, they need to catch up to current events before they can reissue the itinerary, which should happen by the weekend. -rc
Second night off Belfast? What is the current explanation? And do you have an itinerary? With admiration for your stoicism.
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See the update. We are returning to Belfast for water and fuel, and then will head to Brest, France. -rc
I’ve read over everything from beginning (crazy Art) to end (let’s beat them to death with red tape) to this first day of October, and you still kept your spirits up when you could easily have changed your name to Murphy!
Sending you and Kit and all your neighbors best wishes for much needed R & R.
Will keep a curious eye on your writings from stateside.
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The story has barely begun! -rc
Unbelievable… I can’t wait til y’all are rounding the coast of another country!
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Me either. I told a reporter this morning, “It’s a little distressing to be coming back to Belfast. We loved our time there, but we said our goodbyes and moved on.” -rc
Forty years ago we wanted to take a ferry someplace from Dublin. We visited the ferry office. After 15 minutes of gobbledy-gook, I said to the clerk, “Let me understand this. You’ll sell me an overnight cabin but you won’t sell me a tix to board the ferry. If I can’t board, I don’t get a refund on the cabin.” Yup, that’s what he was saying. We left, stopped in at an AmEx office down the street and booked the cabin plus the boarding tix. I came away with a better understanding of the Irish.
Bon Voyage from your prior VCL shipmates, Bill & Carol Plaut.
Our home in Florida is for sale and we’ll be trading in our 37’ motor home for a newer and larger one and return to full time RVing. Not the cruise we’d hoped for, but another adventure we’ll love.
Be well and please continue to post your adventures.
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I’ve talked about the slimy VCL here. -rc
Not a comment but info:
If any of your readers/passengers would like to find the ‘live’ current location of your ship-home they can track it via marinetraffic.com. (Use the search bar for Odyssey).
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Much easier: click the “Where Is…” button on the navbar of this site. -rc