Jenny Phoenix, 68, found out she would no longer be able to go on her dream trip after repeatedly complaining in a group chat about ongoing delays and other issues
A woman who embarked on a dream round-the-world trip worth $350,000 (£265,585) has been banned from going on the cruise after private comments she made on WhatsApp came to light
Jenny Phoenix, 68, a divorced mother of two from Florida, had sold possessions, liquidated businesses and lived out of one suitcase in the lead-up to the Villa Vie Odyssey’s three-year maiden voyage. But as delays continued, Phoenix shared her frustration with fellow passengers in a WhatsApp group because the ship was not docking in Miami, where she had intended to collect the rest of her belongings needed for the cruise.
She also expressed concern that renovations may continue after the ship leaves Belfast and that she will have to use a temporary cabin as the cabin booked in her name is still being used by the crew. Her message was reportedly forwarded to the owners of cruise ship operator Villa Vie Residences, who said her contract for the next voyage had been terminated due to “conduct that is damaging to community morale”.
Chief operating officer Cathy Villalba said, “We have received over a dozen formal complaints from residents about ongoing grievances and negative feedback,” according to a report in the Telegraph. “This conduct has had a significant impact on the morale and wellbeing of other passengers. Given the overwhelming response, we must permanently terminate your contract to ensure the happiness and wellbeing of our community.”
Ms Phoenix said she was shocked by the news and denied engaging in personal attacks. She also said she never shared the news on social media. “Every delay increased residents’ frustration,” she added. “I was usually one of the most vocal people asking important questions.” Many of the residents have personally thanked me for advocating for the whole group.”
Ms Phoenix had been looking forward to a three-year cruise after the Life at Sea residential ship programme filed for bankruptcy, losing $30,000. (She had made a down payment on the trip and then planned to spend between $120,000 (£90,000) and $350,000 (£265,368) on a cabin, or join or upgrade to the Endless Horizons programme, which allows passengers to travel on board for the remainder of the duration.
Living costs start at $300,000 (£227,505), and the divorced flew to Southampton in May. “Preparing for a world cruise seemed like a big deal, and of course the travel plans and hotel bookings were made months in advance,” she said.
However, the cruise company announced it would set sail from Belfast on May 30th, after further problems were discovered during its stay in dry dock at the Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the Titanic was built. During the pandemic, liner operators had to reapply for certification because the ship had been out of service for years.
CEO Mike Petterson said the problems began when the company, when requesting a certificate of approval, asked for documentation related to past documentation that was not provided at the time. He told CNN that other work has yet to be completed, adding that the certificate provider does not intend to let Villa Vie sail without repairs and modifications.
Phoenix said she was emotionally devastated by what happened and found it difficult to talk about it. But Petterson maintained that she had broken some conditions and signed a non-disclosure agreement. Other cruise passengers plan to sail the Odyssey after it passes sea trials. Petterson said residents would be compensated with credits worth $200 (£151) each.