Oh, Joe I am so glad you are back. My only complaint is that you post too infrequently but I understand the search for an adequate beer may conflict with sufficient time to write. Have you tried Schlitz or Lone Star? Those were the Texan favorites of yore though you seem to have a keener palate.
You should check out Kathy V's explanation of the pools which she (incredibly) posted on the Relentlessly Positive vloggers' fb. The essence was, the pools don't actually work, they will be fixed but at least it seems the water is constantly exchanged when the ship is 12 miles offshore so they can only be used then.
And in reference to the "ludicrous-in-retrospect May sailing date", it was ludicrous in pre-spect too. VV initially announced the renovation would be 10 weeks and after taking possession of the ship and learning it was uncertified and after it taking weeks longer to restart (ie it had problems and they knew it then), they cut the timeline to 3 weeks. One has to wonder are they amongst the dumbest (sorry) business people around or were they flat out lying about the launch date because their contract said if they didn't launch by 2 weeks after the initially set May 15 launch date they owed 100% refund to all. I'll let you make that determination.
My advice to you (although I have no right to give you advice, but why should that stop me?) is do NOT give them a penny more than you have to and NEVER give them a penny before it's due, if you see them going downhill faster stop giving them any pennies. Always have a backup plan of where you would go and how you would get there in case anything untoward happens. Document everything by date (hide this!) and make sure you can always get to it and that it goes with you if you ever can't get back onboard or back into your cabin. Start the documentation now in retrospect to the beginning as it's much harder to recreate in the future. Keep enough snacks and fresh water in your cabin in case it comes down to cannibalism.
In the middle of the Atlantic, way more than 12 miles off shore, at least one, maybe two, pools are open and people are in them. I’ve seen pictures. That is the problem with all this situation, the information is too old to be true any more.
That's the point. There is only water in the pools when they are offshore. They are exchanging seawater only when they are at sea and only on sea days can the pools be used. The pool equipment doesn't work so if they are in port or near land they can't use the pools (no filtration system working). Yes you saw pictures because some residents, including the vloggers, try to create a misleading picture (of many things) making people think the pools actually work which they presently don't.
Thank you Joe for another exquisitely written piece! Clarity, perspective and humour in a succinct style. Most helpful for us fascinated and perplexed (in equal amounts) bystanders. May you find a decent local Caribbean beer on board to herald your return.
I can't believe they are allowing you back on the ship! My ordeal in attempts to board for a trial run prior to purchase were so stressful I bailed. Still believe totally in the concept, but...so, my deposit will most likely be applied to segments although the skip (Trump) plan makes me want to join just as a political statement. But as a marketing ploy-yep, makes perfect sense to piss off half the country. Yet they are so paranoid about negative publicity. SMH. I swore if Trump succeeded I would move abroad and hoped it would be via VVR. But the lesser of two evils...still debating that one. I applaud your candor and writing skills. Looking forward to continuing to read more if they don't make you walk the plank first! I was rumoured to be headed that way for my aggregious behaviour but that is another story!
Just reading this now... The painted donkey reference is "spot" on! Lol Just wanted to say hi 👋 as you say you were in Dallas. I'm a Texan exiled to the UK 🇬🇧 for the last 15 years. Truly thankful, at this point, not to be under the rule of old orange one again. You best stay on that ship for at least 4 more years!
Can't tell you how much I enjoy your posts. Something I always look forward to--telling it like it is. I am among the gobsmacked millions that can't accept what happened in the so-called "election" so appreciate you traveling all the way back to the US to vote. You may want to stay on that ship forever, good beer or not.
Did you get back on? I think you said you might board in Martinique and they are in Fort-du-France now. Special spot as far out at the end of the pier as possible even though there are no other cruise ships. I'm sure it's not a cost saving measure, it's out of concern for your health. Walking much more is better for you all.
Thank you for the insight! Looking forward to read about your and the Odyssey’s adventures. It‘s a great concept, I hope they can make it work and the business will thrive. Would love to see their concept!9
Oh, Joe I am so glad you are back. My only complaint is that you post too infrequently but I understand the search for an adequate beer may conflict with sufficient time to write. Have you tried Schlitz or Lone Star? Those were the Texan favorites of yore though you seem to have a keener palate.
You should check out Kathy V's explanation of the pools which she (incredibly) posted on the Relentlessly Positive vloggers' fb. The essence was, the pools don't actually work, they will be fixed but at least it seems the water is constantly exchanged when the ship is 12 miles offshore so they can only be used then.
And in reference to the "ludicrous-in-retrospect May sailing date", it was ludicrous in pre-spect too. VV initially announced the renovation would be 10 weeks and after taking possession of the ship and learning it was uncertified and after it taking weeks longer to restart (ie it had problems and they knew it then), they cut the timeline to 3 weeks. One has to wonder are they amongst the dumbest (sorry) business people around or were they flat out lying about the launch date because their contract said if they didn't launch by 2 weeks after the initially set May 15 launch date they owed 100% refund to all. I'll let you make that determination.
My advice to you (although I have no right to give you advice, but why should that stop me?) is do NOT give them a penny more than you have to and NEVER give them a penny before it's due, if you see them going downhill faster stop giving them any pennies. Always have a backup plan of where you would go and how you would get there in case anything untoward happens. Document everything by date (hide this!) and make sure you can always get to it and that it goes with you if you ever can't get back onboard or back into your cabin. Start the documentation now in retrospect to the beginning as it's much harder to recreate in the future. Keep enough snacks and fresh water in your cabin in case it comes down to cannibalism.
Be safe. Be well. I wish you all the best.
In the middle of the Atlantic, way more than 12 miles off shore, at least one, maybe two, pools are open and people are in them. I’ve seen pictures. That is the problem with all this situation, the information is too old to be true any more.
That's the point. There is only water in the pools when they are offshore. They are exchanging seawater only when they are at sea and only on sea days can the pools be used. The pool equipment doesn't work so if they are in port or near land they can't use the pools (no filtration system working). Yes you saw pictures because some residents, including the vloggers, try to create a misleading picture (of many things) making people think the pools actually work which they presently don't.
Thank you Joe for another exquisitely written piece! Clarity, perspective and humour in a succinct style. Most helpful for us fascinated and perplexed (in equal amounts) bystanders. May you find a decent local Caribbean beer on board to herald your return.
I can't believe they are allowing you back on the ship! My ordeal in attempts to board for a trial run prior to purchase were so stressful I bailed. Still believe totally in the concept, but...so, my deposit will most likely be applied to segments although the skip (Trump) plan makes me want to join just as a political statement. But as a marketing ploy-yep, makes perfect sense to piss off half the country. Yet they are so paranoid about negative publicity. SMH. I swore if Trump succeeded I would move abroad and hoped it would be via VVR. But the lesser of two evils...still debating that one. I applaud your candor and writing skills. Looking forward to continuing to read more if they don't make you walk the plank first! I was rumoured to be headed that way for my aggregious behaviour but that is another story!
I hope that everything works out and you get to sail the world. I also hope that you purchased a good insurance policy.🤞
Thank you for flying home to vote 🫶.
Just reading this now... The painted donkey reference is "spot" on! Lol Just wanted to say hi 👋 as you say you were in Dallas. I'm a Texan exiled to the UK 🇬🇧 for the last 15 years. Truly thankful, at this point, not to be under the rule of old orange one again. You best stay on that ship for at least 4 more years!
Are all the passengers older people? Maybe they’re easier to push around.
Can't tell you how much I enjoy your posts. Something I always look forward to--telling it like it is. I am among the gobsmacked millions that can't accept what happened in the so-called "election" so appreciate you traveling all the way back to the US to vote. You may want to stay on that ship forever, good beer or not.
Did you get back on? I think you said you might board in Martinique and they are in Fort-du-France now. Special spot as far out at the end of the pier as possible even though there are no other cruise ships. I'm sure it's not a cost saving measure, it's out of concern for your health. Walking much more is better for you all.
Flying out of Dallas tonight. Board in Martinique tomorrow (Tuesday).
Welcome back Joe!
Thank you for the insight! Looking forward to read about your and the Odyssey’s adventures. It‘s a great concept, I hope they can make it work and the business will thrive. Would love to see their concept!9
Older people in fish tails. What did you wear?
I was dressed as a grump at the bar.
I’ll bet nobody recognized you.
I tried to locate the ship on my marine tracking app but couldn't find Villa Vie Odyssey. It may be registered under a different name?
Currently trying to help friends and family make sense of what just happened. Wish me luck!
It's still afloat. Villa Vie Odyssey on Cruisemapper.
Joe's right -- Cruisemapper is excellent for tracking the ship. Here's a link from this morning's location: https://www.cruisemapper.com/?imo=9000699#google_vignette