Cruise Passenger Not Allowed on Delayed World Cruise Over WhatsApp Messages

Photo byPeter Morrison / AP

Be careful what you say about your upcoming cruise, even if it's in a private group chat. That's the lesson learned by one woman who was recently told she would no longer be sailing on the epic cruise she already booked.

A passenger on the much-delayed residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey has been removed from the vessel following complaints from fellow passengers.

According to news reports, Jenny Phenix, 68, from Florida, USA, was dismissed from the three-year round-the-world voyage after expressing concerns and frustrations about the ship's progress on a WhatsApp group.

The Villa Vie Odyssey has been stranded in Northern Ireland for three months due to necessary repairs and tests. Passengers have been living on the ship while awaiting a new departure date, and Phenix's comments about the delays and living conditions reportedly caused tension within the community.

In a statement, Villa Vie Residences chief operating officer, Kathy Villalba, confirmed that Phenix's contract had been terminated due to her "continuous complaints and negativity," which had "significantly impacted the morale and wellbeing of other passengers."

Phenix, who has been living out of a suitcase since December 2023, defended her actions, stating that her comments were made in private conversations and that she was simply advocating for the interests of the passengers.

She expressed gratitude for the support she received from many of her fellow passengers.

This is not the first time Phenix has encountered difficulties with residential cruise ships. Earlier this year, she was involved in another cruise ship scheme that filed for bankruptcy, leaving her with financial losses.

Villa Vie Residences has maintained that Phenix violated the terms and conditions of her contract and signed a non-disclosure agreement.

The company has also stated that it has supported passengers with trips around Europe and spent over $2 million on hotel stays and accommodations while the ship underwent repairs.

While the Villa Vie Odyssey is expected to launch soon, the incident involving Phenix highlights the challenges and frustrations that can arise in extended-stay cruise ship communities, particularly when faced with significant delays and uncertainties.