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Kirker Holidays

Kirker Holidays provides carefully crafted tailor-made and escorted holidays to over 140 destinations in 40 countries – including Europe, North Africa, Southern Africa and India. Ever since we launched the first Kirker brochure in 1986, our aim has been to provide discerning travellers with a carefully selected range of hotels that provide excellent service and comfort, combined with private transfers, private tours and well researched itineraries that enable you to make the most of your budget and the time you have available. Short Breaks and Tailor-Made Holidays Luxury holidays ...

Kirker Holidays provides carefully crafted tailor-made and escorted holidays to over 140 destinations in 40 countries – including Europe, North Africa, Southern Africa and India. Ever since we launched the first Kirker brochure in 1986, our aim has been to provide discerning travellers with a carefully selected range of hotels that provide excellent service and comfort, combined with private transfers, private tours and well researched itineraries that enable you to make the most of your budget and the time you have available. Short Breaks and Tailor-Made Holidays Luxury holidays to over 70 classic cities and 250 relaxing rural locations throughout Europe and beyond. We can create the perfect itinerary using selected hotels, private transfers with travel by any combination of air, Eurostar, rail or private car. Cultural Tours & Music Holidays Our escorted holidays consist of small exclusive groups and are designed for those with an interest in history, art, gardens, architecture and music. Music holidays include our own exclusive opera and chamber music festivals on land and at sea, tours to leading festivals in Europe.

Holiday programmes from Kirker Holidays

Cultural tours and music holidays.

Whether you wish to learn more of the history and art of a particular region, experience one of our exclusive Kirker Music Festivals or enjoy a classical concert or ...

Short Breaks

We feature some wonderful properties covering a range of styles, from small, family-run riads to the finest luxury hotels. For each hotel description we retain editorial ...

Tailor-Made Holidays

We recommend combining contrasting cities where first class rail and private transfers add so much to your experience. Alternatively, if you prefer a mixture of culture ...

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Kirker Holidays

Kirker holidays offers carefully crafted short breaks and tailor-made holidays to destinations throughout europe and beyond..

With over 30 years of experience creating memorable holidays to cities such as Paris, Rome and Venice, Kirker offers unparalleled knowledge and local expertise.

Every Kirker holiday is tailor-made to each individual’s requirements and includes private transfers, Kirker’s unique Guide Notes to restaurants and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge to book concert or opera tickets, arrange a private guide, or make a restaurant reservation for a delicious dinner. In many destinations, additional benefits are included at no extra charge, such as a 48 hour Museum Pass for those visiting Paris, and timed entrance tickets for Florence’s Uffizi Gallery – essential details which save valuable time and hassle on a short break. Kirker’s collection of individually selected hotels ranges from comfortable pensioni to luxurious private residences and historic palace hotels – perfect for a special birthday or anniversary.

The Kirker brochures now include not only the classic cities and countryside regions of Italy, France and Spain, but diverse destinations from Morocco to Southern Africa and the Indian subcontinent, as well as a unique programme of escorted Cultural Tours and Music Holidays. The Kirker experts are always delighted to share their knowledge, experience and their own personal favourites.

Favourite Places from Kirker Holidays

 La Serenissima Venice is a unique experience and surely the world’s most spectacularly beautiful city. Floating in the Venetian lagoon on an archipelago of over 100 islands, linked by a network of bridges and canals, this was once the richest trading centre in the world. It is these riches which allowed the Venetians to create the Baroque palaces and churches which still stand today, and to decorate them with the priceless furniture, sculptures and paintings which fill the Doge’s Palace and the Accademia Gallery. Whilst Venice has a wonderfully preserved history, it has also continued to inspire new generations of visitors, from the Grand Tourists of the 18th and 19th Century to the modern artists who flock to the city’s Biennale.

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The UK’s leading specialist in short breaks for more than 35 years, Kirker Holidays provides carefully crafted tailor-made holidays to 70 classic cities and over 250 relaxing rural locations throughout Europe and beyond. As one of our specialist sister brands, we work closely with Kirker’s expert team to create your perfect itinerary, combining the best four- and five-star hotels with private transfers and flights or rail travel.

Explore the great classical cities of Europe such as Paris, Vienna, Rome, Venice, Florence, Madrid, Berlin and Amsterdam, with the help of the Kirker Concierge to arrange private guided tours, opera and concert tickets and restaurant recommendations. Visit Kirker’s favourite elegant countryside and coastal retreats in regions such as Tuscany, Provence, the Amalfi Coast and Andalucía, with car hire or a private car and driver. 

If you prefer to travel by rail, Kirker can organise journeys by Eurostar and high-speed train throughout Europe, including overnight sleepers, panoramic mountain railways and luxury trains such as the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – the ultimate way to celebrate a special occasion in style. From palatial grand hotels to privately-owned boutique residences, each of Kirker’s hotels has been personally visited and selected for charm, character and comfort. 

In addition, Kirker offers a range of escorted cultural tours & music holidays – these are small group tours in the company of an expert lecturer. Subjects include art, architecture, history, archaeology, battlefields, gardens, wine, opera and science, and highlights also include a programme of exclusive Kirker Music Festivals in beautiful settings from Suffolk and Cornwall to Tenerife and the Bay of Naples. 

WHY WE RECOMMEND Kirker

Kirker Holidays are designed just for you. They combine the best luxury hotels with private transfers and flights or rail travel.

Kirker is the UK’s leading specialist in short breaks. They’ve handpicked each hotel in their collection and their escorted holidays are led by expert lecturers.

You’ll have a team of experts at your fingertips to assist with everything from private guided tours to concert tickets and restaurant bookings.

Kirker will make sure you get the most out of your time away. They offer curated holidays to 70 cities and over 250 rural locations.

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In each destination, Kirker has a range of special offers to include extra nights and hotel upgrades, as well as complimentary entrance tickets to museums and galleries. In cities such as Budapest, Prague and Marrakech, guests receive a complimentary walking tour with an expert local guide – the perfect introduction to the history, architecture and geography of the area – while visitors to Paris, Berlin and Madrid receive a museum pass which provides hassle-free fast-track entrance to a host of top museums and art galleries.

Expert advice

Kirker’s knowledgeable team has many years of experience and Kirker’s hotels and destinations are individually selected. Together with your Kuoni Personal Travel Expert, every holiday is tailor-made by a Kirker expert who cares passionately about the success and smooth running of every element of your holiday – before, during and after you travel.

Cultural tours & music holidays

A range of carefully crafted escorted holidays, with fascinating itineraries designed for those with an interest in wine, architecture, history, art, gardens, music and much more. Groups typically consist of 12-22 like-minded travellers, in the company of an expert tour lecturer, who will provide unique insights and behind-the-scenes visits to places that are not normally open to the public. Experience opera weekends in Vienna, Venice and Milan, wine tours in La Rioja, Champagne and Alsace, ancient history in Rome, Naples and Provence or the verdant gardens of Ireland, Italy and Marrakech.

Unique concierge service

While hotels and travel arrangements are crucial, it’s often the details of a holiday that are the most memorable, and with a special occasion or a short city break, it’s vital to plan these elements in advance. The Kirker Concierge is at your disposal to arrange tickets for opera, ballet or concerts – or perhaps football, rugby or tennis matches – to pre-book entrance for museums and galleries, organise private guided tours or excursions, and recommend restaurants and book a table for a delicious dinner, so you can sit back and relax.

Rail, sail and active adventures

Sometimes, we make the best memories on the way to the destination. That epic train journey, chugging past rugged mountain scenery, road-tripping under the sun on winding coastal roads or relaxing on deck with a cocktail in hand as you sail past glittering islands.

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From the multi-award-winning Kuoni

The Best Time to Visit Ireland (Pros + Cons of Each Month)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: April 26, 2024

There is no single best time of year to visit Ireland, and I’m saying that having lived here for 35 years.

‘Best’ is dependant on  you . For example , if you want to visit when the weather in Ireland is likely to be good. ‘Best’ will be summer.

Below, you’ll find the pros and cons for each month to help you decide the best time to visit Ireland based on your likes and dislikes .

But first, a quick overview:

• Summer (Jun, Jul + Aug): Warmest months. Crowd/flight prices are at peak
• Winter (Dec, Jan + Feb): Coldest months. Crowd/flight prices are lower
• Autumn (Sept, Oct + Nov): Days long in Sept + Oct. Short + wintery in Nov
• Spring (Mar, Apr + May): Tends to be rainy in Mar + Apr. Summery in May

The best time to visit Ireland

If you take 20 seconds to look at the illustration above, you’ll get a quick insight into the months in Ireland and what to expect from each.

Below, you’ll find an overview of each month with info on average temperatures, festivals, what to wear in Ireland during that month along with  travel tips for Ireland .

Click to enlarge image

Ireland in January can be very hit and miss. The average temperature in January is 7°C/44.6°F with average lows of 3°C/37.4°F.

January is the best month to visit Ireland if you are working with a tight budget and you are willing to take a gamble with the weather.

• Prices : If you’re visiting Ireland on a budget , flights and accommodation are cheaper
• Crowds : The popular attractions in Ireland will be quieter, as this is off-season

Disadvantages

• The weather : The days tend to be cold, wet, and windy
• Daylight : The sun rises from 08:29 and sets from 16:38
• Closed attractions : Some seasonal attractions will be closed

Visiting Ireland in February can also be risky weather wise, with average highs of 8°C/46.4°F and average lows of 2°C/35.6°F.

Spring is still far from the horizon and the days are short and chilly. In the past, we’ve had heavy snow fall, flooding and stormy weather in February.

February is the best time of year to go to Ireland if you have a limited budget and you aren’t too phased by potentially poor weather conditions.

• Prices : February is off-season in Ireland, so flights and accommodation are cheaper
• Crowds : Ireland’s usually busy attractions will be quieter (the Guinness Storehouse and Giants Causeway will always draw crowds, though)
• Weather : Similar to January – cold, wet and windy
• Daylight : The sun rises at 07:40 and sets at 17:37
• Seasonal attractions : Some seasonal attractions will remain closed

Many people want to visit Ireland in March to attend a St. Patrick’s Day festival or to soak up the buzz surrounding March 17th.

March marks the arrival of spring in Ireland. In years past, we’ve had heatwaves in March and stormy weather. 

March is the best time to go to Ireland if you have a sizable budget and want to experience St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Spring has sprung, the days are longer and the weather isn’t as cold as the previous months.

• Weather : March marks the start of spring. There are average highs of 10°C/50°F and average lows of 4°C/39.2°F
• Long ish days : The sun rises at 07:12 and sets at 18:17
• Prices : The period around March 17th sees prices skyrocket. The end of the month (Easter) can be pricey, also
• Weather : The weather can be very changeable. Over the last five years, we’ve had snow storms, heavy rainfall and scorching weather
• St. Patrick’s Day crowds : Crowds are at their peak (it’s for this reason that, for many, March won’t be the best time to visit Dublin )

in April, the weather has picked up, the days are longer and there are average highs of 13°C/55°F and average lows of 4°C/39.2°F.

The only issue with April, aside for the potential for bad weather, is that schools get two weeks off, which results in a shortage of accommodation in some places.

April is best time of year to visit Ireland if you’re working within a budget (after Easter) but want plenty of daylight hours to explore the island.

• Flights : The cost of a trip to Ireland is much less in April, thanks to lower flight prices
• Long days : The sun rises at 06:23 and sets at 20:00
• Weather : The weather can to be nice and mild
• Easter holidays : Schools get 2 weeks off around Easter, which can drive up the cost of accommodation
• Weather : The weather  can  also be terrible (see our April weather guide )

Along with September and October, May is the best time to visit Ireland. This is the shoulder season and the weather is mild, the days are long and both prices and tourist numbers are yet to skyrocket.

I.e. the weather is mild, the days are nice and long and we’ve haven’t yet reached the summer holidays, so places aren’t too busy (see our guide to Ireland in May for more).

• Weather : The weather in May can  be good, with mean temperatures ranging between 9.0°C/48.2°F and 13.0°C/55.4°F
• Long days : The sun rises at 05:17 and sets at 21:26
• Summer buzz : Long, mild days and the incoming summer tends to bring a lively atmosphere to many towns and villages
• Festivals : This is when they really start kicking off (see our Irish festivals calendar)
• Weather : Yep – it’s a pro and  a con – the weather in May can also be awful (it was last year!)
• Prices : Accommodation and flights will be near peak level price-wise
• Crowds : Better weather and long days means more people tourists

June in Ireland marks the arrival of summer, bringing with it warm and often dry weather and average highs of 18°C/64.4°F and lows of 11.6°C/52.88°F.

This is peak season in every sense – tourist numbers jump as do the price of flights and hotels.

June is regarded as the best time to travel to Ireland by many visiting tourists as the weather tends to be good, temperatures are mild and there’s plenty of daylight hours.

• Weather : Weather tends to be dry and warm with highs of 18°C/64.4°F and lows of 11.6°C/52.88°F
• Long days : The sun rises at 05:03 and sets at 21:42
• Festivals : Numerous music festivals in Ireland  take place during June
• Prices : Demand is at its highest, so you can expect to spend more for flights and hotels
• Crowds : As June is peak season in Ireland, expect places to be more crowded

July is the best time to go to Ireland if you’re looking for good weather. Although it’s not guaranteed, it’s more likely to be fine in July than during many other months.

Personally, I head away for one week in Ireland every mid-July and, for the most part, we always get decent weather (see our guide to Ireland in July for more info).

• Weather : We get average highs of 19°C/66.2°F and lows of 12°C/53.6°F
• Long days : The sun rises at 05:01 and sets at 21:56
• Summer buzz : Long, balmy days tend to bring tourists and a lively atmosphere to many towns, villages and cities
• Prices : Summer is peak season, so you’ll be paying more for hotels, B&Bs and Airbnbs
• Crowds : As the schools are out for the summer, expect more crowds travelling around the island, especially to the likes of Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula

August boasts long days, warm weather and plenty to see and do (see our counties hub for endless places to visit).

As was the case with July, there’s several pros and cons for visiting Ireland in August , many of which revolve around the demand for accommodation and crowds.

August is the best time to go to Ireland if peak prices and crowds don’t bother you. The trade off is mild weather, long days and a busy festival calendar.

• Weather : It’s usually good with highs of 18°C/64.4°F and lows of 11°C/51.8°F
• Long days : You’ll have 16 lovely hours of daylight to wander
• Summer buzz : Again, the summer months bring a buzzy atmosphere to many towns
• Prices : Yep – prices are still at peak levels
• Crowds : The likes of the Dingle Peninsula , the Inishowen Peninsula , the Ring of Kerry and other tourist hot-spots will be very busy

Ireland in September is when the shift from a busy summer season takes place. Tourist numbers drop and the kids go back to school.

This is Ireland’s shoulder season (the season between peak season and the off season) and it’s a great time to explore.

September, along with May and October, is the best time to visit Ireland as prices drop, the days are long, the weather is mild and there’s less crowds.

• Crowds : As kids have gone back to school, there’s less crowds
• The weather : The average high temperature tends to hover between 13°C/55.4°F and 16°C/60.8°F
• Flights : Flights should be a little cheaper as this is the shoulder season
• Long days : The days are starting to shorten, but the sun still rises early at 06:33 and sets at 20:15
• Weather : Yep, a pro and a con. The weather, as always, is unpredictable. With that being said, we’ve had some great Septembers recently

October in Ireland is Autumn and you’ll find many places blanketed in orange leaves and the weather is cool and crisp.

Ireland experiences average highs of 13°C/55°F and average lows of 6°C/42°F during October

October, along with May and September, is the best time to go to Ireland thanks to lower flight and hotel prices, relatively long days and its often dry days with cool temperatures.

• Weather: We often get Octobers that are sunny, crisp and dry
• Crowds: Ireland’s usually busy attractions will be less crowded as we’re no longer in peak-season
• Prices: Accommodation in the more off-the-beaten-track locations will be cheaper (you won’t notice a huge difference in the hot-spots)
• Prices: You should find that flights are cheaper than in peak-season
• Shorter days : By mid-October, the sun won’t rise until 08:00 and it sets at 18:40
• Weather : The weather in Ireland in October is unpredictable (see our October weather guide )
• Mid-term : Schools break in Ireland at Halloween for a week and hotel prices jump

Visiting Ireland in November comes with its pros and cons. On the plus side, many towns and villages come alive with Christmas markets from mid-month.

On the con side, it’s winter , so the weather can be all over the place. November tends to be cool and crisp with an average temperature in Ireland in November between 12°C/53.6°F and 9.5°C/49.1°F.

November is the best time to travel to Ireland for a city break. Many cities (Galway, Dublin, Cork and Belfast) holding Christmas markets.

• Crowds : You’ll encounter fewer crowds at the usually busy attractions (although places with Christmas markets will be busy)
• Prices : Accommodation in the more off-the-beaten-track towns in Ireland will be more affordable
• Flights : Should be cheaper as we’ll be in the depths of the off-season
• Short days : The sun doesn’t rise until 07:23 and it sets early at 16:53
• Seasonal attractions : Some seasonal attractions in Ireland’s quieter villages in towns will be closed
• Weather : The weather could  be wintery. We’ve had mild, stormy and freezing cold Novembers in the past few years

December marks the arrival of Christmas in Ireland and you’ll find most towns and villages alight with fairy lights.

The average temperature for Ireland in December tends to be similar to November, coming in at around 5°C/41°F, but this can vary.

December is the best time to visit Ireland if you’re happy to chance the weather and you want to experience Christmas markets, cosy pubs with big open fires and less crowds.

• Festive buzz : Most towns and villages in Ireland will be decked out in Christmas lights
• Crowds : You’ll encounter fewer crowds at the usually busy attractions
• Prices : Accommodation in the more off-the-beaten-track towns and villages will be cheaper
• Flights : Flights can be pricey with people flying home for Christmas
• Short days : Sun rises at 08:16 and sets around 16:10
• Weather : The weather in December has been mild for several years, but there’s also a good chance of rain and strong winds

The best time to go to Ireland climate wise

For most, the best months to visit Ireland will be the ones where the weather is at its best. For those planning a trip to Ireland on a budget, it’ll likely be the off-season months.

Below, I’ll give you an overview of the climate in Ireland by month in some of the tourist hot-spots, like Killarney. This data comes from Met Eireann , the Irish Meteorological Service.

Need help with your Ireland itinerary ? We recently published the world’s  largest library of Irish Road Trip guides (and it’s free!)

Summer (June, July and August)

Autumn (september, october and november), winter (december, january and february), spring (march, april and may).

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Monday 8th of March 2021

Hi! Thank you so much for all of your wonderful tips! My husband and I are planning to bring our adult daughters (24 and 29) to visit at the end is September. We are very excited! Should we stay in Dublin and then take our guided tours from there? We will have 9-10 days. Thank you! Janine

Thursday 27th of February 2020

We just booked a trip to southern Ireland for November. I am very excited. Can you recommend some must do's while we are there?

Wednesday 4th of March 2020

If you hop into our guide to the counties of Ireland you'll find heaps of things to do!

Thursday 30th of January 2020

Hi Keith Thankyou for the great read. My daughter and I are wanting to travel to Ireland for Xmas from Australia. As it will be cold n rainy which doesn’t really bother us, but worried we mighten get to see a lot of attractions would many be closed? Cheers Toni ?

Saturday 1st of February 2020

If you pop in the name of the attraction into Google and visit the official site you should get an idea of whether or not they'll be open or close when you're visiting.

Everywhere will be closed on Christmas Day with many places also staying closed on December 26th, but that can change from attraction to attraction.

Savvi Travel are proud to be certified Kirker holiday agents. Kirker are great for the discerning traveller who like something a little special. Ever since they launched back in 1986, their aim was to provide discerning travellers with a carefully selected range of hotels that provide excellent service and comfort, combined with private transfers, private tours and well researched itineraries that enable you to make the most of your budget and the time you have available.

Whether it is a short break to one of the classic European cities, or a longer tailor-made holiday, Savvi Travel & Kirker’s team of experts will create the perfect holiday. The Kirker Concierge is at your disposal to arrange opera and concert tickets, restaurant reservations and museum tickets or excursions.

Pop into store to pick up your copy of a Kirker brochure or for more information. call us on 01572 842 012 or 01234 482 015

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Ireland Transatlantic Irish Travel Hits New Heights in 2024

The first half of 2024 marked a significant surge in transatlantic travel between the United States and Ireland with the introduction of new routes, the market entry of a new American airline and the revival of pre-pandemic flight routes. This surge underscores the enduring vitality and growing demand for transatlantic travel between the two countries, as evidenced by the increasing numbers of Irish travelers visiting the United States month-on-month.

Despite its relatively small market size of 5.13 million, Ireland’s impact on transatlantic tourism is substantial. It boasts the highest per capita travel to the United States in Europe and ranks third per capita globally, trailing only Canada and Mexico. Ranked 16th globally for inbound travel, Irish visitation to the United States, has increased by 14.1% so far this year compared to 2023.

Amid concerns voiced by returning travelers regarding the reduced purchasing power of the euro due to the strong dollar and the escalating costs of accommodation and dining in the United States, visitation numbers from Ireland have continued with an upward trajectory. Notably, in the first quarter of 2024, the number of Irish travelers crossing the Atlantic surpassed the figures recorded for the same period in 2019, reflecting a robust and enduring upward trend in transatlantic travel.

The increased connectivity between Ireland and the United States facilitating access to new destinations for Irish visitors, has played a crucial role in increasing Irish visitation numbers. Aer Lingus, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and now JetBlue offer direct services from Dublin and Shannon airports. JetBlue’s recent entry into the market has introduced a new dynamic, sparking competition particularly for Aer Lingus, which has been dominating the Irish transatlantic airspace with services to 18 U.S. cities.

Currently, there are over 200 direct flights per week from Ireland to the United States with the following cities served with direct flights from Dublin and Shannon: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Hartford, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis-St Paul, New York JFK, New Jersey Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington. The much-anticipated Las Vegas-Dublin route, set to commence in October 2024, will bring the total to 19 U.S. cities with direct connectivity.

Ireland is also the only country in Europe and U.K. with pre-clearance capabilities operated by the Department of Homeland Security. As an ESTA-eligible country with pre-clearance, it’s now easier than ever for Irish travelers to explore these new destinations across the United States. In addition, many travelers across Europe transit through Dublin and Shannon airports to avail of the opportunity to clear customs before entering the United States.

The introduction of new routes in 2024 to destinations such as Denver, Cleveland, and Las Vegas create a whole new area of opportunity for destinations previously only accessible through connecting flights from Ireland. Further new routes are under consideration for 2025 and 2026. U.S. destination marketing organizations not actively engaged in the Irish market should be examining its market potential. New routes generate excitement and make it more convenient than ever for Irish travelers to explore these new destinations.

For additional information and support, including market analysis, trade events, and U.S. Commercial Service offerings, please contact our Commercial Advisor based in Dublin Ireland, Julianne O Leary. ( [email protected] ).

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Must-visit adventure travel destinations for fall.

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Hikers are rewarded with beautiful landscapes in Patagonia.

Traveling during the United States’ shoulder seasons, or when the crush of peak summer tourism has passed, rewards visitors with fewer sightseers, more affordable rates at hotels and attractions, improved availability, and better weather. For adventurers, who are looking to spend time in the outdoors , the fall season is an idyllic opportunity for enjoying many thrilling experiences, nearby or internationally.

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Make the most of the season and enjoy Chicago while the weather still cooperates.

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This 3.5-year world cruise was scheduled to depart in May. Passengers are still waiting.

A residential world cruise has not yet set sail more than three months after its planned departure.

Villa Vie Residences’ first three-and-a-half year cruise was scheduled to begin in May, but its Villa Vie Odyssey ship remains in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 

“Coming into Belfast from Edinburgh on our own power we were confident that our beautiful Odyssey would fly through class surveys,” CEO Mikael Petterson said in an emailed statement. “We have since then been quite humbled by the scale of what it takes to reactivate a 30-year-old vessel from a four-year layup. After the lapse of all certifications of class we are now considered (a) new ship where all machinery and equipment must work as if new.”

The ship last sailed as MS Braemar for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines before undergoing renovations after Villa Vie purchased it last year. 

“Despite having to do major works such as the rudder stocks, major steel work and engine overhauls, we have persevered and are now in the last stages of departure,” Petterson added. The ship is expected to launch next week, visiting cities including Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Lisbon, Portugal before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to cruise the Caribbean.

The vessel will miss most of its Northern Europe segment but will add it to its 2027 schedule.

Passenger Starr Davis left behind her life in Hollywood, Florida to join the 147-country trip, selling her car and putting her house on the market. “I am down to four suitcases and a couple of 50-gallon storage bins of everything I own,” she told USA TODAY.

Cruising the world has been a long-held dream for Davis, 56. She retired shortly before the ship was originally due to leave from Southampton, England on May 15. That was pushed back to May 30 from Belfast, the first of several delays.

Passengers are now able to board the ship in the mornings around 8:30 but must disembark by about 9:30 p.m, according to Davis. Villa Vie has provided lodging, as well as provisions like food and activities on the ship like trivia.

Starting prices to purchase cabins are currently listed at $119,999, according to Villa Vie’s website . Davis chose a pay-as-you-go option but declined to share specifics about what she’d spent on the cruise.

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“We are extremely grateful for our residents who have stood by our side through the tough times,” Petterson said. “We have worked with our residents to provide hotels, cruises, shore excursions, trips to Tenerife, Liverpool and are welcoming them for onboard visits where they can get their rooms ready and connect with crew and fellow residents.”

Davis has taken the changes in stride. She used the extra time in May to visit New York City and see Broadway shows, and has since traveled around Europe and North Africa. “Initially I was going to wait for the ship, but it turns out I want to see the world,” she said.

She’s had no shortage of adventures in that time, riding a hot air balloon in Marrakech, Morocco and rappelling down the side of a football stadium in Liverpool.

The delays come after a three-year world cruise from Life at Sea Cruises was canceled late last year following investor withdrawal and struggles to acquire its desired ship. But Davis remains optimistic that Villa Vie’s ship will set sail soon.

“I truly believe this is going to happen,” she said. “I truly believe we’re being treated fairly.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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A residential cruise ship that's supposed to sail the world for 3 years has been stuck in Northern Ireland for 3 months

• Villa Vie Odyssey was supposed to set sail on a global cruise from Belfast in May.
• Problems with the ship mean it's been docked there for the past three months.
• Some passengers are staying positive and using the delay to take trips elsewhere.

A residential cruise ship that was supposed to travel around the world has been stuck in Northern Ireland for the past three months.

Business Insider previously reported that the  Villa Vie Odyssey  was initially set to sail from Belfast in May. The ship has been docked there because it needed updating, as it's more than 30 years old. It was previously called the Braemar and operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.

Villa Vie has said issues such as the aging ship's rudder stocks and recertification have delayed its departure by three months.

The 509 cabins cost at least $100,000 each. The Odyssey is due to sail around the world every 3 ½ years , visiting 147 countries and 425 destinations en route.

While the ship is stuck in Belfast, passengers can go on board during the day but not stay on it overnight.

The cruise line's CEO, Mikael Petterson, told BI in an email on Thursday that Villa Vie had provided residents with hotels, other cruises, shore excursions, and trips to the likes of Spain, Liverpool, and Amsterdam.

It's also welcoming residents on board, "where they can get their rooms ready and connect with crew and fellow residents," he added. "It is great to see the relationships building and the community bonding as we are looking forward to the next 15 years of discovery."

One couple on the ship, Johan Bodin and Lanette Canen, previously told BI they'd traveled elsewhere during the delay, to the likes of Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and Sweden.

The couple said Villa Vie had also sent them on various excursions, including a trip to the Canary Islands and a cruise to the Norwegian fjords.

"We understand there are hiccups," Bodin told BI. "They're schmoozing us a bit to keep us happy. They're almost being too serviced-minded — I don't need to be pampered all the time."

Holly Hennessey, from Florida, told BBC News: "We can have all of our meals, and they even have movies and trivia entertainment, almost like cruising except we're at the dock."

Angela and Stephen Theriac told the outlet they'd spent the delay traveling around Spain by train, visiting Greenland, and taking weekend trips to England.

"We keep teasing we will apply for residency here in Belfast," Angela Theriac told the BBC.

"We have eaten in every restaurant and had a Guinness in every pub," her husband added. "It is just all part of our adventure."

Angela Theriac previously told BI she and her husband had started decorating their floating condo with "personal touches," adding: "Our room is our bedroom, and the ship is our home."

Petterson, Villa Vie's CEO and founder, told BI, "We are going through the last few surveys and expect to launch within the next week."

He added that sea trials were scheduled for Monday.

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