Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Odyssey

On July 9, 2025, the cruise ship 'Odyssey' underwent a health inspection conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resulting in a concerning score of 81, marking it as the lowest rating of the year to date. To pass, a vessel must achieve a minimum score of 86. The inspection report highlighted several critical issues, primarily focusing on the ship’s potable water system. During the water bunkering process, inspectors found that chlorine levels in the drinking water not only fell below the mandated minimum but that no remedial measures were implemented. Another significant safety concern was revealed as a drain line from the water purification system was directly hard-piped to a gray water tank, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Additional problems noted throughout the ship included: - Food Safety and Equipment: The inspection noted a greasy waffle iron improperly stored alongside clean kitchen items, alongside multiple food-holding refrigerators that were inoperable. Alarmingly, some food items were kept at unsafe temperatures—one instance reported cream at a dangerous 56°F. - General Maintenance: The ship presented several maintenance issues, such as inadequate deck conditions, dusty overhead areas, and pooling water. Even the swimming pools were cited for lacking essential safety signs and depth markers. - Pest Control: A presence of fruit flies in a pantry raised significant concerns regarding effective pest control measures. Villa Vie Residences acquired the 'Odyssey' in late 2023, intending to transform it into a residential cruise ship. However, the vessel's maiden voyage, initially set to launch in May 2024, has encountered multiple delays attributed to technical difficulties, including rudder stock issues. Currently, the 'Odyssey' is situated outside U.S. waters, meaning a re-inspection will not take place until it docks in a U.S. port. The company is mandated to address all the issues identified in the inspection report, with many concerns stemming from the ship's aging design which does not meet modern U.S. public health standards. Since departing Europe, the 'Odyssey' has successfully passed other health inspections. The company has expressed its commitment to addressing the feedback and is optimistic that a future inspection will yield a passing score.

On the morning of March 18, 2020, the cruise vessel 'Braemar' successfully docked at Mariel, located west of Havana, after an extensive search for a port willing to accept the ship. This critical docking allowed for the disembarkation of passengers, who are set to be transported back to the UK the same day via scheduled flights. Four aircraft had already landed in Cuba to facilitate this emergency operation, with the first flight slated to take off at 6 p.m. local time. The situation aboard the Braemar became concerning as five passengers tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, 28 other passengers and 27 crew members, including a medical doctor, were placed in isolation displaying flu-like symptoms. The total number of individuals on board stands at 682 passengers and 381 crew members. In a humanitarian gesture, the Cuban government permitted the Braemar's docking, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in combating the pandemic. Before docking, the ship spent several days anchored approximately 25 miles off the coast of the Bahamas for essential resupplies, including food, fuel, and medication. The cruise's passengers primarily consist of British nationals, alongside individuals from Canada, Australia, Belgium, Colombia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden. All guests are to be flown back to London's Heathrow Airport, while those unable to fly due to health conditions will receive necessary medical assistance in Cuba. Three of the flights will be facilitated by British Airways, with a special flight organized through the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office specifically for passengers who have tested positive for the virus or exhibited any symptoms, alongside their companions. This particular flight is set to arrive at Boscombe Down, a military base located west of London, with medical professionals on board to ensure passenger safety during transit.

Cuba has announced its decision to permit the stranded cruise ship 'Braemar' to dock, citing 'humanitarian concerns' and the necessity for a collective response to the ongoing pandemic. While the exact timeline for the ship's arrival remains uncertain, questions linger regarding the healthcare arrangements for the infected passengers should the UK government opt for this course of action. The 'Braemar' faced rejection from Barbados on March 12 and from the Bahamas a day later. It is currently anchored approximately 25 miles offshore in the Bahamas, where it has been resupplying essential food, fuel, and medications. This cruise vessel is carrying 682 passengers alongside 381 crew members, having arrived in Bahamian waters on March 14. However, authorities in the Bahamas were the latest to deny the ship a docking permit, allowing it instead to anchor southwest of Freeport. With the option of sailing back to the UK deemed impractical due to the distance and the health conditions of passengers, Cuba's decision appears to be a crucial move. The passengers on board the 'Braemar' are primarily British, but they also represent a diverse array of nationalities, including Canadian, Australian, Belgian, Colombian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, New Zealand, Norwegian, and Swedish citizens.

In a significant development, the cruise ship 'Braemar' has been placed under quarantine approximately 25 miles southwest of Freeport on the morning of March 14, after one passenger and four crew members tested positive for COVID-19. The Bahamian transport ministry has denied the vessel permission to dock, despite its urgent need for resupply of food, fuel, and medication. The government of the Bahamas will extend humanitarian assistance to the ship, ensuring the wellbeing of those on board. Two British officials have been dispatched to Freeport to coordinate the resupply efforts with Bahamian authorities. This supply mission will include not only essential supplies but also a doctor and a nurse to attend to the medical needs of the affected individuals. The positive cases were identified on March 11 while the 'Braemar' was docked in Curacao, leading to subsequent rejections for docking at various Caribbean ports, including Barbados. As the 'Braemar' is registered under the Bahamian flag, the crew is hoping for permission to disembark passengers there. Currently, the vessel remains effectively quarantined at sea.