Woman who sold everything for world cruise thrown off ship after WhatsApp comments

Jenny Phenix, 68, learned she would no longer depart on the journey of her dreams after she made several complaints about ongoing delays and other issues in a group chat

A woman who sold everything for a $350,000 (£265,585) dream trip around the world was banned from the cruise after her private WhatsApp comments came to light.

Jenny Phenix, 68, a divorced mum-of-two from Florida, sold off her possessions, liquidated her businesses and had been living out of a suitcase ahead of the three-year Villa Vie Odyssey's maiden voyage. But following ongoing delays, Ms Phenix shared her frustrations with fellow passengers in the WhatsApp group that the vessel would not be docking in Miami where she was expecting to collect remaining items for the cruise.

She also shared concerns that refurbishment work might continue after the cruise ship leaves Belfast, and that she would need to make use of a temporary cabin as one she had under her name was still being used by crew members. Her messages were reportedly shared with the owners of cruise ship operators Villa Vie Residences and said her contract for the upcoming trip had been cancelled over "behaviour impacting community morale."

"We have received over a dozen formal complaints from residents regarding your continuous complaints and negativity," chief operating officer Kathy Villalba told her, T he Telegraph reported. "This behaviour has significantly impacted the morale and well-being of other passengers. Given the overwhelming feedback, we must cancel your contract permanently to uphold the well-being and satisfaction of our community."

Phenix said she was shocked by the message and denied taking part in any personal attacks. She also said she never shared any messages on social media. "The frustration among the residents grew after every delay," she added. "I tended to be one of the most outspoken in asking important questions. Many of the residents thanked me privately for speaking up for the entire group."

Phenix was looking forward to the three-year cruise after the Life at Sea residential ship scheme filed for bankruptcy and owed her $30,000 (£22,740). She forked out an initial deposit for the voyage and planned to later decide to spend between $120,000 (£90,000) to $350,000 (£265,368) for a cabin or join or upgrade to the Endless Horizon program that allowed passengers to travel onboard for the rest of their lives starting at $300,000 (£227,505).

The divorcee then flew to Southampton in May in preparation for the worldwide cruise. "We had been notified of one short delay, but nothing seemed critical and, of course, travel plans and hotel reservations had been made months in advance," she said.

But the cruise line announced it would depart from Belfast on May 30, and more problems were found during a dry dock at the Harland & Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was built. As the vessel was idle for years during the pandemic the liner needed to re-apply for its certificates.

CEO Mike Petterson said the issue started when the company asking for approving certificates asked for documents on previous documents which were not provided at the time. Speaking to CNN, he added other work had not been completed and that certificate providers would not let the Villa Vie sail without repairs and changes being made.

Phenix said she she had been left emotionally devastated by what had happened and found it hard to discuss. But Petterson claimed she had broken multiple terms and conditions as well as having signed a non-disclosure agreement. Other cruise residents are now set to set sail after the Odyssey passed sea trials. Residents will be compensated with credit worth $200 (£151) each say, according to Petterson. The Mirror has contacted Villa Vie Residences for comment via its website.