World’s first continual cruise to welcome passengers after Belfast repair delays

admin 2024年10月6日

Intermediate

Culture & Travel, Culture & Travel - Intermediate

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

What do you think are the advantages of taking a cruise vacation compared to other types of travel?
What amenities or activities do you think are important to have on a cruise ship?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

voyage /VOI-ij/

[noun] – a long journey, especially by ship
The crew prepared for their voyage across the Pacific Ocean.

gearbox /GEER-boks/

[noun] – a mechanical device that contains gears and is used to change the speed or direction of a moving vehicle or machine
The car’s gearbox needed to be replaced after years of wear and tear.

trial /TRAHY-uhl/

[noun] – a test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something
The new vaccine underwent multiple trials before being approved for public use.

social media /SOH-shuhl MEE-dee-uh/

[noun] – websites and computer programs that allow people to communicate and share information, opinions, pictures, videos, etc. on the internet, especially social networking websites
Many businesses use social media to promote their products and engage with customers.

capacity /kuh-PAS-i-tee /

[noun] – the maximum amount that something can contain or produce
The stadium reached its full capacity during the championship game.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

Passengers of the Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey cruise ship will finally begin their three-and-a-half-year global voyage from Belfast on Monday, October 7, after several months of delays caused by unexpected repairs. The Odyssey is promoted as the world’s first continual cruise, where passengers can either buy a cabin for the ship’s operating life or rent one for specific parts of the journey. Originally set to depart in May, the ship was delayed in Belfast to fix problems with its rudders and gearbox. After successful sea trials, the Odyssey announced on social media that it had received approval from the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Public Health authorities, making it ready to start the much-anticipated voyage.

The journey will last 1,301 days, covering all seven continents and stopping at 425 ports, including major cities like Rio de Janeiro and Singapore. The ship, with a capacity of 650 passengers, offers amenities like restaurants, a pool, a spa, a business center, and medical facilities. During the delay, passengers were provided accommodations in Belfast and other European cities. Some travelers, like Melody and John Hennessee, plan to live aboard the ship, while others, like Canadian Gian Perroni and American Angela Harsanyi, found love and got engaged. The Odyssey offers a unique and exciting experience for its passengers.

Comprehension questions

I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.

What is the name of the cruise ship that will begin its voyage?
How long will the Odyssey’s voyage last?
From which city does the Odyssey begin its journey?
What were the reasons for the delays in the ship’s departure?
What kind of facilities does the Odyssey offer to its passengers?

Discussion questions