PASSENGERS on a cruise ship stranded in Belfast for four months cheered as the ship finally set out on its voyage last night.
Over 600 passengers of The Odyssey celebrated as they gathered on Belfast Harbour to set sail for the Caribbean.
Despite setting sail last night, the ship only travelled a few miles before making the decision to turn back.
It is believed that this is due to paperwork still needing to be complete.
It is also understood that the cruise ship will make a second attempt at leaving Belfast later today.
The Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey was supposed to take passengers on an epic three-year tour of Europe, Asia and the Americas.
But the ship was stuck in Belfast for four months after crew discovered problems with its rudders and gearbox.
The massive ship, which docked in Belfast on May 30, left the harbour shortly after 11.30pm last night.
Sailing down Belfast Lough, passengers were able to breath a sigh of relief – but it didn’t last long.
According to the Belfast Harbour website, the ship will arrive back in Belfast at around 1.30pm.
It is listed to depart a second time at 11pm and was last tracked passing Bangor, Co Down.
Chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, Mike Petterson, admitted to media that he was a “little stressed” trying to clear the ships departure.
He said: “It’s administrative paperwork. We needed the right person to press the button at the end of the day.
“It’s been done and we’re putting the vessel in motion right now.
“The harbour master has been in direct contact with the MD.
“We’ve been expecting this outcome for hours.”
The ship, which was built in 1993, has capacity for more than 900 guests.
Nine out of ten passengers reportedly plan to stay on board for the whole world cruise.
Some passengers revealed they sold their homes to go on the £27,000 (€32,350) a-month trip.
While others sold all their possessions to pay between £75,000 (€89,845) and £700,000 (€838,558) for a cabin.
Holly Hennessy, from Florida, is staying in a balcony mini-suite costing $329,000 (€294,000) and said guests were told over the weekend that the ship has passed all certifications.
A couple, who found love on board, announced their engagement over the weekend.
Gian Perroni, from Vancouver Canada, and Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado USA, fell for each other while exploring Northern Ireland.
A “gigantic wedding” will take place on board The Odyssey ship between Costa Rica and Panama – and the captain will tie the knot for them.
Mr Perroni told RTE how they found their “soulmate” and how the pair are “made for each other”, which prompted him to pop the question on Belfast’s Lagan Weir Bridge.
Ms Harsanyi said yes and added: “I can’t imagine spending another day of my life without him.”
