A luxury cruise ship that’s been stuck in Belfast for four months is finally set to sail.
The Villa Vie Odyssey is hoping to leave today after it was forced to remain in the Northern Ireland capital while repairs were carried out.
Although keen to embark on their adventure, many of the 125 passengers said they had enjoyed their time in and around the city.
Passengers – mostly from North America – either rent their suites for 35 to 120 days or buy them for anything from £90,000 to £260,000.
Some plan to stay onboard for years, with one couple, Melody and John Hennessee, from Palm Beach, Florida, hoping to live out the rest of their lives onboard.
They used the time in Belfast to build a two bedroom suite, which they told the BBC, is the largest on the ship.
‘This will be our home now,’ John said.
Melody said the people of Belfast had been amazing and ‘so kind and generous” during their time here.
But she added: ‘While we have been happy here, we can’t wait to hopefully set sail on Monday,’
Two guests even met and fell in love during the unexpected delay and have already become engaged.
Gian Perroni, from Vancouver in Canada, and Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado in the US, had both bought cabins and neither were looking for a relationship.
But the pair started walking through Belfast on their way to and back from the ship, and realised how compatible they were.
Gian said the two were ‘made for each other’, adding: ‘We found our soulmates.’
The pair recently announced their engagement following a proposal on the Lagan Weir Bridge under a supermoon.
Angie added: ‘I can’t imagine spending another day of my life without him.’
Gian said the Villa Vie Residences company has been ‘great and diligent’ in making sure the vessel is safe and ready, as well as covering their expenses during the extended shore excursion.
‘We’ve all had the opportunity to travel and go home as needed. So we’ve learned patience and perseverance – and learned how wonderful the people of Belfast have been.’
Angie, who is travelling with her sister, said visiting Belfast for the first time has been ‘absolutely lovely’, with the pair almost ready to start giving their own tours after soaking up the central area.
‘We enjoy the people, the pubs, the architecture, and a lot of the nature around here.’
She added:: ‘The hospitality and the kindness has been awesome.’
Gian who is half Irish, said they have been able to travel around Northern Ireland and enjoyed visits to attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway.
‘I don’t think we could have picked a better place to end up. It is always going to be close to our heart.’
However he admitted they may have enjoyed the pubs a little too much, adding: ‘My liver is crying a little bit.’
The ship’s captain will marry the couple as part of a ‘gigantic wedding’ on board in April, between Costa Rica and Panama.
Meanwhile, another passenger, Holly Hennessy, is excited to set sail.
But she said being in Belfast had been a ‘remarkable experience’, adding:’What you lack in warmth of temperature, the people make up for.’
She paid 329,000 US dollars (£275,000) for her balcony mini-suite.
She said: ‘When I see her (the Odyssey), my heart goes pitter-patter. I have a genuine affection for this ship.’
At Holly’s side is her yachting companion, Captain ‘the cruising kitty’.
The Siamese cat is used to life on deck, having spent every winter of his eight-year life on a boat.
He has made friends all over Belfast and has even being invited to the Lord Mayor’s office.
Holly said she and some of her fellow passengers were planning to rent out three ‘beer bikes’ as part of their last full day in the city.
‘We are going to make a grand statement saying goodbye to Belfast!’
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