A luxury cruise ship that was stranded in Belfast for four months is still floating off the North’s coast two days after it departed the harbour.
The Villa Vie Odyssey had been scheduled to leave the city in May for a three-year, round-the-world cruise but was delayed due to unexpected repairs.
Passengers were in good spirits when they gathered at the cruise terminal on Monday as they finally prepared to set off on their expedition.
They cheered and hugged chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, Mike Petterson, when he confirmed that night that the liner was ready to depart.
Passengers waved to the assembled media as they boarded the ship shortly before it set off from the harbour just before midnight on Monday.
However, the cruise ship remained in Belfast Lough on Tuesday and on Wednesday.
Passenger Donna Martemucci told the BBC, who approached the liner via a boat, that people were “drinking and partying on board”.
“We know it’s going to happen eventually, we’re not exactly sure when, but we know it’s going to be soon,” she said.
Mr Petterson said on Tuesday the liner still had to complete administrative paperwork.
But he said it would be done before midnight and without requiring passengers to leave the liner.
He told the BBC on Wednesday afternoon that “we’re pulling up anchor any minute now”.
The vessel is expected to travel to Brest, France, next and make several stop-offs before heading to the Bahamas.
The luxury cruise offers rentals from 35 to 120 days, or villas can be purchased ranging from €108,000 to €320,000.
Owning a villa on board guarantees the room for a minimum of 15 years, but the ownership stays valid for the entire operation of the ship.
Many of the passengers thanked Belfast for hosting them for many months, praising the people and the many pubs the city has to offer.
One man, who carried a self-assembled model of the Titanic on board on Monday, said he enjoyed Belfast but was ready for the rest of the cruise.
