More than 100 passengers from a round-the-world cruise liner who have been stuck in Belfast for four months have finally boarded the ship.
Passengers of the Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey have been living in hotels and rental accommodation in the city while the vessel was made seaworthy.
It was being outfitted in Belfast and should have departed in May but was held up as it needed repairs.
Cruise ship CEO Mikael Petterson from Villa Vie told passengers that the ship would sail on Monday night.
The ship was due to set sail at approximately 23:25 BST and anchor off the coast of Northern Ireland over night. It is expected to set sail again on Tuesday.
At the scene: Eve Rosato, reporter
There were shouts, clapping and cheers of “hip, hip hooray” as cruise ship CEO Mikael Peterson announced that the Odyssey would be leaving Belfast on Monday night.
He said the hold up had been related to administrative paperwork and that the Harbour master had been in contact with him.
One passenger ran outside to see the ship in the repair yard, from where its funnels are visible and shouted: “There’s smoke.”
Later on Monday, passengers made their way up the gang plank in the rain at Belfast cruise terminal.
There were shouts of “Goodbye Belfast” and waving as they disappeared on to the Odyssey for their round the world cruise which, for many, will last for years.
Passengers were due to board the Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey at 17:00 BST on Monday and depart at 23:00.
However, the ship remained in the repair yard longer than anticipated and tourists finally boarded at about 20:00 on Monday.
Speaking to BBC News NI before boarding, one man said he was “absolutely ecstatic”.
When put to him that he has had a long wait for the ship to set sail, he said: “Here’s how I calculate it; it’s exactly four and a half months since we said we were leaving, which is half a pregnancy and it’s a beautiful baby.”
He said he was “uncharacteristically speechless” to see the ship pull into the dock.
“I’m in love with this moment,” he said.
Another woman said she felt “excitement but not excitement because it’s been such a long thing coming, it’s more like ‘about time’”.
She said she has loved Belfast but is looking forward to experiencing some warm weather.
“I love the city, love the people but I don’t like the weather,” she said.
‘We’re going to party’
On Sunday, some passengers celebrated what they hoped would be their final night in the city by taking in the sights on a beer bike tour.
Lesly Curtis, who lived in Seattle before embarking on the cruise, said she knew Belfast so well that she has been helping other tourists with directions.
“The blessing of the delay has really been a lot of us have been here,” she said.
“I have been here pretty much for four and a half months and we’ve all gotten close. We’ve run all over the place,” Lesly said.
She was staying at a hotel but planned to spend Monday getting ready for the departure.
“I’m going to go to my cabin, be glad to be there, and we’re going to party,” she said.
‘Today is the day’
Becky Cressy, who is from “sunny, sunny Florida”, is leaving with one souvenir, an umbrella.
“We are just excited to start this and get going and wave goodbye to Belfast, but you guys have been amazing and we’re going to miss it,” Becky said.
She attended a local church in Belfast over the past four months.
“There’s been really good days, and not so good days and just going there and meeting them, having their support, has meant a lot,” she said.
Becky and her husband are cabin owners so might be travelling on the ship for a while.
“I’m there for 15 years,” she said.
“I’ve committed to three and a half [years] to my husband, but let’s see if we love it, I’ll be on for fifteen.”
‘Belfast has been home’
Holly Hennessey, from Florida, has been travelling with her six-year-old Siamese cat, Captain.
Since they have been in Belfast they have had to move six times, staying in hotels, an apartment and an Airbnb.
Holly said she has been living a “normal life” while in Northern Ireland.
“Belfast has been home for me. I had to make it home. I couldn’t go anywhere because of Captain, so I know shopkeepers by name; I have found a church that I love going to,” she said.
‘My little buddy’
“I’m very excited, but when we get on that ship, I will be ecstatic. It is the life I’ve dreamed of living, to actually live aboard a ship and actually have my little buddy here with me,” Holly said.
Holly said Captain was also excited to move out of the hotel room.
“Everybody wants to know Captain. The Europa joked that they’re going to add him to the list of their most famous guests,” she added.
‘Staying warm’
Angela Theriac said the delay was all part of the “journey”.
“It’s definitely been part of the adventure, finding exciting things to do in the waiting,” she said.
She is travelling with her husband, Stephen.
“We’re originally Floridian so the memories will be staying warm, a lot of cuddling to stay cosy, but Steve always says he loves the humour, and loves the banter with the locals,” she said.
Stephen said there was “super excitement about sailing” and they are leaving with “wonderful memories”.
Why was the cruise ship stuck in Belfast?
Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey arrived at Queen’s Island in the Northern Ireland capital to be outfitted before it was scheduled to leave on 30 May for the first leg of its cruise.
But until Monday 30 September, the ship was stuck in Belfast due to problems with its rudders and gearbox.
The vessel had some final inspections to pass this week before it was signed off to sail.
The unexpected layover in Belfast has cost the company millions of pounds.
The ship will take three years to go around the world and some passengers have purchased their place on board so they can keep cruising the world for as long as they like.
Their first stop is Brest in France.
