Luxury cruise passengers finally hit the high seas on Monday night after spending four months marooned in . It followed a long set back for the worldwide voyage of the Villa Vie Odyssey which left its guests stuck exploring the sights and sounds of instead of beginning a global voyage. The Villa Vie Odyssey became for longer than planned due to unexpected repair works in May.
The passengers thanked the city for hosting them as they prepared to board the ship on Monday evening for what should be a three-year trip. The vessel is to depart just before midnight after last-minute paperwork was obtained. While many said they had fallen in love with Belfast, for one couple, it was a case of falling in love in the city.
Gian Perroni, 62, from Vancouver in Canada, and 53-year-old Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado in the USA, first met in Belfast four months ago and started walking through the city on their way to and back from the ship. Both were looking forward to an adventure at sea but were not looking for a relationship. The pair on the Lagan Weir Bridge under a supermoon.
Meanwhile, Andy Garrison, 75, arrived in Belfast for what he thought was three days in August and ended up there for six weeks. He said he wanted something to do so he ordered a model of the Titanic which he built over three or four days. Asked if he was worried it could be seen as a bad omen, he said: “No, I’m not.
As a matter of fact I’m going to put this on the wall of my room.” He said the passengers had.