Passengers cheered, applauded and hugged the liner's chief when he confirmed on Monday night that they were ready for departure. Advertisement Advertisement The residents of the Villa Vie Odyssey waved goodbye to the Northern Ireland city they had become so familiar with, bringing souvenirs and memories with them. 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.
Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Belfast News Letter, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Another woman from Georgia said she had always wanted to see the world, but thanked Belfast for hosting them, calling it "a wonderful place". Advertisement Advertisement The luxury liner became stranded due to unexpected repair works in May, forcing passengers to become familiar with the sights Belfast and Northern Ireland has to offer.
One pair of would-be voyagers became engaged while waiting for the cruise to begin. Gian Perroni , from Vancouver in Canada , and Angie Harsanyi , from Colorado in the US, got to know each other as they walked to and back from the ship in the past few months. Advertisement Advertisement After a proposal under a supermoon, they said they have found their soulmates.
The passengers bade Belfast farewell with a bike tour ahead of their departure on Monday. After last-minute paperwork delays.