The Villa Vie Odyssey made global headlines after its trip was stalled in the city, where it remained all summer undergoing repairs. It eventually set sail on Monday night, but only travelled a few miles before dropping anchor in Belfast Lough. On Wednesday it was reported the vessel would return to Belfast.
However, it remained just off Bangor. Then, on Thursday afternoon, the ship could be seen setting sail. The plan had been to make for Scotland to refuel, but the liner changed direction for France as scheduled as it had enough in the tanks to make the journey.
Luxury liner sets off from Belfast after being stranded for four months According to cruise writer Dave Monk, passengers “cheered” when they were initially told they were departing to Scotland. But later the Cruisemapper website showed the vessel heading south towards Brest. Passenger Kit Cassingham confirmed the ship had begun to move on Thursday afternoon.
“I just heard five blasts of the horn and I left my room, running to go down to see my fellow passengers, and noticed that we are now finally moving,” she told the Belfast Telegraph. Along with their respective spouses, Americans Mrs Cassingham and fellow passenger Dr Richard Namikas had been sharing an apartment in Belfast since May after the ship became stuck in the city. She added: “I am feeling so much better and very relieved that we are starting to move now.
“There are celebrations all going on across the ship now. “I don’t know where we’.
