The passengers of a luxury cruise ship marooned in Belfast for four months have thanked the city for hosting them as they prepared to begin a global voyage. People were carrying souvenirs from Belfast, including a model of the Titanic, as they waited to board on Monday evening. The vessel is to depart just before midnight after last-minute paperwork was obtained.
The Villa Vie Odyssey became stranded in the Northern Ireland city for longer than planned due to unexpected repair works in May. Passengers have since become familiar with Belfast and the sights of Northern Ireland, with many saying they had fallen in love with the city. They bade Belfast farewell with a bike tour and a meal as they expected to depart on Monday on what should be a three-year trip.
Andy Garrison, 75, who said he will be on board for at least three and a half years, said he 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 been “resilient” in waiting for the repairs to be completed and described them as a “really nice group”. “I like Belfast a lot actually, I would stay here and enjoy myself except I’m leaving on a ship,” he said.
“I am so happy to be .
