'Hallelujah!': Cruise ship stuck in Belfast sets sail after months-long delay
A cruise ship that was stranded in Belfast for four months has finally set sail.
The chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, Mike Petterson, said the ship is heading to France.
The Villa Vie Odyssey had been scheduled to leave Belfast in May for a three-year, round-the-world cruise but was delayed due to unexpected repairs.
It eventually set sail from Belfast Harbour on Monday night but only travelled a few miles before dropping anchor in Belfast Lough.
Mr Petterson blamed administrative paperwork for the latest delay.
However, on Thursday afternoon the ship began to sail away from Northern Ireland.
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Passenger Holly Hennessey said: “Hallelujah! All of us are beyond words, delighted, and the celebration is already under way.”
The vessel is expected to travel to Brest, France, and make several stop-offs before heading to the Bahamas.
Mr Petterson said the ship was now “fully certified without conditions”.
The luxury cruise offers rentals from 35 to 120 days, or villas can be purchased ranging from £90,000 to £260,000.
Owning a villa on board guarantees the room for a minimum of 15 years but the ownership stays valid for the entire operation of the ship.
Many of the passengers thanked Belfast for hosting them for many months, praising the people and the many pubs the city has to offer.
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.
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