Cursed cruise ship STILL sitting off coast: Luxury liner remains in Belfast waters two days after passengers thought they were finally setting sail
A cursed cruise ship that was stranded in Belfast for four months is still floating off Northern Irelands coast two days after it departed the harbour.
A cursed cruise ship that was stranded in Belfast for four months is still floating off Northern Irelands coast two days after it departed the harbour.
The Villa Vie Odyssey had been scheduled to leave the city in May for a three-year, round-the-world cruise but was delayed due to unexpected repairs.
On Monday, passengers were in good spirits as they finally prepared to set off on their expedition.
They cheered and hugged chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, Mike Petterson, when he confirmed that night that the liner was ready to depart Belfast.
However, the cruise ship returned less than 12 hours later and remained in Belfast Lough on Tuesday and on Wednesday.
The Villa Vie Odyssey pictured sitting off the Northern Irish coast on October 2
Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship off the coast on Bangor, Northern Ireland on October 1
The ship finally set off just before midnight on Monday to scenes of jubilation that were ultimately premature (Pictured: Passengers celebrating in the bar)
A person on the strand close to Bangor Marina takes a photo of the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship on October 1
Mr Petterson said on Tuesday the liner still had to complete administrative paperwork.
But he said it would be done before midnight and without requiring passengers to leave the liner.
He then told the BBC on Wednesday afternoon that were pulling up anchor any minute now.
The vessel is expected to travel to Brest, France, next and make several stop-offs before heading to the Bahamas.
However, due to unexpected repair works, the 125 passengers have been forced to while away their summer with city booze cruises and sight seeing tours in Northern Ireland.
To make the best of their situation, some passengers turned to inhaling Vitamin D pills to offset the effects of the sullen Belfast sky.
Others focused on themselves and found love, with one couple who met while marooned on the port getting engaged there just four months later.
But despite the relative understanding some passengers showed, there was dissent.
One unfortunate woman claimed she was ousted from the cruise despite the delays after her private WhatsApp messages critiquing the operation were leaked.
The Villa Vie Odyssey sits at the mouth of Belfast Lough off the shore of Bangor on Tuesday
The Villa Vie Odyssey leaves Belfast Harbour last night where it had been stranded since May
Passengers wave as they board the Villa Vie Odyssey at Belfast Cruise Ship Terminal on Monday night
Mikael Petterson (centre), chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, speaks to passengers as they prepare to board the cruise ship at Belfast Ports Cruise Ship Terminal on Monday
Prior to the latest setback, passengers had cheered, applauded and hugged the liners chief when it was confirmed last night that they were ready for departure.
Yet those aboard have not let another delay dampen their spirits - with some partying at the boats many bars until sunrise.
Retired doctor David Austin from Georgia in the US told MailOnline on October 1: A few of us literally partied until sunrise. Joyous to the point of disbelief that is actually happening.
Passenger John Frim told the BBC he was a little confused by the situation but was happy to be home and have slept in his own bed on the ship for the first time.
Another passenger, Mary Ann Demsar, said she was still very excited to be going to see the world, adding: Its been tough getting here with all the delay.
But Ive had the time of my life these last five months exploring Ireland and Europe and enjoying everything Belfast has to offer.
Ms Demsar, who is Canadian, added: Not sure exactly whats happening but we are going to be docking back in Belfast today [October 1] and then leaving later on. There is some paperwork that still needs to be done.
Passengers finally board the Villa Vie Odyssey at Belfast Cruise Ship Terminal on Monday night
Mikael Petterson, chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, gets a kiss from a passenger as they board the cruise ship at Belfast Ports Cruise Ship Terminal on Monday evening
The residents of the Villa Vie Odyssey waved goodbye to the city they had become so familiar with, bringing souvenirs and memories with them.
Ms Demsar, who is Canadian, added: Not sure exactly whats happening but we are going to be docking back in Belfast today [October 1] and then leaving later on. There is some paperwork that still needs to be done.
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.
Another woman from Georgia said she had always wanted to see the world, but thanked the city for hosting them, calling it a wonderful place.
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.
After a proposal under a supermoon, they said they have found their soulmates.
Andy Garrison, 75, prepares to board the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship in Belfast on Monday
Melody Thor Hennessee and John Hennessee prepare to board the ship in Belfast on Monday
The passengers bade Belfast farewell with a bike tour ahead of their departure on Monday.
After other last-minute paperwork delays, there were scenes of joy in the cruise terminal when it was confirmed that the ship was on its way to collect passengers.
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 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, Im not. As a matter of fact Im 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 Im leaving on a ship, he said.
Shirene Thomas from North Carolina prepares to board the cruise ship in Belfast on Monday
Gian Perroni and Angela Harsanyi fell in love after being stuck in Belfast for four months
I am so happy to be sailing away, Im ready to go. We stop briefly in Brest, France, and then we go to Spain, we go to Portugal, and we head across the ocean to go to the Bahamas, where we stay for a while in the Bahamas.
Cyndi Grzybowski, 69, from Appling, Georgia, said she had always wanted to see the world and was excited for the voyage to begin.
My better half passed away three years ago so this is giving me an opportunity to get off the farm, literally, and see the world, which is something that I have wanted to do, she told reporters on Monday.
My son has been so supportive of this because when this opportunity came up, I was really humming and hawing because Ive been on the farm for 27 years, and he said, Mom, the only thing Ive heard you talk about is going to see the world.
We started out as strangers in Southampton and Belfast and now we truly are family. We had two amazing parties yesterday with the pedal bikes... and last night at Revolution de Cuba, we had a get-together with fantastic food.
The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship at Belfast Port on September 28 as preparations continued
Thank you all so very much - truly, Belfast has been such a wonderful place. I have so enjoyed every minute here.
The luxury cruise offers rentals from 35 to 120 days, or villas can be purchased for £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.
Speaking to reporters at the cruise terminal yesterday, chief executive of Villa Vie Residences Mike Petterson said he was a little stressed as efforts were made to clear a few last-minute things.
Its administrative paperwork. We needed the right person to press the button, at the end of the day. Its been done and were putting the vessel in motion right now.
The harbour master has been in direct contact with the MD. Weve been expecting this outcome for hours.
Asked how he would remember Belfast, he said your summer is horrible and you cant cook to save your lives, but you do know how to drink.
Are YOU on the Villa Vie Odyssey? Please email: tips@dailymail.com
