Cruise ship passengers on a continuous round the world trip who have been docked in Belfast for more than three months hope to hit the high seas again in the coming days.
Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey was scheduled to leave Queens Island in the city in May.
Departure dates have since been revised several times due to issues with the rudders and gearbox.
More: Inside the cruise ship stranded in Belfast with three restaurants, five bars and a pool
It means passengers that should have been docked in France are still in Belfast, with others choosing to fly off elsewhere until the ship finally sets sail.
Passengers can purchase a cabin ($249,000 for the top end ‘balcony villa’) or rent their accommodation based on sections of the repeating three year trips around the world.
Passenger Gregory Marshall (74), from California, has remained in Belfast while the ship gets ready.
He told the Irish News he has been making the most of his time in the city, but hopes to set sail in the coming days.
“I’ve been here for about three months, a lot of people have, and at times it has been difficult,” he said.
“You know my plans were to come here and go on with the rest of my life, outside the US, so this has been a slow start
“I actually like Belfast, I have been downtown and around the cathedral quarter and I stay on foot most of the time and I’ve really enjoyed that area of town. I just would have rather stayed...fewer days.
“There are relatively few people onboard so far. People are coming back in more and more and their services are slowly one by one getting brought into shape.
“Having meals included has been a welcome bonus, the food is very good and I’m looking forward to lunchtime back on the ship.
“As far as I know we should be setting sail in a few days. First they need to do sea trails and as far as I know that’s the last step.”
Passengers don’t have to live on board the entire time – the only stipulation is that 30 days’ notice must be given before re joining.
Refurbished in 2019 amenities onboard include three restaurants, five bars and lounges, an extended pool with two Jacuzzis, a spa and fitness centre, and a library.
The plan is for Villa Vie Residencies’ Odyssey to constantly sail around the world, with its inaugural cruise visiting all seven continents with stops in more than 425 ports in 147 countries.
Villa Vie Residencies has been contacted for comment.
