Those on board are finally hoping to set sail (Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire)
passengers on a dream round-the-world trip are hoping to finally wave goodbye to after being stuck for nearly four months.
has been plagued by delays and has not left the capital – despite being scheduled to depart on May 30.
On Sunday, September 29, around 50 of the passengers gathered first at City Hall before departing on a number of beer bikes for a tour of the centre of the city to say their final goodbyes to .
The ship is finally scheduled to set sail today, September 30, with those on board hoping it will be smooth sailing from here on and they can finally enjoy their three-year cruise.
In the meantime, some would-be voyagers have fallen in love with Belfast, and each other.
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Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey was scheduled to leave on May 30 (Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire)
Gian Perroni, from Vancouver in Canada, and Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado in the US, first met in Belfast four months ago having bought cabins on the ship.
Both were looking forward to an adventure at sea but were not looking for a relationship. The pair started walking through Belfast on their way to and back from the ship, before realising how compatible they were.
Mr Perroni said the two are “made for each other”, adding: “We found our soulmates.” The pair recently announced their engagement following a proposal on the Lagan Weir Bridge under a supermoon.
While Florida residents Melody and John Hennessee who plan to stay on the ship for the rest of their lives admitted that although Belfast has been “amazing” they cannot wait to “set sail” and begin their next chapter.
“As a result of being here so long in Belfast, we were able to build the largest suite on the ship,” Melody told News NI.
“It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and the time here has allowed us to complete the project.”
Gian Perroni and Angie Harsanyi recently announced their engagement (Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire)
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Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey will finally sail today, September 30 (Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire)
Passengers had the option of buying their cabin outright rather than paying a daily rate, with the price of purchasing one ranging from $99,999 (£75,600) to $899,000 (£679,900). Cabin owners can remain on the vessel beyond the end of the Odyssey’s three-year tour.
During the day, passengers have been permitted to spend time on the vessel but have to disembark in the evenings.
Also on board are Andy and Alicia Lewis from Alaska who have made the most of their unexpected time in Northern Ireland and even retraced their roots back to Belfast.
“We retraced my roots while here in Belfast,” Andy said. “We went to Larne alongside my 89-year-old mother as it was such a great opportunity for us all.”
“We will absolutely come back and when we do, we will love Belfast just as much as we do now,” Alicia said.