Cruise passengers who have been stranded in Belfast for the past three months could be leaving the city as early as this evening.
The Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey liner has set sail for the first time since it arrived in Queen’s Island back in May to test out repairs to its rudders and gearbox.
If the trial is successful, the vessel could be disembarking later on Wednesday to resume its round the world voyage.
Guests who have been making the most of their extended stay met with the Lord Mayor earlier this week.
Micky Murray welcomed them to City Hall on Monday ahead of their departure.
“While three months is a long time to stay in any one place, these guests have been emphatic in their praise for our city, particularly the warm, friendly welcome they have received,” he said.
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“From our amazing food to our beautiful scenery, they have had ample time to soak up everything Belfast has to offer – but they’re still keen to return again, to experience more, and relive their unusual, but happy memories, of their stay here.”
The vessel arrived in Belfast Lough to be outfitted before its scheduled departure on May 30.
A total of 62 guests have been exploring NI after the first leg of their trip was delayed.
A number of them dressed up for the special reception at City Hall to mark Labor Day in the USA.