Passengers on a round-the-world cruise that anchored in Bangor after spending five months in Belfast are finally leaving Northern Ireland, with the CEO reportedly telling travellers he doesn’t care where they go “as long as it’s not Belfast”.
Luxury cruise liner Villa Vie Odyssey has made headlines after its worldwide voyage was stalled in Northern Ireland, where it remained all summer as it needed major repairs.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the Villa Vie Odyssey would return to Belfast Harbour. However, it anchored just off the coast of Bangor.
Luxury liner sets off from Belfast after being stranded for four months
According to ‘Shipmonk’, AKA cruise writer Dave Monk who first reported on the ship’s new departure date, passengers “cheered” when they were told they were departing from Northern Ireland… to Scotland, where the ship will refuel.
“CEO Mike Petterson tells them: ‘We are not going to Belfast,’” said Mr Monk on social media.
“The ship needs fuel, but Petterson told the planner he ‘doesn’t care where we go, just go — but not to Belfast’, reports resident Randy Cassingham.
“Fellow passenger Holly Hennessy reports the ship has moved and they’re about to perform a christening ceremony at 3.45pm They are going to Scotland for fuel.”
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, passenger Kit Cassingham also confirmed that the ship had begun to move again as of Thursday afternoon.
“I just heard five blasts of the horn and I left my room, running to go down to see my fellow passengers, and noticed that we are now finally moving,” she said.
Along with their respective spouses, Mrs Cassingham, originally from Colorado, and fellow passenger Dr Richard Namikas, from Florida, had been sharing an apartment in Belfast since May when the ship was beset with delays.
“I am feeling so much better and very relieved that we are starting to move now. There are celebrations all going on across the ship now,” she added.
“I don’t know where we’re headed, I haven’t had a chance to read the updates, but I know that we are moving and we’re going somewhere.”
Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey in Belfast Lough as pictured from the Co Down coast at Bangor. Image: Press Eye
She also described her (hopeful) last night in Northern Ireland and said it was “the same as before”.
“Last night was the same as the night before: a gentle rocking and people continuing to party. But this is my home, which makes all the difference,” she said.
Earlier on Thursday, Mrs Cassingham told the Belfast Telegraph the cruise passengers had received no update on the ship’s movement from the Bangor coast, other than “paperwork needed to be sorted”.
The luxurious liner had been delayed once more as it waited for paperwork to be completed, before passengers could finally embark on their journey around the world.
If the ship eventually leaves Northern Ireland, it marks the end of a long journey for its residents, who were previously told they would be departing on Monday.
Major celebrations and a farewell event was held for the passengers, only for them to be told later on that they would be returning to Belfast on Tuesday afternoon.
The Belfast Telegraph understands that management told residents on Wednesday morning that they expected to set off in the afternoon, by which time reports were circling that its departure had once again been pushed back.
Earlier today, Mr Monk said all signs pointed to the ship being able to leave Bangor as the “class certificate has been extended”, meaning the paperwork was complete.