Passengers on a round-the-world cruise stuck in Belfast for five months have finally begun their journey to France.
The Villa Vie Odyssey made global headlines after its trip was stalled in the city, where it remained all summer undergoing repairs.
It eventually set sail on Monday night, but only travelled a few miles before dropping anchor in Belfast Lough.
On Wednesday it was reported the vessel would return to Belfast. However, it remained just off Bangor.
Then, on Thursday afternoon, the ship could be seen setting sail.
The plan had been to make for Scotland to refuel, but the liner changed direction for France as scheduled as it had enough in the tanks to make the journey.
Luxury liner sets off from Belfast after being stranded for four months
According to cruise writer Dave Monk, passengers “cheered” when they were initially told they were departing to Scotland.
But later the Cruisemapper website showed the vessel heading south towards Brest.
Passenger Kit Cassingham confirmed the ship had begun to move on 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 told the Belfast Telegraph.
Along with their respective spouses, Americans Mrs Cassingham and fellow passenger Dr Richard Namikas had been sharing an apartment in Belfast since May after the ship became stuck in the city.
She added: “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.
“I don’t know where we’re headed, I haven’t had a chance to read the updates.
Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey in Belfast Lough as pictured from the Co Down coast at Bangor. Image: Press Eye
“But I know that we are moving and we are going somewhere.
“Tonight 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.”
Having a party on board, passenger Holly Hennessey said: “Hallelujah! All of us are beyond words.
“We are delighted and the celebration is already under way.”
The vessel is expected to make several stop-offs after Brest before heading to the Bahamas in the Caribbean.
Final paperwork it was waiting for has been completed and the vessel is fully certified for sea.
The luxury cruise offered rentals from 35 to 120 days, or ‘villas’ for prices ranging from £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.
Many of the passengers thanked the people of Belfast for hosting them for many months, praising locals and hailing the pubs and restaurants the city had to offer.
One man, who was seen carrying a self-assembled model of the Titanic on board the ship on Monday, said he enjoyed Belfast — but was now ready for the rest of the cruise.