The Odyssey, a luxury round-the-world cruise ship, has finally left Belfast after being docked for four frustrating months. Passengers, who have been eagerly awaiting this moment, celebrated the much-anticipated departure.
The journey, initially scheduled to begin in May, faced multiple technical setbacks that kept the ship anchored in rainy Northern Ireland. As the Odyssey set sail late Monday, the atmosphere on board was jubilant, marking the end of a long period of anticipation.
A Night to Remember
The Odyssey residential cruise ship departed from Belfast harbour at 22:40 GMT to the cheers of its passengers. Spirits were high as passengers like Joe Martino expressed their excitement, “We are going to have one heck of a time tonight, we are going to party like there’s no tomorrow.”
However, the departure did not go entirely smoothly. Passengers were left waiting in Belfast’s cruise terminal due to a delay in the completion of required paperwork. Once the green light was given, passengers celebrated with shrieks of joy and hugs.
Months of Waiting
Passengers, including 61-year-old actor Joe Martino, had endured a lengthy wait. “The exhilaration of getting on that ship, when it takes off it will be the feeling of a lifetime,” he said, having spent the last four months in Belfast.
Another passenger, Holly Hennessy, shared her relief: “I’ve been in Belfast for four months and two days, but hey, who’s counting!”
Originally scheduled to set sail on May 30, the cruise faced delays due to outfitting, certification processes, and unexpected engine repairs.
Technical Troubles
Engine trouble led to the Odyssey being docked at Belfast’s Harland & Wolff shipyard, the historic site where the Titanic was built.
To complicate matters, the shipbuilder went into financial administration, further delaying the ship’s readiness.
“Everything that could go wrong went wrong,” remarked Martino, summing up the frustration experienced by many on board.
Living Arrangements
During the wait, passengers could explore the ship during the day but had to find accommodation elsewhere at night. Many opted for nearby hotels or rented apartments.
Some passengers took the opportunity to travel around Northern Ireland or venture into Europe, while others joined different cruises.
The Odyssey offers long-term cabin rentals or purchases, appealing to those seeking endless voyages around the globe.
Upcoming Itinerary
The Odyssey is set to visit seven continents, with over 425 stops planned in 147 destinations. Initial stops include Brest, Bilbao, the Azores, and the Caribbean.
Port stays will typically range from two to seven days, allowing ample time for exploration.
This floating town can accommodate approximately 600 passengers, promising an extensive and varied travel experience.
Departure Celebrations
Once the final paperwork was completed, head of Villa Vie Residences, Mike Petersen, announced the ship’s departure.
The announcement was met with elation, as passengers realised their long wait was finally over. The ship’s departure marks the beginning of an exciting adventure for all on board.
A Fresh Start on the High Seas
With the Odyssey finally on its way, passengers can now enjoy the luxury and adventure they had been awaiting for months.
The departure of the Odyssey from Belfast marks the end of a period of frustration and the start of a grand adventure for its passengers.
As the ship sails towards its numerous destinations, those on board can look forward to unforgettable experiences and the thrill of exploring new horizons. The journey that began with delays now promises endless exploration and excitement.
