pacemakerPassengers aboard a cruise ship are anticipated to set sail on Monday and at last say goodbye to Belfast after 4 months stranded on the coast.
The Odyssey of the Villa V Residence, which had arrived in Belfast to be geared up, was as a result of depart on 30 May, however didn’t. put in for restoreDue to which passengers have been left stranded in Belfast.
On Sunday, a few of them celebrated what they hoped could be their final evening within the metropolis by sightseeing on a beer bike tour.
A complete of 125 passengers are anticipated to depart from the ship on Monday night.
The cruisers are hoping that it is going to be simpler to maneuver on from right here and so they can lastly begin having fun with their around-the-world voyage, which is able to see them crusing in worldwide waters for the subsequent three years.
Melody and John Hennessy of Palm Beach, Florida wasted no time after they docked in Belfast.
“As a result of being in Belfast for so long, we were able to create the largest suite on the ship,” Melody advised BBC News NI.
“It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and the timing here has allowed us to complete this project.”
Both Melody and John plan to stay on the ship for the remainder of their lives.
“This will be our home now,” John mentioned.
Melody mentioned the individuals of Belfast have been great and “so kind and generous” throughout her time right here.
He added, “Although we are happy to be here, we can't wait to hopefully leave on Monday.”
Another couple who made good use of their 5 months in Belfast have been Andy and Alicia Lewis from Alaska.
“Living here in Belfast we rediscovered our roots,” mentioned Andy.
“We went to Larne with my 89-year-old mother because it was such a great opportunity for all of us.
Alicia said, “We will definitely come back and when we come back, we will love Belfast as much as we do now.”
Surprisingly, the couple enjoyed the Northern Irish weather.
“Being from Alaska, I think the weather is great here, I love it,” Andy said.
“I'm looking forward to getting on the road again, it's been a long time.”
'Always hold a place in our hearts'
Canadian couple, Monica and John Frimm, are eager to begin their journey around the world aboard the Odyssey.
“I'm absolutely delighted to be going, we were looking forward to going from the beginning,” Monica told BBC News NI.
“I think once we take off the atmosphere will be fantastic and despite all the delays it is still very encouraging.”
Monica's husband John discovered the five-month delay a disappointing begin to his life on the cruise.
“It's disappointing that things weren't fixed faster,” he mentioned.
“However, communication with management has been efficient.
Monica said that everyone was “in it together”.
He said, “It's not about the journey or the destinations we're going to, it's about the new friends we've made along the way.”
“We want to say thank you to Belfast, local people will always have a place in our hearts.”
With inputs from BBC
