The Odyssey cruise liner, operated by American company Villa Vie Residences, finally left the port of Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Thursday, October 3, 2024, after being stranded for four months due to mechanical issues. The ship first headed to Scotland for refueling before planning to sail to Brest, France, with several stops along the way, ultimately reaching its destination in the Bahamas.
The liner had previously attempted to depart Belfast on Monday evening, September 30, but was forced to return to complete necessary paperwork. Initially, the Odyssey was scheduled to leave Belfast in May 2024, but its departure was delayed due to repairs, forcing many passengers to stay in Northern Ireland longer than expected. During this period, the tourists did not remain on the ship but stayed in local hotels or apartments in Belfast.
Despite the unexpected delay, many passengers were pleased with their extended stay in Belfast, praising the hospitality of the locals and enjoying the city’s pubs. However, they had been eagerly awaiting the continuation of their journey.