Horror as cruise stranded for four months

Passengers on a luxury cruise liner were to enjoy a year-long trip but instead the massive ship became stranded for four months.

Passengers on a cruise ship stranded in Belfast for four months cheered as the ship finally set out on its voyage on Sunday night.

Over 600 passengers of The Odyssey celebrated as they gathered on Belfast Harbour to set sail for the Caribbean.

Despite setting sail on Sunday, the ship only travelled a few kilometres before making the decision to turn back.

The Odyssey cruise ship that was stuck in Belfast has finally set sail. Picture: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

It is believed that this is due to paperwork still needing to be complete.

The Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey was supposed to take passengers on an epic three-year tour of Europe, Asia and the Americas.

But the ship was stuck in Belfast for four months after crew discovered problems with its rudders and gearbox.

The massive ship, which docked in Belfast on May 30, left the harbour shortly after 11.30pm on Monday.

The ship only travelled a few kilometres before making the decision to turn back. Picture: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Passengers cheered as they boarded the ship. Picture: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Sailing down Belfast Lough, passengers were able to breath a sigh of relief - but it didn’t last long.

According to the Belfast Harbour website, the ship will arrive back in Belfast at around 1.30pm.

It is listed to depart a second time at 11pm and was last tracked passing Bangor, County Down in Northern Ireland.

Chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, Mike Petterson, admitted to media that he was a “little stressed” trying to clear the ships departure.

Odyssey cruise ship passenger Shirene Thomas from North Carolina, USA reacts as she arrives at the Belfast cruise ship terminal. Picture: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Odyssey passengers wait to be given the go ahead that they can board the cruise liner on September 30. Picture: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

He said: “It’s administrative paperwork. We needed the right person to press the button at the end of the day.

“It’s been done and we’re putting the vessel in motion right now.

“The harbour master has been in direct contact with the MD.

“We’ve been expecting this outcome for hours.”

The ship, which was built in 1993, has capacity for more than 900 guests.

Crew members take pictures of passengers boarding the cruise ship Odyssey on September 30. Picture: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Nine out of ten passengers reportedly plan to stay on board for the whole world cruise.

Pretty penny

Some passengers revealed they sold their homes to go on the £27,000 ($A52,000) a-month trip.

While others sold all their possessions to pay between £75,000 ($A145,000) and £700,000 ($A1.3 million) for a cabin.

The Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey cruise ship finally departs from the harbour on September 30. Picture: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

The Villa Vie Odyssey is seen off the Northern Irish coast having departed Belfast on Monday evening, only to announce it would return to port in Belfast on Tuesday to complete administrative paperwork. Picture: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Holly Hennessy, from Florida, is staying in a balcony mini-suite costing $US329,000 ($A480,000)) and said guests were told over the weekend that the ship has passed all certifications.

A couple, who found love on board, announced their engagement over the weekend.

Gian Perroni, from Vancouver Canada, and Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado USA, fell for each other while exploring Northern Ireland.

A “gigantic wedding” will take place on board The Odyssey ship between Costa Rica and Panama – and the captain will tie the knot for them.

Mr Perroni told RTE how they found their “soulmate” and how the pair are “made for each other”, which prompted him to pop the question on Belfast’s Lagan Weir Bridge.

Ms Harsanyi said yes and added: “I can’t imagine spending another day of my life without him.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission