Cruisers say goodbye to Belfast - as they prepare to continue life at sea after four months

Luxury cruise passengers who have been marooned in Belfast for four months are hoping to hit the seas this week.

The worldwide voyage of the Villa Vie Odyssey has been long set back, leaving its guests stuck exploring Northern Ireland instead.

Cruisegoers could avail of offered rental segments varying from 35 to 120 days, or purchase villas 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.

However, the start of the dream stay boasting an "ever changing backyard" has been delayed for four months due to unexpected repair works, meaning the cruise ship has been stranded in Belfast.

The ship's eventual passengers hope to board on Monday (30th Sept) , beginning their life at sea soon thereafter.

So, to say goodbye to their temporary home - around 30 of the cruisers hopped on Belfast Party Bikes over the weekend, to celebrate their time in the city and say farewell.

During the passengers stint in Northern Ireland's capital - a couple of voyagers have fallen in love with Belfast, and each other.

Gian Perroni, from Vancouver in Canada, and Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado in the US, first met in Belfast four months ago having bought cabins on the ship.

Both were looking forward to an adventure at sea but were not looking for a relationship.

The pair started walking through Belfast on their way to and back from the ship, before realising how compatible they were.

Mr Perroni said the two are "made for each other", adding: "We found our soulmates."

With love blossoming in Northern Ireland, the pair recently announced their engagement following a proposal on the Lagan Weir Bridge under a supermoon.

Ms Harsanyi, who says she loves Mr Perroni from the bottom of her heart, added: "I can't imagine spending another day of my life without him."

On being unexpected waylaid in Northern Ireland, Mr Perroni quipped: "I don't think we'd consider it stranded as much as ... marooned?"

He said the Villa Vie Residences company has been "great and diligent" in making sure the vessel is safe and ready, as well as covering their expenses during the extended shore excursion.

"We've all had the opportunity to travel and go home as needed. So we've learned patience and perseverance - and learned how wonderful the people of Belfast have been."

Ms Harsanyi said visiting Belfast for the first time has been "absolutely lovely", with the pair, who got matching tattoos to commemorate their time in the city, almost ready to start giving their own tours after soaking up the central area.

"We enjoy the people, the pubs, the architecture, and a lot of the nature around here."

She adds: "The hospitality and the kindness has been awesome."

Mr Perroni, who is half Irish, said they have been able to travel around Northern Ireland to destinations like the Giant's Causeway: "I don't think we could have picked a better place to end up. It is always going to be close to our heart."

However, he admits: "We've enjoyed the pubs - my liver is crying a little bit."

Ms Harsanyi, who is also travelling with her sister, is looking forward to the cruise's community outreach programme around the world.

Mr Perroni, who has spent the last six years in Costa Rica, said the idea of the cruise "really struck a chord" with him.

He is able to continue his work on board "while seeing the world".

The ship's captain will marry the new couple as part of a "gigantic wedding" on board in April, between Costa Rica and Panama.

Passengers told us today they are expecting to set sail tomorrow. They say they have loved their time in Belfast, especially the people.

However, they cannot wait to continue their life at sea adventure!

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