Overview

• The Villa Vie Odyssey, a 31-year-old cruise ship, has been anchored off the coast of Northern Ireland for nearly four months due to mechanical issues and certification delays.
• Originally scheduled to depart on May 30, the ship faced multiple setbacks including problems with its rudders and gearbox.
• Passengers, some of whom have sold their homes to live on the ship, have been staying in hotels at night while waiting for the ship to be cleared for departure.
• After a brief attempt to set sail on Monday night, the ship returned to Belfast Lough due to incomplete administrative paperwork.
• The ship is now expected to return to port in Belfast to finalize preparations before departing for Brest, France, on Wednesday evening.