The 'cursed' cruise ship sets sail AGAIN after its stranded in Belfast

A cruise ship that was stranded in Belfast for four months has set sail for the second time as passengers shriek with glee. 

The purportedly 'cursed' Villa Vie Odyssey had been scheduled to leave Belfast in May for a three-year, round-the-world cruise but was delayed due to unexpected repairs.

It eventually set sail from Belfast Harbour on Monday night but only travelled a few miles before dropping anchor in Belfast Lough. 

However, tonight CEO Mike Petterson has confirmed that she is once again on the move and will dock in Scotland overnight before travelling south.

Passenger Holly Hennessey said: 'Hallelujah! All of us are beyond words, delighted, and the celebration is already under way.'

The celebrations continued on deck as videos surfaced of the residents cheered and hugged Mr Petterson, when he confirmed that the liner was ready to depart Belfast.

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In one video a group tries to smash a bottle of champagne on deck - a naval tradition that is meant to bless the ship and bring it luck at sea - but in continuance of with the theme that the ship is 'cursed' they have to try three times before successfully splintering the glass. 

Mr Petterson said the cruise ship would dock at Hunterston, Ayrhsire, overnight before an itinerary would then be created, depending on the weather.

The vessel is expected to travel to Brest, France, next and make several stop-offs before heading to the Bahamas.

He also added that the ship was now 'fully certified without conditions'.

The luxury cruise offers rentals from 35 to 120 days, or villas can be purchased.

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.

Many of the passengers thanked Belfast for hosting them for many months, praising the people and the many pubs the city has to offer.

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One man, who carried a self-assembled model of the Titanic on board on Monday, said he enjoyed Belfast but was ready for the rest of the cruise.

However, due to unexpected repair works, the 125 passengers have been forced to while away their summer with city booze cruises and sight seeing tours in Northern Ireland.

To make the best of their situation, some passengers turned to inhaling Vitamin D pills to offset the effects of the sullen Belfast sky.

Others focused on themselves and found love, with one couple who met while marooned on the port getting engaged there just four months later.

But despite the relative understanding some passengers showed, there was dissent.

One unfortunate woman claimed she was ousted from the cruise despite the delays after her private WhatsApp messages critiquing the operation were leaked.

Chief Operating Officer Kathy Villalba claimed that had 'received over a dozen formal complaints from residents' about her negativity and it was 'impacted the morale and well-being of other passengers'.

Retired doctor David Austin from Georgia in the US told MailOnline on October 1: 'A few of us literally partied until sunrise. Joyous to the point of disbelief that is actually happening.'

Passenger John Frim told the BBC he was a little 'confused' by the situation but was 'happy to be home' and have slept in his 'own bed' on the ship for the first time.

Another passenger, Mary Ann Demsar, said she was still 'very excited' to be going to 'see the world', adding: 'It's been tough getting here with all the delay.

'But I've had the time of my life these last five months exploring Ireland and Europe and enjoying everything Belfast has to offer.'

Ms Demsar, who is Canadian, added: 'Not sure exactly what's happening but we are going to be docking back in Belfast today [October 1] and then leaving later on. There is some paperwork that still needs to be done.'