A cruise ship taking passengers on a 3 ½-year around-the-world voyage has finally sailed from Belfast, after spending four months stuck in the Northern Ireland capital.

The ship was supposed to have a brief stop in Northern Ireland for repairs back in May but unexpected problems left both the vessel and its passengers marooned for months.

There were shouts, clapping and cheers of "hip, hip hooray" as it was announced that a cruise ship stranded in Belfast for the last four months would finally leave on Monday night. Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey, which was being outfitted in Belfast, should have departed in May but was delayed as it needed repairs.