But now MailOnline can reveal the final tests of the repairs on the boat have been completed and it will be given the all clear to leave next week - meaning its hundreds of mostly American passengers will finally be leaving Belfast.
The Odyssey's Journey
The Odyssey, a US cruise liner operated by Villa Vie Residences docked at Harland & Wolf ship repair facility in Belfast Harbour on August 30
The Odyssey is now due to set sail next week after being plagued with mechanical issues
The vessel, which has an action-packed 425-port itinerary across 147 countries, has been plagued with mechanical issues since it was initially expected to launch on May 30.
One dock worker confirmed to MailOnline: 'She sailed though her final test, and she should be off as soon as Wednesday. Everything is looking good.'
Lanette said: 'We are on a practice sea trial right now, and it sounds to be doing very well. The software programmes are talking to each other so that's a great sign. They are hitting the speeds they need and everything is looking good.
'The real sea trails with DNV are coming up on [Friday]. They have some equipment that is coming in, some containers of food that they are going to load onto the ship.
'But it will be official with the DNV on board…and hopefully right after that we can get on the ship.'
Johan added: 'We are hoping something will happen by mid-next week.'
The Passengers' Perspective
The luxury cruise liner includes cabins that are worth between $92,000 and $920,000
The cruise liner pictured at a repair facility in Belfast Harbour on August 30
Pictured: The passengers at a reception with the lord mayor of Belfast Micky Hurray on September 2
Its passengers were stuck in Belfast for three months while the ship underwent repairs
Holly Hennessey, 67, from sunny Florida, is travelling with her cat Captain.
She told MailOnline: ''We are all very excited about what comes next.
'It's been a busy couple of days. We have official updates at least twice a week and we are already hearing positive noises about the sea trials..'
Angela and Stephen Theriac, both 53 from Nicaragua, admitted that it has been frustrating at times, but they are 'fully confident the ship will sail'.
Angela said: 'We have been frustrated at times, but we look at this journey like we are remodeling a house, which we have done a few times.
'Problems arise, mistakes are made, but you just suck it up and keep trudging along. Reviving a 30-year-old ship is like reviving a 100 year old house, it just takes time.'
'We do feel we are at the end of the project, and we are close to receiving a 'certificate of occupancy'.'
She also said that the company has been particularly open with the passengers, even allowing one of them to sit in on the daily meetings so they can be kept fully up to date.
'We are fully confident the ship will sail, it is just the waiting that is hard.. We receive updates on a regular basis. It started months ago with a weekly update, then it switched to twice a week, and now the COO, Kathy Villaba, posts an update daily.
Pictured: Holly Hennessey, 67, from sunny Florida, is travelling with her cat Captain
The vessel, which has an action-packed 425-port itinerary across 147 countries, has been plagued with mechanical issues since it was initially expected to launch on May 30
Passengers can also enjoy pools, a golf simulator, fine dining experiences and more while on board
'The company has been transparent throughout the process, and even recently allowed a resident to sit in the daily meetings – which he then passes on the information to the rest of us.'
Despite this some passengers were forced to return back to their home countries, as the financial burden of living in Belfast was too much.
Many had left their normal lives behind for the round-the-world trip, with some selling their homes and possessions to pay between £75,000 and £700,000 to buy their cabins for the 15-year life of the vessel.
The Odyssey's Past
The Odyssey, formerly known as the MS Braemar from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, was built in 1993 but only acquired by Villa Vie Residences in March 2024.
Since then, it has undergone an extensive refit at the famed Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, including major repairs to its rudder stocks and grey water tanks, which were essential to meet environmental standards.
The delay has caused considerable frustration among guests who have been stranded in Belfast since May, trading the tropical summer sun for a significantly wetter Northern Irish summer.
Parent company, Villa Vie Residences initially covered the living expenses of their guests, but as the delay extended, they announced they would no longer cover costs as it was 'unsustainable', leaving many to arrange their own accommodations.
What's Next for the Odyssey?
The Odyssey's itinerary includes stops in 147 countries around the globe. While the journey will be broken up into 17 different 'segments', it is expected to last for three and a half years. With its capacity of 924 passengers and 485 cabins, the Odyssey is capable of docking at smaller ports that larger cruise liners cannot reach, making it perfect for exploring lesser-known destinations. Passengers can also enjoy a variety of onboard amenities, including pools, a golf simulator, and fine dining experiences.
The Odyssey's journey represents a unique opportunity to explore the world in a more relaxed and immersive way, allowing passengers to fully experience the culture and beauty of each destination. The ship's unexpected delay in Belfast may have been a frustrating experience for some, but it also offered a chance for unexpected connections and experiences for many passengers. As the Odyssey finally sets sail, it will carry with it the stories of the many passengers who have been eagerly awaiting its departure, and a renewed sense of adventure as they embark on this incredible journey around the globe.
