Passengers on a round-the-world cruise were stranded in Belfast for three months after delays on their voyage.

Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey arrived at Queen’s Island in Northern Ireland’s capital to be fitted out before setting off on the first leg of a three-year cruise on May 30.

However, due to problems with the rudders and the transmission, the ship was still unable to set sail.

Florida resident Holly Hennessey is one of those who has “settled in” and made the city her unexpected home.

Travelling with her cat Captain, the self-proclaimed “cruise addict” was unable to leave Belfast while she waited for the ship to be ready.

Passengers are allowed to stay on the ship during the day, but must leave in the evening.

“We can spend the whole day on board the ship and shuttle buses are provided for boarding and disembarking,” Ms Hennessey said.

“We can eat all our meals and there are even movies and trivia entertainment. Almost like a cruise, except we’re at the dock.”

Although he enjoyed the view, the wet weather was a shock for the American native.

“I have never used my umbrella so much in my life and I always carry my raincoat with me wherever I go.”

Cruise passengers were offered the opportunity to purchase their cabin directly rather than paying a daily rate for their room as they would in a traditional hotel.

This will allow them to stay on board even after the Villa Vie Residences’ first three-year odyssey.

“I want to stay as long as I can,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to live on a ship and this is a dream come true for me.”

The Villa Vie Residences website states that the cost of purchasing a cottage can range from $99,999 to $899,000.

Ms Hennessey’s cabin has space for a double bed, a small living area with space for the cat and a balcony.

“Villa Vie is a community and a real community has pets,” she said.

The company says it is trying everything it can to ease passengers’ “anxiety” by scheduling trips and other cruises or accommodating them in hotels.

Angela and Stephen Theriac lived in Nicaragua and made the most of their waiting time.

Since May, they have traveled by train through Spain, taken weekend trips to England and visited Greenland.

“We are travelers and we want to make the most of the place we are in,” said Ms. Theriac.

“We always joke that we are going to apply for residency here in Belfast.”

Her husband Stephen says they have settled in with the locals.

“We ate in every restaurant and drank a Guinness in every pub,” he said.

“It’s all part of our adventure.”

Dr. David Austin from Georgia in the USA says he has “stopped counting down the days until the ship is launched”.

“The reward of seeing the world this way is too great to be overly disappointed by every announcement of a delay,” he said.

“I was determined, I had sold my house shortly before my arrival and I remained faithful to this adventure despite all the delays.”

CEO Mike Petterson said he expects the ship to be launched late next week.

“We’re not focused on the next few days or weeks, we’re focused on the rest of our lives and what this company will do for residents and the industry,” he said.

Mr Petterson explained that Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey is the first “affordable” residential cruise ship.

“When you are the first to do something, you face difficulties, but we are definitely making progress and although we are late, we will start,” he added.