US cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey suspended operations in Cambodia. Citing soaring fuel costs and funding difficulties, the operator asked passengers to disembark, and approximately 200 passengers packed their belongings and left the ship.
Villa Vie Residences, a cruise ship operator based in Florida, announced that it would suspend operations of the Villa Vie Odyssey. The ship had been continuing its voyage around the world, but the voyage was suspended as the company’s funding position deteriorated. After arriving in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, the port where the ship was docked, passengers were instructed to disembark within 7 hours. The ship carried 203 passengers and 156 crew members.
The Odyssey departed Belfast, Northern Ireland, in October 2024, on a planned voyage around all 7 continents. The operator advertised, “Make the Odyssey your permanent home,” and sold or leased long-term residential rights to cabins. It explained that permanent residence rights cost approximately $130,000–$440,000, with a separate monthly fee of $2,000–$10,000. Many of the passengers were retirees or remote workers.
Restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and a sharp increase in fuel costs have been cited as factors behind the suspension. Average monthly fuel costs per cabin had been $1,800, but rose to $6,000–$8,000 in Asia. The operator attempted to reduce fuel consumption by slowing the ship and extending its stays in port, but could not cover the rapidly rising costs. It said it would pursue restructuring and capital strengthening over the next 60 days while focusing on support for those staying aboard.
Some passengers who disembarked had already left the ship because of requests for additional charges, itinerary changes, internet connectivity problems and declining food quality. One passenger told AFP that, while pointing to deficiencies in the company’s financial management, the journey had been worthwhile.