Villa Vie Odyssey Halts World Cruise, Leaves Passengers Stranded in Cambodia

The Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential ship that left Belfast in 2024 on an open-ended around-the-world voyage, has suspended operations, leaving passengers in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Villa Vie Residences announced the suspension on Wednesday, citing rising fuel costs.

According to the operator, monthly fuel costs in parts of Asia have climbed to $8,000 per cabin, up from a previous average of $1,800. With 485 cabins aboard, the company said it tried to reduce consumption by staying longer in port and considered a fuel surcharge, but concluded it could not pass the full increase on to passengers.

The end came quickly. A couple on board told the BBC that the CEO told everyone at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday they had to disembark by 2:00 p.m. that day — eight hours' notice. Many passengers and crew are now staying in hotels in the coastal city, while others are traveling independently in Southeast Asia. Passengers had paid between $120,000 and $440,000 for their cabins.

The ship's troubles predate this week. The Odyssey was stuck in Belfast for four months before departure due to maintenance issues, and one woman was banned from the cruise after complaining about the delay. Once underway, the ship remained anchored offshore to finish paperwork. Villa Vie Residences said it will work toward restructuring and recapitalization over the next 60 days.