Sihanoukville: Passengers aboard the luxury residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey have been left stranded in Cambodia after the operator suspended the vessel’s around-the-world voyage, citing soaring fuel costs linked to the conflict involving Iran.
Florida-based Villa Vie Residences announced the suspension on October 27, saying the company would spend the next 60 days exploring restructuring and recapitalisation options. Around 200 passengers were ordered to disembark in Cambodia, according to Bloomberg, citing the company’s founder.
Monthly fuel costs per cabin, which previously averaged around $1,800, have climbed to as much as $8,000 in parts of Asia, according to the operator. Efforts to reduce consumption by slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port failed to offset the extraordinary increase in expenses.
The company stated it was coordinating disembarkation arrangements and temporary accommodation for affected passengers. However, the restructuring process remains uncertain, with no guaranteed outcome or confirmed date for the resumption of operations.
The nearly 200-metre vessel departed Belfast in October 2024 on a planned three-and-a-half-year voyage covering almost 150 countries. The ship can accommodate up to 650 passengers and offers residential cabins for purchase or rental. Cabin ownership prices range from $120,000 to $440,000, while rental options start at approximately $3,500 per month.
The latest disruption follows earlier delays caused by repairs before the ship departed Belfast, leaving passengers waiting for months. The cruise operator subsequently launched a lifetime residency programme for people seeking to spend retirement at sea.
The suspension raises questions about the future of the voyage and the financial arrangements supporting the residential cruise model. Passengers now face uncertainty over accommodation, travel plans and whether the ship will resume its global journey.
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