US cruise ship halts world tour in Cambodia

Villa Vie Residences halted the global voyage of the MV Odyssey while the vessel remains docked at the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville. The Florida-based company cited soaring fuel expenses as the reason for the suspension. The ship, which has been traveling for two years, now has no confirmed date to leave the Gulf of Thailand.

The Odyssey set sail in October 2024 from Belfast, Northern Ireland. The initial itinerary was planned to last three and a half years. A second voyage was tentatively scheduled to conclude in August 2030. The vessel was refitted in Northern Ireland before the journey began.

Villa Vie Residences markets the experience as a form of residential living. The company offered suites for a base price of approximately $230,000, covering the lifetime of the vessel. The operator described the cabins as floating homes. The ship carries a capacity of 650 passengers, though it currently hosts 203 residents and 156 crew members.

Fuel costs in parts of Asia have risen sharply due to the war in Iran. Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has decreased, reducing petroleum supplies in Southeast Asia. The company stated that monthly fuel expenses per cabin, which historically averaged $1,800, now range between $6,000 and $8,000. Villa Vie Residences attempted to lower consumption by slowing the itinerary and increasing time in port. These measures did not offset the rising prices.

The company issued a statement on Tuesday explaining the decision. It noted that passing the full increase to residents was not a realistic solution. The operator said it is working with residents to coordinate disembarkation and identify temporary living arrangements. The company is currently restructuring its operations.

Passengers were given seven hours notice to leave the ship on Tuesday. Many reported a lack of support in making their own arrangements. Paul Montoya, a retired resident from Wyoming, said the company lacked the expertise to keep the business sustainable. He noted that the vessel had been struggling with itinerary changes and declining service quality before the fuel crisis. His wife, Lynn Montoya, said residents were repeatedly asked for additional funds for fuel and other expenses.

Carol Larson, 69, and her sister Crystal Lavering, 72, have lived aboard the ship for 18 months. The California residents described the suspension as heartbreaking. Larson purchased her cabin for $120,000, paid in installments. She said she does not regret the investment because she views the experience as a valuable experiment. Lavering noted that her health improved during her time at sea, adding that she no longer requires a cane to walk.

The MV Odyssey was built in 1993. It operated under different names for several cruise lines before being idled during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Villa Vie Residences bought the vessel in 2023. The ship arrived in Sihanoukville last Friday. It was originally scheduled to depart on Wednesday.

Long Dimanche, the deputy governor of Preah Sihanouk province, said the ship is expected to refuel and leave Cambodia on Saturday. The ship's operator has not publicly confirmed this date. Sihanoukville previously hosted the MS Westerdam in February 2020. That vessel was allowed to dock after being turned away by five other ports due to pandemic concerns.