A luxury cruise vessel currently undertaking a multi-year journey around the world has abruptly halted operations, leaving roughly 200 passengers stranded in Cambodia. The Villa Vie Odyssey, which launched from Belfast in October 2024 for a planned 3.5-year mission covering nearly 150 nations, confirmed the suspension of its global itinerary this week. There were around 200 passengers on board when they were ordered to disembark in Cambodia, Bloomberg reported, citing the cruise operator’s founder.
US-based operator Villa Vie Residences cited extraordinarily high fuel prices as the primary cause for the shutdown. Since the onset of the Iran war earlier this year, global fuel costs have surged, with the company noting that monthly fuel expenses per cabin in Asian regions have spiked from $1,800 to as much as $8,000. According to the ship’s operator, The monthly fuel cost per cabin in parts of Asia has risen to as much as $8,000 (£6,000) from $1,800.
While the firm attempted to mitigate these increases by slowing the ship’s speed and extending port stays, these measures were insufficient.
Management stated that passing the full burden of these costs onto residents was not a realistic solution. The operator is now entering a 60-day period of restructuring and recapitalization, though officials cautioned that no specific outcome is guaranteed. Though “no outcome is assured”, it said, the company would spend the next 60 days on “restructuring and recapitalisation”.
The company is currently coordinating with those on board to manage disembarkation and provide temporary living arrangements. The vessel, which measures nearly 200 meters, has a total capacity of up to 650 passengers. It had been at sea for over 750 days before the suspension was announced. It is unclear how many were on board but the nearly 200m (656ft) vessel can carry up to 650 passengers.
The voyage previously faced significant financial and logistical hurdles, including extensive repair delays in Belfast that left passengers waiting for months at a high cost to the firm. When fully operational, the ship offers various amenities, including a pool deck, a pickleball court, and multiple dining venues.
Cabin options on the Odyssey include permanent residencies priced between $120,000 and $440,000, as well as rental units starting at $3,500 per month. Last year, the company introduced a lifetime residence program for retirees. These cabins are also also available for rent from $3,500 a month.
In 2024, the company gained attention for launching a four-year “Skip Forward” package shortly after Donald Trump’s US presidential election victory. At the time, the CEO marketed the offering as a product for those who joked about leaving the country following the election results.
