Fuel Costs Force World Cruise Ship To Suspend Voyage, Leaving Passengers In Cambodia

A luxury cruise ship on a planned 3.5-year global voyage has suspended operations after soaring fuel costs left its operator struggling to sustain the journey, with passengers disembarking in Cambodia.

Villa Vie Odyssey, which left Belfast in October 2024, had been travelling for more than 750 days before the suspension was announced on Tuesday.

The operator said fuel costs in parts of Asia had risen to as much as $8,000 per cabin monthly, compared with $1,800 previously. Efforts to reduce consumption by slowing the ship and extending port stays failed to offset the increase.

The company said it was arranging temporary accommodation and disembarkation for passengers while undertaking a 60-day restructuring and recapitalisation process, warning that no outcome was guaranteed.

Bloomberg reported that about 200 passengers were on board when they were told to leave the vessel in Cambodia.

The ship was expected to visit nearly 150 countries during its 3.5-year voyage. Its departure from Belfast had previously been delayed by repairs, leaving passengers waiting for months.

Villa Vie Odyssey offers permanent cabin residences costing between $120,000 and $440,000, while monthly rentals start at $3,500. The operator also launched a lifetime residence programme for retirees seeking to live at sea.