Cruise operator halts voyage over fuel surge

Villa Vie Residences suspended operations for its residential cruise ship, The Odyssey, while docked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The Florida-based company cited a sharp spike in fuel prices that made continuing the itinerary financially unsustainable.

The vessel launched two years ago on a three-year route covering seven continents. It combined long-term living at sea with global travel. Monthly fuel expenses per cabin historically averaged $1,800. In parts of Asia during the Iran conflict, those costs climbed to an estimated $6,000 or $8,000.

The operator attempted to cut consumption by slowing the schedule and extending port stays. It could not offset the increased expenditures. Villa Vie Residences stated that absorbing the operating losses became impossible. It added that passing the full increase to residents was not a realistic solution.

The ship arrived at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on Oct. 23 for a five-day visit. It originally planned to proceed to Vietnam but remained in port as of Wednesday. The vessel carried 203 passengers from 15 nationalities, mostly Americans, along with 156 crew members. Total capacity stood at 650 residents.

Passengers received instructions to leave the ship. The status of the 156 crew members remained unclear. The Odyssey had a confirmed itinerary extending into November 2027. The company also planned a second residential cruise ship for early 2029, but the suspension statement did not address that project.