Cruise ship halts voyage over fuel costs

The residential cruise ship Odyssey docked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, on Oct. 23 and has remained in port. The vessel had planned to depart for Vietnam but stayed in place as the operator suspended its global route. The ship is currently hosting 203 passengers and 156 crew members.

Villa Vie Residences, the Florida-based company operating the vessel, cited a sharp rise in energy expenses as the primary reason for the halt. Monthly fuel costs per cabin had historically averaged $1,800. In recent months, those expenses climbed to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia during the conflict in Iran.

The company attempted to mitigate the financial strain by slowing its itinerary and increasing port stays. These measures failed to offset the increased expenditure. Villa Vie stated that passing the full cost increase to residents was not a realistic solution. The firm is now focused on supporting residents, crew, and employees while it restructures operations.

The Odyssey launched two years ago on a three-year journey to seven continents. The service marketed long-term living at sea combined with global travel. The vessel has a total capacity for 650 residents. Of the current 203 passengers, most are American citizens, representing 15 nationalities.

Passengers have been instructed to leave the ship. The operational status of the 156 crew members remains unclear. Sihanoukville Autonomous Port confirmed the initial five-day visit in a statement last week. The ship was scheduled to proceed to Vietnam but stayed in the port through Wednesday.

The original itinerary ran through November 2027. Villa Vie had planned to bring a second residential cruise ship into service in early 2029. The statement regarding the suspension did not address the future of that second vessel.