A US cruise ship marketed as a permanent home at sea has suspended its around-the-world voyage in Cambodia after soaring fuel costs linked to the Iran war made operations financially unsustainable. The disruption has left 203 passengers facing uncertainty over their travel plans, accommodation and the vessel’s next departure.
The MV Odyssey, operated by Florida-based Villa Vie Residences, is docked at Sihanoukville port on the Gulf of Thailand. The ship was scheduled to depart on Wednesday, but its departure was delayed as the company sought to restructure its operations.
Fuel Costs Surge, Disrupting the World Voyage
Villa Vie Residences said fuel expenses, which historically averaged around $1,800 per cabin each month, had climbed to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia.
The company attributed the increase to rising prices and disruptions to fuel supplies following the war involving Iran. It said it could no longer continue absorbing the resulting operating losses and that passing the entire increase on to residents was not a realistic option.
The operator said it was focusing on supporting passengers, crew members and employees while attempting to restructure its business.
Cambodian officials said the Odyssey arrived in Sihanoukville last Friday carrying 203 passengers, mostly Americans, and 156 crew members. The vessel has a capacity of 650 passengers.
A provincial official said the ship was expected to refuel and leave on Saturday, although the company had not publicly confirmed a departure date.
Passengers Face Accommodation and Travel Challenges
Villa Vie Residences said it had tried to reduce fuel consumption by slowing the ship’s itinerary and spending more time in ports. However, those measures were insufficient to offset the rising expenses.
The company said it was coordinating passenger disembarkation and identifying temporary accommodation. Some passengers criticised the arrangements, alleging they received limited assistance with hotels and onward travel.
Randy Cassingham, a blogger travelling aboard the ship, said shuttle buses had dropped passengers in Sihanoukville without providing hotel recommendations or helping arrange accommodation. The company had not immediately responded to the criticism.
Iran War Adds Pressure on Cruise Operators
Disruptions to energy supplies and curtailed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to higher fuel prices, affecting fuel-dependent businesses worldwide.
The Odyssey’s difficulties highlight the financial risks facing operators running extended residential voyages when fuel costs rise sharply.
A Residential Cruise With an Uncertain Future
Villa Vie Residences acquired the vessel in 2023 and refurbished it for residential cruising. Built in 1993, the ship had previously operated under different names and was sidelined during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Its current voyage began in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in October 2024, with an original plan spanning approximately three and a half years. The company had marketed lifetime suite ownership starting at around $230,000.
The suspension raises questions about the voyage’s future and the arrangements for passengers who invested in long-term life at sea.
Relevant Link: Cambodia Ministry of Tourism
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