Fuel Bill Hits $8,000 Per Cabin, Halting Global Cruise in Cambodia

The Villa Vie Odyssey has stopped its multi-year voyage around the world, leaving roughly 200 passengers in hotels in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The US-based operator cited a sharp rise in fuel costs as the primary reason for the halt. The suspension was announced on Tuesday.

The company stated that monthly fuel expenses per cabin in parts of Asia have reached as much as $8,000. This figure represents a steep increase from the previous cost of $1,800. The operator blamed the Iran war, which began earlier this year, for driving global fuel prices higher. It noted that slowing the ship and increasing time in port was not enough to offset the extra costs. The company also said it could not pass the full financial burden onto the passengers.

The vessel, which measures nearly 200 meters in length, was 750 days into its planned 3.5-year journey when it stopped. The trip, which departed Belfast in October 2024, was originally scheduled to visit nearly 150 countries. The operator is now using a 60-day period for restructuring and recapitalization. It warned that no final outcome is guaranteed. Passengers are currently being helped with temporary living arrangements.

Holly Hennessey, one of the passengers in Cambodia, described the situation as unexpected. She noted that residents had previously been asked to consider a fuel surcharge and that the itinerary had been severely cut back. Some passengers have already left the ship to continue traveling by land. Hennessey said she is staying in the country with the hope that the ship will eventually sail again. She described the local lodging as a temporary holdover until a final decision is made.

The ship offers facilities including multiple bars, restaurants, a pool deck, and a pickleball court. Permanent cabin prices range from $120,000 to $440,000. Monthly rentals start at $3,500. The parent company, Villa Vie Residences, launched a lifetime residence program last year for retirees. In 2024, following Donald Trump's election victory, the company introduced a four-year package called Skip Forward. The ship previously faced delays in Belfast due to repairs, which stranded passengers for months.