Cruise liner Odyssey halted in Cambodia over rising fuel prices

Cruise liner Odyssey halted over rising fuel prices

The cruise liner Villa Vie Odyssey, which was on a round-the-world voyage, was forced to end its cruise and disembark passengers in Cambodia due to a sharp rise in fuel costs. The American operator Villa Vie Residences announced that the company has declared a restructuring, as it cannot cover the losses caused by an 'extreme' surge in fuel prices amid the war involving Iran. The liner docked at the port of Sihanoukville on October 27, 2026, with 203 passengers and 156 crew members on board.

Economic reasons for halting the voyage

The operator explained that fuel-saving measures taken since February 2026, including reducing the ship's speed and extending port stays, failed to offset the rising costs. According to the company, in some regions of Asia monthly fuel costs per cabin rose from $1,800 to $8,000. As a result, the business model, which involved selling or long-term leasing cabins at prices ranging from $120,000 to $440,000, became financially unviable.

Situation of the passengers and current status

The passengers, many of whom sold their property to finance a life at sea, found themselves in a difficult position. The operator has begun searching for temporary accommodation for people ashore, but the exact date of the liner's departure has not yet been confirmed. Some passengers have already left Cambodia, while others remain in the country, hoping the voyage will resume. The ship, which set sail from Belfast in October 2024 and visited 147 countries, was originally intended as a venue for a continuous round-the-world voyage lasting 755 days.