Villa Vie Residences Suspends Odyssey Voyage in Cambodia as Fuel Costs Surge

Odyssey Suspended in Cambodia

Villa Vie Residences suspended the MV Odyssey’s three-year residential world voyage in Cambodia because of rising fuel costs, leaving passengers aboard a ship marketed as their long-term floating homes. The Florida-based operator said it was working to restructure and support residents, crew and employees, while the vessel remained at Sihanoukville with no firm departure date.

The Odyssey, which set sail two years ago for visits to the seven continents, was carrying 203 passengers and 156 crew members. Sihanoukville Autonomous Port said the ship arrived on Oct. 23 for a five-day visit before continuing to Vietnam, but it remained in the port Wednesday. Passengers were told to leave the vessel, although the crew’s status was unclear.

Fuel Costs Overwhelmed the Voyage

Villa Vie Residences said monthly fuel expenses per cabin had risen from a historical average of $1,800 to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia during the war in Iran. The company said it slowed the itinerary and spent more time in port to reduce fuel consumption, but those measures could not offset the increase.

“We have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses,” the operator said. “Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution. Our focus now is on supporting residents, crew, and employees” while it restructures the venture.

Residents Told to Find Other Housing

Villa Vie Residences said it was coordinating disembarkation and helping residents identify temporary living arrangements. Some passengers said they instead had to make their own arrangements after receiving seven hours’ notice on Tuesday, exposing a difference between the company’s stated assistance efforts and residents’ experiences.

Paul and Lynn Montoya, a retired couple from Wyoming, said they had bought a window cabin and expected to remain aboard for years. They said residents were repeatedly asked to contribute additional money for fuel and other expenses, including a call to raise money to leave Cambodia. They also cited itinerary changes, unreliable internet service and declining food quality as problems aboard the vessel.

A Second Ship Remains Unaddressed

The company had planned for a second residential cruise ship to enter service in early 2029. Its statement suspending the Odyssey’s voyage did not address whether that planned vessel would proceed.