Villa Vie Halts Odyssey Voyage in Cambodia Port Over Fuel Costs

Sihanoukville, Cambodia: Villa Vie Residences suspended operations of its residential cruise ship Odyssey in Cambodia on Oct. 23, citing fuel costs during the war in Iran. The vessel, which began a three to seven continent voyage two years ago, was scheduled to depart for Vietnam but remained at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port as of Oct. 28.

Villa Vie, based in Florida, reported that fuel costs per cabin, previously averaging $1,800 per month, recently reached an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in certain Asian regions. The company stated it attempted to reduce consumption by slowing the itinerary and increasing time in port, but could not offset the sudden rise in fuel prices. "We have not been able to continue absorbing the resulting operating losses," the company said, adding that passing the full increase to residents is not a realistic solution. Villa Vie said its focus is now on supporting residents, crew, and employees while it attempts to restructure.

The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port confirmed in an Oct. 23 statement that the ship docked for a five-day visit. There were 203 passengers from 15 nationalities, mostly from the United States, alongside 156 crew members aboard, though the vessel was built to accommodate 650 residents.

Passengers have been instructed to leave the ship, while the status of crew members remains unclear. The Odyssey's itinerary was confirmed through November 2027. Villa Vie had planned to launch a second residential cruise ship in early 2029; the suspension announcement did not address the status of that vessel.