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World Voyage Ends Abruptly in Cambodia Over Fuel Costs
28 Oct
Summary
- A U.S. cruise ship suspended its world voyage in Cambodia.
- High fuel costs, exacerbated by the war in Iran, caused the suspension.
- Hundreds of passengers were forced to disembark with little notice.
A U.S. cruise ship, the MV Odyssey, has suspended its ambitious three-year around-the-world voyage in Cambodia due to escalating fuel expenses. The vessel, which had been marketed as a permanent floating home with suites priced from approximately $230,000, is currently docked in Sihanoukville.
The ship's operator, Villa Vie Residences, stated that monthly fuel costs, which previously averaged $1,800 per cabin, have surged to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia. This increase is attributed to the conflict in Iran, which has disrupted traffic and supply chains, particularly affecting petroleum-based fuels in Southeast Asia.
The company announced it could no longer sustain the operating losses and would focus on supporting its residents, crew, and employees while attempting to restructure. Passengers reported being given only seven hours' notice to disembark, with some expressing devastation and criticizing the company's management for financial instability and poor communication.
Despite the financial and logistical turmoil, some passengers cherished the experience of living at sea and traveling globally. The cruise, which began in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in October 2024, was originally planned to last 3 1/2 years. The ship, built in 1993, was purchased by Villa Vie Residences in 2023.
