MV Odyssey pauses three-year world cruise in Cambodia amid soaring fuel costs
The U.S.-registered cruise ship MV Odyssey has halted its multi-year global itinerary in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, after fuel expenses rose sharply, leaving hundreds of passengers ashore.
The MV Odyssey, a U.S.-registered vessel marketed as a floating residence, suspended its three-year around-the-world cruise while docked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The ship, which began its voyage in October 2024, carries 203 passengers—mostly Americans—and 156 crew members, according to Cambodian officials. It is currently unable to set a departure date.
Villa Vie Residences, the Florida-based operator, said monthly fuel costs per cabin have jumped from an average of $1,800 to between $6,000 and $8,000 in parts of Asia following the war in Iran, which has disrupted fuel supplies in the Strait of Hormuz. The company added that attempts to curb consumption by slowing the itinerary and extending port stays did not offset the higher expenses.
"We have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses," the operator said in a statement, adding that passing the full increase on to residents was not feasible and that its focus was on supporting residents, crew and employees while restructuring.
The operator indicated it is coordinating passenger disembarkation and seeking temporary housing solutions. A passenger-blogger, Randy Cassingham, criticized the response, claiming the company provided no hotel listings or assistance and left passengers to rely on shuttle buses to reach the town.
Cambodian deputy governor Long Dimanche said the ship was expected to refuel and depart on Saturday, though the operator has not confirmed a new schedule. The Odyssey, built in 1993 and acquired by Villa Vie Residences in 2023, was originally slated for a 3½-year cruise ending in August 2030.