Villa Vie Odyssey suspends operations, passengers given eight-hour notice to disembark in Cambodia

Villa Vie Residences announced on Tuesday that the Villa Vie Odyssey, a live-aboard cruise operating as a floating residence, has ceased operations because of a dramatic increase in fuel expenses. The ship was moored in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, when passengers were told they must vacate the vessel by 2 p.m. that day, giving them roughly eight hours to disembark.

Long-time residents Lanette Canen and John Bodin, who have documented life aboard the Odyssey since its launch in September 2024, said the short notice was unexpected. > "We knew leaving was a possibility, but the eight-hour notice still surprised us," they told Business Insider.

A video posted by the couple shows a staff member informing passengers that the ship could not secure enough fuel to continue. A voice in the clip states, "Unfortunately, they were unable to secure the fuel necessary to continue operations."

The company’s website indicates that it is working with residents to arrange temporary housing and will evaluate restructuring options over the next 60 days. Neither CEO Kathy Villalba nor executive chairman Mikael Petterson responded to interview requests.

Villa Vie Residences attributed the shutdown to soaring fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict, noting that monthly fuel expenses per cabin have risen from about $1,800 to between $6,000 and $8,000 in parts of Asia – an increase of up to 344 %. The firm said it had slowed itineraries and spent more time in port, but those measures were insufficient to offset the higher costs.

In an internal message dated August 1, Villalba referenced a previously requested "fuel contribution" from residents, which had not achieved full participation. She described the financial shortfall as "real, immediate, and necessary to keep Odyssey moving" and urged additional contributions.

Passengers described the abrupt departure as distressing. Barbara Fiegel, 62, who has lived on the ship since December 2024, said she and her partner booked a hotel in Cambodia and returned to retrieve belongings, describing the ship as a "ghost town." Joel Greiff, 57, who moved aboard earlier this month, said he had planned to stay for many years but now faces uncertainty. He intends to help other residents with their luggage and to seek temporary accommodation in Cambodia while the company determines its next steps.