Floating-home cruise MV Odyssey halts voyage in Cambodia over soaring fuel costs
The residential cruise ship MV Odyssey suspended its three-year global itinerary in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, after fuel expenses surged, leaving hundreds of passengers to disembark.
The MV Odyssey, marketed as a floating home for long-term residents, has paused its around-the-world cruise at the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville due to sharply higher fuel costs. The vessel, operated by Florida-based Villa Vie Residences, was carrying 203 passengers, mostly Americans, and 156 crew members when it docked, with no confirmed departure date.
Villa Vie Residences said monthly fuel expenses per cabin, which historically averaged about $2,527 Cdn, have risen to between $8,425 and $11,234 Cdn in parts of Asia because of the war in Iran and related supply constraints in the Strait of Hormuz. The company announced it could not sustain the operating losses and is working with residents to arrange disembarkation and temporary housing.
"We have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses," the operator said in a statement.
"Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution. Our focus now is on supporting residents, crew, and employees," the statement added.
Passengers reported receiving only seven hours' notice to leave and said they had to make their own arrangements. Some expressed disappointment, while others remained hopeful that a new investor might revive the venture.
Retired couple Paul and Lynn Montoya, who bought a window cabin for about $230,000 US, said the concept was appealing but the company lacked financial expertise. They noted additional requests for money and declining service quality before the suspension.
Sisters Carol Larson and Crystal Lavering, who had lived aboard for 18 months, described the halt as heartbreaking. Larson, who purchased her cabin for $168,000 Cdn, blamed rising fuel costs linked to the Iran war and management issues, but said she did not regret her investment.
The ship, built in 1993 and previously operated under other names, was purchased by Villa Vie Residences in 2023 and began its current cruise in October 2024 after a refit in Belfast. Local officials indicated the vessel might refuel and depart on Saturday, though the operator has not confirmed a new schedule.