Cruise halted in Cambodia as fuel costs triple

Passengers on a luxury cruise ship are staying in hotels in Cambodia after the vessel suspended its multi year world tour. The ship is docked in the port city of Sihanoukville, and the operator said it is arranging temporary living spaces for the people on board. Reports indicate approximately 200 passengers are currently on land, though the vessel can hold up to 650.

The company attributed the halt to sharply higher fuel prices driven by the Iran war, which started earlier this year. In parts of Asia, the monthly fuel cost per cabin has risen to $8,000, up from $1,800. The operator stated that slowing down the ship and spending more time in port did not offset the costs. It also said that passing the full increase to residents was not a realistic solution.

The Villa Vie Odyssey began its voyage in Belfast in October 2024. The trip was planned to last 3.5 years and visit nearly 150 countries. The ship was more than 750 days into its journey when the suspension was announced on Tuesday. The operator plans to spend the next 60 days on restructuring and recapitalization, but warned that no outcome is assured.

Passenger Holly Hennessey said the situation was unexpected. She noted that residents had been asked to consider a fuel surcharge earlier in the year and that the itinerary had been severely curtailed. Some people chose to leave the ship and continue traveling on land. Hennessey is staying in Cambodia in the hope that the ship will sail again.

"It was not on my bingo card of places where I'd be spending a lot of time," Hennessey said. "We're just waiting." She added that she is not giving up until the company says the voyage is over. "Cambodia's not the worst place to hang out," she said.

The ship offers bars, restaurants, a pool deck, and a pickleball court. Permanent cabin residencies cost between $120,000 and $440,000, while monthly rentals start at $3,500. The company launched a lifetime residence program last year for people wanting to spend their retirement years at sea. In 2024, the parent company announced a four year package for new residents.