Villa Vie Suspends World Voyage in Cambodia Over Surging Fuel Costs

Villa Vie Residences suspended the Villa Vie Odyssey’s around-the-world voyage while the ship was docked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, leaving 203 passengers—mostly Americans—and 156 crew members facing uncertain housing and travel plans. Passengers said they were given about seven hours to disembark and disputed the company’s claim that it was arranging adequate support; the company is seeking temporary accommodation for residents. Villa Vie said fuel costs per cabin, previously about $1,800 a month, had risen to an estimated $6,000–$8,000 in parts of Asia amid fuel-supply disruptions linked to the Iran war, and that slower sailing and longer port stays had not made the voyage financially sustainable. The operator is exploring a restructuring and new financing over the next 60 days, but no outcome is assured and it has not set a date for the ship to resume sailing. The Odyssey began its multiyear voyage in 2024 and was marketed as a home at sea, with some residents paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for long-term or lifetime cabins; passengers also cited earlier management and onboard-service problems.