Fuel Costs Halt Residential Cruise Voyage

A residential cruise voyage has ended in Cambodia after fuel prices climbed during the war in Iran.

Villa Vie Residences, the Florida-based company that operates the Odyssey, said monthly fuel expenses for each cabin historically averaged $1,800. Those costs reached an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia. The company slowed the itinerary and spent more time in port to cut fuel use, but said it could not offset the increase. The Odyssey docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on Oct. 23 for a five-day visit and remained at the port Wednesday.

The ship carried 203 passengers from 15 nationalities, most of them Americans, along with 156 crew members. Its capacity was 650 residents. The Odyssey began a three-year voyage two years ago, planned to visit seven continents, and had an itinerary confirmed through November 2027.

Passengers were told to leave the ship. The status of the crew was not addressed in the company's statement.

Villa Vie Residences said it could not keep carrying the operating losses and that passing the full fuel increase to residents was not a workable option. The company said it is supporting residents, crew and employees while it attempts to restructure. The statement did not address a second residential cruise ship the company planned to put into service in early 2029.