The U.S. residential cruise ship “Villa Vie Odyssey” suspended operations at Sihanoukville Port in Cambodia on October 27 due to rising fuel costs, and passengers were asked to disembark. The cruise ship departed Belfast, Northern Ireland, in October 2024 and was originally scheduled for a roughly three-and-a-half-year voyage around the world. The Associated Press reported that there were 203 passengers and 156 crew members aboard at the time. The operator said average monthly fuel expenditure per cabin in parts of Asia had risen from approximately $1,800 in the past to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000.
For some passengers, the ship was not merely a means of travel but also a home for nearly two years. Passenger Lanette Canen said it was heartbreaking to leave the life and community she had built with her companions. Many passengers also had to find temporary accommodation and arrange onward travel, and it remains unclear when the cruise ship will resume operations.
On October 29, Cambodian Tourism Minister Huot Hak boarded the ship to learn about the situation of the tourists and crew and coordinated with the Sihanoukville provincial government, port authorities and immigration department to help provide necessary information and services. The Cambodian side said some tourists had already left by plane, while the needs of the remaining people would continue to be addressed by the relevant departments. Specific follow-up arrangements for the suspension of the cruise ship’s operations remain to be announced by the operator.
