Bucks travelers watch as long-range cruise ends early in Cambodia

The Villa Vie Odyssey, a cruise ship sold as a three-year voyage, ended operations in Cambodia this week after the company said it could not secure fuel to keep running. The vessel had been designed to let people buy or rent suites and remain aboard for years.

Passengers were told to leave the ship by 2 p.m. local time. A notice said crew would stay onboard to maintain the vessel and its essential systems. Residents who could not gather their belongings were told to work with Guest Services to arrange an orderly return using shuttles. The ship had previously been stuck in Northern Ireland for months in 2024 while repairs were made.

Suites on the Odyssey were priced from about £90,000 to £260,000, or could be rented for 35 to 120 days. Daily costs for rent, utilities and food ran about £70. A Villa Vie spokesperson said the company had cut fuel use since the conflict began in late February by slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port, but could not keep covering the operating losses. The spokesperson said passing the full increase to residents "is not a realistic solution." Some passengers had planned to live aboard indefinitely, including Palm Beach, Florida residents Melody and John Hennessee.

Fuel prices have risen sharply since the war in Iran began. In parts of Asia, fuel costs have tripled, and in the United Kingdom, petrol is 41 pence higher than seven months ago, before the conflict started. In September, emergency fuel plans were drawn up that included diesel rationing, 50 mph speed limits and priority filling for emergency services and public transport. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said supplies are not a problem.

It is not yet known whether Villa Vie is providing lodging or refunds for passengers who left the ship in Cambodia. The Odyssey entered a temporary layup, with crew aboard to maintain the vessel.