Cambodia port call leaves cruise passengers ashore

The roughly 200 passengers aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey were ordered to disembark in Cambodia this week after the vessel's operator suspended the ship's round-the-world journey. The company said it is working with passengers on disembarkation and temporary living arrangements.

The US-based operator said fuel costs forced the suspension. Monthly fuel cost per cabin in parts of Asia has risen to as much as $8,000, compared with $1,800 previously. Global fuel prices have climbed since the Iran war started earlier this year.

The nearly 200-meter vessel can carry up to 650 passengers. It left Belfast in October 2024 on what its website described as a continuous voyage around the world, planned to last 3.5 years and reach nearly 150 countries. The ship was more than 750 days into the journey when the operator announced the pause Tuesday.

The company said it slowed the itinerary and spent more time in port to cut fuel use, but those measures did not offset the increase in costs. It also said passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution.

The operator said it would spend the next 60 days on restructuring and recapitalisation, and noted that no outcome is assured. The voyage had already faced delays while the ship underwent repairs, leaving passengers in Belfast for months and costing the company millions of pounds.

Permanent residence in the ship's cabins ranges from $120,000 to $440,000, with rentals available from $3,500 a month. The vessel is equipped with bars and restaurants, a pool deck and a pickleball court, according to its website.