The Villa Vie Odyssey, a cruise ship marketed as a 'never-ending' voyage, has ended its journey early in Cambodia due to fuel shortages. Passengers were told this week that the vessel would enter a temporary layup, with all residents required to disembark by 2pm that day.
Passengers forced to leave the ship
The ship, which had been stranded in Northern Ireland for months in 2024 for repairs, allowed passengers to rent suites for 35 to 120 days or buy them for around £90,000 to £260,000 for a three-year cruise. Most passengers were from North America, with some planning to stay onboard for years. One couple, Melody and John Hennessee from Palm Beach, Florida, had hoped to live out the rest of their lives on the ship.
In a message to passengers, the company said: 'Unfortunately, we were unable to secure the fuel necessary to continue operations. As a result, the Odyssey will enter a temporary layup this afternoon, with crew remaining onboard to maintain the vessel and its essential systems.'
Fuel costs made the model unsustainable
Passengers paid around £70 each day for rent, utilities and food, but the rise in fuel prices due to the war in Iran made the business model unsustainable. A spokesperson for Villa Vie said: 'Since the conflict began in late February, we have taken significant steps to reduce fuel consumption, including slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port.'
The spokesperson added: 'We have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses. Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution.'
Wider fuel price impact
The cruise stopped operations in Cambodia, where parts of Asia have seen fuel prices triple since the war began. In the UK, petrol has risen 41p higher than it was seven months ago, before the conflict. In September, emergency fuel shortage plans were unveiled, including 'diesel rationing', reducing speed limits to 50mph, and priority filling for emergency services and public transport.
It remains unclear whether the company is helping passengers with accommodation or refunds. Despite widespread worries of further price hikes, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero told Metro that supplies are not an issue.
