By Basant El-Faramawy
Hundreds of residents aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey residential cruise ship were left stranded in Cambodia this week after the operator abruptly suspended operations, giving passengers just eight hours to disembark in Sihanoukville.
Passengers given hours to disembark
The ship, which embarked on an endless world cruise in October 2024, carried about 200 passengers at the time of the suspension, well below its 970-person capacity. At 6 a.m. on Monday, Villa Vie Residences informed guests they had to leave the vessel by 2 p.m. the same day, citing high fuel costs that forced the ship into “temporary layup.”
Residents describe heartbreak and uncertainty
Among those affected were Lanette Canen and Johan Bodin, both 56, who sold a business to fund a $100,000 cabin plus $3,500 in monthly maintenance fees. The couple, who documented their life at sea on a YouTube channel, said the sudden notice came despite rumors of financial trouble. “Our immediate reaction was a deep sense of heartbreak at having to leave the home and community we had built over the past two years,” Canen said. The company provided shuttles to the port but did not cover hotel costs, leaving residents to arrange their own accommodation.
Company cites fuel costs from Iran war
Villa Vie Residences said in a statement that operations were suspended to avoid passing on higher fuel costs caused by the Iran war to passengers. The cruise line added it is evaluating potential paths forward but has not finalized any financing or transaction, and no date has been given for a possible return to the ship.
Former resident raises concerns
Sharon Lane, a former resident who still owns a cabin on the Odyssey, said communication from the company has been an ongoing issue. “There seems to be confusion as to what is being provided to residents,” she said. “They need to figure out transport, visas, housing; it is very stressful.” Lane noted that many owners have lost money and that a sale of her suite now looks unlikely.
