By Basant El-Faramawy
A luxury cruise ship on a multi-year world voyage has suspended operations in Cambodia due to sharply rising fuel costs, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded in the port city of Sihanoukville.
Fuel Costs Surge
The Villa Vie Odyssey, operated by US-based Villa Vie Residences, announced the suspension on Tuesday after more than 750 days at sea. The nearly 200-meter vessel, which can carry up to 650 passengers, had departed Belfast in October 2024 for a continuous 3.5-year circumnavigation covering nearly 150 countries. Global fuel prices have soared since the Iran war began earlier this year. The operator said monthly fuel cost per cabin in parts of Asia rose to as much as $8,000 from $1,800. Efforts to reduce consumption by slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port proved insufficient. The company said passing the full increase to residents was not realistic.
Restructuring and Disembarkation
The company plans to spend the next 60 days on restructuring and recapitalization, though no outcome is assured. Around 200 passengers were ordered to disembark in Sihanoukville, a city known recently as a hub for scam centers. The operator is working on disembarkation plans and temporary living arrangements.
Passenger Experience
Passenger Holly Hennessey, speaking from Cambodia, said residents had been asked to consider a fuel surcharge and the itinerary had been severely curtailed. Some chose to disembark and travel by land, but Hennessey and others remain in hotels hoping the ship will sail again. "Until they say we are done - done done - I am not giving up," she said.
