U.S. Cruise Ship MV Odyssey Halts Long Voyage in Cambodia

The U.S. cruise ship MV Odyssey has docked at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port in southern Cambodia. The vessel paused its three-year round-the-world journey due to increasing fuel costs. This unforeseen event forced hundreds of passengers to leave the ship.

Pricey Suspension

MV Odyssey embarked on its voyage two years ago, offering customers a blend of long-term sea habitation and global travel. The operator, Villa Vie Residences, promoted the suites as permanent homes. Initial suite prices started at about $230,000. However, the ship currently remains stationary in the Gulf of Thailand with no clear departure timeline.

The ship has been carrying 203 passengers, mostly from the U.S., along with 156 crew members. It has a capacity for 650 passengers. Villa Vie Residences, based in Florida, revealed that monthly fuel costs per cabin soared from $1,800 to between $6,000 and $8,000. The surge resulted from the conflict in Iran impacting fuel prices across Asia.

Attempts to lower fuel consumption by staying longer in ports did not suffice. Reduced supplies through the Strait of Hormuz have affected fuel supplies, especially in Southeast Asia, elevating prices significantly.

“We have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses,” Villa Vie Residences stated.

The company expressed its intent to support residents and crew during restructuring efforts. It acknowledged that increasing charges to residents was not feasible. Support for passengers was limited, with reports indicating they were only given seven hours’ notice to disembark.

Passengers Forced to Adapt

Paul and Lynn Montoya, a retired couple from Wyoming, initially boarded the ship in Panama 17 months ago. The couple spoke about their frustration with the ship’s management. Rising fuel costs and managerial issues were emphasized as reasons for the cruise’s suspension. Changes to itineraries, unstable internet, and deteriorating food quality drove away multiple residents.

Lynn Montoya described repeated requests from management for additional funds to cover expenses like fuel. Crew members also faced payment issues. “We were tired of every two to four weeks being asked for money for fuel,” she expressed.

Mixed Reactions

Despite the challenges, some passengers like Carol Larson and her sister Crystal Lavering cherished their experience. They viewed it as a unique opportunity to travel while living at sea. Larson purchased her cabin at $120,000 and paid maintenance fees regularly, hoping the cruise would continue.

She attributed part of the financial struggles to U.S. President Donald Trump, believing the Iran conflict fueled the rising costs. Yet, she did not regret the investment, recognizing the cruise as a valuable experiment in residential sea living.

Journey Details

The Odyssey began its current cruise in October 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The vessel had been refurbished and renamed multiple times since its construction in 1993. The cruise was originally planned to last 3 1/2 years, with a possible second cruise ending in 2030.

Sihanoukville has a history of receiving cruise ships in distress. In 2020, the MS Westerdam docked there after being refused entry by several countries during the COVID-19 outbreak. Cambodia accommodated the stranded passengers, earning praise for its humanitarian efforts.