Soaring fuel costs leave luxury cruise passengers stranded in Cambodia as operator restructures
Voyage halted in Cambodia
The Villa Vie Odyssey had been at sea for more than 750 days on its world voyage when it stopped in Cambodia. The luxury cruise operator said it had suspended operations because fuel costs had risen extraordinarily. Passengers were ordered to disembark.
The number on board is unclear. Bloomberg, citing the company’s founder, reported that about 200 passengers were aboard; the vessel can carry up to 650.
Fuel-saving steps fell short
The company said it had slowed the itinerary and spent more time in port to reduce fuel use. It said those measures could not offset the extraordinary rise in costs. The operator said it would spend the next 60 days on restructuring and recapitalisation, while cautioning that no outcome was assured.
A four-year travel offer
In 2024, shortly after Donald Trump won a second term as US president, Villa Vie Residences announced a four-year “Skip Forward” package. Its chief executive told Fox Business it was aimed at people who said they would leave the country if a particular candidate won the election.
Key points
- The Villa Vie Odyssey suspended operations in Cambodia because of high fuel costs.
- Bloomberg reported about 200 passengers were aboard when they were ordered to disembark.
- The company plans 60 days of restructuring and recapitalisation, with no assured outcome.
- The ship departed Belfast in October 2024 after delays linked to repairs.