Cruise ship ends world voyage as fuel costs triple

The Odyssey, a residential cruise ship that had been traveling for two years, stopped its global voyage in Cambodia this month. The Florida-based operator suspended operations because fuel prices spiked during the war in Iran, forcing the vessel to dock in Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on October 23.

Monthly fuel costs per cabin historically averaged $1,800, but expenses recently jumped to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia. Villa Vie Residences said it tried to lower fuel consumption by slowing the itinerary and staying in port longer, but those measures failed to offset the price surge. The company stated it could no longer cover the operating losses and that passing the full cost increase to residents was not a realistic option.

The ship carried 203 passengers from 15 nationalities, most of them American, along with 156 crew members. The vessel had a total capacity for 650 residents. Passengers have been instructed to leave the ship, though the status of the crew members remains unclear.

Sihanoukville Autonomous Port confirmed the ship arrived for a five-day visit last week. The Odyssey was originally scheduled to head to Vietnam, but it remained in the port on Wednesday.

The company said its focus is now on supporting residents, crew, and employees while it attempts to restructure. The Odyssey had a confirmed itinerary through November 2027. Villa Vie Residences also planned to launch a second residential ship in early 2029, but the suspension statement did not mention whether that project continues.