Americans Lynn and Paul Montoya sold their home and vehicles in Wyoming with the expectation of a life of global travel aboard the residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey. Their retirement dream, however, dissolved after just 17 months when the ship's operator announced the suspension of its operations due to escalating fuel prices.
The company, Villa Vie Residences, instructed the Montoyas and approximately 200 other passengers to disembark the Odyssey at a port in Cambodia, carrying only what they could manage.
“We really hadn’t traveled that much out of the United States until probably a few months before we boarded the ship… and we just saw it as a great opportunity to be able to see the world,” Paul Montoya told Reuters.
For those who invested tens of thousands of dollars with the intention of living on the ship long-term, the situation represents more than a minor inconvenience. Paul Montoya stated, “They’ve run out of money. That’s why they couldn’t buy fuel. They’ve even had difficulties paying the crew on the ship, which even makes it more difficult. So we’re really not expecting any money back.”
Villa Vie did not respond to requests for comment. In a statement released Tuesday, the company indicated it was undergoing restructuring and capitalization efforts, but that no agreements had yet been finalized. “That work is ongoing, and no outcome is assured,” the company said, adding that it was working to support those affected.
As global fuel prices surged amid ongoing international conflicts, passengers began noticing issues aboard the Odyssey. Paul Montoya reported that the company requested additional contributions from passengers and asked residents for loans to cover fuel costs. "And then when we got to Cambodia, absolutely no internet," he said. "And the food quality began to deteriorate about three months ago, and we knew that the company was running out of money at that time."
The Montoyas now plan to rely on their reserved funds for monthly expenses and intend to spend time in Malaysia. Lynn Montoya expressed that while the financial loss is significant, she cherishes the experiences. “It’s hard to lose that money, but I also look at it as, we’ve had 17 months of going to the most amazing places and meeting the most amazing people,” she said.