Passenger Recalls 'Doomed' Cruise Now Stranded in Cambodia

A passenger aboard the "never-ending" cruise ship Odyssey, operated by Villa Vie Residences, has described the journey as "doomed from the very start," despite personally finding the experience worthwhile. The ship, which departed Northern Ireland in October 2024 with plans for a 15-year voyage, suspended operations this week, leaving hundreds of passengers and crew stranded in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

Villa Vie cited rising oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East as the reason for suspending operations. However, passengers like Julia Witt, a 70-year-old British national who paid £110,000 from her retirement savings, claim the company's business model was fundamentally flawed and unsustainable from its inception.

"It was scuppered. It was always scuppered," Witt told the Daily Mail. "We all knew it was going to happen and saw it coming. There was no way the ship could sustain itself for the 15 years it was set to. Anybody with a modicum of business intelligence could have recognised that."

Witt explained that the company allegedly charged too little for its services, which included accommodation, food, entertainment, and onboard services. She stated that some passengers paid up to $440,000 for premium cabins, with additional monthly maintenance costs of around $9,000, plus fuel expenses that escalated significantly in parts of Asia due to surging oil prices. Witt believes Villa Vie "undersold their product from day one" to attract customers.

Despite these financial concerns, Witt maintains that the journey was "worth every penny" for her. "It covers your food, entertainment and services like cleaning. It also includes all your travel while onshore. It is absolute peanuts," she said, contrasting her perspective with others who have suffered financial hardship.

Other residents, such as Paul and Lynn Montoya from Wyoming, have described feeling manipulated as the company repeatedly requested funds. They reported that residents contributed over $2.2 million in loans and later funds for fuel, which were allegedly not fully accounted for, contributing to deteriorating conditions on board, including interruptions to internet and television services, and reduced food quality. Crew members also reportedly faced stalled payments.

Passengers were given a seven-hour notice to disembark in Cambodia, with Villa Vie stating it was working to coordinate their departure and find temporary arrangements. However, residents have disputed receiving any assistance from the company.

Mikael Petterson, the founder of Villa Vie, has apologized for the situation, blaming U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to strike Iran for increased oil prices. He stated he was in talks with an investor before the plans collapsed, leaving the company with no viable options.

Witt, who traveled with her partner Keith Gallocker, plans to wait in Cambodia for a month until her "life on the sea is resurrected" and intends to "buy into" the next chapter of the Odyssey's journey, expressing no regret about her decision.

The Odyssey, built in 1993, has previously sailed for various cruise lines, including Cunard and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. It left Northern Ireland with a mandate to sail for 15 years.