Retirees Stranded as 'Forever Cruise' Suspends Operations
Passengers aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey were disembarked in Cambodia after the operator cited rising fuel costs and an inability to continue operations.
A Melbourne retiree who sold her home and business to embark on the world's first 'forever cruise' has been left stranded in Cambodia after the operator, Villa Vie Residences, suspended operations.
Frances Paroissien, 78, had invested over $200,000 for a 15-year cabin lease on the Villa Vie Odyssey, a ship designed to circumnavigate the globe, allowing residents to live aboard and explore 147 countries. However, two years into the voyage, passengers were instructed to disembark in Cambodia due to escalating fuel costs, a reason some passengers question.
"I don't have a house, I don't have a business anymore in Australia because I sold them to buy my place on this ship," Paroissien told Khaosod English. She is currently seeking accommodation while awaiting news on whether the ship will resume operations.
Another Australian passenger, Rina Cavazza from Brisbane, who paid $170,000 for her berth, expressed disappointment with the operator's communication and assistance. She has little hope of a refund and plans to pursue a claim through her travel insurance. Cavazza stated she was unwilling to contribute additional funds when passengers were previously asked to help raise nearly $3 million in funding to keep the ship sailing and depart various ports. Passengers were reportedly informed that the company owed millions to creditors.
The Villa Vie Odyssey, marketed as 'The First Perpetual World Cruise,' offered cabins ranging up to $440,000 for those committing to years at sea. However, the Florida-based operator cited extraordinary increases in monthly fuel expenses, which reportedly rose from an average of approximately $1,800 per cabin to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 while navigating parts of Asia.
In a statement, Villa Vie Residences indicated that "no outcome is assured" as the company explores restructuring and new financing over the next 60 days. The operator acknowledged that passing the full fuel cost increase onto residents was not a viable solution and stated their focus is on supporting passengers, crew, and employees during this period.
Passengers described the situation as a "floating disaster," with some receiving only seven hours' notice to evacuate their belongings. American passenger Randy Cassingham noted that the ship's problems, stemming from business model issues, management errors, and fuel costs, were well-known among residents and that the suspension "didn't come out of the blue."