US Cruise Ship Abandons Global Voyage Over Soaring Fuel Costs, Stranding Passengers

The Odyssey, a US-based residential cruise ship undertaking a global voyage, has suspended its operations in Cambodia due to escalating fuel costs, leaving 203 passengers stranded. The ship, operated by Villa Vie Residences, was two years into a planned three-year journey circumnavigating the globe.

According to the company, monthly fuel expenses per cabin, which historically averaged $1,800, recently surged to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia. Villa Vie Residences stated that efforts to mitigate these costs, such as slowing the itinerary and extending port stays, were insufficient to offset the dramatic increase.

"We have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses," the company said in a statement. "Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution. Our focus now is on supporting residents, crew, and employees" as the company attempts to restructure.

The Odyssey docked at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on October 23 for a scheduled five-day visit. It was intended to proceed to Vietnam but remained in port as of Wednesday. The ship carried passengers from 15 different nationalities, primarily Americans, along with 156 crew members. The vessel has a capacity for 650 residents.

Passengers have been informed they must leave the ship, though the status of the crew remains unclear. The Odyssey had a confirmed itinerary extending through November 2027. Villa Vie Residences had also planned to introduce a second residential cruise ship into service in early 2029, but the company's statement did not address the future of that plan.