Crew Allege 'Prisoner' Conditions on Stricken 'Endless Cruise' Ship

Crew members aboard the Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey ship have alleged they are being held captive in inhumane conditions after the vessel suspended operations due to a lack of funds. The workers claim their passports have been confiscated, salaries have been withheld for months, and they are enduring extreme heat, poor sanitation, and inadequate food.

The ship is currently docked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, and anonymous online posts and accounts shared with Sail Away Magazine paint a grim picture of life on board. One crew member described the situation as being held 'hostage' due to visa issues preventing their departure from Cambodia, stating, 'No pay, limited AC, prison food, intolerable conditions aboard ship. Aren't being given their passports.'

Several workers have reported not receiving wages for September and October. Allegations include air conditioning being switched off in crew cabins, leading to temperatures as high as 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit). Reports also detail dirty water coming from taps and food described as 'horrible,' with crew sometimes receiving leftovers from passenger meals.

Villa Vie Residences founder Mikael Petterson acknowledged the company's financial struggles, telling CBS News that they are at a "breaking point where we need capitalisation." He attributed the financial difficulties in part to soaring marine gas oil prices, exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East, which he claimed significantly increased costs.

Petterson expressed remorse, telling The Telegraph, "I feel awful. I'm the villain in the story, but I'm doing everything I can to support the residents on a solution." He stated that the company had been seeking additional capital and had even asked some passengers for loans to cover rising operational costs.

Some passengers reported being asked for substantial loans, with one resident, Lynn Montoya, telling the Daily Mail that residents were approached for a collective loan of $2.2 million. Despite assurances of repayment with interest by April 2027, passengers claim they have not received payments, and the company has continued to request more funds while the ship remains stranded.

A statement on Villa Vie Residences' website indicated that extraordinary increases in fuel costs have created unsustainable financial pressure. The company is reportedly working with residents to coordinate disembarkation and temporary living arrangements, while evaluating restructuring and recapitalization options over the next 60 days.