The US-flagged cruise ship MV Odyssey suspended its global voyage at the port of Sihanoukville in Cambodia on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, stranding 203 passengers and 156 crew members onboard. The cruise, operated by Florida-based Villa Vie Residences, began in October 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and was originally slated to last 3.5 years, circumnavigating nearly 150 countries across seven continents. At suspension, the Odyssey was carrying roughly one-third of its 650-passenger capacity.
Fuel Cost Surge Halts Voyage
Villa Vie Residences cited sharply rising fuel expenses driven by the Iran war and disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz as the primary cause for suspending the
voyage. Monthly fuel costs per cabin in parts of Asia have increased from about $1,800 to between $6,000 and $8,000. Efforts by Villa Vie to mitigate the surge—such as slowing the itinerary and extending port stays—proved insufficient. The company stated, “We have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses,” and described passing the full fuel cost increase to residents as unrealistic.
Passenger Disembarkation and Stranding
Passengers were given just seven hours’ notice to disembark while docked in Sihanoukville, a regional port in Cambodia’s Preah Sihanouk province. Villa Vie is coordinating with passengers to arrange temporary accommodations but initially provided minimal support, leaving
many to organize their own lodging and travel logistics. The ship had arrived at Sihanoukville the prior Friday and was initially scheduled to depart Wednesday, but departure has been delayed indefinitely.
Company Response and Passenger Experience
Villa Vie Residences announced it is focusing on supporting residents, crew, and employees during a restructuring process. The operator is working closely with residents on disembarkation and temporary living solutions. Passengers reported financial strain, with some noting unpaid crew wages and repeated requests for additional funds to cover fuel expenses. Passenger Lynn Montoya said, “We were tired of every two to four weeks being asked for money for fuel,
money for everything.” Several passengers expressed disappointment but maintained hope that the voyage might resume under new management or ownership.
Voyage and Vessel Background
The Odyssey was purchased by Villa Vie Residences in 2023 after the ship had been out of service since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Built in 1993, the vessel was refitted in Belfast ahead of the global journey that promised a residential cruise concept, marketing cabins as permanent homes with purchase prices ranging from approximately $120,000 to $440,000 and monthly rental fees starting at $3,500. The second voyage was tentatively scheduled to conclude in August 2030.
Port Conditions and Historical Context
Sihanoukville port is considered a
challenging disembarkation point due to limited access to major international airports, complicating passenger departures. Cambodia previously accommodated cruise ship passengers during emergencies, notably in February 2020 when MS Westerdam docked after being denied entry at multiple other ports amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Deputy Governor Long Dimanche confirmed the Odyssey’s arrival and noted a delay in its anticipated departure date from Wednesday to Saturday, which remains unconfirmed by the operator.
