200 passengers stranded as cruise ship owners halt operations in Cambodia
Villa Vie cited fuel costs jumping from $1,800 to $8,000 monthly, leaving residents without confirmed housing or assistance.
By Kevin Sanders ·
A residential cruise ship halted operations in Cambodia on Tuesday, stranding 200 passengers. The vessel, known as The Odyssey, is owned by Florida-based Villa Vie. The company stated that rising fuel expenses forced the suspension of services.
In a statement posted to its website, Villa Vie reported that monthly fuel costs, which historically averaged $1,800, have recently reached an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia. The company said it could not pass increases of that scale onto residents. It added that staff are working to coordinate disembarkation and identify temporary living arrangements for those aboard.
Sharon Lane, a 78-year-old retiree from Orange County, was one of the passengers who boarded the ship in July 2025. She left the vessel in August after health issues required her to go ashore. Lane said she noticed changes in service levels before her departure, including fewer ports of call and reduced food portions. She described meals that shifted from lunchtime to nearly 7 p.m., with cookies often serving as the main offering.
Lane noted that operators requested additional fuel fees from passengers multiple times over the past several months. She said some friends on the ship could not afford the extra costs. "They sold everything, and they live on Social Security, and they did not have high-end jobs when they were working," Lane said.
Friends currently aboard the ship told Lane they have not received the help Villa Vie promised. "Despite what the owners said to media, they were not given help, any coupons for hotels," Lane said. The company has not responded to phone calls or emails seeking comment beyond its website statement.
The 642-foot vessel promised residents a life at sea. Lane paid more than $200,000 for a room, a cost that covers 15 years or the life of the ship. She is now working with her insurance company to address the situation.
Villa Vie said it is restructuring over the next 60 days. No financing for the effort has been finalized.
Source: KNBC
