‘Endless’ world cruise suspended in Cambodia as Iran war drives up fuel costs
A residential cruise ship that had been sailing around the world for more than two years has suspended operations in Cambodia after soaring fuel prices linked to the Iran war made its voyage financially unsustainable, CNN reported on October 28.
The Villa Vie Odyssey, which departed Belfast, Northern Ireland, in September 2024, offered passengers the chance to live at sea while visiting more than 400 destinations around the world.
Some residents purchased cabins as permanent homes, with prices starting at $119,999. Five-year residency packages began at $59,999, while monthly fees covered meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, medical visits and housekeeping.
But the ship's operator, Villa Vie Residences, announced on October 27 that it was suspending operations and seeking temporary accommodation for residents.
According to the company, monthly fuel costs per cabin rose from approximately $1,800 to as much as $8,000 in parts of Asia as the war in Iran disrupted energy supplies and drove up prices.
The operator said it had tried to reduce consumption by slowing the ship and extending port stays, but those measures were insufficient to offset rising costs.
"Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution," the company said.
Holly Hennessy, who had lived aboard the ship with her cat Captain since its departure, told CNN that residents received less than a day's notice to disembark.
She said the company had already introduced a fuel surcharge in May and reduced air conditioning to conserve energy.
Villa Vie Residences plans to pursue restructuring and additional financing over the next two months but warned that a successful outcome is not guaranteed.
For residents who had made the ship their permanent home, the suspension means finding somewhere else to live while the company's future remains uncertain.
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