Residential world cruise suddenly suspends operations, leaving passengers stranded
Residential world cruise suddenly suspends operations, leaving passengers stranded
Marc ShoffmanTue, October 27, 2026 at 4:51 PM UTC
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Passengers sailing aboard Villa Vie Residences’ permanent world cruise have unexpectedly been ordered to leave the ship as the residential cruise line revealed high fuel costs have forced it to suspend operations.
Many passengers sold their homes to live on Villa Vie Odyssey when it embarked on a perpetual world cruise in 2024 but residents were told they had to leave the ship in Cambodia yesterday.
A note to residents aboard Villa Vie Odyssey, posted by passenger Randy Cassingham on his Residential Cruising blog, said:
“Unfortunately, we were unable to secure the fuel necessary to continue operations. As a result, the Odyssey will enter a temporary layup this afternoon, with crew remaining onboard to maintain the vessel and its essential systems.
“All residents must disembark by 2pm today.
“For those who are unable to collect all their belongings before disembarking, please coordinate with Guest Services to arrange an orderly return using the shuttles, which will remain available until 6:00 PM tomorrow.
“This is all the information we have available at this time. We will share further updates as they become available.”
Passengers were told to disembark by 2pm yesterday, with the ship docked in Cambodia.
It is unclear what, if any, help passengers have received with accommodation, whether the cruise will continue, and whether there will be any refunds.
Villa Vie Residences confirmed in a statement this morning that it has suspended operations in Cambodia “as the company works to address extraordinary increases in fuel costs and evaluate restructuring and recapitalisation alternatives.”
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The statement says fuel costs have risen sharply in the regions where the company has been operating.
On an equivalent per-cabin basis, monthly fuel expense that historically averaged approximately $1,800 (£1,350) has recently reached an estimated $6,000 (£4,500) to $8,000 (£6,000) in parts of Asia, the company said.
The statement said: “The company cannot simply pass increases of that scale on to residents, and the resulting shortfall has placed its current operating model under unsustainable financial pressure.
“The company is working with residents to coordinate disembarkation and identify temporary living arrangements. Villa Vie Residences recognises that this is a difficult and disruptive period for residents, crew members, and employees, and is working to support those affected as plans develop.”
Its executive chairman, Mikael Petterson, attributed rising fuel costs to the Iran war.
He said: “Since the conflict began in late February, we have taken significant steps to reduce fuel consumption, including slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port.
“Those measures have not been enough to offset the extraordinary increase in fuel costs, and we have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses. Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution. Our focus now is on supporting residents, crew, and employees while we work toward restructuring and recapitalisation over the next 60 days. That work is ongoing, and no outcome is assured."
Villa Vie Residences continues to evaluate potential paths forward, but it has not finalised any financing or transaction, the statement added.
The cruise line is no stranger to controversy.
Its ship, which caters for up to 970 passengers, suffered a delayed start in October 2024 when last-minute repairs delayed its departure by four months.
Prices start from $119,999 (£150,000) upfront plus up to $5,000 (£3,750) per month for full ownership.
Read more: What it is like to live permanently on a cruise ship
Source: “AOL Breaking”
