28th October 2026 – (Sihanoukville) More than 200 people who had bought into a live‑aboard “cruise for life” programme were ordered off Villa Vie Residences’ ship Odyssey during a scheduled call in Sihanoukville, after the operator said it had suspended operations in Cambodia amid a sharp spike in fuel prices. The residential vessel, which began a continuous world voyage in October 2024, left many retirees and remote workers scrambling for flights or short‑term accommodation as talks over the ship’s future continued.
Local authorities said the Bahamas‑flagged ship arrived from Thailand on 23rd October with 203 guests and 156 crew and had been due to sail on to Vietnam before the abrupt order to disembark. Several passengers reported they were given roughly seven hours to pack and leave, with some remaining in the coastal city while others departed by air. Officials indicated the vessel was expected to refuel and reposition by 31st October.
Villa Vie Residences said extraordinary increases in fuel costs had overwhelmed its operating model, noting that monthly fuel expense per cabin, historically about US$1,800, had surged to an estimated US$6,000 to US$8,000 in parts of Asia. The company added that it had slowed the itinerary and extended port stays to conserve fuel but could not offset the jump in prices.
Passengers described a cascade of problems leading up to the lay‑up, including delays to the ship’s launch and lower‑than‑expected resident numbers. Blogger and resident Randy Cassingham wrote that the company had repeatedly sought additional funds and that management’s notice to leave came with little warning, leaving some without immediate housing options.
The operator said it was working with residents to coordinate disembarkation and identify temporary living arrangements while it evaluates restructuring and recapitalisation options.
