Villa Vie's residential voyage stops in Cambodia as funding is sought
· BehindLines newsroom
The journey was meant to offer years of life at sea. It has stopped in Cambodia: Villa Vie Residences has suspended operations of its Odyssey ship, citing fuel expenses it says it can no longer absorb. CNA, carrying an AFP report dated 28 October, says about 200 passengers had to leave the vessel in Sihanoukville.
Cabins that were also homes
The Odyssey left Belfast in October 2024. Residents could buy or rent a cabin to live in while travelling. That arrangement explains why the interruption raises a housing problem, beyond the cancellation of a tourist stop.
CNA reports that some passengers had sold their possessions to fund life aboard. It quotes Long Dimanche, deputy governor of Preah Sihanouk province, as saying occupants were given seven hours to prepare to leave. Some took flights, he says, while others stayed in the city.
Fuel at the centre of the financial explanation
Company figures reported by Splash Cruise put monthly fuel spending per cabin at an estimated US$6,000 to US$8,000 in parts of Asia, against a historical average of about US$1,800. This is an indicator supplied by the operator, rather than a cabin price announced to customers.
The company says it slowed its itinerary and extended port stays to consume less fuel. Those measures reportedly proved insufficient. It also says passing the entire increase on to residents is not possible.
Seeking financing without a guaranteed restart
Splash Cruise reports that Villa Vie is seeking restructuring and fresh capital over a 60-day period. No financing or transaction had been finalised in the company's announcements (27 October) and the reports of 28 October. The period therefore describes an attempt at recovery, rather than a promised date for the voyage to resume.
The company says it is helping residents find temporary accommodation. CNA, however, quotes passenger Randy Cassingham accusing the operator of providing no help to those put ashore. The assistance announced by the company is therefore not an established outcome for every resident. At the time of the cited reports, no date had been announced for cruises to restart.