Luxury cruise ship halts voyage in Cambodia due to soaring fuel costs

The Villa Vie Odyssey, a luxury cruise ship on a multi-year voyage around the world, has suspended its journey in Cambodia due to sharply increased fuel costs, BBC Business reported.

The US-based operator of the nearly 200-meter vessel, which can carry up to 650 passengers, said it was working with those on board to arrange disembarkation and temporary living accommodations.

Fuel prices have surged following the Iran war earlier this year, causing monthly fuel expenses per cabin in parts of Asia to rise from $1,800 to as much as $8,000, according to the operator.

Despite efforts to reduce fuel consumption by slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port, the company stated these measures were insufficient to counter the extraordinary fuel cost increases.

The Villa Vie Odyssey's voyage, which began in Belfast in October 2024, was planned to last 3.5 years and cover nearly 150 countries, but previous delays and repairs had already caused months of passenger stranding and financial losses for the company.

The operator announced a 60-day period for restructuring and recapitalization but noted that no outcome is assured at this time.