Villa Vie Odyssey: residents of the 'forever cruise' ship told to disembark in Cambodia as fuel costs quadruple

Villa Vie Residences, the company that runs the Villa Vie Odyssey, a cruise ship where people live on board for years, has suspended operations in Cambodia and is helping residents leave the ship, it said in a statement on 27 October 2026. The BBC reported that passengers were left stranded in Cambodia.

The reason: fuel

The company said monthly fuel costs that used to average about $1,800 per cabin have reached an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia, three to four times more. At today's dollar rate, that is a jump from about Rs 4.98 lakh to as much as Rs 22.1 lakh per cabin a month.

"Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution," the company said. It had already slowed the itinerary and spent longer in port to burn less fuel before stopping.

Villa Vie said fuel pressure began after the conflict that started in late February. Brent crude was above $115 a barrel on Wednesday.

What happens to residents

• The company says it is working with residents to arrange disembarkation and temporary places to stay.
• It says it is supporting residents, crew and staff as plans develop.
• The statement does not mention refunds.

Can the ship sail again?

Villa Vie is seeking restructuring and new investment over the next 60 days. It warned that "no outcome is assured" and that no financing or deal has been finalised. Industry outlet Cruise Industry News reported the ship has entered lay-up.

Why people are talking about it

The Odyssey was sold as a way to live at sea while seeing the world. Its halt in Cambodia shows how far the oil shock has spread, from petrol pumps to cruise cabins.

In Pakistan, the same oil prices feed into fuel bills at home: see today's petrol price and work out your own monthly fuel bill with the fuel cost calculator.