A luxury cruise ship has been left stranded in Cambodia after its operator suspended operations due to soaring fuel costs. The MV Villa Vie Odyssey, which began its continuous world voyage from Belfast in October 2024, has now halted its journey after more than 750 days at sea. The ship, which had been traveling for over 18 months, was originally intended to operate for 3.5 years.
The vessel, known as the “cruise for life,” had previously faced delays in Belfast in 2024, with some passengers spending months waiting for departure. Now, with fuel costs forcing the operator to cut operations, around 200 passengers have been left stranded in Cambodia. The company has not yet confirmed what the next steps will be for those on board.
The voyage, which started in Belfast, was marketed as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with some passengers paying six figures for their cabins. The ship had been traveling continuously since October 2024, covering thousands of miles across multiple continents. With fuel prices rising sharply, the operator has struggled to maintain the journey, leading to the decision to suspend operations.
This is not the first time the ship has faced logistical challenges. In 2024, it was stranded in Belfast for several months before finally departing. Now, with the suspension, passengers are facing an uncertain future. The company has not provided details on when or how they will assist those stranded in Cambodia.
