A cruise ship on a round-the-world voyage was halted due to the war in Iran

A ship on a round-the-world voyage stopped due to the war in Iran

The cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey suspended its round-the-world journey and disembarked hundreds of passengers in Cambodia. The ship's operator announced that it could not continue the voyage due to rising fuel prices against the backdrop of the US war with Iran.

On October 27, the American company Villa Vie Residences, which owns the liner, announced that it was reorganizing its operations. The search for "temporary living accommodations" on shore for the passengers has begun.

After the war broke out in February, attempts were made to reduce fuel consumption — including by lowering the liner's speed and making more port calls. However, these measures failed to offset the "extraordinary" rise in prices. According to Villa Vie Residences, fuel costs per cabin in certain parts of Asia rose from $1,800 to $8,000 per month. As a result, the company faced losses it could no longer cover.

The Villa Vie Odyssey is a liner that has been on a round-the-world voyage for 755 days. The ship set sail from Belfast, Northern Ireland, in October 2024 and has visited 147 countries around the world during this time. Passengers were promised an "uninterrupted" journey around the globe. They were offered long-term rentals for onboard cabins or even the option to purchase them for permanent residence at prices ranging from $120,000 to $440,000.

The liner features restaurants, cafes and bars, a club and concert venue, a library, a business center, a pool, a fitness center, a spa salon, a gaming area, as well as a small medical center.

The ship is designed for a total of 650 people. However, according to Cambodian authorities, there were 203 passengers and 156 crew members on board when it arrived at the port in Sihanoukville. Some passengers have already flown out of the country, while others remain in Cambodia in hopes that the liner will resume sailing.