A US cruise ship ends a global voyage in Asia due to fuel costs and 200 passengers lose their homes

A U.S. cruise ship, the Odyssey, ended its global voyage in Asia due to escalating fuel costs, leaving 200 passengers without homes. Initially billed at $5.77 per four-week period, the ship's journey was marketed as a residential world voyage combining long-term living at sea with global travel. However, monthly fuel expenses per cabin, which typically averaged $1,800, surged to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in certain Asian regions due to the ongoing conflict in Iran.

Villa Vie Residences, the cruise line operating the Odyssey, attempted to mitigate costs by reducing its itinerary and increasing port stays. Yet, these efforts proved insufficient to offset the sharp rise in fuel expenses. In light of the financial strain, the company decided it was impossible to pass the full cost increase on to residents, leading to the suspension of the Odyssey's operations.

The cruise ship, which had been scheduled to sail through August 2030, had docked in Sihanoukville Autonomous Port in Cambodia on October 23 for a five-day visit. The ship was en route to Vietnam but remained in the port until the day after. With 203 passengers from 15 nationalities, mostly Americans, and 156 crew members on board, the Odyssey's capacity was designed to house 650 residents.

Passengers were instructed to leave the ship, though the crew's current status remained uncertain. As the Odyssey's voyage drew to a close, the company focused on supporting affected residents, crew, and employees while navigating its restructuring plans.