Cambodia offers free sightseeing tours to stranded Villa Vie Odyssey passengers

Tourism officials have stepped in to help more than 200 passengers forced off a round-the-world cruise ship after its operator admitted soaring fuel bills had left it unable to continue sailing

Passengers stranded aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey are being offered free sightseeing tours of Cambodia thanks to the country’s tourism chiefs.

Local officials have stepped in to help the 203 passengers left stranded in the port city of Sihanoukville, offering free tour guides to show them the sights while helping them arrange accommodation and onward travel.

Many had paid thousands of pounds for the chance to live permanently at sea, enjoying luxury accommodation and visiting some of the world’s most spectacular destinations without ever having to pack their bags and return home.

But their dream voyage came to an abrupt halt in late October when the ship’s American operator, Villa Vie Residences, ran into serious financial trouble and suspended operations, forcing passengers ashore after soaring fuel costs left it unable to afford the journey.

Cambodian officials have since stepped in to help passengers find accommodation, arrange onward travel and explore the country while they decide what to do next.

Long Dimanche, deputy governor of Preah Sihanouk province, told Cambodian newspaper Kiripost that the Ministry of Tourism was offering free guides to visitors interested in seeing local attractions.

“This is also a great opportunity for them to get to know Cambodia. We also expressed our emotions to welcome them and help to facilitate them. The Ministry of Tourism has provided free tour guides for those choosing to explore the country,” he added.

Cambodia’s tourism minister, Huot Hak, also visited the ship on 29 October alongside local representatives, meeting passengers and crew to discuss their immediate needs.

The Villa Vie Odyssey began its voyage from Belfast in October 2024, offering passengers the chance to buy or rent cabins and visit destinations around the world.

But Florida-based operator Villa Vie Residences announced on 27 October that it could no longer afford the rising cost of fuel.

The company said monthly fuel expenses, calculated per cabin, had soared from an average of $1,800 to between $6,000 and $8,000 in parts of Asia.

In a statement, it said: “Since the conflict began in late February, we have taken significant steps to reduce fuel consumption, including slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port.”

“Those measures have not been enough to offset the extraordinary increase in fuel costs, and we have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses. Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution.”

Villa Vie said it was helping passengers leave the ship and find temporary accommodation while seeking fresh investment and considering restructuring the business over the next 60 days.

It added: “That work is ongoing, and no outcome is assured.”

No rescue funding has been secured, and the company has not confirmed when, or whether, the voyage will resume.

Passengers Lynn and Paul Montoya, who sold their possessions in the U.S to begin a new life at sea, told Cambodian news outlet Cambodianess that they had been moved by the kindness shown to them.

“We first came to Cambodia a couple of weeks ago, and we took a trip to Siem Reap province and Angkor Wat. It is one of the wonders of the world,” Paul said.

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_{Main image: The Villa Vie Odyssey cruises through the spectacular glacial scenery of Alaska during its round-the-world voyage, which began in Belfast in October 2024 but was suspended two years later after its operator said soaring fuel costs had made continued operations financially unsustainable. Credit: Villa Vie Residences}