Passengers aboard the residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey were abruptly ordered to leave the vessel with only eight hours of notice after operators halted operations due to surging fuel costs. The ship was docked at the port of Sihanoukville in Cambodia when the announcement was made on Tuesday.
Lanette Canen and John Bodin, residents who have lived on the Odyssey since it first set sail and operate a YouTube channel documenting their experience, said they received notice from the chief executive officer at approximately 6 a.m. on October 27, 2026, requiring all residents to disembark by 2 p.m. that same day. While they noted that leaving was always a possibility, the eight-hour window caught them by surprise. A video shared on their channel captured a staff member announcing to passengers that the company was unable to secure the necessary fuel to continue operations.
Villa Vie Residences stated that the extraordinary increase in fuel expenses since the beginning of the Iran war made operating the cruise liner increasingly difficult. According to the company, monthly fuel costs per cabin previously averaged about $1,800 but rose by as much as 344% in parts of Asia, reaching an estimated $6,000 to $8,000.
Before halting operations, the company attempted to mitigate the financial strain. In a statement, Villa Vie Residences noted that it took significant steps since the conflict began in late February, including slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port to reduce fuel consumption. However, those measures proved insufficient to offset operating losses.
Financial pressures had mounted months prior. On August 1, CEO Kathy Villalba sent residents an urgent operational update on an internal messaging platform regarding a previously requested fuel contribution. Villalba wrote that participation had not been universal and that contributions covered only part of the soaring costs. At the time, she stated that the Odyssey required 650 metric tons of fuel as prices nearly doubled, urging residents who had not contributed to do so and asking those able to provide additional support beyond contractual minimums.
Following Tuesday’s disembarkation order, passengers scrambled to pack their belongings and secure alternate lodging. Barbara Fiegel, 62, who moved aboard with her partner in December 2024, described widespread shock and sadness among the residents. Fiegel and her partner booked a hotel room in Cambodia and returned to the ship to empty their safe and pack, planning to collect remaining items later in the week.
Joel Greiff, 57, who moved onto the ship at the start of the month with intentions of a long-term stay, completely emptied his cabin upon receiving the notice. Greiff rented a month-long apartment in Cambodia and expressed a desire to return if the company resumes operations, though he plans to help other residents retrieve their luggage and find accommodations in the interim.
A notice on the Villa Vie Residences website stated that the company is working with residents to arrange temporary living accommodations and is evaluating restructuring options over the next 60 days.
