‘Cruise for life’ ship Odyssey placed under arrest in Singapore

The Odyssey, a cruise ship marketed as a continuous voyage around the world, has been placed under arrest in Singapore following a court order. Its US-based operator, Villa Vie Residences, suspended the voyage after running out of money, leaving about 200 guests to disembark in Cambodia.

The ship arrived in Singapore on Sunday and is anchored in port waters with no passengers aboard; the Maritime and Port Authority said the crew are reported well and their welfare is being managed by creditors. Villa Vie cited fuel costs that had risen from an average of US$1,800 per cabin each month to an estimated US$6,000 to US$8,000 in parts of Asia. The vessel carried 203 guests and 156 crew before operations were suspended.