Cruise that left passengers stranded in Cambodia seized in Singapore after running out of money

The Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential cruise ship whose operator says it ran out of money, has been seized under a court order in Singapore. About 200 passengers were left in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, last month after Villa Vie Residences halted the voyage, raising questions about the company’s finances and what will happen to the ship and its residents.

The vessel departed Belfast in October 2024 on a planned three-and-a-half-year trip covering 150 countries, but faced delays and mounting financial difficulties. Cabins cost between $120,000 and $440,000 to buy, while monthly rentals started at $3,500; the company said monthly fuel costs per cabin in parts of Asia had risen from $1,800 to as much as $8,000. Singapore authorities said the crew remaining aboard were in good health and that creditors were managing their welfare.