Cruise founder apologises after suspending voyage, citing Iran war fuel costs

The founder of Villa Vie Residences has apologised after the company suspended its long-running cruise, leaving about 200 passengers to disembark in Cambodia at short notice. Mikael Petterson said he felt like “the villain” and was trying to find a solution for residents, some of whom had sold their possessions or committed substantial savings to live aboard.

The company blamed sharply higher fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict, saying monthly fuel expenses per cabin had risen from an average of $1,800 to an estimated $6,000–$8,000 in parts of Asia. Passengers also say they were repeatedly asked to provide funds, including a collective $2.2 million loan in April and later requests, and that promised repayments have not arrived. Petterson said he had been awaiting investment and argued the voyage might have continued without the war.