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Former passenger may bid to revive Villa Vie Odyssey voyage
Whitney Olson, a retired Montana car dealer and former passenger on the Villa Vie Odyssey, says she may try to buy the ship at auction and restart its around-the-world voyage. The plan follows the cruise’s abrupt collapse, which left about 200 passengers in Cambodia and raised questions about the company’s finances and the future of the promised “home at sea”.
The vessel is expected to go to auction in Singapore after fuel costs and financial strain disrupted the journey, which began in Northern Ireland in October 2024 and advertised more than 400 port stops. Olson, 47, says she has spent more than $1.5 million on two cabins, an equity stake and other contributions; she considered lending the company another $2 million but wanted a financial audit and protections for her investment. The company had reportedly sought a $3 million passenger loan, offering annual interest of 12 to 24 per cent.
In short
- Olson is considering buying the Odyssey at auction.
- About 200 passengers were left in Cambodia.
- She says she has invested more than $1.5 million.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Retired Montana car dealer says she wants to buy eternal cruise ship she adored living on in hopes of reviving voyage after passengers were unceremoniously dumped in Cambodia”.