A luxurious cruise ship on a deliberate 3.5-year world voyage has suspended operations after hovering gasoline prices left its operator struggling to maintain the journey, with passengers disembarking in Cambodia.
Villa Vie Odyssey, which left Belfast in October 2024, had been travelling for greater than 750 days earlier than the suspension was introduced on Tuesday.
The operator mentioned gasoline prices in elements of Asia had risen to as a lot as $8,000 per cabin month-to-month, in contrast with $1,800 beforehand. Efforts to cut back consumption by slowing the ship and lengthening port stays did not offset the rise.
The firm mentioned it was arranging non permanent lodging and disembarkation for passengers whereas endeavor a 60-day restructuring and recapitalisation course of, warning that no final result was assured.
Bloomberg reported that about 200 passengers have been on board once they have been informed to depart the vessel in Cambodia.
The ship was anticipated to go to almost 150 nations throughout its 3.5-year voyage. Its departure from Belfast had beforehand been delayed by repairs, leaving passengers ready for months.
Villa Vie Odyssey provides everlasting cabin residences costing between $120,000 and $440,000, whereas month-to-month leases begin at $3,500. The operator additionally launched a lifetime residence programme for retirees searching for to dwell at sea.
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