Cruise ship stranded in Cambodia two years after Belfast launch

Cruise ship’s ambitious world tour comes to a sudden halt

But more than 750 days into the ambitious voyage, the cruise ship has been forced to stop operating after rising fuel costs left its owner struggling to keep the journey afloat.

The vessel was travelling through Cambodia when the company announced the suspension on Tuesday. 

Bloomberg reported that around 200 passengers had been told to leave the ship, citing the company’s founder. 

The operator said it was helping passengers arrange disembarkation and find temporary accommodation while it works out its next steps.

A 60-day financial rescue plan could decide the cruise ship’s fate

The main problem is the dramatic increase in the cost of fuel. In parts of Asia, the monthly fuel bill per cabin has risen from $1,800 to as much as $8,000 (£6,000). 

The company linked the jump to soaring global fuel prices following the outbreak of the Iran war earlier this year.

Attempts to reduce expenses have so far failed to make the voyage financially sustainable. The ship has cut fuel consumption, slowed its pace and spent longer periods in port, but the savings have not been enough to cover the additional costs. 

The operator also said passing the full increase on to passengers was not a realistic solution.

It now plans to spend the next 60 days restructuring its finances and seeking fresh investment. 

However, the company has warned that securing the necessary funding is not guaranteed, leaving the future of the trip uncertain.

Residents paid up to $440,000 for cabins

The voyage had already faced significant difficulties before it began. According to BBC's report, repairs kept the ship in Belfast for months, delaying its departure and costing the company millions of pounds.

At almost 200 metres (656ft) long, the Villa Vie Odyssey can accommodate up to 650 passengers. 

It offers restaurants, bars, a swimming pool deck and a pickleball court, with the company marketing life aboard as a long-term living option.

Passengers can purchase permanent residency in a cabin for between $120,000 and $440,000, while monthly rentals start at $3,500.

The total number of passengers affected by the suspension has not been confirmed, and the company has yet to announce when operations might resume. 

For those who signed up to spend years travelling between countries, the immediate challenge is finding somewhere to stay while they wait to see whether the voyage can continue.