A luxurious cruise ship on a deliberate 3.5-year world voyage has suspended operations after hovering gas 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 gas prices in components 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 didn’t offset the rise.
The firm mentioned it was arranging momentary lodging and disembarkation for passengers whereas enterprise a 60-day restructuring and recapitalisation course of, warning that no consequence was assured.
Bloomberg reported that about 200 passengers had been on board once they had been advised to go away the vessel in Cambodia.
The ship was anticipated to go to almost 150 international locations 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 looking for to stay at sea.
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