The decision followed a calculation that monthly fuel charges per cabin had risen from $1,800 to as much as $8,000, a jump that made the vessel’s operating model unsustainable.
The 1,400‑tonne vessel, launched in 2024, had promised a 3½‑year circumnavigation of almost 150 countries. Passengers could buy or rent cabins ranging from $120,000 to $440,000, then pay a sliding monthly fee that historically averaged $1,800.
In Sihanoukville, 200 residents from 15 nations – mostly Americans – were ordered to disembark. Villa Vie Residences is covering local transport and hotel stays but has not yet committed to covering international fares.
Founder Mikael Petterson told Bloomberg that the company may levy an additional $500 surcharge per month to offset ongoing fuel costs and is exploring financing options to resume the voyage. The ship’s crew of 156 is also awaiting instructions.
The Odyssey departed Belfast in October 2024 after a months‑long delay, and its itinerary included stops from Tonga to Australia. With the halt, passengers face uncertain timelines for return or refunds, and the company has yet to set a departure date from Cambodia.