A 42-month round the world residential cruise came to a sudden end in Cambodia due to the soaring cost of fuel, leaving around 200 passengers marooned.

A 42-month round the world residential cruise came to a sudden end in Cambodia due to the soaring cost of fuel. The U.S.-based operator said it was working toward "restructuring and recapitalization over the next 60 days," leaving around 200 passengers waiting to hear their fate. File photo Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI UPI

Oct. 28 (UPI) -- A 42-month round-the-world residential cruise has come to a sudden end in Cambodia due to the soaring cost of fuel, leaving around 200 passengers marooned in the Southeast Asian country.

The Florida-based operator of the Villa Vie Odyssey said Tuesday that it was forced to take the step due to a four-fold jump in the monthly equivalent per-cabin cost of fuel to $8,000 in parts of Asia.

"The company cannot simply pass increases of that scale on to residents, and the resulting shortfall has placed its current operating model under unsustainable financial pressure," said Villa Vie Residences.

"The company is working with residents to coordinate disembarkation and identify temporary living arrangements. Villa Vie Residences recognizes that this is a difficult and disruptive period for residents, crew members, and employees, and is working to support those affected as plans develop," the company added.

Saying it was working on "restructuring and recapitalization over the next 60 days," Villa Vie Residences stressed the effort was ongoing and that "no outcome is assured."

Speaking from the port city of Sihanoukville, Holly Hennessey, a resident of the ship, told CNN passengers were given fewer than 24 hours to disembark, but that she wasn't completely surprised after being asked to pay a fuel surcharge in May.

"It's been incredibly tough since the war [with Iran]," she said, adding that the ship had been trying to cut its energy consumption by restricting air conditioning.

"It was not sustainable as it was set up. That doesn't diminish the memories, the adventure, the very special moments of having been a true global citizen."

Passengers were being accommodated in hotels across Sihanoukville while others left on their own accord, traveling by land, according to Hennessey.

Hennessey, who has shared a cabin with her cat, 'Captain,' since the Odyssey set sail from Belfast in October 2024, said she was waiting to find out what was happening and was holding out hope that the Odyssey would resume its voyage.

"Until they say we are done -- done done -- I am not giving up. I could never duplicate this lifestyle. The idea of going home? It would be so trite. Cambodia's not the worst place to hang out," she said.

The ship was scheduled to make 400 stops in 147 countries as it plys the world's oceans with monthly cabin leases starting from $3,499 monthly, a five-year residency starting at $59,999 rising to $119,999 for a permanent home on the high seas. That is for a cabin only with additional fees ranging from $3,299 to $9,500 for food, drinks, Wi-Fi, medical care, housekeeping and other costs.

In 2025, Villa Vie Residences estimated the 656-foot Odyssey, which was built in 1993 and can accommodate 650 passengers, was good for another 15 years at sea.

The project got off to a rocky start with at least two false starts before the Odyssey finally set sail from Northern Ireland on Oct. 2, 2024, four months behind its scheduled May 30 departure date.

The ship initially put into a Queens Island, Belfast, shipyard for refitting in April 2024 but mechanical issues with its rudder and gearbox prevented it being cleared to go to sea.

That left passengers who had flown in to take up their places waiting around in Belfast for the whole summer and into the fall.