The residential luxury ship Villa Vie Odyssey, which set out with the ambition of sailing to 150 countries, has halted its journey midway due to a sharp rise in fuel prices and shortages in the international market.
Unlike conventional cruise liners meant for short vacations, the ship was designed for long-term living at sea by US-based Villa Vie Residences. It offers amenities such as entertainment venues, swimming pools, restaurants and sports areas.
Passengers can buy cabins priced from Rs 1.14 crore to Rs 4.18 crore, and cabins are also available on rent, according to the report.
The ship departed from Belfast, Northern Ireland, in October 2024 with 200 passengers from 15 countries and 156 crew members, with a plan to complete the global itinerary over three-and-a-half years.
However, the voyage was cancelled midway after the US-Iran war triggered fuel supply disruptions and price increases. The passengers were disembarked in Cambodia, where the ship is currently docked at Sihanoukville. No update has been issued on when the ship will resume its journey.
