The cursed cruise: how the dream of never-ending luxury at sea became a nightmare
News Source
β’Sat, 31 Oct 2026 03:00:31 GMT
π° What Happened
Passengers on the MV Odyssey were told they had seven hours to leave the ship in Cambodia. The cruise was sold as a never-ending voyage around the world.
Villa Vie Residences, the Florida company behind it, blamed fuel costs. Monthly fuel per cabin rose from $1,800 to as much as $8,000 after an oil shock.
Some passengers paid $319,998 for a couple to sail for a full presidential term. Others paid more for permanent residency. Many are now stranded far from home.
π The Backstory
The Odyssey left Belfast in October 2024. It was pitched to people who wanted to escape politics, especially after Donald Trump's re-election.
The ship offered a pool, gym, bars and theatre, with monthly fees for food, wifi and cleaning. Long-term cruising has grown as a retirement option.
Only a few such ships exist. They depend on steady fuel prices and full cabins, and both can fail. The company says the numbers no longer worked.
π― Why It Matters
People handed over life savings for a home at sea. It is a warning that unusual retirement deals can carry risks buyers do not see.
Passengers on the MV Odyssey were told they had seven hours to leave the ship in Cambodia. The cruise was sold as a never-ending voyage around the world.
Villa Vie Residences, the Florida company behind it, blamed fuel costs. Monthly fuel per cabin rose from $1,800 to as much as $8,000 after an oil shock.
Some passengers paid $319,998 for a couple to sail for a full presidential term. Others paid more for permanent residency. Many are now stranded far from home.
The Odyssey left Belfast in October 2024. It was pitched to people who wanted to escape politics, especially after Donald Trump's re-election.
The ship offered a pool, gym, bars and theatre, with monthly fees for food, wifi and cleaning. Long-term cruising has grown as a retirement option.
Only a few such ships exist. They depend on steady fuel prices and full cabins, and both can fail. The company says the numbers no longer worked.
People handed over life savings for a home at sea. It is a warning that unusual retirement deals can carry risks buyers do not see.