Residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey sails away with residents' belongings
The Villa Vie Odyssey suspended Cambodia operations after financial troubles and soaring fuel costs ended its three-and-a-half-year voyage.
Brisbane resident Rina Cavazza paid tens of thousands of dollars to live aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey for two years. The ship set sail from Belfast in October 2024.
The ship promised to visit more than 425 destinations across 147 countries. Residents built a tight community on board.
They organized volunteer projects at each port and looked after crew members. Villa Vie Odyssey hit financial problems within months.
The ship asked residents to pay extra money to keep operating. In late October, residents were given just hours to pack and leave the ship in Cambodia.
Cavazza rushed back from Thailand to retrieve most of her belongings. She still has items on board.
The ship sailed away on November 3 under lender control. Only a skeleton crew remained.
It carried residents' belongings. Some passengers couldn't return in time.
They have medication and essential items trapped on the ship.
- 203 passengers, 156 crew
- Residents aboard
- 650 passengers
- Ship capacity
- Up to three-and-a-half years
- Promised voyage length
- Sihanoukville, Cambodia
- Departure port
Why it mattersResidents have lost their homes at sea. They face uncertainty over retrieving their belongings. They have received no meaningful communication from the operator.
AustraliaAustralian residents and their families are scrambling to work out what happens next, with some unsure if they will ever be allowed back aboard to collect remaining possessions.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
