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Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority stated on November 9 that the vessel is anchored in port waters with no passengers on board and only around 50 crew members remaining. The authority added that arrangements for the crew’s welfare are being managed by the ship’s creditors following its placement under arrest pursuant to a court order. Court records list local law firm Helmsman LLC as the arresting solicitor although the precise claimant has not been publicly identified. A source familiar with the matter told CBS News that the action was likely brought by a fuel supplier to whom Villa Vie owes approximately 500000 dollars.
The ship departed Cambodia’s Sihanoukville port shortly after midnight on November 4 under the control of its lender after Villa Vie Residences informed residents that operations would cease. Around 200 passengers received roughly seven hours’ notice to pack their belongings and leave the vessel in the Cambodian port city. The Straits Times reported that approximately 98 former residents remained in Cambodia as of November 4 staying in several cities while arranging further travel.
Passengers had paid substantial sums to participate in the cruise-for-life programme with one individual investing 350000 dollars for a cabin according to accounts compiled by The Straits Times. Villa Vie Residences a Florida-based company marketed the Odyssey as a floating home enabling indefinite global travel. Many residents sold their possessions to fund the venture leaving them facing significant financial losses after the abrupt suspension.
The 24344-gross-ton vessel which measures about 200 metres in length and can accommodate up to 650 residents began its voyage from Belfast in October 2024. It was intended to undertake a three-and-a-half-year itinerary visiting 150 countries under options that included outright cabin purchase for permanent residency five-year commitments or short-term rentals. The ship previously operated as the Braemar for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines before Villa Vie acquired it in 2023 according to maritime records cited by Nile1.com.
Villa Vie Residences announced in late October that average monthly fuel expenses per cabin had surged from 1800 dollars to between 6000 and 8000 dollars in parts of Asia due to geopolitical factors. In a statement the company noted that the lender had taken possession of the ship but no sale had been scheduled and it was working on refinancing plans. Cruise Hive reported that the vessel arrived in Singapore on November 8 and was arrested at Changi General Purpose Anchorage the following morning.
If outstanding claims cannot be resolved the Odyssey may be sold at auction under Singapore maritime procedures according to analysis in Cruise Hive. The Maritime Executive reported that two financial institutions appear to be primary creditors who directed the relocation to Singapore for layup. A passenger committee had proposed buying the ship to resume operations but the effort collapsed after further debts were disclosed.
