Documents show funding scramble before around-the-world "forever cruise" was stranded

On October 27, Villa Vie Residences, a Florida-based company, suspended operations of its luxury cruise ship Odyssey due to soaring fuel costs, stranding passengers in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The ship, which was on a years-long voyage around the world with 650 passengers and over 150 crew members, had been facing financial difficulties for at least two months. Monthly fuel expenses per cabin that historically averaged $1,800 have recently reached an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia due to the war in Iran.

The company is working with passengers on disembarkation plans and identifying temporary living arrangements but has not provided a timeline for when operations might resume. The Odyssey launched from Belfast three years ago, promising passengers an "unparalleled lifestyle of luxury and exploration." However, it now faces a “temporary lay-up” period, during which all individuals aboard must disembark by 2 p.m. on October 27.

CBS News obtained internal documents revealing financial struggles prior to the fuel crisis, indicating that the company had been attempting to secure funding for months but ultimately failed. Many passengers, such as Randy Cassingham and his wife Kit, who sold their home to live aboard the ship, are now left without homes or savings.