Residential Cruise Ship Seized and Departs for Singapore

Just days after the residential cruise ship Villa Vie's Odyssey ordered passengers to disembark in Cambodia, reports indicate that the ship has been seized by creditors. The cruise ship left Cambodia around midnight on Wednesday, November 4, and its AIS transmission shows it is bound for Singapore.

The former residents remain in Cambodia for the most part as they continue to figure out their next steps. Reports said that a passenger committee had launched the idea of the residents buying the ship, but they admitted in a media interview that it was a long shot.

Unconfirmed reports said that two financial institutions had financed the operation and were the primary creditors. They are reported to have moved to seize the ship and directed it into layup at Singapore. There is speculation that they would move to have the ship sold at auction.

Some of the former passengers complained that they still have possessions aboard the ship. They were initially given just hours to collect everything and leave the vessel by 2:00 p.m. local time on October 27 after some were aboard for just over two years. Others had joined the ship at different intervals during the world cruise. Everyone was transferred to a hotel in Cambodia, where they reported the government was being very helpful with arrangements and hosted a welcome dinner. Reports had said the passengers were to be able to go back aboard the day after they were evicted to claim more personal items, and now some are renting residences in Cambodia.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →