The Villa Vie Odyssey ship was impounded after the residential cruise around the world suspended operations.
The vessel is currently anchored in Singapore where it arrived on Nov. 8, according to its Maritime
and Port Authority. "The vessel has been placed under arrest pursuant to a court order," authorities said in an emailed statement, but did not share additional details on the detainment.
Villa Vie Residences, which operated the ship, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
"The crew onboard are reported to be well, and arrangements for their welfare and wellbeing are being managed by the vessel's creditors," the MPA added. "There are no passengers on board."
The ship left Cambodia on Nov. 4 after forcing passengers to disembark, Reuters reported. Villa Vie Residences ceased its inaugural voyage in late October, citing high fuel expenses.
"Fuel costs have risen sharply in the regions where the company has been operating," the company said in an Oct. 27 news release. "On an equivalent per-cabin basis, monthly fuel expense that historically averaged approximately $1,800 has recently reached an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia. The company cannot simply pass increases of that scale on to residents, and the resulting shortfall has placed its current operating model under unsustainable financial pressure."
The Odyssey, which departed in October 2024 following multiple days, intended to circumnavigate the globe every 3½ years. Passengers told USA TODAY that the company appeared to struggle in the months before it halted operations, making "cash calls" to residents for additional funds to keep sailing, bunkering fuel less frequently and offering more limited food options.
Can cruise ships be arrested?
Yes. Courts can detain a vessel to guarantee a maritime claim, according to Lloyd’s Maritime Institute. Ships could be arrested due to unpaid debts, salvage disputes or issues with contracts or ownership, among other reasons.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Residential cruise ship placed under arrest in Singapore
