// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
'Cruise for life' ship seized in Singapore
The arrest comes weeks after the cruise came to a sudden end, leaving 200 guests stranded in Cambodia
A round-the-world cruise that left passengers stranded in Cambodia after its US-based operator ran out of money has been seized in Singapore.
The Odyssey, which set off from Belfast in October 2024 and was meant to take guests on a years-long voyage around the world, is now anchored in Singapore port waters, local authorities say.
Around 200 guests were forced to leave the ship last month in the Cambodian port city of Sihanoukville, after its owner Villa Vie Residences abruptly suspended operations citing "extraordinary increases in fuel costs".
The crew onboard are reported to be well, Singapore's port authority said.
"Arrangements for their welfare and wellbeing are being managed by the vessel's creditors," the authority said, adding that the vessel had been "placed under arrest pursuant to a court order".
Singapore law firm Helmsman LLC has been named the "arresting solicitor", but it is not clear which party it represents.
The Odyssey was meant to go on a three-and-a-half-years voyage covering 150 countries.
Passengers were given the options of buying their cabin outright, which allows them to stay onboard beyond its initial voyage, paying for a five-year residency, or renting a cabin for days-long tours.
Permanent residencies in its cabins ranged from $120,000 (£89,272) to $440,000. Those cabins were also available for rent from $3,500 a month, according to its website.