California sisters remain positive after cruise dream ends abruptly

The Florida-based company gave passengers just seven hours’ notice to disembark, leaving many thousands of miles from home. The MV Odyssey, which began its journey from Belfast, Northern Ireland, in October 2024, had offered lifetime suite packages starting at $230,000.

Despite the sudden disruption, Larson defended her decision to invest in the venture. “Because it was a startup company, I believe that it was a risk,” she told the Associated Press. She paid $120,000 in installments for her cabin, with additional monthly fees, anticipating up to 15 years aboard. Her sister also secured a separate cabin.

Lavering highlighted a personal benefit from her 18 months at sea, stating she was able to discontinue using a walking cane.

The company’s CEO, Mikael Petterson, attributed the collapse to soaring fuel prices, which rose from a projected $1,800 per cabin to $6,000-$8,000 in Asian waters. Monthly operating costs reportedly jumped from $400,000 to over $2 million, prompting plans for Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring.

Larson attributed the crisis to President Trump’s policies, claiming they disrupted oil supplies and drove up prices. She expressed hope for a resident-led effort to purchase the ship and continue the voyage. “Because it’s a dream to live on the ship and I don’t want it to end,” she said.