By Fatma Younis
A U.S. cruise ship that suspended its around-the-world voyage last week has departed Cambodia with only crew members on board, Cambodian officials said Wednesday.
Passengers forced to disembark
The MV Odyssey, owned by Florida-based Villa Vie Residences, had been docked at the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville for a scheduled stop when its 203 passengers were told on Oct. 28 to disembark within hours. The ship left the port late Tuesday with 156 crew members aboard, though it was unclear how many crew departed with the vessel, said Tang Sochetkresna, director of the Tourism Department of Preah Sihanouk province.
Most passengers remain in Cambodia
Nearly 100 passengers remained in Sihanoukville as of Wednesday, while others were traveling elsewhere in Cambodia or had left for other countries. Most of the passengers were Americans, and several said they had paid more than $300,000 for suites for the lifetime of the vessel.
Fuel costs surge amid Iran war
Villa Vie Residences said monthly fuel expenses per cabin, which historically averaged $1,800, had reached an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia due to the war in Iran. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been curtailed since the conflict began, squeezing petroleum supplies and sharply increasing prices across Southeast Asia.
Ship’s history and uncertain future
Built in 1993 and operated under various names before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Odyssey was purchased by Villa Vie Residences in 2023. Its current cruise began in October 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the ship had been refitted. The company had planned a second cruise and the purchase of a second ship.
Creditor may have taken over management
Media reports suggest a creditor has taken over management of the vessel and is having it sailed to Singapore, Southeast Asia’s main maritime hub. There has been no official announcement of future plans for the ship.
