The cruise operator announced on Tuesday that the round-the-world cruise liner has suspended its operations in Cambodia due to the increase in fuel costs. The luxury vessel had previously arrived at Sihanoukville port in Thailand's Gulf, where many passengers disembarked on Friday.
In an official statement from the operator, Villa Vie Residences (VVR), it was stated that since the conflict in the Middle East began in late February, the company has taken significant measures to reduce fuel consumption, including slowing down the route and spending longer in ports. However, these measures proved insufficient to offset the sudden rise in fuel costs, and the company can no longer cover the associated operational losses. The company stated that its current priority is supporting residents, crew, and staff while restructuring and seeking capital over the next 60 days, without guaranteeing a positive outcome.
The American liner MV Odyssey, which marketed its cabins as 'floating homes,' had been traveling for two years across seven continents, making over 400 stops. The ship carried 203 passengers, most of whom were American, and 150 crew members. Passengers paid over $230,000 (equivalent to approximately 206,377 euros) to make the Odyssey their permanent home.
Despite the company's assurances about finding accommodation for passengers, one blogger on board reported that 'the company has done absolutely nothing to help.' They mentioned that they were not even allowed to leave the port, so buses were provided to the city center of Sihanoukville in Cambodia, and they received neither a list of hotels nor assistance with booking or paying for accommodation.
It should be noted that maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has decreased since the start of the war in Iran, limiting the supply of all types of fuel, especially in Southeast Asia, causing a sharp rise in prices.