Cruise Ship Residents Stranded in Cambodia After Fuel Costs Surge

A residential cruise ship halted operations in Cambodia on Tuesday after soaring fuel expenses left its operator unable to continue voyages, stranding hundreds of passengers far from home.

The Odyssey carried 203 passengers and 156 crew members when it docked in the port city of Sihanoukville.

The sudden disruption threatens a unique lifestyle model that promised buyers a permanent home at sea.

“We have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses,” said the Florida-based operator Villa Vie Residences in a statement.

The company said monthly fuel expenses per cabin jumped from $1,800 to between $6,000 and $8,000 during the war in Iran.

“Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution,” the company said.

The ship set sail from Belfast, Northern Ireland, two years ago on a planned three-year journey across seven continents.

Passengers purchased cabins or paid ongoing rent, with some selling their homes and cars to finance the lifestyle.

“Honestly, right now, I'm in denial and in shock, and I'm heartbroken,” said Benjamin Schatz, a retiree living on the ship.

Long Dimanche, deputy governor of Preah Sihanouk Province, said residents were given just hours to disembark.

Some passengers took flights out of the country while others remained behind in Sihanoukville.

Company executives said they attempted to lower consumption by slowing the itinerary and spending additional time in port.

“When you divide it over 300 people on board, it's just backbreaking,” said Mikael Petterson, chief executive officer of Villa Vie Residences.

Petterson said the company plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after a potential financial rescue deal collapsed.

The ship is scheduled to refuel before departing from Cambodia.