Cruise ship suspends a global voyage in Asia due to fuel costs, stranding 200 passengers

The MV Odyssey, marketed as residential cruising and described as a floating home, suspended its three-year voyage while docked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, leaving 200 passengers stranded. The Florida-based operator, Villa Vie Residences, said fuel costs made continued operations impossible, citing monthly fuel expenses per cabin rising from about $1,800 to an estimated $6,000–$8,000 in parts of Asia due to the Iran war. It said it tried to reduce consumption by slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port, but losses remained too large and “passing the full increase” to residents was not realistic. The ship had 203 passengers and 156 crew, with no set departure date, while the company coordinated disembarkation and temporary living arrangements.