Residential cruise suspended in Cambodia as fuel costs surge
publishers 20articles 20first reported 28 Oct, 01:06 UTCdeveloping since 28 Oct · 5 editions
Villa Vie Residences has suspended operations of its residential cruise ship, The Odyssey, in Cambodia, requiring passengers to disembark after the company said soaring fuel costs made its business model unsustainable.
The Florida-based operator said it was seeking temporary accommodation for residents while beginning a 60-day restructuring and recapitalization effort, adding that “no outcome is assured.” The company said monthly fuel costs per cabin had risen from about $1,800 to as much as $8,000 in parts of Asia. Measures including slower travel and longer port stays had not offset the increase, it said.
The 642-foot ship, which offered cabins for purchase or rent as permanent homes at sea, had been traveling around the world for more than two years after departing Belfast. It can accommodate up to 650 residents and was reportedly 85% sold earlier this year.
Long Dimanche, deputy governor of Cambodia’s Preah Sihanouk Province, said Wednesday that 203 passengers and 156 crew members were aboard. Some passengers had left on flights, while others remained in the port city of Sihanoukville. He said the vessel was expected to refuel before leaving Cambodia on Saturday.
Resident Randy Cassingham said passengers received notice Monday that the ship would enter a temporary layup and were instructed to disembark within hours. The company attributed the suspension to fuel-price increases linked to disruptions following the war with Iran.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 18 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 20
- Source articles
- 20
- Given to the writer
- 8, 3 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 18 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
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