Luxury residential cruise halted in Cambodia over soaring fuel costs
publishers 51articles 58first reported 27 Oct, 15:23 UTCdeveloping since 27 Oct · 6 editions
More than 200 residents of the Villa Vie Odyssey were told to leave the luxury residential cruise ship in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, after its U.S.-based operator suspended operations, citing soaring fuel costs and financial pressure.
Cambodian provincial deputy governor Long Dimanche said the ship was carrying 203 passengers and 156 crew members. Most passengers were Americans, and some had purchased cabins as long-term or permanent homes. Villa Vie Residences said it was helping residents arrange disembarkation and temporary accommodation while exploring a financial restructuring.
The nearly 200-metre Odyssey departed Belfast on October 1, 2024, for a continuous world voyage intended to visit almost 150 countries over three and a half years. Its planned upcoming stops included Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and several Indian ports.
The operator said monthly fuel expenses per cabin in parts of Asia had risen from about $1,800 to as much as $8,000. It had tried to reduce consumption by slowing the itinerary and extending port stays but said those measures could not offset the increase. According to The Indian Express, citing The New York Times, about 70% of residents rejected a proposed monthly fuel surcharge of $1,500.
Cabins marketed as “villa suites” cost as much as about $440,000, while inside villas were priced at nearly $120,000, Reuters reported. Bookings fell short of the company’s expectations, adding to the financial strain.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 7 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 66 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 51
- Source articles
- 58
- Given to the writer
- 8, 3 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 7
- This version written
- 66 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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