In brief
U.S. cruise ship MV Odyssey abandoned its around‑the‑world voyage, forcing 203 passengers to disembark in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The vessel departed with only crew aboard while its future remains uncertain. Rising fuel prices and a possible creditor take‑over have left the ship’s destiny unclear.
The U.S. cruise ship MV Odyssey departed the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville on Tuesday, leaving behind 203 passengers it had forced to disembark a day earlier. Cambodian officials say the vessel left only with crew and other personnel on board, and it was unclear where the ship was headed next.
Odyssey had been on a planned three‑year around‑the‑world cruise when it suspended operations amid a steep rise in fuel prices. The owners, Florida‑based Villa Vie Residences, said monthly fuel costs per cabin had climbed from an average of $1,800 to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia, a surge linked to disruptions of the Strait of Hormuz during the war in Iran.
When the ship docked on Oct. 28, 203 passengers were told they must disembark within a few hours. Of the vessel’s 650‑passenger capacity, 156 crew members remained aboard. Nearly 100 passengers stayed in Sihanoukville, while the rest were traveling to other parts of Cambodia or heading to other countries. Most of the disembarked passengers were Americans, and several had paid more than $300,000 for a suite for the ship’s lifetime.
Media reports suggest a creditor has taken over the ship’s management and is preparing to sail it to Singapore, Southeast Asia’s main maritime hub. Director Tang Sochetkresna of the Tourism Department of Preah Sihanouk province said, “I didn’t know the ship’s next destination.” No official announcement has yet clarified the ship’s future plans.
Passengers had been asked over several months for contributions to keep the vessel operating, sparking debate on social media about the viability of its business model. The abrupt end to Odyssey’s voyage has drawn widespread attention, as the company had promised a floating home that combined long‑term living at sea with global travel.
