The MV Odyssey, a US cruise ship, has departed Cambodia with only its crew onboard after suspending its operations due to rising fuel costs. The ship had been on a scheduled stop in Sihanoukville when its 203 passengers were forced to disembark on October 28.
What happened
The MV Odyssey, owned by Florida-based Villa Vie Residences, was on an around-the-world cruise when it suspended its planned three-year voyage. The ship's lender has taken control, and it is reportedly being sailed to Singapore, where it may be auctioned off. The company's founder and executive chairman, Mike Petterson, remains optimistic about finding a new operational partner to restructure the ship's operations.
Nearly 100 passengers remain in Sihanoukville, while others have traveled to other parts of Cambodia or other countries. The ship's passengers had paid significant amounts for their suites, with some paying over $300,000 for a lifetime stay on the vessel. The company had sought to reduce fuel consumption by slowing the itinerary, but was unable to offset the surging costs due to the war in Iran.
The ship's financial distress had been ongoing for at least three months prior to its arrival in Cambodia, with internal communications showing a sense of urgency in getting more residents to provide funds. The company had been asking passengers for contributions to keep the ship operating, sparking debate on social media about the operation's financial viability.
