200 Passengers on a “Cruise for Life” Were Put Off the Ship in Cambodia Due to Rising Fuel Costs
American company Villa Vie Residences has unexpectedly suspended operations of its cruise ship Odyssey, two years after the start of its round-the-world voyage. Passengers were given just seven hours to pack their belongings and leave the ship during a stop in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, according to AFP.
The cruise had been marketed as an “endless voyage,” allowing people to buy or lease cabins for vacations or even for the rest of their lives. Some passengers sold all their possessions in order to live on board permanently.
American passenger Randy Cassingham and his wife spent about $1 million on the journey and planned to live on the ship for at least 15 years. Over the past two years, they visited 65 countries. Despite the sudden end to the voyage, Cassingham says he does not regret the decision.
“If they can resume operations, we would consider returning,” AFP quoted him as saying.
The company said it halted operations because of a sharp increase in fuel prices following the outbreak of war with Iran. According to Villa Vie, monthly fuel expenses per cabin rose from approximately $1,800 to between $6,000 and $8,000.
One passenger claimed that travelers were simply dropped off in the city center and left on their own, without even a list of recommended hotels. Villa Vie, however, maintains that it is assisting passengers in finding temporary accommodations.
Source: AFP