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Passengers stranded in Cambodia after cruise halted due to high fuel costs
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- The MV Odyssey, a luxury cruise ship on a multi-year world voyage, has suspended operations and stranded 203 passengers in Cambodia due to soaring fuel prices linked to the US war on Iran.
- The Florida-based operator, Villa Vie Odyssey, cited unsustainable financial pressure from fuel costs rising monthly from $1,800 to $8,000 per cabin in parts of Asia and is coordinating passenger disembarkation and temporary housing.
- The ship is docked at Sihanoukville port in Cambodia with no clear departure date, as oil prices surged above $117 a barrel following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since February.
- Passengers reported learning of the cruise’s cancellation via a ship message board, with some recalling desperate attempts by company officials to raise $1 million to keep operations running.
- Despite the disruption, some residents like Carol Larson expressed no regrets about their investment, viewing the experience as a valuable and health-improving adventure despite the risks involved.
