From NBC News · Tim Stelloh · · 1m 30s
Luxury Cruise Ship Halts in Cambodia
U.S. luxury cruise ship residents forced to leave Cambodia due to high fuel costs.
In brief
U.S. luxury cruise ship residents forced to leave Cambodia due to high fuel costs. Villa Vie Residences' luxury cruise ship Odyssey halted operations in Cambodia after fuel costs spiked, leaving 203 passengers and 156 crew without homes. Originally reported by NBC News.
Cruise ship halts operations
A residential cruise ship halted operations in Cambodia on Tuesday amid soaring fuel costs, leaving passengers in limbo after the U.S. company that operates it ordered them to disembark.
Villa Vie Residences operates Odyssey
Florida-based Villa Vie Residences said The Odyssey, a 642-foot cruise ship launched three years ago, promised passengers an unparalleled lifestyle of luxury and exploration as it toured the planet.
203 passengers and 156 crew on ship
A Cambodian official said Wednesday there were 203 passengers and 156 crew members on the ship, with some passengers having already departed on flights.
Ship scheduled to refuel Saturday
The ship is scheduled to refuel before leaving Cambodia on Saturday, according to a Cambodian official.
Company declined to provide details
An executive with the company, Mikael Petterson, declined to provide additional details in an email to NBC News.
85% of cabins sold
The Odyssey was 85% sold, with prospective residents able to secure their dream home starting at $119,000.
Passengers face sudden departure
Residents were ordered to disembark by 2 p.m. after the ship entered a 'temporary lay up' period, indicating it would no longer be used.
In short
Villa Vie Residences' luxury cruise ship Odyssey halted operations in Cambodia after fuel costs spiked, leaving 203 passengers and 156 crew without homes.
