Cambodia helps stranded passengers after cruise operator suspends services
Authorities are coordinating accommodation and onward travel, but say the operator and passengers remain responsible for their costs.
Cambodian authorities are helping passengers stranded by the suspension of the Villa Vie Odyssey’s operations arrange lodging and onward journeys. Tourism ministry spokesperson Top Sopheak said 98 passengers were still in Sihanoukville on November 2, accommodated across seven hotels.
Another 36 passengers had travelled elsewhere, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot and Kep, Sopheak said. Some passengers and three crew members had departed Cambodia by air.
The US-based operator, Villa Vie Residences, announced the suspension on October 27, blaming sharply higher fuel prices linked to the conflict involving the US and Iran. It said monthly fuel expenditure had risen from an average of about US$1,800 per cabin to an estimated US$6,000 to US$8,000 in some parts of Asia. Slower sailing schedules and longer port stays had not cut costs sufficiently, the company said.
The ship reached Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on October 23 with 203 passengers and 156 crew. Its round-the-world voyage began in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in September 2024, with cabins available to buy or rent as homes. Passengers were reportedly allowed only seven hours to pack and leave after operations were suspended.
Tourism minister Huot Hak met affected passengers and crew on October 29. Sopheak said government agencies were coordinating access to hotels, transport, flight bookings and information, rather than providing money.
He said authorities would not cover the vessel’s fuel bill. Operating expenses remain the company’s responsibility, while passengers must meet their personal costs. Further travel arrangements and expenses would depend on the operator and the individuals concerned, he added.
