Villa Vie cruise ship leaves Cambodia without passengers

Dhaka: The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship departed Cambodia early November 4 without passengers, days after more than 200 residents were forced to disembark following the suspension of its operations over rising fuel costs.

The vessel, which had been operating as a long-term residential cruise ship, left the port of Sihanoukville with around 50 crew members on board, according to Taing Sochitkrishna, head of the local tourism department.

Florida-based owner Villa Vie Residences suspended the voyage last week, citing soaring fuel prices linked to the Iran war as the reason its operations had become financially unsustainable.

Around 100 passengers remained in Cambodia after the departure, while others traveled to different destinations across the region, authorities said.

The ship had spent at least 755 days sailing around the world, offering customers the opportunity to purchase or rent residential accommodation for extended periods.

Many passengers expressed frustration over the lack of information about the vessel's future. Its next destination had not been officially confirmed, although maritime tracking information and some passengers suggested it was heading to Singapore.

Several residents said they had received little communication from the company about whether the voyage would resume.

Passengers collected their remaining belongings on November 3, with some saying they did not expect to return.

The departure has left residents uncertain about their long-term travel arrangements and the future of the residential cruise operation.