Cruise Ship Operator Calls Himself 'Villain' After Stranding Over 200 Passengers in Cambodia
The Villa Vie Odyssey, which offered residents a chance to make the ocean their permanent home, was forced to end its voyage early due to a critical fuel shortage.
The captain of the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship has described the situation as "really painful" after 203 passengers were disembarked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, due to a critical fuel shortage that made continued operations financially unsustainable.
The ship, which embarked on a 3 1/2-year journey around the world from Belfast, Northern Ireland, two years ago, suspended its voyage earlier this week. Mikael Petterson, founder and executive chairman of Villa Vie Residences, told Business Insider that he feels like "the villain in the story" but is working to find a solution for the residents.
Some residents had paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for the opportunity to live permanently at sea through the company's "Endless Horizons" program. One-time payments ranged from $299,999 for single occupancy to $499,999 for double occupancy.
Captain Emanuele Giudice explained that the fuel shortage necessitated the shutdown of a generator and non-essential lights, which would have caused discomfort to the residents. "So we kindly asked the residents to get off the ship because our fuel situation was critical," he said.
Giudice attributed the situation to high fuel prices, which significantly impacted the ship's travel. He declined to comment on whether the war in the Middle East or political figures were responsible.
Passenger accounts differ on the notice given for disembarkation. While Giudice stated residents were given over 24 hours' notice, some passengers told The Associated Press they received only seven hours' notice and had to arrange their own accommodations. Retired couple Paul and Lynn Montoya reported being repeatedly asked for fuel money, stating, "We had hopes, but they just kept sinking further and further into the hole."
Benjamin Schatz, another retiree who had intended the MV Odyssey to be his permanent home, expressed devastation. "There are people now who are homeless and who have very little money and don't know what they're going to do," he told CBS News.
The Villa Vie Odyssey had marketed itself as an alternative to traditional retirement, appealing to those concerned about inflation and rising living costs. Petterson had previously promoted the experience as a way for retirees to live affordably for life.