Passengers aboard the cruise ship Odyssey, operated by Villa Vie Residences, have found themselves stranded in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, after the vessel abruptly ceased operations, leaving residents scrambling for new accommodations.
The ship, which promised a 15-year residency at sea with cabins costing up to $440,000, suspended services on Monday, citing soaring fuel costs linked to the Iran war as the reason for its financial difficulties. Villa Vie Residences stated they would spend the next 60 days attempting to restructure and secure fresh financing.
However, some passengers report a different reality aboard the ship in the period leading up to its suspension. Accounts suggest that conditions had deteriorated, with alleged demands for money from the crew becoming more frequent as the situation grew critical. One widow, Cheryl Ethrington, 68, who invested $415,000, found herself seeking accommodation after the ship shut down.
Randy Cassingham and his wife, Kit, were among those on board when they were alerted to leave on Monday morning. They described a chaotic final period, claiming passengers were told their passports would not be returned until outstanding bills were settled. Randy Cassingham shared an image of a building in Sihanoukville, quoting his wife's observation: 'This is the picture of my new life – a shell that I get to build into something new and exciting. The Odyssey has reached the end of its sailing days – at least for now. It abandoned us in Cambodia.'
Shirene Thomas, 61, who paid a six-figure sum for a three-year residency, stated she was twice threatened with removal from the ship after raising concerns about the conditions.
Passengers were seen disembarking the Odyssey at Sihanoukville port on Wednesday. 
The owners of the ship, pictured docked in Cambodia, have blamed soaring fuel costs for suspending operations and are aiming to restructure and secure new financing.
