Passengers ordered off floating homes as US cruise ship ends global voyage amid soaring fuel costs; 200 lose homes
Fuel bills climb sharply
Florida-based Villa Vie Residences said monthly fuel expenses per cabin had historically averaged $1,800. In parts of Asia, the company now estimates the amount at $6,000 to $8,000, amid the war in Iran.
The operator said it attempted to use less fuel by reducing the ship’s speed and extending port stays. Those changes did not offset the rise in fuel costs, the company said.
Ship remains in Cambodia
The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port said the vessel arrived on Oct. 23 for a five-day visit. It was expected to continue to Vietnam, but remained at the port on Wednesday.
The company’s decision to suspend operations left passengers facing an abrupt departure from their floating homes. They were told to leave the ship, while the crew’s situation was not known.
Passengers told to leave
The ship is part of a residential world voyage, with cabins serving as passengers’ homes. The fuel-cost surge led to the suspension while the vessel was in Cambodia.
The report describes hundreds of passengers being forced to abandon their homes, while the headline puts the number at 200. It does not explain the difference between those figures.
Key points
- Villa Vie Residences suspended its residential cruise ship’s operations in Cambodia over fuel costs.
- Fuel expenses per cabin rose from a historical monthly average of $1,800 to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia.
- The ship remained at Sihanoukville after arriving on Oct. 23 for a planned five-day visit.
- Passengers were told to leave; the crew’s status was unclear.