Luxury cruise passengers stranded after fuel costs surge | BBC News

The operator of the luxury cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey has suspended operations, leaving passengers stranded in Cambodia. The ship was about 750 days into a planned round-the-world voyage lasting over three years when it halted service on Tuesday, citing extraordinarily high fuel costs. The US-based operator says it is working with passengers on disembarkation and temporary living arrangements. Global fuel prices have risen since the Iran war began earlier this year. According to the operator, the monthly fuel cost per cabin in parts of Asia has increased to as much as $8,000 from $1,800. Passengers told the BBC they were informed at 6am that they had to leave by 2pm the same day.

• Villa Vie Odyssey suspended operations about 750 days into a multi-year world voyage
• Passengers are stranded in Cambodia
• The operator cites extraordinarily high fuel costs
• Monthly fuel cost per cabin in parts of Asia reportedly rose to as much as $8,000 from $1,800

Passengers of the Villa Vie Odyssey boarded the luxury cruise ship expecting a voyage around the world spanning over three years, visiting over 150 countries and making memories to last a lifetime. On Tuesday, however, just 750 days into its circumnavigation, the boat suspended operations due to extraordinarily high fuel costs, leaving passengers stranded in Cambodia. The US-based operator has said it is working with passengers on disembarkation plans and "temporary living arrangements". Global fuel prices have soared since the Iran war started earlier this year. The ship's operator said the monthly fuel cost per cabin in parts of Asia has risen to as much as $8,000 (£6,000) from $1,800. It is unclear how many residents were on board but the nearly 200m (656ft) vessel can carry up to 650 passengers. Passengers Lanette Canen and Johan Bodin told the BBC they were informed by staff at 6am on Tuesday that they had to leave by 2pm on the same day. "There have been a lot of hugs and tears as residents support one another and process what has happened" the couple said. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #LuxuryCruise #VillaVieOdyssey #BBCNews