Tourists Stranded in Cambodia After Cruise Ship Eviction Notice

The cruise ship company, Villa Vie Residences, suspended its round-the-world cruise after citing unsustainable financial pressure. Officials said the sharp increase in fuel costs, which have risen sharply in parts of Asia since late February, made continued operations unviable.

Around 200 tourists were left stranded in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, after being given just seven hours' notice to leave with all their belongings. The Daily Mail reported that passengers were left without assistance for accommodation or onward travel.

In an official statement, Villa Vie Residences blamed the sharp increase in fuel costs for the decision, stating that the company is working to address the issue and evaluate restructuring and recapitalization options over the next 60 days. The company said it cannot simply pass increases of that scale on to residents.

Passengers, including Californian Randy Cassingham, described the sudden eviction as a 'cascade of problems' that had been building up. Cassingham criticized the company's CEO, Kathy Villaba, for failing to apologize for the abrupt decision.

Villa Vie Residences stated that the ship, launched in 2024, was undergoing a 'temporary layup' due to the financial strain. The company said it is working with residents to coordinate disembarkation and identify temporary living arrangements.

Residents and crew members expressed frustration and heartbreak over the sudden eviction, with some describing the ship as a home filled with memories and friendships. The company says it will provide further updates as material developments occur.