U.S. cruise ship departs Cambodia with no passengers after abruptly forcing everyone to disembark

November 4, 2026 / 6:56 AM EST / CBS/AP

A U.S. cruise ship that forced all its passengers to disembark in Cambodia after suspending its operations last week has departed the Southeast Asian nation with only crew aboard, Cambodian officials said Wednesday.

The MV Odyssey, owned by Florida-based Villa Vie Residences, had been on an around-the-world cruise when it suspended its planned three-year voyage due to the sharp rise in fuel costs.

It had been docked for a scheduled stop at the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand, when on Oct. 28 its 203 passengers were suddenly told they had to disembark within a few hours.

The ship left Sihanoukville late Tuesday with only crew and other personnel on board, said Tang Sochetkresna, director of the Tourism Department of Preah Sihanouk province. He said he didn't know the ship's next destination, but multiple sources familiar with the matter previously told CBS News the ship will be moved to Singapore, where it could eventually be auctioned off.

The cruise ship is now under control of its lender, according to a message sent to residents and obtained by CBS News. Company leadership, however, said they're optimistic they can get…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/