Couple stranded in Cambodia after cruise operator runs out of money

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 12:33 · Archive

An American couple who paid $1 million for a lifetime cruise say they have no regrets after being left in Cambodia when the operator ceased operations.

An American couple who paid $1 million for a 'cruise for life' were among around 200 passengers ordered to leave the MV Odyssey at Sihanoukville in Cambodia on Tuesday. Operator Villa Vie Residences announced it was suspending operations, citing 'extraordinary increases' in fuel costs following the US-Israel war with Iran. Residents were given just seven hours to pack their bags and leave, according to local authorities.

Randy and Kit Cassingham had been aboard since the ship departed Belfast in October 2024. They had paid approximately $1 million for their cabin and expected their all-inclusive voyage to last at least 15 years. The voyage had been advertised as an affordable way to travel continuously around the world, and some passengers had sold everything they owned to pay for it.

Despite their sudden abandonment in Cambodia and the company's lack of assistance, the Cassinghams told media outlets they had no regrets. 'It was great, for a while,' Randy said. 'My wife and I really enjoy travelling. But we really hate airports and airlines. This was a way that you could unpack once, you can sleep in your own bed every night and wake up in a new place every few days.' He described the experience as 'a fantastic adventure' and said he would reboard if the cruise restarted.

How it is being reported

• Stranded couple paid $1M for lifetime travel on now-broke cruise — but still have no regrets"It was great, for a while," Randy Cassingham said. "Money aside, it was a fantastic adventure."New York Post · 29 Oct, 12:14
• Couple who paid $1 MILLION to travel on 'cruise for life' say they have no regrets despite being dumped in Cambodia when company ran out of cashRandy Cassingham and his wife Kit were among around 200 passengers ordered to leave the Odyssey during a scheduled stop in the port of Sihanoukville on Tuesday.Daily Mail · 28 Oct, 17:43

In this story: Randy Cassingham · Kit Cassingham · Villa Vie Residences · MV Odyssey · Sihanoukville · Cambodia

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