The cursed cruise: how the dream of never-ending luxury at sea became a nightmare
The MV Odyssey was billed as the ultimate escape from Donald Trump. Instead, the oil shock caused by his war has left passengers unceremoniously dumped in Cambodia The idea was a never-ending retirement at sea, a continuous voyage around the globe. The promise to the passengers of the MV Odyssey cruise ship – many approaching the autumn of their lives – was that on the open seas they could cut…
The MV Odyssey, a cruise ship, was marketed as the ultimate escape from Donald Trump. However, the oil crisis sparked by his war left passengers stranded in Cambodia. The ship was designed as a continuous voyage around the globe, promising passengers a retirement at sea to distance themselves from the troubles of the world. The Odyssey, owned by Florida-based Villa Vie Residences, first set sail from Belfast in October 2024, with a price tag of $319,998 per couple.
Passengers had access to amenities like a pool, a gym, a theatre, several bars, and exotic port destinations. However, the ship's financial woes proved insurmountable. Due to skyrocketing fuel costs, Villa Vie Residences declared bankruptcy, leaving passengers stranded. They were given seven hours to disembark, with no financial aid offered by the company or even a list of hotels in the destination.
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