Villa Vie orders 200 passengers off luxury residential ship in Cambodia

Luxury residential cruise lines are facing new financial pressures as fuel prices spike. Villa Vie Residence ordered more than 200 passengers to leave its ship, Odyssey, while it is docked in Cambodia.

The vessel entered what the company described as a temporary layup period this week. Dwight and Sheila Greene, who purchased a cabin aboard the Odyssey last May, were among those required to disembark. The Fort Worth couple had planned to live on the ship for 15 years.

Villa Vie attributed the decision to rising fuel costs driven by conflict in the Middle East. The company stated that it attempted to mitigate these expenses since the conflict began in late February. Measures included slowing the ship's itinerary and increasing time spent in port.

Despite these efforts, the company said the cost savings were insufficient to cover the operating losses. A statement from Villa Vie noted that the increase in fuel costs remained extraordinary. The company is currently unable to continue carrying the resulting financial burden.

The Greenes said they contributed additional funds earlier this year to help keep the ship operating. Dwight Greene noted that most passengers aware of the situation knew financial issues existed. He stated that the company had faced challenges prior to this latest disruption.

Records obtained by NBC News show Villa Vie was sued last year for allegedly misrepresenting its financial stability. The Greenes are not placing blame on the company for the current layup. They have left personal belongings aboard the Odyssey as they depart.

The couple is now heading on a separate cruise they had previously booked. Dwight Greene said the family remains hopeful that the ship will return to service. He described the situation as crushing for those who lost faith or money, but said he remains full of hope that they will survive the period.