AFP via Getty Images
Passengers on a live-aboard round-the-world cruise say they were abruptly asked to leave the ship and given only hours to disembark.
Villa Vie Residences, which operates the residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey, said on Tuesday it had halted operations due to surging fuel costs.
The ship was docked at the port of Sihanoukville in Cambodia when the announcement was made, with passengers saying they were given only eight hours to disembark.
"On October 27, 2026, we received notice from the CEO at around 6 a.m. that all residents had to disembark by 2 p.m. that day," passengers Lanette Canen and Johan Bodin told Business Insider by email.
Canen and Bodin have been on the Odyssey since it first set sail in September 2024 and run a YouTube channel called Living Life on a Cruise about their experiences on board.
"We knew leaving was a possibility, but the eight-hour notice still surprised us," they said.
The couple shared a video on their YouTube channel that appears to show the moment a staff member announced that passengers must leave the ship.
"Unfortunately, they were unable to secure the fuel necessary to continue operations," a male voice says in the video.
A notice on the Villa Vie Residences website says the company is working with residents to arrange temporary living arrangements and that it is evaluating restructuring options over the next 60 days.
Mikael Petterson, executive chairman of Villa Vie Residences, told Business Insider he understood residents' feelings of shock and sadness.
"I get it. I get it. I feel awful," he said in a phone interview. "They're counting on me to make the decisions here and there's nothing else I'm focused on. I'm the villain in the story, but I'm doing everything I can to support the residents on a solution forward."
Petterson said that until last week, he was in talks with a potential investor and was expecting a new infusion of cash. When the deal fell apart, he said, the company was out of options.
Villa Vie Residences Chief Executive Kathy Villalba didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.
TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP via Getty Images
Villa Vie Residences said in a statement Tuesday that the surging cost of fuel since the beginning of the Iran war had made operating the cruise liner increasingly difficult.
The company said its monthly fuel expenses per cabin, which had previously averaged about $1,800, had risen as much as 344% in parts of Asia, to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000.
"Since the conflict began in late February, we have taken significant steps to reduce fuel consumption, including slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port," Villa Vie Residences said.
"Those measures have not been enough to offset the extraordinary increase in fuel costs, and we have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses."
On August 1, Villalba, the CEO, sent residents a message titled "Urgent operational update" on an internal messaging platform. In the message, she referenced a "fuel contribution" that had been previously requested of residents. Business Insider has viewed a screenshot of the message.
"When the fuel contribution was requested several months ago, participation was not universal," she wrote in the message. "The contributions received helped some, but they covered only part of the extraordinary increase in fuel costs."
Villalba wrote that the "cash-flow" challenge had continued, and the Odyssey needed 650 metric tons of fuel, adding that fuel prices had almost doubled.
"We have now reached a critical point. The lack of full participation, combined with the unprecedented increase in fuel costs, means we must make immediate and creative operational decisions to preserve the voyage," her message said.
It continued, "We are asking every Resident who did not previously contribute to please do so now. We are also asking those who are able to provide additional support to consider helping with this immediate fuel requirement."
Villalba described the financial need as "real, immediate, and necessary to keep Odyssey moving." It went on, "This is a moment when preserving our home and continuing the voyage requires support beyond contractual minimums from those who are able to provide it."
Among the passengers asked to disembark on Tuesday with only a few hours' notice was Barbara Fiegel, 62, who has lived with her partner aboard the ship since December 2024.
"Everybody's just shocked, everybody's just saddened by this whole issue," she said. "We're still processing, trying to debate what we're going to do."
Fiegel said she and her partner booked a hotel room in Cambodia, then returned to the ship Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon to empty their safe and pack their belongings. "Today, as we approached, as we went back on the shuttle back to the ship, I couldn't stop crying," she said.
They plan to return on Thursday to collect their remaining items. Fiegel described the atmosphere on the Odyssey as a “ghost town.”
Joel Greiff, 57, moved aboard the ship at the start of the month and planned to live on the ship for 10 or 20 years or more. “I don’t think that will be happening,” he said.
When residents were told to disembark, Greiff emptied his cabin. “I personally grabbed everything,” he said.
He said he would like to return if Villa Vie Residences resumes operations. If not, he is planning to move to Thailand. In the meantime, he has rented an apartment in Cambodia for a month.
Greiff said he plans to return to the Odyssey on Thursday to assist other residents and “help with their luggage, help them find a place, and just start getting them and all their stuff off the ship.”
Jacob Shamsian contributed to this story.
Have you spent any time on the Villa Vie Odyssey as a cabin owner, renter, or staff member? If you have a story to share, get in touch with this reporter: jzitser@businessinsider.com.
Correction: October 28, 2026 — An earlier version of this story misspelled Johan Bodin's name.
Passengers describe carriages full of seriously injured people after crash that has claimed at least 68 lives
Josimar Medina woke a little before 9am on Wednesday to find himself airborne and hurtling through his carriage on the fast train from Madrid to Seville.
“I remember flying through the air and looking for my girlfriend, who was also shooting through the air,” said Medina, a 37-year-old tourist from the northern Peruvian city of Chiclayo.
Continue reading...
© Photograph: Andrea Comas/AP
© Photograph: Andrea Comas/AP
© Photograph: Andrea Comas/AP
Passengers describe carriages full of seriously injured people after crash that has claimed at least 68 lives
Josimar Medina woke a little before 9am on Wednesday to find himself airborne and hurtling through his carriage on the fast train from Madrid to Seville.
“I remember flying through the air and looking for my girlfriend, who was also shooting through the air,” said Medina, a 37-year-old tourist from the northern Peruvian city of Chiclayo.
Continue reading...
© Photograph: Andrea Comas/AP
© Photograph: Andrea Comas/AP
© Photograph: Andrea Comas/AP
Passengers aboard the Odyssey were reportedly asked to contribute towards fuel costs as the cruise ship remains stranded in Cambodia
© Reuters
Allie Hubers
I've taken more than 55 cruises and visited over 100 cruise ports all over the world.
Along the way, I've learned that some destinations are definitely worth exploring, while others can be unexpectedly disappointing.
As a destination-focused traveler, I rarely choose to stay on board when my ship is docked in port. Usually, I'm eager to disembark the ship, experience the local culture, and explore the area.
But after revisiting many of the same ports, I've also realized that certain destinations aren't always worth the hassle. While some offer beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and bucket-list excursions, others can feel crowded, touristy, or difficult to navigate.
Although these ports can still be enjoyable with the right planning and expectations, I'm often happier staying on board to take advantage of the ship's amenities.
Here are five cruise ports where I'd rather stay on the ship than venture ashore.
Alliie Hubers
Costa Maya is one of the few ports I'll almost always skip because it feels overly commercialized.
The entire terminal was built specifically for tourists and cruise passengers and is packed with souvenir shops, restaurants, swimming pools, wildlife encounters, a swim-up bar, and live entertainment.
Although many travelers enjoy this convenience, the port feels highly manufactured to me and resembles an outdoor shopping mall more than an authentic Mexican experience.
Additionally, I've found the isolated port doesn't have much to do nearby unless you've arranged transportation or booked an excursion.
However, Costa Maya can still be worthwhile with some planning. A short taxi ride away is Mahahual, which is a popular beach town with restaurants and beach clubs.
If you want to venture farther from the port, consider booking an excursion to the Mayan ruins for a cultural experience or snorkeling along the biodiverse Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Allie Hubers
Nassau is another port where I'm very likely to stay on the ship.
In fact, I sailed to Nassau last year aboard Utopia of the Seas and skipped the port entirely. Instead, my husband and I stayed on board and enjoyed the ship's pools, restaurants, and activities without the usual crowds.
Although you can reach popular beaches and resorts from the port, the area outside the cruise terminal can feel overwhelming. Although the terminal's recent renovations have improved the port experience, persistent vendors still remain immediately outside the gated area.
And on especially busy days, six or so cruise ships can dock at once, which makes the port feel even more crowded.
However, Nassau can be a positive experience if you've got the right plans in place. For instance, I've used ResortPass to spend the day at nearby hotels and had a much better experience than just walking around the port.
You can also book excursions to nearby beaches, Blue Lagoon Island, or other resort properties for a more relaxing day.
Allie Hubers
Santorini is undeniably beautiful, which makes it a bucket-list destination for many. Unfortunately, the island's popularity is also part of the problem.
With thousands of passengers regularly arriving from multiple cruise ships, visiting the small Greek island can be stressful.
Cruise ships anchor offshore in Santorini, so passengers will typically tender into the port below Fira. From there, visitors can take a cable car, climb hundreds of steps, or arrange another way to reach the top of the island.
With several ships often visiting the island at the same time, lines for the cable car can become quite long. Getting around Santorini can also be difficult because of its narrow roads, heavy traffic, and crowds filling the streets of popular villages such as Oia and Fira.
The island is absolutely worth visiting, but you should prepare for some logistical challenges and set realistic expectations. If you want to maximize your time in Santorini, I recommend booking an excursion in advance instead of exploring independently.
An organized tour can help you avoid long cable-car lines, simplify transportation, and ensure you return to the ship on time.
Allie Hubers
During a cruise around South Africa, our ship docked in Richards Bay, which is one of the most unusual cruise ports I've ever visited.
Although Richards Bay is an important industrial port and major coal-exporting hub, it isn't necessarily designed with cruise passengers in mind.
During my visit, we disembarked at a gravel parking lot with no passenger facilities. By the end of the day, our cruise ship was also covered in soot and dust, which was unlike anything I had experienced before!
Without a planned excursion, there isn't much to do near the port, and the industrial setting can feel disappointing. But for travelers interested in wildlife, Richards Bay can be a worthwhile gateway to nearby South African reserves.
Because I researched the area ahead of time, I booked a game-drive excursion to Hluhluwe—iMfolozi Park, which is about 90 minutes from the port.
Seeing elephants in the wild was an unforgettable experience, and one that I would have missed if I had just stayed near the ship.
Allie Hubers
Finally, Freeport is another port I'm often tempted to skip.
The area around the cruise terminal is very industrial and unfortunately doesn't offer much within walking distance. Because of this, cruisers often need to arrange transportation or book an excursion to visit the island's main attractions.
I was disappointed by how rundown the port area felt, with very limited shopping and amenities. Not to mention, I found securing transportation from the terminal area to be confusing and expensive.
Although taxis are available, in my experience, many of them operate as shared vans with high prices. And arranging rides back to the ship from a remote beach can also be stressful.
If you want to make the most of your day in Freeport, it's best to prearrange transportation or book an excursion. Popular tours include beach getaways, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and animal encounters.
However, if I haven't booked a tour in Freeport, you'll find me on the ship instead.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
November 11 marks the 100th birthday of Route 66, the iconic American highway that runs from Chicago to California.
I grew up in St. Louis, right along the old route, so, in honor of the anniversary, I set out to drive part of it.
Along the way, I met people who've kept the road's legacy alive and their businesses afloat.
However, for every store that has survived, I was surprised to see even more motels, gas stations, and restaurants boarded up.
They stood as phantoms of a forgotten era. Their neon signs went dark long ago.
These are the ghost towns of Route 66 that stayed with me long after we'd left.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
Glenrio is one of the best-preserved ghost towns from the mid-1900s in the United States. It sits right along Route 66 and straddles the border between Texas and New Mexico.
Abby Narishkin / Business Insider
The town was never huge, peaking at 100 people.
Beginning in the early 1900s, it was a robust railroad community, with multiple grocery stores, a post office, and service stations.
Then, it became a haven for drivers fleeing the Dust Bowl and braving Route 66 through the desert.
Today, abandoned buildings dot the town.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
Crossing over the interstate, we arrived at the main stretch of Route 66 through Glenrio.
This was once a bustling corridor along the state line. Texas had lower gas prices than New Mexico, so stations were built on the Lone Star side of the border.
Abby Narishkin / Business Insider
In the 1970s, Interstate 40 bypassed Route 66 and this town. Travelers stopped coming by, and virtually overnight, this town dried up.
What's left of it is overwhelmed in eerie silence. The former Texaco and the 1969 Pontiac Catalina out front sit unmoving, riddled with rust.
Brownlee's daughter is the only remaining resident of Glenrio. Her husband was killed during a robbery while working in the neighboring town. That's the 1969 Pontiac Catalina that he drove to work every day.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
I could only imagine how cozy the chrome details and the small footprint of the diner would've felt after a long drive in the 1950s.
After a short stint as an antique and oddities shop, the diner permanently closed in the 1970s.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
On one side, it reads "Last Stop in Texas." The verbiage added to the ominous feeling lingering in this place.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
Texas had many dry counties at the time, but this part of New Mexico allowed alcohol. So the motels and bars were cleverly built on the New Mexico side of the border, and loads of folks came here to drink.
Just like the diner next door, the motel closed in the 1970s.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
The only thing left standing in this town is a new smoke shop that opened in 2023.
Just like in the days of dry counties, it's on the border for a reason. Recreational marijuana is still illegal in Texas, but it's been legal in New Mexico, where the shop sits, since 2021.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
I asked Harrah, the shop's general manager, what it's like to work in a town that essentially doesn't exist.
"Time doesn't exist either here. Texas is in Central, and New Mexico is in Mountain [time]. So it's an hour difference depending on where you are. And then it's exit zero. So it's really just its own entity, its own energy, its own everything," she said.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
The ghost stations of Glenrio were far from the only boarded-up gas pumps we came across on our road trip down Route 66 from Amarillo, Texas, to Tucumcari, New Mexico.
The construction of the interstate hurt the economies of the other towns along this section of the old road, too.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
The station was originally named Tommy's Cafe and Phillips 66.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
When we finally arrived in Tucumcari, New Mexico, where we planned to stay the night, I thought the haunting, empty buildings along Route 66 were behind us. Tucumcari is, I figured, a much bigger town.
But I was wrong.
So many neon lights were dark here.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
But unlike Glenrio, there are actually people left living in Tucumcari who've had to witness the change.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
At night, we were filming one of the town's last neon signs when a beautiful blue car drove by.
We flagged him down and met Rocky Chavez, a lifetime resident of Tucumcari. I joined him in his 1966 Chevy Impala, cruising down Route 66. Over the roar of his engine, he told me all about how the town used to be.
"Back in the heyday, this whole town was nothing but neon lights. It was so beautiful, every business was open. We had 2,000 motel rooms. We had 36 gas stations. We had like 32 restaurants," he said.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
"There were almost 20,000 people at one time here. We had the railroad, the trucking companies, Levi Strauss used to be here," Chavez said. "Driving down this boulevard when I grew up here was so full of life. Now, you pass, and all the buildings are boarded up. There's nothing left."
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
There's something poetic about graffiti giving them new life and weeds transforming them once again.
The mere fact that they're still standing in any form means they haven't been forgotten.
They can't be. They're forceful reminders of this route through American history. And as I drove down Route 66, it felt like I was driving through a living museum.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
I can't help but think about the family who spent their lives keeping these businesses open, only for them to fall into disrepair.
What would they think now? Would they, like Chavez, be quiet, lost in thought, as they speed by what little is left? Maybe in that way, they're cruel reminders of what was and likely will never be again.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
While those rusted-out hot rods and boarded-up buildings still haunt me, I have settled on a semblance of optimism as I think back on this road trip.
We came across so many people who are still fighting to keep this stretch of cement alive. And to each person I asked, "Why should people care about Route 66?"
One woman told me, "People think it's just a road, but it's not. It's the path to people.
And the more I drove, the more I realized she was right.
Graham Merwin / Business Insider
Rob Federico and his wife, Dawn, drove down Route 66 until they ran out of gas in Tucumcari. They bought the motorcourt in 2020. They welcomed me with open arms and a killer cup of coffee.
In the end, it was less about the ghost gas station in Tucumcari and more about Chavez, who'd picked up a weary journalist and given her the cruise of a lifetime.
High-speed trains on the Madrid to Andalusia line are currently suspended
© Reuters
The luxury MV Odyssey ship slated for a years-long voyage around the world suspends operations amid high fuel prices
A luxury cruise ship that had embarked on a years-long voyage around the world was forced to suspend its operations and leave passengers stranded in Cambodia because of high fuel prices.
The ship, known as the MV Odyssey, had been carrying 203 passengers, mostly Americans, along with 156 crew members, Cambodian officials told the Associated Press. The ship has a 650-passenger capacity.
Continue reading...
© Photograph: Heng Sinith/AP
© Photograph: Heng Sinith/AP
© Photograph: Heng Sinith/AP
National Archives and Records Administration, Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Sitting on Pollepel Island in New York's Hudson River, a stunning piece of history is slowly crumbling away.
Bannerman Castle was built in the early 20th century as a fortress for weapons by Scottish arms trader Francis Bannerman, The New York Times reported. Gunpowder exploded inside the castle in 1920, and it was abandoned about 30 years later.
Then, in the early 1990s, the Bannerman Castle Trust led efforts to restore the structure and make the island safe for public visitation. It's been accessible since 2004 and open for tours since 2020.
I got a private tour of the island in 2019 — before tours were available to the public. Take a look at Pollepel Island's decaying castle, which is being taken over by nature.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Today, you can reserve tours on the Bannerman Castle website.
Google Maps
The abandoned castle is visible from the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson line. I took the train from Grand Central Terminal in NYC to the Manitou train station.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
There, I met up with guides from the Bannerman Castle Trust, the group that oversees the castle's preservation and maintenance.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Pollepel Island is only accessible by boat. Two guides from the Bannerman Castle Trust met me at the dock.
I crammed into the boat with the guides and a handful of volunteer gardeners who do landscaping work on Pollepel Island.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
From the dock, we climbed 72 stairs to reach the island.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My guide explained that the castle's towers are supported by external beams braced with steel. Each section weighs 250 pounds.
But even with this support, there's still a risk that the walls could fall. That's why all visitors must stay at least 100 feet away from the castle.
Luckily, observation decks are set up around the castle at picturesque vantage points.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Francis Bannerman VI, an arms dealer who lived in Brooklyn, bought Pollepel Island in 1900. He wanted a place outside the city to store an arsenal of munitions, according to The New York Times, so he built the fortress and an accompanying harbor.
Bannerman's sons took over the business when he died in 1918.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
This shattered the castle's windows.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
It eventually became part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, according to the park's website.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
After that, Pollepel Island was deemed unsafe and declared off-limits by the State of New York.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The group raised money to restore the island; Caplan is its executive director.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Today, it serves as a theater, museum, and historical site.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The facade of the building also serves as the backdrop for the theater's stage.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Modest exhibits explain the site's history and the castle's construction. Drawings and documents are framed on the building's distressed walls.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The center also has a gift shop that sells art and T-shirts.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
According to the Bannerman Castle Trust, much of the castle's shell collapsed one night in December 2009. Then, just a month later, more walls fell during a winter storm.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
From the water, we caught glimpses of other pieces of the abandoned fortress, including its deteriorated harbor.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The combination of medieval architecture and overgrown trees and foliage makes Bannerman Castle a place worth visiting up close.
Hoffman/Business Insider
I've been a regular Amtrak passenger for about four years now, and often ride in the Pacific Northwest where the tracks run past green pastures, blue rivers, and no shortage of trees.
But as much as I love the scenery, the old Amtrak trains that travel it have always left me wanting more.
So when Amtrak announced it would release a new line of trainsets in late September, I booked a ticket immediately to experience the high-end difference it promises.
The new fleet, called Airo, is replacing Amtrak's existing Cascades trains. Amtrak plans to roll out 83 Airo trainsets nationwide, with additional Cascades sets entering service through early 2027.
While the $34 round-trip ticket and over 2 ½-hour travel time between Eugene, Oregon, and Portland were the same as usual, some new amenities stood out to me, but I found one key perk was missing.
Here's what the Amtrak Cascades Airo train was like.
Hoffman/Business Insider
When I stepped aboard, I was taken aback by the modern design throughout the cabins. It's a stark contrast to the older trains previously used on the Cascades route.
There was plenty of light, which reflected off the sleek, gray walls, and the smell of new leather made the ride feel quite luxurious.
Riding in coach, I noticed ample storage and that some racks could be pushed up to make room for bike storage.
Also, the new Airo train had a "cab" car with dedicated storage. This helps keep aisles clear of rogue bags and carry-ons.
Hoffman/Business Insider
The seats on the new Airo trains are ergonomic, making my back feel way more supported during the nearly three-hour ride.
I didn't find myself switching around my sitting positions as much as I normally do, so I was able to get some peaceful shut-eye.
Hoffman/Business Insider
I did a double take when I saw that Elkay water bottle stations are on board. Compared to Amtrak's older trains, which have tiny water faucets, this was a major upgrade, particularly useful for long journeys.
The doors aboard the Airo train have touchless controls, including the bathroom doors, which helped make the train — and me — feel cleaner.
Hoffman/Business Insider
Amtrak said the Cascades Cafe menu was updated in June to include locally sourced products from across the Pacific Northwest. I opted for an Italian Grinder sandwich, a Twix chocolate bar, and a Sprite for a total of $14.50.
While I didn't notice much difference in the overall options or the sandwich's quality compared with prior trips, the food was good. I also liked the self-service refrigerators and grab-and-go options, which made the process quick and easy.
"We introduced the menu two months ahead of the Airo fleet launch to ensure operational readiness," an Amtrak spokesperson told Business Insider. "The Airo fleet features the refreshed menu along with self-service displays that make shopping and checkout easier, upgraded food preparation equipment to improve quality, and digital displays that showcase the full range of offerings."
Amtrak
My biggest source of discontent during my trip was not knowing where the train was en route or whether there were any delays.
While I can get this information from the app — and even that can be inaccurate — I had imagined that the Airo train would display its location and estimated arrival time on its screens, as many modern airplanes do.
This left me and other passengers toward the end of the trip wondering when exactly we would arrive at our final destination. We went old-school and asked a crew member instead.
The Amtrak spokesperson said the onboard screens, as well as audio announcements, tell customers when a train is approaching and arriving at a station, and what progress has been made between stops. They said that live arrival and location updates are an amenity it is exploring, but the trains don't have a real-time data connection needed for the capability.
Amtrak
My round-trip experience on Amtrak's new Airo train was largely pleasant. I felt much more comfortable aboard the Airo train than on Amtrak's older trains, thanks to the new ergonomic seating and cleanliness, but I wish Amtrak could display our arrival time better.
Though that amenity would be great, it's not keeping me from coming back.
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