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Inside the 'never-ending cruise' that dumped its passengers in Cambodia: 'It got worse and worse. Crew begged us for money. We gave them $450k after they pressured us'

Inside the 'never-ending cruise' that dumped its passengers in Cambodia: 'It got worse and worse. Crew begged us for money. We gave them $450k after they pressured us'

A pensioner who was dumped in Cambodia while aboard the 'never-ending cruise' has revealed the turmoil passengers went through. 

Around 200 passengers were given just seven hours to pack their bags and leave a scheduled stop in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, this week after operator Villa Vie Residences announced it had 'suspended operations'. 

The 200m (656ft) Odyssey left Northern Ireland in October 2024 for a continuous voyage. Residents could rent rooms for a holiday or buy for life at a cost of up to $440,000 (£330,000), with some passengers selling everything they had to pay for it.

This was the reality of Paul Montoya, 68, and his 64-year-old wife Lynn.

The retired couple from Wyoming, US, described 'investing in a dream' when they chose to dedicate at least four years of their lives to travel the world – and signed on the dotted line in 2023. 

But their vision of an intrepid retirement rapidly deteriorated when conditions began to worsen aboard the ship – and calls for money from the company to cover rising fuel costs began. 

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Mrs Montoya shared how the couple has shelled out a staggering $450,000 (£337,840) in total, with more than half of that coming in unexpected costs on top of the $179,000 (£134,366) they originally paid for their cabin. 

The grandmother said calls for money started in April as Villa Vie cited surging oil prices resulting from the conflict in the Middle East – and said the journey could not continue with their current budget. 

Paul Montoya and his wife Lynn described 'investing in a dream' when they chose to dedicate at least four years of their lives to travel the world on cruise ship the Odyssey

A drone view of the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship docking at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, Cambodia

Mr and Mrs Montoya in the room of a hotel they are staying at in Cambodia after being told to disembark the Villa Vie cruise ship

The company asked 22 residents for a collective loan of $2.2million (£1.6million), Mrs Montoya said, which the company said would be paid back monthly with interest by April 2027. 

'We have not received any payments,' she said. 'On July 31, they told us we would get a payment in the next three days. But two days after we were told there was no money.' 

Despite already handing over millions of dollars, the company called on the residents  – and their retirement savings – again a few months later. 

'Residents started donating to keep us on our journey,' Mrs Montoya said. 'In September, the company asked for $1.5million and then $360,000 this past week while we've been stranded in Cambodia.' 

The couple believe the requests for money were strategic and came when the ship was docked at different ports, leaving the residents to feel vulnerable and 'coerced' into giving up their money. 

'We felt manipulated and when that happened time after time, it began to wear us down and frustrate us,' Mrs Montoya, who sold the couple's house to fund the trip, said. 

'We'd arrive at the port and six hours before we were meant to leave they would say, "Oh, we can't leave. We haven't got the money". 

'Everybody then felt pressured to come up with these funds. We joked that we felt we were being held captive.'

The couple, who have been married for 39 years, shelled out a staggering $450,000 (£337,840) in total

The couple run a travel blog called Lynn and Paul's Excellent Adventure, which documents their travels

Questions naturally began to arise as conditions on the ship began to deteriorate, despite donations having been made specifically to pay for fuel.

Villa Vie said in a statement this week that per-cabin monthly fuel expenses had gone from an average of $1,800 (£1,354) to an estimated $6,000 (£4,516) to $8,000 (£6,021) in parts of Asia.

'The company cannot simply pass increases of that scale on to residents, and the resulting shortfall has placed its current operating model under unsustainable financial pressure,' it said.

'It started becoming apparent that the company is in significant debt - and we started losing a lot of our services,' Mrs Montoya described. 

She added: 'Our internet was interrupted several times so we weren't able to check our bank accounts or pay bills, or call home.

'Our TV service then went down and so more questions started being asked. But despite this the company asked us again for money for fuel.' 

Meanwhile, food quality deteriorated and crew members started disclosing with residents that their payments had been stalled.

This prompted residents to again shell out, although this time voluntarily, to financially support crew members 'whose pay began being affected in August'. 

Former permanent residents of the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship return to the vessel to collect their belongings after being forced to disembark in South East Asian country

Passengers pictured disembarking the Odyssey after it was docked at Sihanoukville port in Preah Sihanouk province in Cambodia

'We were able to give 128 crew members at least $100 (£75) each,' Mrs Montoya said.

The turmoil came to a head this week when the hundreds of travellers were given just hours to pack their bags and disembark.

According to Long Dimanche, deputy governor of Preah Sihanouk province in Cambodia, 203 guests and 156 crew had arrived at the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville, where they were left behind by the cruise.

This came after the company asked for more money and received a further $360,000 (£270,049), the grandmother said – BUT the majority of residents declined to donate.

'Most people said no, we will not give you anymore money,' Mrs Montoya said. 'We're not going to do it.

'I honestly believe that they believed people would give up their money again and they would just continue this.' 

Permanent residencies on the cruise cost between $120,000 (£90,000) and $440,000 (£330,000), with cabins costing £3,500 per month to rent. 

The request for money was followed by an official notice at 8am on Tuesday telling the travellers to disembark, which they must do by 2pm.

Villa Vie asked 22 residents for a collective loan of $2.2million (£1.6million), Mrs Montoya said

'We were unsure whether we needed to take everything or just an overnight bag. We were told our cabins would be double locked so we packed enough supplies for 14 days,' Mrs Montoya said. 

'But some people walked off the ship with 12 pieces of luggage.'

The around 200 stranded residents were then shuttled off in groups and dumped in the centre of town.

Villa Vie said it was 'working with residents to co-ordinate disembarkation and identify temporary living arrangements'.

'Villa Vie Residences recognises that this is a difficult and disruptive period for residents, crew members, and employees, and is working to support those affected as plans develop,' the firm said.

However, Mrs Montoya claimed the residents received no help whatsoever.

'Some residents were in their late 70s and 80s and were just forced to grab a Tuk Tuk and find a hotel,' she said.

'Many of them had also dedicated the majority of their savings to the trip. This included the Endless Horizons package which cost up to half a million dollars upfront – and came with the promise they would never pay another penny as long as they were living on the ship.'

The couple – who run a travel blog called Lynn and Paul's Excellent Adventure – were able to find a hotel alongside 40 other travellers, who are described as a 'community'. 

They claim, however, to not have received any communication from the company since walking off the ship.

'We've been waiting for emails or a WhatsApp post. We've been looking for anything from a text, an email, something, and we have heard nothing from the corporate office,' Mrs Montoya said.

Despite the setback, the couple plan to continue their travels and board a pre-booked flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday.

The Bahamas-flagged ship had arrived from Thailand and was due to go on to Vietnam. It was set to sail for 15 years.  

Mrs Montoya described remaining 'hopeful' about continuing their journey on the Odyssey, but under a different owner. 

This comes as Villa Vie seeks an investor, while owner Mikael Petterson told Business Insider he is doing his best to help the stranded passengers. 

He described on Wednesday feeling 'awful', adding the residents are 'counting on me to make the decisions here and there's nothing else I'm focused on'. 

The ship, built in 1993, contains several bars and restaurants, a pool deck and a pickleball court, according to its website. It has sailed for several different cruise lines, including Cunard (as Crown Dynasty) and, most recently, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines as Braemar.

Villa Vie has been contacted for comment. 

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Perez Hilton's family and team have delivered an update on his recovery as he remains in treatment three months after he was seen self-harming with a knife on a horrific live stream.

On Tuesday, PerezHilton.com posted a note addressing the 48-year-old gossip blogger's ongoing treatment, which they said had progressed to its 'next phase' in a cautiously optimistic update.

The post also included a sweet photo of Hilton's three children – son Mario III, 13; and daughters Mia, 11; and Mayte, eight – as they went trick-or-treating while their father remained in treatment.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Hilton's representative for comment but has not yet received a response. 

'It’s been three months since our family began navigating this difficult time. While it hasn’t been easy, we’re grateful to have some positive news to share about Perez’s recovery,' the update began.

Hilton's family and team revealed that he had 'transitioned into the next phase of his treatment' in October. 

On Tuesday, Perez Hilton's website posted a note addressing the 48-year-old gossip blogger's ongoing treatment, which they said had progressed to its 'next phase' in a cautiously optimistic update; above, in August 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Hilton is now in a 'partial hospitalization program (PHP), while staying in supportive housing.' Despite the change of scenery, he 'continues to receive mental health care and support' and has been 'able to spend time with his family during approved visits...'; Above, in 2022 in Santa Monica, California

The celebrity blogger is now in a 'partial hospitalization program (PHP), while staying in supportive housing.' 

Despite the change of scenery, Hilton 'continues to receive mental health care and support.'

Those close to Hilton noted that he had been 'able to spend time with his family during approved visits...'

Among those was a gathering to celebrate his mother's 73rd birthday, which also reunited him with his children.

'These moments together have meant so much to everyone,' his loved ones wrote.

They added that Hilton's post-crisis ordeal has 'been a learning process for our family.' 

'Like many people who have never been through something like this, we didn’t fully understand just how much time, care, and support recovery from a serious mental health crisis can require,' they admitted. 

After speaking with people who had suffered similar mental-health crises, Hilton's family came 'to understand that getting through the initial crisis is only the beginning.'

The post also included a sweet photo (above) of Hilton's three children – son Mario III, 13; and daughters Mia, 11; and Mayte, eight – as they went trick-or-treating while their father remained in treatment

Although they acknowledged that many of Hilton's fans wanted to know when he would be back home with his family, they noted that there was no 'confirmed date' for him to be discharged; above, in October 2025 in Las Vegas

'There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, and we’re learning the importance of taking things one step at a time,' they said.

Although they acknowledged that many of Hilton's fans wanted to know when he would be back home with his family, they noted that there was no 'confirmed date' for him to be discharged.

However, they were 'hopeful that day is getting closer.' 

'Most importantly, we want him to have the time and support he needs to continue making progress,' those close to Hilton continued.

They added that his children remained 'well' and were 'staying busy with school, their activities, and everyday life.'

'They also had a wonderful Halloween!' the update added. 'After everything they’ve been through, seeing them smiling, having fun, and simply enjoying being kids has been especially meaningful.'

Hilton's family and team concluded with thanks to his fans who had 'continued to check in and send kind messages.'

'We’re incredibly grateful for your love, compassion, and support. It means so much to our family,' they wrote.

Hilton's family revealed in an update from late September that he had begun to have supervised visits with his children and mother; above, in January 2025 in Las Vegas 

'They were first able to spend time together through a few video calls, and since then, Perez has also been able to see his children and his mom a few times for short, supervised visits at the facility,' the statement said; Above, with (L–R) Mario, Mia and Mayte in 2020 in Burbank

The newest update comes after Hilton's website shared another note in late September that revealed he had been having short 'supervised' visits with his children and his mother, who has been caring for them while he remains at a residential treatment center.

'They were first able to spend time together through a few video calls, and since then, Perez has also been able to see his children and his mom a few times for short, supervised visits at the facility,' the statement said.

'Seeing his children in person has meant an enormous amount to Perez,' it continued. 'There have definitely been a lot of emotions for everyone, but being able to spend that time together has been incredibly meaningful and healing.'

That update followed a longtime friend of Hilton's setting up a fundraiser to help support his mother as she cares for his three children.

According to the statement, Hilton's team has had only 'limited' communication with him recently. 

However, they said the 'priority isn’t constant communication with family, but rather giving him the time and space to focus on his care and continue making progress.'

'He’s continuing to work with his care team on understanding what led to his mental health crisis, recognizing warning signs, learning better ways to cope, and working through everything that brought him to this point,' they continued.

Hilton's team said they still don't know when he will be able to move on from the residential facility to go home and transfer to an outpatient program. 

'He’s continuing to work with his care team on understanding what led to his mental health crisis, recognizing warning signs, learning better ways to cope, and working through everything that brought him to this point,' his team said; Above, Hilton is pictured during an earlier, unrelated hospitalization

'Nobody wants to rush anything. For now, we’re all taking things one day at a time,' they said. 

'We’re grateful for the progress Perez has made so far, and especially grateful that he and his children have been able to spend some time together again,' his team added. 

The statement also updated Hilton's fans on an official fundraiser that his longtime friend, Tony-winning producer Tom D'Angora, had set up to assist his family.

'We want to thank Perez’s longtime friend Tom D’Angora again for setting up the GoFundMe to help Perez’s mom continue to care for his three children during this time,' the statement read. 'We also want to thank everyone who has donated, sent messages, and continued to send well wishes.'

They added that Hilton's mother, Teresita Lavandeira, 'has been incredibly touched and honestly overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. It’s meant so much to her and to the kids.'

Now, with the support of Hilton's family, D'Angora is doing his part to raise funds for them during this difficult time. 

'I’ve known Perez Hilton (Mario) for 14 years and we have become very close friends, and during that time, he and his family have come to mean a great deal to me,' D'Angora said after launching the GoFundMe. 'With the support of his friends, I’m organizing this fundraiser to help his mother and his three children, Mario, Mia, and Mayte, during his treatment and recovery. 

'Perez is currently receiving full-time residential treatment while he focuses on his mental health and recovery. This process will take time. In the meantime, his mother has stepped in to care for his children full-time and give them the stability and support they need.' 

The statement included an updated on a GoFundMe set up by Hilton's long-time friend Tom D’Angora to benefit the blogger's family as he continues treatment; Above, D'Angora and Hilton in 2012 in NYC

D'Angora stressed that none of the money raised will be 'used for Perez personally.' 'All funds raised will benefit Perez’s mother and children only and help cover the additional costs of caring for three kids full-time'; Above, Hilton and mom Teresita Lavandeira with Mario and Mia in 2018 in Culver City

'Like any grandmother who suddenly finds herself responsible for raising three growing children, she’s also taken on significant and unexpected expenses,' D'Angora writes. 'She’s put much of her own life on hold to make sure the kids can continue going to school, participating in their normal activities, and having as much consistency as possible during an incredibly difficult time.'

D'Angora stressed that none of the money raised will be 'used for Perez personally.'

'All funds raised will benefit Perez’s mother and children only and help cover the additional costs of caring for three kids full-time. None of the money will be used for Perez personally,' he said. 

'It’s been heartbreaking to watch someone I care about very much, along with his entire family who I also care very deeply for, go through this. More than anything, I want to see Perez recover and return to a happy and fulfilling life as a father, son, brother, and a great friend.

'Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help support the kids and their grandmother during the months ahead. If you’re not in a position to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would also mean a great deal.

'Thank you for helping care for the people Perez loves most while he does the difficult work of getting better.'

The fundraiser came with the blessing of Hilton's family, who posted a link to the GoFundMe on their official website. 

The update came not long after Hilton's family announced the blogger had entered a residential treatment program 'where he can focus fully on his mental health and recovery.'

Tom said he had become 'very close friends' with Hilton since first meeting him 14 years ago

'This was an important next step, but there's still a long road ahead,' his loved ones shared.

'Perez is expected to remain in residential treatment for several more weeks, potentially longer, depending on what his treatment team believes is best for his recovery.'

Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr, does not have access to a phone or laptop.

His communication with friends and family has been restricted during this crucial time of recovery.

Hilton's three children are currently living in Miami, Florida, under the temporary custody of his mother.

'His three children remain together, safe, and doing well in the care of their grandmother, who has stepped in to care for them full-time during this unexpected chapter,' Hilton's relatives continued.

'Our family's priority continues to be giving them as much stability, routine, and "normalcy" as possible while their dad focuses on his recovery. We are incredibly grateful for everything their grandmother is doing for them.'

The internet personality is allowed to see his children but those visits must be supervised by an approved family member or a therapist, TMZ reported, citing court documents.

The fundraiser comes with the blessing of Hilton's family, who posted a link to the GoFundMe on their official website

Hilton must obtain 'psychiatric clearance' prior to those visits, according to the outlet.

The crisis occurred several months after Hilton moved from Las Vegas back to his hometown of Miami, and he was living there with his children and his mother at the time of the shocking livestream incident.

On August 4, he was found by his sister, Barbara Lavandeira, inside the home's bathroom covered in blood and holding a box cutter.

Hilton had been filming a live broadcast on TikTok during which he appeared to engage in self-harm.

The livestream continued for about 15 minutes before TikTok stopped the feed, and Hilton's TikTok account has since been banned by the platform.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene following numerous calls from concerned viewers and the social media site's own moderation team.

Hilton was treated for lacerations and an overdose before being transported to hospital under Florida's Baker Act, a state law that allows for the temporary and involuntary hold of individuals suffering a mental health crisis.

His family confirmed that he experienced significant blood loss and multiple broken bones.

'Perez is alive, he's getting help, and he's surrounded by people who want to see him healthy and happy again,' their statement concluded.

'Right now, those are the things that matter most.' 

If you or someone you know needs help in the US, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988.If you are in the UK, call Samaritans on 116 123 for free. If you are in Australia, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

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