Cambodia Shows “A Small Country with a Big Heart” as Odyssey Tourists Thank Royal Government for Warm Welcome

AKP Phnom Penh, October 29, 2026 —

Approximately 200 international tourists from 15 nationalities, along with around 150 crew members including the captain and staff aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship, expressed heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia for its warm welcome, gracious hospitality, attentive care, and essential assistance during the vessel’s stay at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.

Acting upon the high recommendations of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, accompanied by H.E. Samut Sotharith, Acting Governor of Preah Sihanouk province; H.E. Lou Kim Chhun, Delegate of the Royal Government of Cambodia in charge as Chairman and CEO of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port; as well as representatives of the General Department of Immigration, the Provincial Department of Tourism, and relevant provincial departments and authorities at all levels, conducted an on-site assessment of the situation involving the Villa Vie Odyssey, which had encountered fuel-related difficulties preventing it from continuing its voyage.

During the visit, the delegation personally met with the international tourists, crew members, and ship personnel to inquire about their well-being, listen to their concerns and requests, and identify appropriate solutions to address their immediate needs.

H.E. Minister also expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to all relevant institutions and stakeholders for their close cooperation and support, noting in particular that H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia and Chairman of the National Logistics Council, and H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information, played active roles in facilitating and supporting these collaborative efforts.

Following discussions and a comprehensive assessment with all relevant stakeholders, the Ministry of Tourism, the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration, and other competent ministries and institutions established a coordination team and put in place timely and necessary measures to facilitate access to information and essential services, with particular emphasis on ensuring the safety, well-being, comfort, and peace of mind of every international visitor.

For Cambodia, international tourists are not merely visitors but friends who deserve respect, care, and warmth, especially during times of difficulty.

On this occasion, the tourists, crew members, and ship personnel expressed their appreciation, gratitude, and confidence in the attentive response of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the relevant authorities, and praised the humanitarian spirit, welcoming smiles, and genuine friendliness of the Cambodian people, as well as the country’s breathtaking natural beauty and diverse tourism attractions.

Notably, during their stay, some visitors explored the country’s beautiful beaches, islands, and other tourism destinations in and around Preah Sihanouk province, while others continued their journeys to Phnom Penh, and several expressed their interest in and intention to return to Cambodia in the future.

Cambodia’s compassionate response to the Odyssey also recalls the country’s remarkable humanitarian legacy, which gained international recognition during the arrival of the Westerdam cruise ship in February 2020.

By C. Nika