Residential Cruise: Fort Worth couple faces uncertainty after ship pause

The ship has stopped moving.

Dwight and Sheila Greene bought a cabin aboard the Odyssey last May. They wanted to live on the water. The couple documents their travels and calls the vessel their personal aircraft carrier. They said the experience felt amazing until this week.

Villa Vie Residence told more than 200 passengers to leave the ship. The vessel is currently in Cambodia. The company labeled this a temporary layup period. The decision came because of rising fuel costs. The company cited conflict in the Middle East as the driver. It said the conflict started in late February.

The company tried to cut costs first. It slowed the itinerary. It spent more time in port. Those measures did not work. The company said the fuel cost increases were too high. It could no longer cover the operating losses. A statement from the company confirmed it took steps to reduce consumption since February. It admitted those steps were not enough to offset the extra expenses.

The Greenes contributed extra money earlier this year. They wanted to help keep the ship running. Dwight Greene said most people knew there were issues. He noted that anyone who paid attention saw the problems.

The company faced other challenges before this pause. NBC News obtained records of a lawsuit from last year. The suit alleged the company misrepresented its financial stability. The Greenes are not blaming the company for the current situation.

The couple is leaving their personal belongings on the ship. They are heading to another cruise they booked earlier. They left their items aboard as a sign they believe the ship will return to service. Dwight Greene said the couple is full of hope and faith. He said the couple will survive this period.