🔗 Share this article

“Throw your current lifestyle overboard!” promises the promotion from Victoria Cruises Line, marketed as the inaugural budget-friendly life at sea.

Rooms typically go for US$3,840 per month on a three-year journey across 115 destinations, and travellers worldwide can choose to taking the cruise indefinitely.

Among those interested, Dennis and Taryna Wawn, excited by residential cruising, the social media promotion couldn’t have come at a better time during their retirement planning.

Now, years on, the vessel remains undeparted. Actually, they and other would-be cruise residents learned that the company lacks ownership of or an agreement for the boat shown in marketing.

They are among many individuals who have been waiting to receive their deposit returns.

Prospective passengers explained they got rid of their houses, found new homes for pets and put their belongings into storage. A female customer said she had put down her sick dog, believing she would be gone for years.

Two other individuals have now had to move into a retirement community as a result of aging and health issues. They could no longer commit on the voyage with an uncertain future.

Customers who invested were promised an ideal... and it has turned into nothing short of a nightmare,” stated an advocacy leader, heading a consumer rights firm. “This company’s behavior is reprehensible.”

The customers involved reached out to the firm, a few initiated court actions and many submitted official grievances to government agencies. Including an appeal to federal investigators.

Officials explained that additional passengers are required prior to leasing a boat hence ongoing promotions the voyage.

VCL claimed bookers understood the terms when booking, and the company denies intentionally hurting customers, adding that it advised to avoid liquidating assets to pay deposits.

A significant number of registrants have lost faith of the ship ever sailing, or of getting their money back.

‘Completely Transparent’

She stated during that period, she and her husband began considering for their later years and future possibilities when they came across the voyage concept. They believe they researched thoroughly.

She mentioned an elaborate online presence, they discussed with an agent “who answered all the questions”, and they joined a Facebook group with fellow prospective passengers.

“We did some checking, thought it was all above board,” she stated.

Soon after, they proceeded with a deposit totaling $10,000 USD. Their payment has been viewed by journalists.

However, prior to the planned launch date, the company delayed the voyage.

Through documented communication, VCL said the cruise hadn’t reached an 80% passenger rate - a condition they required in order to charter a vessel.

When VCL postponed twice more, the pair grew suspicious.

Then a fellow would-be resident got in touch, warning: “I investigated further. Withdraw.”

‘The Collective Vision Continues’

VCL’s marketing promised an equipped ship accommodating over a thousand passengers, with pools, tennis courts and an Italian restaurant.

“We do have a beautiful, seaworthy ship, previously known as Veendam, currently Majestic,” VCL’s US representative wrote on the company’s Facebook page.

Yet, findings showed after customers made inquiries, the shipping company denied any association with VCL.

Although it has not yet leased a ship, marketing efforts persist the voyage while taking payments in order to reach the necessary occupancy rate.

“If we had signed the lease agreement early in 2024, would have required payment of around $18 million without cause,” the company stated.

It also acknowledged that 132 booking cancellations occurred, and reviewed several grievances, but found none justified a refund.

The company rejected the term “victims”, and said that 38 customers seeking returns won’t accept the denial.

The company added that the refunds were withheld for administrative reasons, inaccurate banking information, unreturned termination forms, and anti-money laundering checks.

The latest scheduled voyage for July 26, 2025, stated online. However, departure didn’t occur.

“Despite the delay, we’ve been encouraged by unexpected new inquiries over recent weeks – indicating that the collective vision persists,” VCL’s website reads.

‘Things Turned Ugly’

Graham Whittaker, a former journalist estimates that the company has collected funds reaching seven figures.

“Things turned sour when we uncovered numerous additional individuals who never received repayments, seeking their funds, who were deceived,” Whittaker said.

When passengers pushed harder - asking about refunds, and speaking with journalists - they received legal threats. Many such messages exist.

“For some, the intimidation is escalating,” he noted.

VCL justified the threat of legal action in correspondence.

“Yes, we will take legal action against those attempting to resolve issues online,” the company commented.

The Paper Trail

Business documents examined indicate multiple fictitious entities registered to the same address in Budapest,, several now inactive.

VCL is additionally listed in Florence, but as a specialised wholesaler of food, beverages and tobacco.

Viktória Takács-Ollram in Hungary appears as the creator, and her mother serves as the head.

An additional business is recorded using the same address {to Viktória’s son, Marcell Herold,|under Marcell