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“Leave your old life behind!” boasts the promotion from VCL, marketed as a pioneering affordable residential cruise.

Cabins are priced at nearly $4,000 per month for a three-year voyage across 115 destinations, and travellers worldwide can choose to taking the cruise indefinitely.

For Australians, Dennis and Taryna Wawn, enthused about residential cruising, the online advertisement couldn’t have come at a better time while arranging their post-work life.

After three years, the ship has yet to sail. Indeed, the couple and other prospective passengers learned that VCL does not even own or a leased vessel promoted in their materials.

They are among many individuals hoping to receive their deposit returns.

Prospective passengers told reporters they sold their homes, found new homes for pets and stored their possessions. One woman noted she had to say goodbye to her dog, assuming a lengthy absence.

Another couple were forced to relocate to a senior living facility as a result of aging and health issues. They were unable to proceed with the life-at-sea plan that might or might not ever sail.

“The people that put down a deposit were promised an ideal... transforming into nothing short of a nightmare,” said a consumer advocate, heading a consumer rights firm. “What VCL has done is disgusting.”

Impacted individuals have contacted the company, others started lawsuits plus regulatory complaints with authorities. Including an appeal to federal investigators.

Officials explained that it still needs more customers before a vessel can be chartered and so is continuing to advertise the voyage.

The company said passengers were aware of the requirement upon signing up, rejecting claims of mistreating individuals, noting they recommended against property sales to cover fees.

A significant number of registrants have given up hope that the voyage will occur, or repayment.

‘All Above Board’

The 64-year-old explained during that period, she and Dennis were starting to think regarding their retirement and what it could look like when they discovered the life-at-sea option. The couple feel they researched thoroughly.

She mentioned an elaborate online presence, they also spoke to a man from the company “addressing all concerns”, and became part of an online community made up of other cruise “residents”.

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

In under 30 days, they proceeded with a deposit totaling $10,000 USD. Their bank transfer was examined.

Just before they were due to set sail in May 2023, the company delayed the voyage.

Through documented communication, the company stated insufficient bookings the required occupancy level - a prerequisite they cited for securing a boat.

With further postponements, the pair grew suspicious.

A fellow booker reached out, warning: “I investigated further. Withdraw.”

‘The Collective Vision Continues’

The company’s advertising assured a complete ocean vessel that could house 1,350 guests, featuring pools, sports facilities and dining.

“We possess a stunning, ready ship, the former Holland American Veendam, now the Majestic,” a representative stated on the company’s Facebook page.

But investigators learned when prospective passengers reached out, the shipping company refuted any relationship.

Although it has not yet leased a ship, marketing efforts persist and accepting customer funds until sufficient bookings are made.

“Signing the ship contract in 2024, we’d be liable for around $18 million without cause,” the company stated.

They admitted 132 booking cancellations occurred, with 38 complaints examined, but found none justified a refund.

The company rejected the term “victims”, noting that three dozen clients who asked for refunds cannot accept they were not entitled to one.

Additionally, VCL claimed the refunds were withheld for administrative reasons, inaccurate banking information, failure to return termination administration agreements within deadlines, and security verifications.

VCL’s cruise was last scheduled to depart on 26 July 2025, as per their site. But once again it failed to set sail.

“Although delayed, we are heartened by unexpected new inquiries in recent weeks - a strong signal that the collective vision persists,” according to their online statement.

‘Things Turned Ugly’

Graham Whittaker, a former journalist based in Australia, estimates that VCL has taken money reaching seven figures.

“Things turned sour when we uncovered scores and scores more people who never received repayments, seeking their funds, who were deceived,” Whittaker said.

When passengers pushed harder - asking about refunds, and talking to the media about the case - the company threatened lawsuits. Reporters have seen dozens of such emails.

“The threats and the harassments are getting serious for some,” he mentioned.

VCL justified the threat of legal action in correspondence.

“Yes, we will take legal action targeting individuals discussing grievances via social platforms,” they stated.

The Paper Trail

Business documents examined reveal a network of shell companies listed at one Budapest location,, several now inactive.

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

In Hungary, Viktória Takács-Ollram is listed as the founder,, with her elderly mother is registered as the chief executive.

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