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“Abandon your everyday routine!” promises the promotion for the cruise operator, which bills itself as the inaugural low-cost floating home.

Rooms are priced at nearly $4,000 monthly during a 36-month trip to 115 countries, and travellers globally may doing the route as long as desired.

For Australians, the Wawn couple, excited by residential cruising, the advert on Facebook appeared perfectly timed while arranging their post-work life.

Three years later, the vessel remains undeparted. In fact, these hopeful travellers have found that VCL does not even own or a leased vessel that is being advertised.

They are among many individuals who have been waiting for repayment from the company.

Prospective passengers told reporters 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, assuming a lengthy absence.

A different pair have now had to move to a senior living facility due to their older age and declining wellness. They could no longer commit on the voyage that might or might not ever sail.

Those who paid deposits were promised an ideal... which became nothing short of a nightmare,” stated a consumer advocate, who runs a consumer advocacy company. “What VCL has done is disgusting.”

Those affected approached VCL, a few initiated court actions and many submitted official grievances with authorities. A person contacted the FBI.

Officials explained that it still needs more customers prior to leasing a boat and so is continuing to advertise the voyage.

Representatives noted bookers understood the terms when booking, with denials of intentionally hurting customers, stating they counseled some clients not to sell homes to pay deposits.

A significant number of registrants no longer expect of a departure, or receiving refunds.

‘All Above Board’

She stated during that period, the couple was planning regarding their retirement and what it could look like when they discovered the life-at-sea option. The couple feel they checked carefully.

Taryna said an elaborate online presence, they conversed with a representative “who answered all the questions”, and entered a social media group made up of other cruise “residents”.

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

In under 30 days, they proceeded with a deposit totaling $10,000 USD. Their bank transfer has been viewed by journalists.

However, prior to their scheduled May 2023 departure, VCL postponed the scheduled departure date.

In an email viewed by reporters, the company stated insufficient bookings a roughly 80% occupancy - a prerequisite they cited for securing a boat.

When VCL postponed twice more, they began questioning the situation.

Another prospective passenger contacted them, warning: “I investigated further. Withdraw.”

‘Our Hope Persists’

Promotional materials described a complete ocean vessel that could house 1,350 guests, including amenities like pools and restaurants.

“There is a gorgeous, operational vessel, once called Veendam, now Majestic,” a representative stated online.

However, research revealed that on being contacted by some would-be residents, the firm that owns the ship refuted any relationship.

Despite not securing a vessel, VCL continues promoting and accepting customer funds until sufficient bookings are made.

“Had we finalized the vessel lease in 2024, we’d be liable for around $18 million without cause,” the company stated.

The company recognized there had been 132 cancellations, and reviewed several grievances, but none warranted repayment.

The company rejected the term “victims”, explaining that several individuals requesting repayments won’t accept the denial.

Additionally, VCL claimed the refunds were withheld for administrative reasons, missing or incorrect bank details, unreturned termination forms, and security verifications.

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

“Despite the delay, we’ve been encouraged by a surprising influx of new interest over recent weeks – indicating that our shared dream is very much alive,” states the company’s site.

‘It Got Dirty’

Graham Whittaker, a former journalist based in Australia, estimates that VCL has taken money that goes into the millions.

“Things turned sour when we uncovered scores and scores more people without refunds, who requested returns, subjected to falsehoods,” Whittaker said.

As customers insisted more - inquiring about repayments, and talking to the media about the case - they were threatened with legal action. Many such messages exist.

“Harassment is becoming severe for certain individuals,” Whittaker said.

VCL justified the threat of legal action through statements.

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

Documentary Evidence

Business documents examined indicate multiple fictitious entities using a single Hungarian address, some now no longer trading.

The firm is registered in Florence, but categorized as a wholesaler for food, drinks and tobacco.

In Hungary, Viktória Takács-Ollram appears as the creator, while her 79-year-old mother is listed as CEO.

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