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“Leave your old life behind!” promises the marketing from Victoria Cruises Line, marketed as the inaugural budget-friendly life at sea.

Rooms are priced at nearly $4,000 a month on a three-year journey across 115 destinations, and travellers worldwide may taking the cruise as long as desired.

For Australians, the pair from Perth, enthused about the prospect of a home at sea, the online advertisement was ideally timed as they planned their retirement.

Three years later, the ship has yet to sail. In fact, these hopeful travellers learned that the company lacks ownership of or a leased vessel promoted in their materials.

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

Other would-be residents explained they disposed of their properties, rehomed cats and stored their possessions. A female customer noted she had to say goodbye to her dog, thinking she’d be away long-term.

A different pair ended up moving to a senior living facility as a result of aging and failing health. They could no longer commit on the voyage which may never happen.

“The people that put down a deposit were offered a vision... and it has turned into a terrible situation,” said Adam Glezer, operating a customer protection business. “This company’s behavior is reprehensible.”

Those affected approached VCL, a few initiated court actions plus regulatory complaints to government agencies. Including an appeal to federal investigators.

VCL told media that further bookings are necessary to secure a ship hence ongoing promotions the cruise.

The company said bookers understood the terms during registration, with denials of mistreating individuals, stating they counseled to avoid liquidating assets for making payments.

A significant number of registrants have given up hope that the voyage will occur, or of getting their money back.

‘Completely Transparent’

Taryna, 64, said that in May 2022, the couple was planning regarding their retirement and what it could look like when they came across the life-at-sea option. They believe they checked carefully.

The woman explained there was a professional-looking site, they also spoke to a man from the company “addressing all concerns”, and entered a social media group with fellow prospective passengers.

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

Soon after, they proceeded with a deposit totaling $10,000 USD. Their bank transfer was examined.

However, prior to they were due to set sail in May 2023, the trip was rescheduled.

Through documented communication, VCL said the cruise hadn’t reached an 80% passenger rate - something the company said it needed to lease a ship.

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

Another prospective passenger contacted them, advising: “After more research, exit now.”

‘Our Shared Dream Is Very Much Alive’

Promotional materials described an equipped ship with capacity for 1,350 people, featuring pools, sports facilities and dining.

“There is a gorgeous, operational vessel, once called Veendam, now Majestic,” VCL’s US representative wrote on the company’s Facebook page.

Yet, findings showed that on being contacted by some would-be residents, the firm that owns the ship denied any association with VCL.

Despite not securing a vessel, the company said it has continued to advertise and accepting customer funds to achieve the required passenger numbers.

“If we had signed the lease agreement at the beginning of 2024, would have required payment of approximately USD 18 million for nothing,” was explained in correspondence.

The company recognized over 130 withdrawals, 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.

The company added that the refunds were withheld for administrative reasons, wrong account details, missed deadlines for paperwork, and anti-money laundering checks.

The most recent planned departure to depart on 26 July 2025, as per their site. However, departure didn’t occur.

“Despite the delay, we’ve been encouraged by a surprising influx of new interest in recent weeks - a strong signal that the collective vision persists,” according to their online statement.

‘The Situation Deteriorated’

Graham Whittaker, previously a reporter based in Australia, estimates that the company has collected funds reaching seven figures.

“The situation worsened as we discovered many more affected persons without refunds, seeking their funds, who had been lied to,” he stated.

As customers insisted more - asking about refunds, and involving the press - they received legal threats. Numerous threats were documented.

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

VCL explained the lawsuit warnings in its email to journalists.

“We will indeed file lawsuits against anyone who tries to settle their complaint via social platforms,” they stated.

The Paperwork

Corporate filings inspected reveal a network of shell companies using a single Hungarian address, some now no longer trading.

VCL is additionally listed in Florence, however as a wholesale specialist of food, beverages and tobacco.

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

A separate entity is listed under the same address {to Viktória’s son, Marcell Herold,|under Marcell