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“Abandon your everyday routine!” promises the advert from VCL, which bills itself as the world’s first budget-friendly life at sea.

Accommodations typically go for $3,840 USD monthly for a three-year voyage across 115 destinations, with passengers globally have the option of taking the cruise as long as desired.

Among those interested, the Wawn couple, drawn to residential cruising, the advert on Facebook couldn’t have come at a better time during their retirement planning.

Now, years on, the ship has yet to sail. Actually, the couple and other prospective passengers discovered that VCL does not even own or a leased vessel promoted in their materials.

They represent numerous others hoping 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. An individual noted she had to say goodbye to her dog, thinking she’d be away long-term.

Two other individuals have now had to move into aged care as a result of aging and declining wellness. 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... which became an absolute disaster,” commented a consumer advocate, heading a consumer rights firm. “The actions of VCL are appalling.”

Those affected approached VCL, some have launched legal cases and others have filed consumer complaints with authorities. A person contacted the FBI.

VCL told media that it still needs more customers before a vessel can be chartered thus continuing marketing the cruise.

Representatives noted bookers understood the terms during registration, rejecting claims of intentionally hurting customers, adding that it advised to avoid liquidating assets to cover fees.

Many of those who signed up no longer expect that the voyage will occur, or repayment.

‘Completely Transparent’

She stated back in May 2022, she and Dennis were starting to think for their later years and what it could look like when they came across the residential cruise. They believe they checked carefully.

Taryna said an elaborate online presence, they conversed with a representative “addressing all concerns”, and they joined a Facebook group made up of other cruise “residents”.

“Our research indicated it was trustworthy,” she noted.

Within a month, they took the step of paying 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 an 80% passenger rate - a condition they required in order to charter a vessel.

When VCL postponed twice more, the couple started to think something was up.

Another prospective passenger contacted them, saying: “I’ve dug a little bit further. Get out.”

‘The Collective Vision Continues’

The company’s advertising assured a fully-fledged cruise liner with capacity for 1,350 people, including amenities like pools and restaurants.

“We do have a beautiful, seaworthy ship, 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.

Without a leased boat, marketing efforts persist the cruise and collect deposits to achieve the required passenger numbers.

“Had we finalized the vessel lease early in 2024, would have required payment of around $18 million without cause,” was explained in correspondence.

They admitted there had been 132 cancellations, and said it investigated 38 complaints, without approving any refunds.

They disputed any victimization, noting that three dozen clients seeking returns won’t accept the denial.

They further stated repayments were delayed due to administrative issues, missing or incorrect bank details, unreturned termination forms, and anti-money laundering checks.

VCL’s cruise was last scheduled to depart on 26 July 2025, according to its website. However, departure didn’t occur.

“Even with postponement, we’re optimistic by unexpected new inquiries over recent weeks – indicating that the collective vision persists,” according to their online statement.

‘Things Turned Ugly’

An ex-journalist, Graham Whittaker estimates that payments received that goes into the millions.

“The situation worsened as we discovered many more affected persons who had never been refunded, who requested returns, subjected to falsehoods,” he stated.

When individuals pressed further - inquiring about repayments, and involving the press - they were threatened with legal action. Many such messages exist.

“Harassment is becoming severe for certain individuals,” he mentioned.

VCL explained the lawsuit warnings in correspondence.

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

The Paper Trail

Corporate filings inspected indicate multiple fictitious entities using a single Hungarian address, some now no longer trading.

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

In Hungary, Takács-Ollram is recorded as founder,, and her mother serves as the head.

Another company is registered using the same address {to Viktória’s son, Marcell Herold,|under Marcell