🔗 Share this article

“Abandon your everyday routine!” promises this advert for Victoria Cruises Line, promoting itself as a pioneering low-cost floating home.

Cabins typically go for US$3,840 a month during a 36-month trip across 115 destinations, with passengers worldwide can choose to embarking on the voyage as long as desired.

Among those interested, the Wawn couple, excited by the prospect of a home at sea, the advert on Facebook couldn’t have come at a better time while arranging their post-work life.

Now, years on, the vessel remains undeparted. Indeed, these hopeful travellers have found that VCL does not even own or have a lease on the ship shown in marketing.

This couple are among many individuals hoping for repayment from the company.

Other would-be residents told reporters they sold their homes, found new homes for pets and put their belongings into storage. An individual mentioned euthanizing her ill pet, believing she would be gone for years.

A different pair ended up moving into aged care due to their older age and health issues. They could no longer commit on the voyage with an uncertain future.

Customers who invested were promised an ideal... transforming into an absolute disaster,” commented Adam Glezer, heading a consumer rights firm. “The actions of VCL are appalling.”

Those affected reached out to the firm, others started lawsuits and many submitted official grievances to official bodies. One even wrote to the FBI.

VCL told media that further bookings are necessary before a vessel can be chartered and so is continuing to advertise the cruise.

VCL claimed bookers understood the terms upon signing up, with denials of mistreating individuals, stating they counseled against property sales for making payments.

Many of those who signed up have given up hope of a departure, or of getting their money back.

‘Completely Transparent’

Taryna, 64, said back in May 2022, she and her husband began considering about their future and future possibilities when they discovered the residential cruise. The couple feel they did their due diligence.

The woman explained an elaborate online presence, they conversed with a representative “responding to every query”, and entered a social media group of other interested parties.

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

In under 30 days, they submitted a payment around $10,000. The transaction has been viewed by journalists.

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

In an email viewed by reporters, VCL said the cruise hadn’t reached the required occupancy level - a prerequisite they cited for securing a boat.

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

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

‘Our Shared Dream Is Very Much Alive’

VCL’s marketing promised a fully-fledged cruise liner accommodating over a thousand passengers, including amenities like pools and restaurants.

“We do have a beautiful, seaworthy ship, the former Holland American Veendam, now the Majestic,” VCL’s US representative wrote on social media.

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

Although it has not yet leased a ship, VCL continues promoting the voyage while taking payments in order to reach the necessary occupancy rate.

“Signing the ship contract early in 2024, we’d be liable for nearly $18 million unnecessarily,” VCL said in an email.

The company recognized 132 booking cancellations occurred, with 38 complaints examined, but found none justified a refund.

VCL also denied there were any “victims”, noting that three dozen clients who asked for refunds cannot accept they were not entitled to one.

They further stated the refunds were withheld for administrative reasons, inaccurate banking information, missed deadlines for paperwork, and anti-money laundering checks.

The most recent planned departure set for mid-2025, according to its website. But once again it failed to set sail.

“Although delayed, we are heartened by unexpected new inquiries over recent weeks – indicating that the collective vision persists,” states the company’s site.

‘Things Turned Ugly’

Graham Whittaker, a former journalist based in Australia, estimates that the company has collected funds that goes into the millions.

“Things turned sour when we uncovered scores and scores more people who had never been refunded, who had asked for their money back, subjected to falsehoods,” Whittaker said.

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

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

The company defended its legal threats in its email to journalists.

“Yes, we will take legal action against anyone who tries to settle their complaint online,” the company commented.

The Paper Trail

Company records reviewed by investigators reveal a network of shell companies listed at one Budapest location,, some now no longer trading.

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

In Hungary, Takács-Ollram is recorded as founder,, with her elderly mother is listed as CEO.

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