Funds Transferred yet No Ship: The Worldwide Voyage That Is Not Launched.

“Throw your current lifestyle overboard!” advertises the marketing for the cruise operator, which bills itself as a pioneering affordable residential cruise.

Cabins are priced at nearly $4,000 a month for a three-year voyage to 115 countries, and travellers from all over the world can choose to embarking on the voyage as long as desired.

Among those interested, the pair from Perth, excited by residential cruising, the online advertisement couldn’t have come at a better time during their retirement planning.

Three years later, the cruise hasn’t launched. Indeed, the couple and other prospective passengers discovered that VCL does not even own or have a lease on the ship shown in marketing.

This couple are just two of dozens of people who have been waiting for VCL to refund their deposits.

Other would-be residents stated they disposed of their properties, relocated their animals 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 have now had to move into aged care due to their older age and failing health. They were unable to proceed with the life-at-sea plan which may never happen.

Those who paid deposits were promised an ideal... and it has turned into an absolute disaster,” commented a consumer advocate, who runs a consumer advocacy company. “The actions of VCL are appalling.”

Those affected approached VCL, a few initiated court actions and others have filed consumer complaints with authorities. Including an appeal to federal investigators.

The company stated that additional passengers are required prior to leasing a boat hence ongoing promotions the cruise.

VCL claimed bookers understood the terms when booking, rejecting claims of mistreating individuals, stating they counseled to avoid liquidating assets to pay deposits.

A significant number of registrants have given up hope of the ship ever sailing, or of getting their money back.

‘Everything Seemed Legitimate’

She stated back in May 2022, she and Dennis were starting to think regarding their retirement and future possibilities when they came across the voyage concept. The couple feel they checked carefully.

She mentioned the company had a well-built and detailed website, they conversed with a representative “addressing all concerns”, and became part of an online community with fellow prospective passengers.

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

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

Just before the planned launch date, the company delayed the voyage.

According to correspondence seen, they mentioned failing to achieve a roughly 80% occupancy - something the company said it needed for securing a boat.

With further postponements, the pair grew suspicious.

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

‘The Collective Vision Continues’

The company’s advertising assured a fully-fledged cruise liner that could house 1,350 guests, including amenities like pools and restaurants.

“We possess a stunning, ready ship, previously known as Veendam, currently Majestic,” an American agent posted online.

However, research revealed after customers made inquiries, the actual vessel owners refuted any relationship.

Despite not securing a vessel, marketing efforts persist the voyage while taking payments in order to reach the necessary occupancy rate.

“If we had signed the lease agreement in 2024, would have required payment of around $18 million without cause,” VCL said in an email.

They admitted 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.

The company added that the refunds were withheld for administrative reasons, wrong account details, unreturned termination forms, and security verifications.

VCL’s cruise was last scheduled set for mid-2025, according to its website. But once again it failed to set sail.

“Even with postponement, we’re optimistic by a surprising influx of new interest in recent weeks - a strong signal that our shared dream is very much alive,” VCL’s website reads.

‘Things Turned Ugly’

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

“The situation worsened as we discovered scores and scores more people who had never been refunded, seeking their funds, who had been lied to,” he stated.

When passengers pushed harder - inquiring about repayments, and speaking with journalists - they were threatened with legal action. Reporters have seen dozens of such emails.

“For some, the intimidation is escalating,” Whittaker said.

VCL justified the threat of legal action in correspondence.

“We will indeed file lawsuits against those attempting to resolve issues on social media,” it said.

The Paperwork

Company records reviewed by investigators indicate multiple fictitious entities using a single Hungarian address, several now inactive.

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

In Hungary, Takács-Ollram is listed as the founder,, with her elderly mother serves as the head.

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