An advertisement promoting Victoria Cruises Line (VCL), pitched as the first affordable residential cruise, has sparked controversy among hopeful travelers. This ambitious venture offered cabins at about US$3,840 (£2,858) monthly for a three-year journey covering 115 countries. Many, including Australian couple Dennis and Taryna Wawn, saw this as an ideal retirement plan. Unfortunately, three years later, the ship has yet to set sail, and troubling revelations about VCL have surfaced.
Numerous prospective residents, many of whom paid hefty deposits and made significant life changes—including selling homes and relocating pets—have reported waiting anxiously for refunds. Some individuals went as far as putting down sick pets, believing they would be away for an extended period.
Consumer advocate Adam Glezer provided a stark assessment, stating, “What VCL has done is disgusting.” Affected individuals have sought recourse through legal means, filed complaints with government agencies, and even contacted the FBI while grappling with the emotional toll of unfulfilled dreams and financial losses.
VCL maintains that it requires a specific occupancy rate before it can charter a vessel. The company acknowledged that numerous clients were informed about this condition upon booking. They also claimed that it advised several potential passengers against selling their homes to afford deposits.
The Wawns recounted their initial excitement, having conducted thorough research and engaged directly with company representatives before committing to a US$10,000 (£7,450) deposit. However, their optimism waned after multiple postponements leading up to the originally scheduled May 2023 departure—culminating in concern when another prospective resident urged them to reconsider their plans.
While the company continues to promote the cruise via its website and social media, a deeper investigation revealed discrepancies about the ship’s ownership and plans. The alleged vessel, a former Holland America Line ship renamed “Majestic,” was denied any association with VCL by its actual owners. Records indicate that VCL has altered its business structure multiple times, originating as an accounting firm in Hungary and later pivoting to a travel venture in 2022.
A concerning pattern has emerged as increasingly desperate clients reported various tactics from VCL, including threats of legal action against those sharing their experiences online. Reports of unpaid taxes and shell companies linked to VCL raised further suspicions among affected clients and consumer advocates.
Some legal victories have occurred, such as one couple who successfully challenged contract changes in Hungary, although enforcement of the ruling has stalled. An investigation in Utah confirmed the absence of a booked departure port, and worries about falsely advertised staff led to a compliance order barring further promotions by a VCL representative.
Despite the mounting evidence of mismanagement, VCL insists it is not a scam and attempts to characterize the complaints as misunderstandings. The company argues that the affected individuals are unwilling to accept the realities of their contracts.
As VCL continues its advertising efforts, including promotional discounts and cashback offers, disillusioned customers remain skeptical. Many have turned to other cruise options, noting that while the concept of a residential cruise could be feasible, their particular experience has been deeply traumatic and financially damaging.
For the Wawns, what began as a romantic vision of a sea-based life has devolved into uncertainty and disappointment, leaving them to grapple with lost dreams and wasted opportunities.
