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“Abandon your everyday routine!” advertises the advert from Victoria Cruises Line, promoting itself as a pioneering low-cost floating home.

Accommodations typically go for nearly $4,000 per month on a three-year journey across 115 destinations, and customers worldwide have the option of doing the route indefinitely.

In the case of Australian residents, the Wawn couple, drawn to the prospect of a home at sea, the social media promotion was ideally timed during their retirement planning.

Three years later, the ship has yet to sail. In fact, the couple and other prospective passengers discovered that the company lacks ownership of or have a lease on the ship promoted in their materials.

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

Prospective passengers stated they sold their homes, relocated their animals and put their belongings into storage. A female customer mentioned euthanizing her ill pet, assuming a lengthy absence.

Another couple were forced to relocate to a senior living facility due to their older age and declining wellness. They were unable to proceed with the life-at-sea plan which may never happen.

“The people that put down a deposit were promised an ideal... transforming into an absolute disaster,” stated Adam Glezer, heading a consumer rights firm. “The actions of VCL are appalling.”

Impacted individuals reached out to the firm, others started lawsuits and others have filed consumer complaints with authorities. One even wrote to the FBI.

Officials explained that it still needs more customers to secure a ship hence ongoing promotions the voyage.

The company said customers knew about the occupancy condition upon signing up, with denials of targeting or harming anyone, stating they counseled against property sales to cover fees.

Numerous customers have given up hope of a departure, or receiving refunds.

‘Everything Seemed Legitimate’

The 64-year-old explained during that period, the couple was planning about their future and what it could look like when they came across the life-at-sea option. The couple feel they researched thoroughly.

She mentioned an elaborate online presence, 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.

Within a month, they submitted a payment around $10,000. The transaction was documented.

Just before they were due to set sail in May 2023, VCL postponed the scheduled departure date.

In an email viewed by reporters, they mentioned failing to achieve an 80% passenger rate - a condition they required to lease a ship.

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

A fellow booker reached out, saying: “I’ve dug a little bit further. Get out.”

‘Our Shared Dream Is Very Much Alive’

VCL’s marketing promised a complete ocean vessel with capacity for 1,350 people, featuring pools, sports facilities and dining.

“There is a gorgeous, operational vessel, once called Veendam, now Majestic,” an American agent posted on social media.

Yet, findings showed when prospective passengers reached out, the firm that owns the ship refuted any relationship.

Although it has not yet leased a ship, VCL continues promoting the voyage while taking payments 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,” VCL said in an email.

They admitted there had been 132 cancellations, and said it investigated 38 complaints, but none warranted repayment.

The company rejected the term “victims”, and said that 38 customers who asked for refunds won’t accept the denial.

Additionally, VCL claimed refunds were held for procedural causes, missing or incorrect bank details, failure to return termination administration agreements within deadlines, and anti-money laundering checks.

The most recent planned departure to depart on 26 July 2025, stated online. Yet again, it didn’t launch.

“Despite the delay, we’ve been encouraged due to renewed customer interest in recent weeks - a strong signal that the collective vision persists,” VCL’s website reads.

‘Things Turned Ugly’

An ex-journalist, Graham Whittaker located in Australia, believes that payments received that goes into the millions.

“Things turned sour when we uncovered many more affected persons without refunds, who requested returns, who were deceived,” he stated.

When passengers pushed harder - asking about refunds, and involving the press - the company threatened lawsuits. Numerous threats were documented.

“Harassment is becoming severe for certain individuals,” Whittaker said.

VCL explained the lawsuit warnings in its email to journalists.

“Yes, we will take legal action targeting individuals discussing grievances online,” the company commented.

The Paper Trail

Company records reviewed by investigators reveal a network of shell companies using a single Hungarian address, with some no longer operating.

The company is also registered in Italy’s Florence, but as a specialised wholesaler dealing in consumables.

In Hungary, Viktória Takács-Ollram 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