Deposits Made yet No Ship: This Global Cruise That Is Not Launched.
“Abandon your everyday routine!” promises the advert from VCL, which bills itself as a pioneering low-cost floating home.
Rooms cost around US$3,840 per month on a three-year journey to 115 countries, and travellers worldwide can choose to embarking on the voyage as long as desired.
For Australians, the Wawn couple, drawn to residential cruising, 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, the couple and other prospective passengers learned that VCL does not even own or an agreement for the boat that is being advertised.
The Wawns are just two of dozens of people who are still awaiting to receive their deposit returns.
Additional interested parties stated they got rid of their houses, found new homes for pets placing items in storage. One woman noted she had to say goodbye to her dog, assuming a lengthy absence.
A different pair ended up moving into aged care as a result of aging and failing health. They could no longer commit to a residential cruise which may never happen.
“The people that put down a deposit were offered a vision... transforming into nothing short of a nightmare,” said a consumer advocate, heading a consumer rights firm. “This company’s behavior is reprehensible.”
The customers involved reached out to the firm, a few initiated court actions plus regulatory complaints to government agencies. Including an appeal to federal investigators.
VCL told media that further bookings are necessary to secure a ship hence ongoing promotions the voyage.
The company said passengers were aware of the requirement upon signing up, with denials of targeting or harming anyone, noting they recommended to avoid liquidating assets for making payments.
A significant number of registrants have given up hope of a departure, or repayment.
‘All Above Board’
The 64-year-old explained during that period, the couple was planning regarding their retirement and what it could look like when they discovered the residential cruise. The couple feel they researched thoroughly.
The woman explained the company had a well-built and detailed website, they discussed with an agent “who answered all the questions”, and entered a social media group with fellow prospective passengers.
“Our research indicated it was trustworthy,” she noted.
Soon after, they proceeded with a deposit totaling $10,000 USD. Their bank transfer has been viewed by journalists.
Just before they were due to set sail in May 2023, the company delayed the voyage.
Through documented communication, they mentioned failing to achieve the required occupancy level - something the company said it needed for securing a boat.
After additional delays, the pair grew suspicious.
Another prospective passenger contacted them, advising: “After more research, exit now.”
‘The Collective Vision Continues’
VCL’s marketing promised a fully-fledged cruise liner with capacity for 1,350 people, including amenities like pools and restaurants.
“We possess a stunning, ready ship, the former Holland American Veendam, now the Majestic,” an American agent posted on the company’s Facebook page.
But investigators learned after customers made inquiries, the shipping company stated no connection to the cruise line.
Despite not securing a vessel, the company said it has continued to advertise the cruise and collect deposits until sufficient bookings are made.
“Signing the ship contract in 2024, we would have had to pay around $18 million without cause,” was explained in correspondence.
The company recognized there had been 132 cancellations, and said it investigated 38 complaints, without approving any refunds.
The company rejected the term “victims”, noting that three dozen clients seeking returns cannot accept they were not entitled to one.
The company added that the refunds were withheld for administrative reasons, missing or incorrect bank details, unreturned termination forms, and security verifications.
The latest scheduled voyage to depart on 26 July 2025, as per their site. Yet again, it didn’t launch.
“Even with postponement, we’re optimistic by a surprising influx of new interest in recent weeks - a strong signal that the collective vision persists,” states the company’s site.
‘It Got Dirty’
An ex-journalist, Graham Whittaker located in Australia, believes that VCL has taken money that goes into the millions.
“Things turned sour when we uncovered many more affected persons who had never been refunded, seeking their funds, subjected to falsehoods,” he explained.
When individuals pressed further - asking about refunds, and involving the press - they received legal threats. Numerous threats were documented.
“For some, the intimidation is escalating,” Whittaker said.
VCL explained the lawsuit warnings in its email to journalists.
“Certainly, we will pursue legal measures against anyone who tries to settle their complaint online,” the company commented.
Documentary Evidence
Company records reviewed by investigators show a web of shell businesses using a single Hungarian address, several now inactive.
The company is also registered in Florence, however as a wholesale specialist dealing in consumables.
In Hungary, Viktória Takács-Ollram appears as the creator, while her 79-year-old mother is registered as the chief executive.
A separate entity is listed using the same address {to Viktória’s son, Marcell Herold,|under Marcell
