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“Leave your old life behind!” boasts this promotion from VCL, marketed as the world’s first budget-friendly life at sea.

Rooms are priced at $3,840 USD monthly for a three-year voyage visiting 115 nations, with passengers globally have the option of taking the cruise indefinitely.

In the case of Australian residents, Dennis and Taryna Wawn, enthused about the prospect of a home at sea, the social media promotion was ideally timed during their retirement planning.

After three years, the cruise hasn’t launched. Actually, these hopeful travellers discovered that the company lacks ownership of or have a lease on the ship promoted in their materials.

The Wawns are just two of dozens of people who are still awaiting for repayment from the company.

Prospective passengers told reporters they disposed of their properties, rehomed cats and put their belongings into storage. One woman mentioned euthanizing her ill pet, thinking she’d be away long-term.

Two other individuals ended up moving into a retirement community as a result of aging and health issues. They could no longer commit on the voyage with an uncertain future.

Customers who invested were promised an ideal... and it has turned into an absolute disaster,” commented an advocacy leader, heading a consumer rights firm. “This company’s behavior is reprehensible.”

The customers involved reached out to the firm, some have launched legal cases plus regulatory complaints to government agencies. One even wrote to the FBI.

VCL told media that further bookings are necessary prior to leasing a boat hence ongoing promotions the journey.

The company said customers knew about the occupancy condition during registration, and the company denies mistreating individuals, stating they counseled to avoid liquidating assets to cover fees.

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

‘Completely Transparent’

She stated that in May 2022, she and her husband began considering for their later years and what it could look like when they came across the life-at-sea option. The couple feel they did their due diligence.

The woman explained there was a professional-looking site, they discussed with an agent “who answered all the questions”, and they joined a Facebook group with fellow prospective passengers.

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

In under 30 days, they submitted a payment totaling $10,000 USD. Their payment has been viewed by journalists.

However, prior to the planned launch date, the trip was rescheduled.

In an email viewed by reporters, they mentioned failing to achieve the required occupancy level - a condition they required in order to charter a vessel.

After additional delays, they began questioning the situation.

Another prospective passenger contacted them, warning: “I investigated further. Withdraw.”

‘The Collective Vision Continues’

VCL’s marketing promised a complete ocean vessel with capacity for 1,350 people, with pools, tennis courts and an Italian restaurant.

“We do have a beautiful, seaworthy ship, previously known as Veendam, currently Majestic,” a representative stated on the company’s Facebook page.

But investigators learned when prospective passengers reached out, the firm that owns the ship refuted any relationship.

Despite not securing a vessel, VCL continues promoting and accepting customer funds until sufficient bookings are made.

“Had we finalized the vessel lease in 2024, we’d be liable for around $18 million without cause,” the company stated.

The company recognized over 130 withdrawals, with 38 complaints examined, without approving any refunds.

The company rejected the term “victims”, explaining that several individuals requesting repayments cannot accept they were not entitled to one.

They further stated repayments were delayed due to administrative issues, inaccurate banking information, missed deadlines for paperwork, and security verifications.

The most recent planned departure to depart on 26 July 2025, as per their site. Yet again, it didn’t launch.

“Even with postponement, we’re optimistic by unexpected new inquiries lately – demonstrating that the collective vision persists,” VCL’s website reads.

‘The Situation Deteriorated’

Graham Whittaker, a former journalist estimates that payments received reaching seven figures.

“It got dirty because we started to find many more affected persons who never received repayments, who requested returns, who had been lied to,” he stated.

As customers insisted more - asking about refunds, and talking to the media about the case - the company threatened lawsuits. Many such messages exist.

“The threats and the harassments are getting serious for some,” Whittaker said.

VCL explained the lawsuit warnings in correspondence.

“Yes, we will take legal action against those attempting to resolve issues via social platforms,” they stated.

Documentary Evidence

Company records reviewed by investigators reveal a network of shell companies registered to the same address in Budapest,, some now no longer trading.

The firm is registered in Italy’s Florence, but categorized as a wholesaler for food, drinks and tobacco.

In Hungary, Takács-Ollram is listed as the founder,, and her mother is listed as CEO.

A separate entity is listed at the identical location {to Viktória’s son, Marcell Herold,|under Marcell