Money Paid but No Ship: The Around-the-World Voyage Which Remains Still Waiting to Depart.

“Leave your old life behind!” advertises this marketing for VCL, which bills itself as the world’s first budget-friendly life at sea.

Rooms typically go for nearly $4,000 a month on a three-year journey across 115 destinations, and travellers from all over the world can choose to embarking on the voyage for as long as they like.

In the case of Australian residents, the pair from Perth, drawn to life aboard a ship, the online advertisement appeared perfectly timed while arranging their post-work life.

Three years later, the vessel remains undeparted. Indeed, they and other would-be cruise residents learned that the company lacks ownership of or have a lease on the ship that is being advertised.

They represent numerous others hoping for repayment from the company.

Additional interested parties stated they sold their homes, found new homes for pets and put their belongings into storage. One woman said she had put down her sick dog, thinking she’d be away long-term.

Another couple ended up moving into a retirement community because of their advanced ages and health issues. They couldn’t undertake on the voyage that might or might not ever sail.

“The people that put down a deposit for this cruise were sold a dream... which became a terrible situation,” said a consumer advocate, heading a consumer rights firm. “The actions of VCL are appalling.”

The customers involved reached out to the firm, a few initiated court actions and many submitted official grievances to official bodies. One even wrote to the FBI.

The company stated that it still needs more customers prior to leasing a boat and so is continuing to advertise the voyage.

The company said customers knew about the occupancy condition when booking, and the company denies intentionally hurting customers, noting they recommended some clients not to sell homes to cover fees.

Numerous customers have given up hope that the voyage will occur, or repayment.

‘All Above Board’

Taryna, 64, said that in May 2022, she and Dennis were starting to think for their later years and future possibilities after finding the life-at-sea option. The couple feel they checked carefully.

The woman explained there was a professional-looking site, they conversed with a representative “addressing all concerns”, and became part of an online community of other interested parties.

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

Within a month, they submitted a payment around $10,000. Their bank transfer has been viewed by journalists.

Just before the planned launch date, the trip was rescheduled.

Through documented communication, the company stated insufficient bookings a roughly 80% occupancy - a prerequisite they cited in order to charter a vessel.

When VCL postponed twice more, the pair grew suspicious.

A fellow booker reached out, advising: “After more research, exit now.”

‘Our Shared Dream Is Very Much Alive’

The company’s advertising assured a fully-fledged cruise liner with capacity for 1,350 people, with pools, tennis courts and an Italian restaurant.

“We possess a stunning, ready ship, once called Veendam, now Majestic,” VCL’s US representative wrote online.

But investigators learned when prospective passengers reached out, the actual vessel owners denied any association with VCL.

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’d be liable for nearly $18 million unnecessarily,” the company stated.

It also acknowledged that there had been 132 cancellations, and said it investigated 38 complaints, but none warranted repayment.

The company rejected the term “victims”, noting that three dozen clients who asked for refunds cannot accept they were not entitled to one.

They further stated refunds were held for procedural causes, wrong account details, unreturned termination forms, and security verifications.

The latest scheduled voyage for July 26, 2025, as per their site. However, departure didn’t occur.

“Although delayed, we are heartened due to renewed customer interest over recent weeks – indicating that our shared dream is very much alive,” according to their online statement.

‘It Got Dirty’

Graham Whittaker, a former journalist estimates that VCL has taken money reaching seven figures.

“The situation worsened as we discovered scores and scores more people without refunds, seeking their funds, subjected to falsehoods,” Whittaker said.

When individuals pressed further - questioning refund status, and involving the press - the company threatened lawsuits. Reporters have seen dozens of such emails.

“Harassment is becoming severe for certain individuals,” he mentioned.

The company defended its legal threats in correspondence.

“Yes, we will take legal action against anyone who tries to settle their complaint via social platforms,” they stated.

The Paperwork

Corporate filings inspected show a web of shell businesses listed at one Budapest location,, with some no longer operating.

VCL is additionally listed in Florence, Italy,, however as a wholesale specialist for food, drinks and tobacco.

Viktória Takács-Ollram in Hungary appears as the creator, with her elderly mother is listed as CEO.

An additional business is recorded under the same address {to Viktória’s son, Marcell Herold,|under Marcell