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“Leave your old life behind!” promises the marketing for the cruise operator, which bills itself as the inaugural affordable residential cruise.

Accommodations are priced at nearly $4,000 per month during a 36-month trip across 115 destinations, and customers globally can choose to taking the cruise as long as desired.

Among those interested, Dennis and Taryna Wawn, drawn to residential cruising, the advert on Facebook couldn’t have come at a better time during their retirement planning.

Now, years on, the cruise hasn’t launched. Actually, the couple and other prospective passengers have found that the company lacks ownership of or a leased vessel promoted in their materials.

They are among many individuals who are still awaiting for repayment from the company.

Other would-be residents told reporters they got rid of their houses, relocated their animals placing items in storage. An individual mentioned euthanizing her ill pet, assuming a lengthy absence.

Two other individuals were forced to relocate into aged care as a result of aging and declining wellness. They couldn’t undertake to a residential cruise which may never happen.

Those who paid deposits were offered a vision... and it has turned into an absolute disaster,” said Adam Glezer, operating a customer protection business. “The actions of VCL are appalling.”

Those affected approached VCL, a few initiated court actions and many submitted official grievances to government agencies. Including an appeal to federal investigators.

The company stated that additional passengers are required before a vessel can be chartered and so is continuing to advertise the journey.

Representatives noted passengers were aware of the requirement during registration, and the company denies intentionally hurting customers, noting they recommended to avoid liquidating assets to pay deposits.

Many of those who signed up no longer expect of the ship ever sailing, or receiving refunds.

‘Completely Transparent’

Taryna, 64, said back in May 2022, she and her husband began considering for their later years and what it could look like when they came across the voyage concept. They believe they researched thoroughly.

The woman explained the company had a well-built and detailed website, they conversed with a representative “addressing all concerns”, and became part of an online community of other interested parties.

“Our research indicated it was trustworthy,” she said.

In under 30 days, they proceeded with a deposit around $10,000. Their payment was documented.

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

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

With further postponements, they began questioning the situation.

Another prospective passenger contacted them, saying: “I’ve dug a little bit further. Get out.”

‘The Collective Vision Continues’

VCL’s marketing promised a complete ocean vessel that could house 1,350 guests, with pools, tennis courts and an Italian restaurant.

“There is a gorgeous, operational vessel, the former Holland American Veendam, now the Majestic,” VCL’s US representative wrote online.

But investigators learned that on being contacted by some would-be residents, the firm that owns the ship refuted any relationship.

Despite not securing a vessel, VCL continues promoting the voyage while taking payments until sufficient bookings are made.

“Signing the ship contract in 2024, would have required payment of around $18 million without cause,” VCL said in an email.

It also acknowledged that there had been 132 cancellations, and reviewed several grievances, but none warranted repayment.

They disputed any victimization, noting that three dozen clients requesting repayments won’t accept the denial.

They further stated repayments were delayed due to administrative issues, missing or incorrect bank details, missed deadlines for paperwork, and anti-money laundering checks.

The latest scheduled voyage set for mid-2025, stated online. Yet again, it didn’t launch.

“Although delayed, we are heartened due to renewed customer interest over recent weeks – indicating that our shared dream is very much alive,” VCL’s website reads.

‘It Got Dirty’

Graham Whittaker, previously a reporter estimates that payments received totaling millions.

“It got dirty because we started to find numerous additional individuals who never received repayments, who requested returns, who had been lied to,” he explained.

When individuals pressed further - questioning refund status, and speaking with journalists - they received legal threats. Many such messages exist.

“For some, the intimidation is escalating,” he mentioned.

VCL justified the threat of legal action in its email to journalists.

“We will indeed file lawsuits against anyone who tries to settle their complaint on social media,” it said.

The Paperwork

Company records reviewed by investigators show a web of shell businesses using a single Hungarian address, some now no longer trading.

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

Viktória Takács-Ollram in Hungary appears as the creator, with her elderly mother serves as the head.

Another company is registered at the identical location {to Viktória’s son, Marcell Herold,|under Marcell