VCL Phantom Voyage Scandal Unfolds

Sunken Dreams: The Voyage That Never Was

Scores of aspiring sea-dwellers have poured their life savings into a live-aboard sea journey that has not yet left port. The company, Victoria Cruises Line (VCL), marketed a fantasy of a perpetual holiday, a low-cost residence on the water visiting 115 countries over three years. Years later, customers are without a refund and the promised ship remains a phantom, leaving a trail of shattered retirement plans and financial ruin. The company, meanwhile, continues to solicit new deposits for a voyage that shows no sign of ever beginning.

A Retirement Dream Dashed

For many, the advertisement by Victoria Cruises Line (VCL) seemed like the ideal retirement solution. The company's alluring tagline urged people to cast aside their existing way of life, capturing the imagination of couples like Perth residents Dennis and Taryna Wawn. They envisioned a future sailing the globe, a home on the ocean waves. The offer of cabins from US 3,840 a month for a three-year world tour seemed like a dream come true. Convinced by a polished website and reassuring conversations with a company representative, they transferred a US 10,000 deposit in May 2022. They were not alone; dozens of others made similar commitments, believing they were securing their place on what was promoted as the globe's premier budget-friendly live-aboard sea voyage.

Endless Delays and a Shocking Revelation

The initial departure date of May 2023 came and went. VCL emailed customers, explaining that the voyage was postponed. The company cited an occupancy clause, stating it needed to fill approximately 80% of the vessel's berths before a ship could be chartered. Two more postponements followed, and the Wawns’ initial excitement turned to suspicion. The final blow came from another prospective passenger who had done some digging and gave them a stark warning: "Get out." They soon discovered the devastating truth: VCL did not own or even hold a rental agreement for the advertised ship. The latest scheduled departure for July 26, 2025, also passed without a ship leaving port.

The Human Cost of a Failed Voyage

The fallout from VCL's phantom cruise extends far beyond financial loss. Hopeful residents made drastic life changes in preparation for their new life at sea. Several individuals divested from their properties, believing they would no longer need a permanent address on land. Others rehomed beloved pets, including one woman who made the heartbreaking decision to euthanise her ailing canine, expecting to be away for a long time. An elderly couple, their health failing, could no longer wait for the uncertain departure and were compelled to relocate to an assisted living facility. These personal tragedies underscore the profound emotional toll the situation has taken on those who bought into the dream.

A Consumer Advocate's Outcry

Adam Glezer, a prominent consumer advocate, has been vocal in his criticism of VCL. He described how customers were promised a fantasy that has become a complete catastrophe, labelling the company's actions "disgusting." Glezer is representing several affected individuals. Impacted customers have pursued multiple channels for resolution. Their efforts include communicating with the business, initiating lawsuits, and lodging grievances with official bodies. A report was even made to the FBI by one person. Glezer’s involvement has brought media attention to the plight of VCL customers, highlighting the need for greater consumer protection in the travel industry.

VCL's Defence and Deflections

In response to inquiries, VCL has maintained that it still requires more customers to make the cruise viable. The company states it persists in marketing the trip to achieve the required passenger numbers before securing a vessel. VCL claims that chartering the ship prematurely would have resulted in pointless expenditure, stating that signing a lease in early 2024 would have cost around US$18 million for nothing. The company refutes accusations of singling out or injuring anybody and insists that customers were aware of the occupancy condition when they booked. VCL also acknowledged 132 booking withdrawals and 38 grievances but concluded no reimbursements were warranted, citing administrative reasons, inaccurate banking information, and protocols for anti-money laundering as reasons for withholding payments.

The Phantom Ship and its Owners

The vessel at the centre of VCL’s marketing was previously known as the Holland America Veendam, now named the Aegean Majesty. However, investigations revealed that VCL has no connection to the ship. The actual owner of the vessel, the Greek ferry company Seajets, has refuted having any connection to VCL. A law firm representing the ship's owner stated unequivocally that there is no contract in place for the ship's employment by any party. Despite this, the vessel has appeared on the schedules of various international ports under the name "Victoria Majestic," a name used by VCL, for dates between late 2023 and September 2025. The ship itself remains laid up in Greece, where it has been since its sale in 2020.

Threats, Harassment, and Legal Action

As customers grew more insistent in their demands for refunds and started discussing their situation with news outlets, VCL responded by threatening litigation. The company warned customers in dozens of emails against airing their grievances via social platforms. VCL defended this approach, confirming its intent to sue any person attempting to settle a complaint through public channels. This aggressive stance has left many feeling intimidated and powerless. One customer who was promised a return of their funds in January 2024 was later told VCL was withholding the deposit pending a legal suit for "attempted blackmail" after they persistently requested their payment.

A Tangled Web of Companies

Investigations into VCL's corporate structure have revealed a complex web of shell companies recorded at a single Budapest address, some of which are no longer active. The founder of VCL is listed as Viktória Takács-Ollram, while her mother, aged 79, is listed as the top executive. Marcell Herold, her son and a university student, is identified as the vice president for VCL. The company was initially established during 2017 to provide accounting and tax advice before changing its name and business activities to water transport services in 2022. The business also has a registration in Florence, Italy, where it is listed as a wholesale distributor of food, drinks, and tobacco products. Furthermore, official tax documents show more than $253,000 in outstanding tax liabilities.

Legal Challenges and Regulatory Scrutiny

Some customers have sought legal redress with mixed results. An investigation within the American state of Utah brought some of VCL's practices to light. The probe determined VCL failed to book a sailing date from the advertised Florida port and that people featured on the business's website were not offered jobs. The investigation also noted that VCL had not filed the required regulatory documents with the Federal Maritime Commission. The inquiry concluded VCL’s US representative genuinely thought the voyage would proceed. She subsequently consented to a directive that prohibits her from marketing these kinds of travel arrangements going forward. In Hungary, one couple prevailed in a legal challenge that voided VCL's contractual amendments. However, enforcing the judgment proved unfeasible after the company moved its main office to Italy.

The Role of Social Media Giants

Despite the numerous allegations and investigations, VCL persists in advertising its voyage using Facebook and Instagram. The company’s social media accounts feature glossy brochures and pictures of the vessel, its features, and what it claims are "residents." Many of these images of passengers have been identified as stock photos that can be found easily online. VCL also uses its website to offer promotions, cashback schemes, and an affiliate program promising $2,500 for referrals. People who claim to be victims state they have flagged the promotions multiple times to Meta, which owns both platforms, but the parent company has refused their removal. In a statement, Meta said it discovered no proof the page broke its rules, which have a strict ban on fraudulent or deceptive advertising.

A Cautionary Tale for an Emerging Market

The concept of residential cruising is not, in itself, a fantasy. Several legitimate companies offer the opportunity for people to live at sea, and some who initially signed up with VCL are now happily sailing with these other operators. However, the VCL case serves as a stark cautionary tale for those drawn to the allure of a long-term life at sea. It highlights the potential pitfalls of an emerging and sometimes poorly regulated market. The lack of a physical asset, the complex corporate structures, and the reliance on customer deposits to fund operations create a high-risk environment for consumers.

No End in Sight for Hopeful Passengers

In the case of Dennis and Taryna Wawn, the dream of a retirement spent exploring the world has been replaced by a traumatic ordeal. Their savings are depleted, and the possibility of affording a similar cruise with a reputable company is now out of reach. VCL's website, however, continues to project an optimistic future. A recent update mentions a "surprising influx of new interest," claiming this shows their collective vision is still viable. Yet, for the dozens who are still waiting for refunds, this dream has long since turned into a waking nightmare.