Throw your current lifestyle overboard! boasts the advert for Victoria Cruises Line (VCL), which claims to offer the world’s first affordable residential cruise. For a monthly fee of US$3,840 (£2,858), travelers can supposedly enjoy a three-year journey through 115 countries. This enticing offer captured the attention of Australians Dennis and Taryna Wawn, who were planning their retirement.
However, three years later, the Wawns, along with many others, have found themselves in a precarious situation as VCL has yet to launch the cruise. In fact, it appears that VCL does not even own or have a lease on the ship being advertised.
The Wawns are among dozens anxiously waiting for VCL to refund their deposits. Others have shared distressing accounts of how they sold their homes, rehomed pets, and even made life-altering decisions based on VCL's promises. One individual recounted having to put down her ill dog, believing she would be gone for years.
The people that put down a deposit for this cruise were sold a dream... and it has turned into nothing short of a nightmare, said consumer advocate Adam Glezer, expressing outrage at VCL’s practices. Customers have filed complaints with various agencies and some have resorted to legal action.
VCL has maintained that it continues to seek new customers for the cruise to meet occupancy requirements before chartering a ship. They argue that clients were aware of the need for full occupancy upon booking, denying any culpability for customer dissatisfaction.
As for the Wawns, they were initially convinced of VCL's legitimacy. Taryna, 64, highlighted that they diligently researched the company, communicating with staff and connecting with a group of other prospective residents before paying a hefty $10,000 deposit. However, after many postponed departure dates, including one in May 2023, doubt began to creep in.
VCL promotes a grand vision of a cruise ship capable of accommodating 1,350 guests. Yet, upon inquiry, the company that owns the mentioned ship denied any association. Despite the bleak reality, VCL continues to collect deposits while asserting that they haven’t abandoned the dream.
Reports suggest VCL has accumulated millions from deposits, with hard evidence of mismanagement and failed contracts coming to light. Investigative efforts revealed registered shell companies linked to VCL, raising concerns over its operations.
Those affected are left wondering if they have truly lost their chance at a dream vacation on the high seas or if VCL's ship will ever set sail. As disillusionment settles, many like the Wawns reflect not just on lost money but on lost hopes and dreams.
However, three years later, the Wawns, along with many others, have found themselves in a precarious situation as VCL has yet to launch the cruise. In fact, it appears that VCL does not even own or have a lease on the ship being advertised.
The Wawns are among dozens anxiously waiting for VCL to refund their deposits. Others have shared distressing accounts of how they sold their homes, rehomed pets, and even made life-altering decisions based on VCL's promises. One individual recounted having to put down her ill dog, believing she would be gone for years.
The people that put down a deposit for this cruise were sold a dream... and it has turned into nothing short of a nightmare, said consumer advocate Adam Glezer, expressing outrage at VCL’s practices. Customers have filed complaints with various agencies and some have resorted to legal action.
VCL has maintained that it continues to seek new customers for the cruise to meet occupancy requirements before chartering a ship. They argue that clients were aware of the need for full occupancy upon booking, denying any culpability for customer dissatisfaction.
As for the Wawns, they were initially convinced of VCL's legitimacy. Taryna, 64, highlighted that they diligently researched the company, communicating with staff and connecting with a group of other prospective residents before paying a hefty $10,000 deposit. However, after many postponed departure dates, including one in May 2023, doubt began to creep in.
VCL promotes a grand vision of a cruise ship capable of accommodating 1,350 guests. Yet, upon inquiry, the company that owns the mentioned ship denied any association. Despite the bleak reality, VCL continues to collect deposits while asserting that they haven’t abandoned the dream.
Reports suggest VCL has accumulated millions from deposits, with hard evidence of mismanagement and failed contracts coming to light. Investigative efforts revealed registered shell companies linked to VCL, raising concerns over its operations.
Those affected are left wondering if they have truly lost their chance at a dream vacation on the high seas or if VCL's ship will ever set sail. As disillusionment settles, many like the Wawns reflect not just on lost money but on lost hopes and dreams.
