Victoria Cruises Line: A Dream Cruise Turns into a Nightmare for Would-Be Residents
Victoria Cruises Line (VCL), which marketed itself as the world's first affordable residential cruise, has left dozens of people in financial limbo after failing to deliver on its promises. Would-be residents, enticed by the prospect of a life at sea, have lost significant deposits and, in some cases, sold their homes, only to discover that the cruise ship doesn't exist and refunds are not forthcoming. The BBC has investigated the case and unveiled a complex web of shell businesses.
The Dream of a Residential Cruise
VCL's advertisement, boasting "Throw your current lifestyle overboard!", attracted people from all over the world. Dennis and Taryna Wawn, an Australian couple from Perth, were particularly drawn to the idea as they planned their retirement. Cabins were advertised for around US$3,840 (£2,858) a month for a three-year voyage covering 115 countries. Lured in by a detailed website and seemingly credible information, many took the leap and paid substantial deposits.
The Harsh Reality of a Cruise That Never Sails
Three years later, the cruise ship has yet to set sail. The Wawns, along with numerous others, discovered that VCL does not own or lease the advertised ship. The BBC's investigation revealed that many individuals sold their homes, rehomed pets, and put their belongings in storage, only to face the reality that their dream voyage was nothing more than a deceptive scheme. One woman even euthanized her sick dog, anticipating being away 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 Adam Glezer, a consumer advocacy company representative. Another couple was forced to move into a retirement community due to age and failing health, unable to wait for a cruise that might never materialize.
Legal Action and Consumer Complaints
Frustrated and financially burdened, affected individuals have taken various actions. They have contacted VCL, launched legal cases, filed consumer complaints with government agencies, and one person even wrote to the FBI. VCL, however, maintains that it needs more customers before chartering a vessel and continues to advertise the cruise.
The company claims customers were aware of the occupancy condition when booking and denies targeting or harming anyone. VCL also stated it advised some clients not to sell their homes to pay deposits. Many who signed up have lost hope of ever sailing or recovering their money.
Dodgy Contracts and Unpaid Taxes
VCL's business structure raises further concerns. Company records revealed a network of shell businesses registered at the same address in Budapest, some no longer active. The company is also registered in Florence, Italy, as a wholesaler of food, beverages, and tobacco. In Hungary, Viktória Takács-Ollram is listed as the founder, with her elderly mother as CEO, and her son, Marcell Herold, as VP. Tax filings indicate over $253,000 in unpaid taxes.
Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands
One couple won a legal case in Hungary, overturning VCL's contract changes, but enforcement stalled when VCL moved its base to Italy. VCL admitted to altering contracts retroactively. A Utah investigation found that VCL had not booked a departure port and that purported staff had not received employment offers.
Despite these findings, VCL continues to advertise on social media. Graham Whittaker, a former journalist, estimates that VCL has taken millions of dollars. Those who pushed for refunds or spoke to the media were threatened with legal action, which VCL justified as a measure against complaints on social media.
The Latest Developments
Despite repeated delays, VCL's website maintains that "our shared dream is very much alive." The last scheduled departure date, July 26, 2025, passed without a sailing. The Victoria Cruises Line saga stands as a cautionary tale for those seeking unconventional lifestyles, highlighting the importance of thorough due diligence and the potential pitfalls of trusting seemingly attractive offers.
