They paid thousands for a cruise that hasn't sailed. Now they can't get their money back

BBC ^ | October 3, 2025 | Suranjana Tewari

[E. Pluribus Unum]

"Throw your current lifestyle overboard!" boasts the advert for Victoria Cruises Line (VCL), which bills itself as the world's first affordable residential cruise.

Cabins typically go for US$3,840 (£2,858) a month for a three-year voyage to 115 countries, and travellers from all over the world have the option of doing the route for as long as they like.

For Australians Dennis and Taryna Wawn from Perth, excited by the prospect of a home at sea, the advert on Facebook couldn't have come at a better time as they planned their retirement.

Three years later, the ship has yet to sail. In fact, they and other would-be cruise residents have found that VCL does not even own or have a lease on the ship that is being advertised.

The Wawns are just two of dozens of people who have been waiting for VCL to refund their deposits, the BBC has learned.

Other would-be residents told the BBC they sold their homes, rehomed cats and put their belongings into storage. One woman said she had put down her sick dog, believing she would be gone for years.

Another couple have now had to move into a retirement community because of their advanced ages and failing health. They could no longer commit to a residential cruise that might or might not ever sail.

"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, who runs a consumer advocacy company. "What VCL has done is disgusting."

Those affected have contacted the company, some have launched legal cases and others have filed consumer complaints to government agencies. One even wrote to the FBI.

VCL told the BBC that it still needs more customers before a vessel can be chartered and so is continuing to advertise the cruise.

[blueunicorn6]

Looks like they’re up Shirt Creek….without a boat.

[Ezekiel]

“Throw your current lifestyle overboard!”

So far so good.

[Secret Agent Man]

Total business fraud.

Also its disgusting people would give pets away or put them down for something like this.

There is grossness to be found in every corner of this story.

[JennysCool]

The Fyre Festival at sea!

[Fury]

Re: 4 - agreed. Awful that people would do that.

[b4me]

I don’t fell badly for any of them. it’s a wake up call for anyone willing to hear it.
there are so very much more important things to do in life then just please yourself and sight see.

[Leaning Right]

I’m sure I’m missing out on a lot. But as for me…

(And more specifically, on my back porch.)

[jimwatx]

Hmm... lots of scammers about these days. Always check into the reputation of the business before giving a deposit.

[Gnome1949]

It’s amazing. The idea of living on a ship sailing the world when the ship does not actually exist is crazy. Think about how stranded these people would be if the company went bankrupt during this “dream” cruise. If the company quit paying its crew during the cruise and they left the ship in some faraway port, these cruise passengers would be S.O.L. Those who sold their houses would not even have a place to return to. They could end up as homeless and penniless vagrants in some foreign land, stranded with no money.

[A_perfect_lady]

So basically, it’s a scam.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I remember reading the advertisement a while back and thinking it sounded intriguing, but my wife and I are homebodies and travel only when absolutely necessary, so we were in no danger.

[GSWarrior]

I would advise staying clear of a cruise line that bills itself as the first affordable journey.

[Larry Lucido]

[alternatives?]

An imaginary floating nursing home.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

One woman said she had put down her sick dog, believing she would be gone for years.

Oh yeah. That is the kind of person I would want to spend three years with on a floating petri dish.

At least when we go camping we can move the tent to another camp ground.

[PeterPrinciple]

https://victoria.cruises/blog/know-what-to-expect-on-your-dream-journey-aboard-the-vcl.php#:~:text=Victoria%20Cruises%20Line%20is%20a%20luxury%20residential%20ship,beautiful%20destinations%20without%20ever%20leaving%20your%20comfortable%20home.

Victoria Cruises Line – Frequently Asked Questions: Know What to Expect on Your Dream Residential Ship!

[Brian Griffin]

About three weeks is as much travel as I care to do generally.

The eyes tend to get less impressed over time.

[Chickensoup]

IT NOW TAKKES 0.74 POUND TO buy a dollar!

[ridesthemiles]

SCAM-—ON STEROIDS