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.

[Allegra]

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

Sheesh. That’s just heartbreaking. Poor dog. :(

[metmom]

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

Yeah, right. More suckers.

Like who would trust them at this point?

[Bobbyvotes]

For $3840/month anyone can book 30 days of cruises on reputable cruise companies.

[PAR35]

From the web site things that are perhaps intentionally obtuse or just poor editing of the English version:

“40% OFF lease of more than 37 months: -40% discount on the monthly rentsecond night say”

I can’t even figure out what they are trying to make me think they are saying with that.

“Stateroom area 226 sp ft” Intentional, or did no one ever tell them to mind their Ps and Qs?

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

[tired&retired]

Upon signing your contract, you will be required to pay a deposit that varies between $10,000 and $30,000, depending on the cabin type. Afterward, rent is due monthly.

[Night Hides Not]

LOL, I’m “pre-approved” for over $100K in personal loans each and every week. All I have to do is respond to them over the phone to “clear up a few details.”

I’m pretty sure that one of those details is my bank account number. That is just not happening.

[BluH2o]

If it sounds too good to be true ... it has a very high likelihood that it’s a scam. Especially when they want the money upfront ...

[Mean Daddy]

The ship & cruise line my wife and I honeymooned on back in 1991 went bankrupt. We had no issues but a couple years later their cooling system went out, major issues with plumbing where they brought dozens of port a potties on board only to go into receivership in South America where all the passengers had to find their own way home.