Would-Be Residents Still Waiting as ‘Affordable’ Victoria Cruises Line Voyage Fails to Sail

Victoria Cruises Line (VCL), which promoted itself as the world’s first “affordable residential cruise,” is facing mounting criticism after years of delays, unfulfilled promises, and unrefunded deposits.

The line advertised a three-year voyage visiting 115 countries, with cabins starting at US$3,840 (£2,858) per month, and promised travellers they could stay onboard for as long as they wished.

But three years after excited customers signed up – some selling homes, giving up pets, or putting belongings in storage – the cruise has never departed. VCL does not even own or lease the ship it has long advertised, the BBC has revealed.

Broken Promises and Financial Losses

Dennis and Taryna Wawn, a couple from Perth, Australia, were among those who paid thousands in deposits after being drawn in by slick adverts on Facebook. Like many others, they believed they were securing a retirement “home at sea.”

They paid US$10,000 (£7,450) in 2022, but the scheduled May 2023 departure was postponed due to “low occupancy.” Several more delays followed, and no cruise has ever sailed.

Some would-be residents told the BBC they had sold homes or moved into retirement communities while waiting. One woman even put down her sick dog, believing she would be away for years.

Consumer advocate Adam Glezer said: “People were sold a dream – it has turned into a nightmare. What VCL has done is disgusting.”

VCL’s Defence

The company admits it has not leased a ship, arguing it must first reach about 80% occupancy. VCL continues to advertise the cruise and insists refunds are not warranted, blaming “administrative issues” and incomplete paperwork when customers demand their money back.

In a statement to the BBC, the line said: “Our company has never disappeared, we have responded to every email, so we are not a phantom company.”

It acknowledged 132 cancellations and dozens of refund requests but claims none were justified.

Legal Challenges and Investigations

Some passengers have taken VCL to court, but enforcement has proved difficult as the business shifts registrations between Hungary and Italy.

In the US, a complaint in Utah found VCL had not booked a departure berth as advertised, and people shown on its website as crew had never been hired. The company’s US representative has since been barred from promoting similar services.

Despite the findings, VCL’s glossy marketing campaigns continue across Facebook and Instagram, using stock images of passengers and crew.

Consumer groups have accused social media platforms of enabling the adverts, though Meta says it found no violations of its policies.

A Dream Turned Sour

The cruise was last scheduled to depart on 26 July 2025, but, once again, never sailed.

While some new “residents” are still being lured by discounts and cashback schemes, many of those who signed up years ago have given up hope of ever boarding.

For Dennis and Taryna, now in their mid-60s, the experience has been devastating.

“It was a dream for us and we were really focusing on it as a lovely adventure,” Taryna said. “It’s been traumatising.”

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.