“Throw your current lifestyle overboard!” exclaims the Victoria Cruises Line (VCL) advertisement, which positions itself as the first reasonably priced residential cruise in history. For a three-year journey to 115 countries, cabins usually cost US$3,840 (£2,858) per month, and passengers from all over the world can choose to stay as long as they desire.
The Facebook advertisement couldn’t have arrived at a better moment for Australians Dennis and Taryna Wawn from Perth, who were planning their retirement and were thrilled by the idea of a home at sea. The ship has not yet set sail after three years. They and other prospective cruise passengers have discovered that VCL does not actually own or lease the stated ship. The BBC has discovered that scores of people, including the Wawns, have been waiting for VCL to return their deposits.
The BBC was informed by other prospective occupants that they had sold their houses, placed their possessions in storage, and found new homes for their animals. According to one woman, she had put her ailing dog to sleep since she thought she would be gone for years.
Due to their elderly age and deteriorating health, another couple was forced to relocate to a retirement community. A residential cruise that might or might not ever set sail was no longer something they could commit to.
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