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 around 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. But three years later, the ship has yet to sail; in fact, the Wawns and other would-be cruise residents have discovered that VCL does not own or have a lease on the ship being advertised. The couple is one of dozens waiting for VCL to refund their deposits. Some participants sold their homes, reassigned pets, and put belongings into storage, while others face advanced age and failing health without the ability to commit to a cruise that might never depart. Adam Glezer, a consumer advocate, describes VCL's actions as disgusting. Those affected have filed consumer complaints, contacted legal representatives, and even reached out to the FBI. VCL claims it is still seeking enough customers to charter a vessel and continues advertising and collecting deposits while denying any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, many who signed up now feel hopeless about their dreams of adventure and securing a refund, as the company insists it lacks obligations to those unhappy with the situation. Taryna Wawn shared their experience while feeling optimistic about the initial work they had done checking out VCL, having found well-constructed information online, followed by a payment of US$10,000 (£7,450). But multiple postponed departure dates led them to believe something was wrong. VCL continues its marketing campaign while facing scrutiny from various quarters regarding its operational legitimacy.