Victory Casino Cruises disputes $791,000 shipyard debt

Port Canaveral-based Victory Casino Cruises confirmed that its only ship, the Victory I, has been kept at a shipyard for a long time because of a dispute with Detyens Shipyards in South Carolina. The shipyard claims the company owes it 790,666 dollars in unpaid invoices. The company, however, describes the dispute as a contract-related matter.

The ship made its last trip on September 28, and a few days later all staff were placed on leave. The company had earlier said there was an unexpected delay in the maintenance planned for the ship. It later emerged that Detyens had obtained a federal arrest order for the vessel. A federal judge approved the order, and the U.S. Marshals Service served it on the ship on October 28. The ship will remain tied up at the shipyard while the lawsuit is ongoing.

The company was served with a lawsuit summons on October 16, which stated that its legal deadline to respond is 21 days, or November 6. The court record shows that the company has not yet responded. Meanwhile, the company made a public statement. General Manager Lester Bullock said the company disputes some items on the invoice and claimed that some services and repairs were never carried out.

In a social media post, the company responded to rumors and negative comments circulating about it. It expressed discomfort with speculation being presented as fact. The company said no sailings are currently planned and no reservations are being taken, and that updates will be shared on its page.