And how dreams of a trip of a lifetime suddenly went south. Those who signed up for a three-year cruise to see the world, they were just left high and dry. Abc's Reina Roy is here with that story. Good morning, Reina.

Gio, good morning to you. Yeah, you said it. This was a dream vacation that passengers were shelling out a lot of cash for. The hope was to spend years at sea exploring all the world has to offer. But now it's a no-go, and they just want their money back.

It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime for Meredith Shay.

People, places, and things. I am excited to experience.

Talking to GMA in March about this first of its kind, three-year cruise around the world. But now she says it's suddenly canceled.

And how did I feel about it? Devastated, disappointed, sad.

The life at Sea Cruise was set to kick off in Istanbul in early November, with stops in 135 countries across all seven continents, with prices ranging from roughly $30,000 per person each year to well over a hundred grand. Carrie Whitman tells us she already paid $32,000 for the trip, also selling her home and most of her possessions, preparing for a life on the high seas.

Even in planning, there were challenges. There were no travel insurance companies that could put a plan together for.

Three years. Now, the would-be passengers like Meredith and Carrie left wondering if they'll get their money back.

I'm hopeful that they will hold up their the contract and pay us back on the time that they've outlined. I really do hope that happens. If that doesn't, then that's another story.

Abc News obtaining messages passengers received from the owner of Life at Sea's parent company, saying the company was unable to purchase a ship after investors declined to support us further due to the unrest in Middle East. After that, we tried to purchase another vessel in which we could not succeed. In a message the next day, confirming the Life at Sea cruise trip is canceled. But telling USA Today on Saturday, we're in talks to acquire a similar vessel. If the December first sale is jeopardized, we offer alternative departure dates or expedited refunds. We reached out to Life at Sea Cruises, but I've yet to hear back.

Now, despite that statement from the company, the sale does appear to be canceled until further notice. Meanwhile, the passengers we spoke with tell us they expect to get their money back in increments over the next few months.

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