Many would argue that there’s nothing quite so relaxing, or so much fun as a cruise. After all, what beats a floating hotel with outstanding entertainment, great food, and an overabundance of libations? If you love cruising to exotic destinations though, be careful as you make your travel plans. Cruise scams are on the rise.
Cruise Advice for Travelers
The U.S. Better Business Bureau has received well over 1,300 complaints against various cruise operators. While any deals on cruises are legitimate, and while some offers may be unsolicited, the biggest red flag to watch for is a wave of unsolicited e-mails or postcards offering deep discounts on cruises, or even free cruise getaways.
Scammers usually attempt to lure you in by getting you to call a telephone number and claim a free cruise. Some have lovely, well-organized websites with a plethora of information designed to create the appearance of credibility, and almost all use high pressure tactics to attempt to get people to buy into their travel scams.
Reputable travel sites and travel agents always provide requested information and give you time to make vacation plans; scammers, on the other hand, usually try to pressure people into buying in to limited time “deals” while failing to answer specific, pointed questions.
There are several ways you can protect yourself from cruise scams. First, always be sure to check the seller’s reputation. You can visit the Cruise Lines International Association to see whether a certain travel agent is on the up and up, and you can also check out the Better Business Bureau’s Business Review List to see whether any complaints have been lodged by travel scam victims or dissatisfied customers.
Another way to protect yourself from cruise scams is to pay with a major credit card so you can dispute charges if need be. If you use a check card or a debit card that bears a credit card logo, you may not be protected. If you are not sure what type of protection your bank offers, now is a good time to review banking policies, so you can make purchases with confidence. Immediately after making a payment, be sure to check your online statement to confirm that you sent money to the correct destination. Charges should originate with the cruise line instead of with a travel agency. In the event you prefer to pay for a cruise with a check or money order, make sure the payee is the cruise line itself, and not the travel agency or a certain individual.
Finally, be sure to ask plenty of questions before making a payment, and be sure all associated fees have been explained. Look out for hidden port charges, insurance processing fees, and cancellation fees; if a representative seems reluctant to explain the “fine print,” you should rethink whether this is a cruise you really want to take. Be sure to get the cruise line’s confirmation number and check to ensure all details are covered, and consider travel insurance a good investment, as it will often cover cancelled trips. Unfortunately, some scammers offer travel insurance along with cruises – so be sure you make sure you’re purchasing your insurance from a reputable source. Once your “i’s are dotted and your “t’s” are crossed, you’ll be ready to enjoy all the fun the world’s best cruise lines have to offer.