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Carnival Cruise Guests Warned About New Scam Targeting Booked Passengers

Cruise enthusiasts, beware: a new scam is targeting future Carnival Cruise guests, posing a serious risk to personal and financial information.

Fraudsters are impersonating Carnival representatives, attempting to collect fake unpaid balances via emails and ads designed to lure unsuspecting victims.

How the Scam Works

Scammers contact booked guests through deceptive emails or online advertisements, directing them to call a fraudulent phone number.

Once connected, these fake representatives pressure victims to provide credit card details to “resolve” fake unpaid balances.

Sophisticated tactics, including masked phone numbers that appear to belong to Carnival Corporation, make the operation seem legitimate.

One victim nearly fell for the scam, reportedly coming close to paying over $450 before verifying with actual Carnival representatives.

Common scare tactics include threats of cruise cancellations if balances aren’t settled immediately.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unsolicited Contact: Carnival rarely calls guests to remind them of unpaid balances. Payment deadlines are communicated at the time of booking and are accessible through Carnival’s online portal or HUB App.
  • Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure methods, urging immediate payment to avoid penalties.
  • Unverified Communication: Guests are encouraged to double-check any contact information through Carnival’s official website before engaging.

A Growing Issue in the Cruise Industry

This scam is part of a broader trend affecting cruise travelers across multiple lines. Recently, two Florida residents fell victim to a fraudulent Facebook ad promoting a discounted Royal Caribbean cruise.

Believing they were dealing with a legitimate travel agent, they made payments totaling $523 through Cash App, only to discover their booking was fake.

Similarly, past scams include an English woman losing £6,300 to a fraudulent Caribbean cruise booking and a North Carolina man arrested for selling fake Alaskan cruises.

How to Stay Safe

The most secure way to book a cruise is directly through the cruise line. If using a third-party agent, ensure they are reputable by checking reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, or the Better Business Bureau. Trusted organizations such as Costco, AAA, and AARP also provide reliable travel services.

Carnival advises guests to handle all pre-cruise activities—such as payments and online check-ins—through their official website or app, reducing the need for phone calls and minimizing risk.

Cruise guests should remain vigilant, as scams like these continue to target eager travelers. If something seems too good to be true, double-check with official sources before handing over personal or financial information.

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