Don’t Fall for These 15 Sneaky Cruise Scams…
Taking a cruise is an exciting way to explore new destinations, but like any vacation, it’s important to keep your eyes open for scams that can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.
From overpriced excursions to fake upgrades, cruise ship scams are more common than you might think. But don’t worry!
We will help you identify common scams, so you can enjoy your trip without any surprises…
Common Cruise Ship Scams To Watch Out For
Taxi Scams
When arriving at cruise ports, be cautious of taxi drivers offering rides that sound “too good to be true.” Some taxis might take you to locations where you’ll be overcharged or sold packages you didn’t agree to.
How to avoid this scam:
- Use official, regulated taxi services or cruise line-arranged transportation.
- Agree on a fare beforehand to avoid surprises.
Shore Excursion Overpricing
One of the most common scams on cruises happens when you’re off the ship and exploring the ports. Shore excursions can be a great way to see the local sights, but some tour operators are notorious for overpricing their services.
While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of booking a tour, it’s important to do a little research first.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Compare prices: Check the cruise line’s offerings and also see what’s available from local vendors. Sometimes, local tour operators offer similar excursions at a fraction of the price.
- Book independently: You can often save money and experience a more personalized tour by booking directly with local companies rather than through the cruise line.
Wi-Fi Scams and Fake Hotspots
Scammers may set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots near the ship’s port or in public spaces, tricking passengers into connecting to them and stealing personal data.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Stick to official Wi-Fi services provided by the cruise line.
- Avoid connecting to open, unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Fake Travel Agents Offering ‘Too Good to Be True’ Deals
Cruise scam artists are capitalizing on rising demand for cruises, offering irresistible discounts on fake travel websites and social media.
These fake agents often ask for deposits through cash transfer apps like CashApp, only to leave passengers stranded at the port with no booking.
How to avoid this scam:
- Research the agent and read online reviews.
- Never pay through cash apps—opt for credit cards instead for fraud protection.
- Verify your booking immediately on the cruise line’s official website.
Fake Cabin Upgrades
You might get a call or an offer at the port claiming that you’ve won a special upgrade to a luxury cabin. Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, this is a scam that preys on passengers hoping to get a better room for less money. They may ask for payment upfront for the “exclusive” upgrade.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Verify upgrades: If you’re offered an upgrade, check directly with the cruise line’s customer service before making any decisions. Legitimate upgrades will be handled by the cruise line’s official channels.
- Be cautious about unsolicited offers: If an offer feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Beware of eVisa Scams
Some countries require eVisas for entry, and scammers are taking advantage by creating fake websites. These websites often charge extra fees or steal personal information.
How to avoid this scam:
- Only use official government websites for visa applications.
- Be wary of middlemen offering eVisa services—apply directly to avoid unnecessary fees.
The Fake “Captain’s Dinner” Invitation
You might receive an invitation to a special dinner with the captain or a VIP event. But before you RSVP, make sure it’s not a scam. Some scammers will use fake invitations to collect money or personal information.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Check the legitimacy: Always confirm special event invitations with the cruise staff directly. If they’re offering something exclusive, they’ll usually mention it onboard.
- Don’t give personal info: Be wary of providing any personal information or payment details for events that you didn’t sign up for.
The Cruise Duck Scam
Cruise passengers sometimes fall victim to scams related to the tradition of hiding rubber ducks around cruise ships. Scammers sell these ducks online, claiming they’re extra or custom-made, but fail to deliver after receiving upfront payment.
How to avoid this scam:
- Always buy ducks from reputable online stores or cruise line retailers.
- Request proof of ownership before sending any money to an individual seller.
Bait-and-Switch Spa Services
Cruise ship spas offer tempting deals, but the reality might be a lot different. Some guests have reported being lured in with discounts, only to be upsold expensive products or additional services during their treatment.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Read the fine print: Before booking any spa services, ask for a clear breakdown of the price and any additional costs.
- Stick to the basics: Don’t be pressured into purchasing expensive add-ons or products during your spa visit. Most cruise spas will try to upsell products, but you can always politely decline.
Fake Duty-Free Deals
Cruise lines often boast about their duty-free shopping, but not all deals are what they seem. Some vendors may sell counterfeit or overpriced goods, claiming they’re duty-free when they’re not.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Do your homework: Research the brands you’re interested in before you board to ensure they’re authentic.
- Check for certifications: Always ask for proof of authenticity if you’re buying expensive items, like jewelry or watches.
Cruise Port Scams
Port cities are prime hunting grounds for scammers. These places are full of eager cruisers with cash to spend and limited time to explore, making them easy targets for scams.
Some common scams include:
- The Handmade Art Scam: Street vendors sell identical prints as “handmade” artwork at inflated prices.
- The ‘Free Resort Day Pass’ Trap: Offers of free resort passes that include a high-pressure sales pitch for expensive travel clubs.
- Fake Tickets: Scammers offer “exclusive” tickets to popular attractions at inflated prices, but the tickets are worthless.
Towel Cards & Drink Cards Fees
Cruise lines often provide towel cards for the pool and drink cards for onboard beverages. Some passengers report being charged extra fees for supposedly “lost” or “damaged” cards.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Keep track of your cards: Make sure you always return any cards you’re given (like towel or drink cards) at the end of your trip to avoid surprise charges.
- Check your bill regularly: Keep an eye on your account statement to catch any unauthorized charges early.
Fake Photos with Crew or Characters
It’s common to find photo ops with crew members or fun characters onboard, but some photographers might try to convince you to buy overpriced photos, claiming they’re a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Set a budget for photos: If you’re planning to buy a photo, set a budget beforehand and stick to it. You can often find better deals or digital copies if you plan ahead.
- Be cautious about pressure: If a photographer is pushing you hard to buy a photo, you can always politely decline.
Overcharging for Internet Packages
We all know that cruise ship internet isn’t the cheapest, but some cruise lines charge outrageous prices for slow service. Be cautious about the “unlimited” or “free Wi-Fi” promises you might encounter.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Ask about speeds and limits: Before purchasing an internet package, ask about the speed and data limits so you aren’t surprised by slow speeds or additional fees.
- Only purchase what you need: If you don’t need constant internet access, consider sticking to port Wi-Fi or using Wi-Fi only for essential tasks.
Onboard Credit Scams
Some shady characters on the ship might offer you “onboard credits” for a fee, claiming that you can use the credit toward anything onboard, from dining to shopping. These are often scams, and the credits are worthless.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Stick with official offers: Only trust onboard credit offers from the cruise line directly. Any third-party offers should be treated with skepticism.
- Check the terms: If an offer seems too good to be true, double-check the terms and conditions. Legitimate onboard credit offers will be clearly outlined and will never require a third-party payment.
Bonus Tips for Cruise Safety:
- Always be cautious with personal information: Whether you’re booking an excursion or signing up for onboard activities, avoid giving out personal details like your credit card information or passport number unless you’re certain it’s a legitimate request.
- Use the cruise line’s app: Many cruise lines offer apps with useful information about the ship’s services, excursions, and onboard offers. This can help you avoid third-party scams.
- Report suspicious activity: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to report it to the cruise line’s guest services or security.
