One travel agent is raising a red flag about common scams she's seen that could ruin your cruise vacation plans.
Jenn Greene is a Travel Planner affiliated with MEI Travel and regularly books Royal Caribbean cruises. She's one of the top earners at her agency, and she's run into all sorts of scenarios with her clients.
While most people have no issues, she's noticed an influx lately of bad actors who are causing problems, "With cruising being more popular than ever, we are seeing an uptick in scammers trying to take advantage of travelers."
Consumers should always be vigilant about sharing personal information, as well as deals that seem "too good to be true".
Whether it’s an overly aggressive salesperson on the other end of the phone, or an all-too-friendly Facebook profile, there’s plenty to be wary of. Here are the most popular scams Jenn is seeing right now.
Oversharing in cruise groups
While it may be a fun idea to join a group to coordinate with others on your cruise, user beware because scammers are among you.
We recommend finding a Facebook group or roll call thread for your upcoming sailing because of the opportunity to meet new friends and learn more about your specific sailing. However, you want to keep your guard up in these groups.
Ms. Greene recommends not posting too much information about yourself or your cruise, "It’s ok to make plans to meet up at the bar once onboard, but don’t trust giving your information to others via private messages."
"Before you know it, a scammer has your phone number, email and booking information, which gives them easy access to your vacation plans."
If you think Ms. Greene is exaggerating the concern, a woman recently learned this lesson the hard way when she lost a $15,000 cruise after posting reservation number on social media.
Call the right phone number
This may seem trivial, but scammers pay a lot of money to have their fake phone numbers land on Google searches.
If you are looking for a contact number for Royal Caribbean, go directly to cruise line website, not the internet search bar.
Ms. Greene shared she's seen an uptick in these problems, "Just recently, cruisers that are booked have almost been scammed by these fake numbers, posing to be the cruise line."
She explained before the phone agent can "help you", they tell you that you owe more money for an embarkation fee, or a deck fee, which are all fake fees.
"Once you pay them, they will then help you with whatever you may be calling about. When you hang up, they will have taken your money, and have your credit card information - and you still have no resolution to your problem," she explained.
"Free" cruise scam
If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is, including an offer for a free cruise.
Social media is rife with these posts that claim there's a giveaway for a free cruise, airplane ticket, or trip to a resort.
"It’s very common to see posts on Facebook, Instagram or other social media giving away the trip of a lifetime," Ms. Greene explained. "Usually it’s an impersonation of a major cruise line, offering a free cruise giveaway or telling you that you’ve been specially selected."
She recommends if you are contacted by a cruise line on social media, do not trust it.
Read more: 4 warning signs a cruise deal is too good to be true
Fake social media accounts
It’s common for scammers to create fake social media accounts based on well-known people in the cruise community, such as Captain Kate from Celebrity Cruises, or Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley.
For example, you might receive a message that there’s a problem with your cruise booking or that there’s an exclusive offer on a cruise, but at some point, you’ll always be asked for your bank details as scammers try to get your money.
Ms. Greene added, "it’s highly unlikely that a cruise CEO or Captain is reaching out to users on social media."
How to protect yourself against scams
Hopefully this warning will ensure you think twice in the future, but another safeguard is to work with a trusted travel agent.
A good travel agent can answer any questions you may have along the way. You'll have a direct contact at all times to assist with your plans.
Want to change your dining time? Not sure, if you already prepaid gratuity? Travel agents are always there to help. A good travel agent will never charge a fee, and will help you every step of the way.
Royal Caribbean Blog works exclusively with MEI Travel and cannot say enough about their professionalism and service.
