Cruise Scams: How They Work and How to Stay Safe

Who doesn’t dream of a vacation at sea with stunning sunsets, tropical destinations, and all-you-can-eat buffets?

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, you need to be aware of how scammers operate and how they can exploit your enthusiasm.

Here’s what you need to know about popular cruise scams, plus tips on how to keep your finances and personal information safe.

Common Cruise Scam Tactics

‘You’ve Won a Free Cruise!’

This is another classic line that scammers will tell you, via an unsolicited phone call, a text message, email or even physical mail. The catch? You usually need to pay hefty “port taxes,” “service fees,” or “membership fees”. In most cases, they are not even a real cruise, just a ruse to steal your money. In other scenarios where the cruise does exist, the fees will  add up to more than what a legitimate discounted fare would cost.

Fake Travel Agencies and Booking Sites

Fraudsters also set up official-looking travel websites to con vacationers with massive discounts and cruise offers. These platforms even use the name and logo of known travel agencies or cruise lines to persuade travelers to hand over credit card information.

‘Limited-Time Offer’ Deals

Did someone say “24-hour only deal”? Scammers use a sense of urgency to reel you in. You might see pop-ups or ads offering staggering discounts for a limited time only to pressure you into acting quickly and overlooking potential red flags. By the time you realize the deal was fake, your money is gone.

Phishing and Social Media Scams

Social media is an ideal place to target users with cruise scam ads. Clicking on these often leads to phishing websites that harvest your personal information. These sites might claim you need to fill out an entry form or participate in a “survey” for a chance at a deeply discounted or free cruise. Scammers can use these details for identity theft or financial fraud.

Real-Life Example: Carnival Cruise Line Scam (January 2025)

In January 2025, cruise passengers received a warning that scammers were posing as Carnival Cruise Line representatives. These fraudsters claimed there were unpaid balances or fees that needed immediate attention, pressuring guests to provide credit card information. Their tactics included sending deceptive emails, running fake online ads, and even listing fraudulent contact numbers.

One passenger almost handed over $456 after calling a spoofed phone number that was misrepresented as Carnival’s official line. Fortunately, they reached out to Carnival Cruise Line directly via the company’s official website and resolved the issue for free. To avoid similar ploys, experts recommend verifying contact details through the cruise line’s legitimate website and steering clear of unsolicited emails or calls that request financial information.

Consumers have also recently flocked to the BBB Scam Tracker platform, reporting how fraudsters are using the free cruise bait to syphon money.

In March, multiple consumers reported receiving postcards promising free cruises, airfare, and even bonus gift cards. A postcard offered a “3, 5, or 7-night cruise” plus airfare to the Caribbean or a condo stay, insisting the offer would expire in seven days. It came with a QR code, RSVP code, and a phone number. One consumer researched the number online, discovered it was associated with scams in various locations, and wisely chose not to call.

Another consumer received a nearly identical postcard advertising a free cruise if they attended a so-called travel expo. After some online research, they identified it as a nationwide scam and decided not to attend or call.

Red Flags to Watch Out For in Cruise Scams

1. Unsolicited Contact: If someone reaches out with a deal you didn’t request, be skeptical. Real cruise lines or travel agencies usually don’t cold-call or spam you with freebies.
2. Advance Payment Requests: Genuine agencies list all fees upfront. Vague or confusing fee structures are a red flag.
3. Requests for Sensitive Information: Any request for your Social Security Number, banking PIN, or login credentials is an immediate sign of trouble.
4. Over-the-Top Claims: If the price tag doesn’t match the reality of cruising costs, tread carefully. A $50 cruise to the Bahamas doesn’t exist.
5. Pressure Tactics: Scammers push you to “act now or miss out.” Always take the time to verify a deal before handing over payment.

 How to Protect Yourself from Cruise Scams

Research, and then research some more

Go directly to the official website of the cruise line to verify deals. Legitimate cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and others have a list of their current promotions. If you’re thinking of booking via a travel agency, read reviews and check the agency’s accreditation.

Be proactive

Compare prices, read fine print and educate yourself and your family members about ongoing scams. Share scam alerts with friends and family, especially those who love to travel or might be less tech-savvy.

Pay using secure payment methods

Always use secure credit card transactions. If the seller insists on wire transfers, prepaid cards, or gift cards, that’s a red flag. Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious charges.

Guard your personal information

Only fill out forms on legitimate websites and don’t share sensitive information like your Social Security Number. Cruise lines typically never need your Social Security number. If asked, it’s likely a scam.

Leverage security tools

Scammers are increasingly sophisticated, making cybersecurity solutions an essential part of staying safe online. This is where Bitdefender can help.

Bitdefender offers a robust suite of tools designed to prevent scams at every turn, starting with anti-phishing and anti-fraud technology to protect you when browsing and AI-powered scam detection and prevention tools like Bitdefender Scamio and Bitdefender Link Checker.

• Use Bitdefender Scamio to detect scams in real-time on your browser and platforms like  WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, web browser or Discord for free!  Don't forget to help others stay safe by sharing the localized versions of Scamio in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Romania, Australia, and the UK.
• Use Bitdefender Link Checker (also for free) to assess the safety of URLs before clicking on them. This free tool can identify cloned websites and alert you to potential phishing attempts and fraudulent travel platforms.