Cruises are supposed to be the easiest kind of vacation — unpack once, relax, and let the world come to you. But lately, a few clever scams have been sneaking into that picture-perfect calm.
Whether it’s a “free facial” in port or a fake customer-service number online, here are six real schemes catching even seasoned cruisers off guard — and how to spot them before they ruin your trip.
1. The $10,000 “Free Facial” in Nassau
Picture this: you’re enjoying a sunny port day in Nassau when a friendly woman waves you over and says, “Come try a free facial!” Sounds innocent enough — until you realize the “free” part is anything but.
Several cruisers have walked out of these shops with credit card charges nearing $10,000. It starts with a cheerful “hostess” offering drinks and a “free facial,” followed by staff applying creams and praising your skin. Then comes the hard sell — pricey serums, “medical-grade” devices, and pressure to buy until your card is suddenly charged for thousands.
To make things worse, these merchants often claim all sales are final, and disputing the charge from home is an uphill battle.
How to avoid it:
Skip any “free facial” or “free sample” invitations at port. Never hand over your credit card for a “deposit” or “demo.” Stick to official shops near the pier or onboard boutiques you can trust.
2. The “Cruise Line Airfare Deal” Scam
This one happens before you even set foot on the ship. Some passengers have received calls or emails from people claiming to work with major cruise lines — often using names like “Norwegian’s Flight Desk” or “Royal Caribbean Air Services.” The offer sounds convenient: a special airfare package or “limited-time flight deal” linked to your cruise booking.
The scammer already knows your sailing date or destination — details often scraped from social media or old travel forms — which makes the offer sound convincing. You’re told to pay immediately to lock in the deal, usually by card or transfer.
Weeks later, the “flight” never appears in the airline system, the booking is mysteriously canceled, or suspicious charges start popping up on your account. One cruiser reportedly lost nearly $20,000 to this exact scheme.
How to avoid it:
Only book airfare through your cruise line’s official website or trusted travel agent — never from an unsolicited call or email. If someone claims to be from the cruise line, hang up and call the number listed on your booking confirmation to verify before paying anything.
3. The “Dream Deal” from a Fake Travel Agent
Everyone loves a cruise bargain, and scammers know it. The latest twist? Fake travel agents who look completely legitimate — glossy websites, social media pages, even real-looking booking confirmations.
Here’s the catch: some of these agencies are booking cruises using stolen credit cards. You pay them, get what seems like a valid reservation, and maybe even receive a confirmation number. But weeks later, your booking is canceled because the original payment was fraudulent, and the so-called agent has vanished.
How to avoid it:
If you’re booking through a third party, confirm your reservation directly with the cruise line after payment. Only pay by credit card — never via wire transfer, gift card, or money app. Real travel agents will have verifiable credentials and no problem with you double-checking your booking.
4. The Fake Visa or ETA Website
More countries are adding electronic travel authorizations (ETAs) for cruise passengers, and scammers have found a way to profit from the confusion. They create fake government-style websites, complete with official logos and wording, to collect personal data and charge inflated processing fees.
Travelers think they’ve submitted the right form, only to later discover they’ve paid $150 for a useless document — or worse, that their passport and personal details are now being traded online.
How to avoid it:
Always apply for visas or ETAs through the official government site. Double-check that the web address ends in “.gov” or matches the legitimate immigration page for that country. If you’re unsure, most cruise lines link to the right place on their own FAQ or destination pages.
5. Port Transfer and Taxi Scams
Ports can be chaotic, and scammers thrive in the chaos. You’ll see eager drivers offering “cheap shuttle to the resort” or “private taxi — best price!” But these rides often turn out to be unlicensed, overpriced, or completely fake.
In some cases, the driver disappears after taking payment upfront. In others, you end up in a car with no meter, no clear route, and a fare that triples by the end. There have even been reports of fake shuttle services on social media taking prepayments and never showing up.
How to avoid it:
Book your transfers through the cruise line or a reputable company recommended by your hotel or port authority. If you’re grabbing a taxi, ask to see the license, agree on a price before you get in, and avoid anyone pressuring you to pay upfront “to reserve your spot.”
Read more: The Worst Ports of Call For Cruise Ship Tourists (Just Stay On The Ship!)
6. The “Cruise Duck Free Drink” Prank
Cruise ducks — those little rubber ducks hidden around ships — are a wholesome tradition. But recently, some pranksters have printed fake tags promising a “free drink from Carnival.”
Guests find the ducks, take them to the bar, and expect a cocktail on the house. Crew members have to explain it’s not real, leading to awkward scenes and unnecessary frustration. Carnival’s ambassador John Heald has even addressed it publicly, asking guests to stop.
How to avoid it:
If a promotion sounds too good to be true — even a playful one — assume it’s not official. Enjoy the duck hunts, but remember that freebies and drink perks only come from the cruise line directly.
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