Cruise Scam Alert: 15 Ways Scammers Target Travelers in 2025!
March 31, 2025
WATCH ON YOU TUBE LINK: ⬇️
Introduction
Are you worried about falling victim to cruise scams? We all dream of the perfect cruise vacation—sun, sand, and unlimited buffets. But even paradise has its pitfalls, and in this case, they come in the form of scams.
Scammers are getting sneakier every day, and they target unsuspecting travelers with sophisticated schemes. From street scams to online fraud, these con artists are always one step ahead. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back! In this blog, we’re diving into 15 cruise scams that can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. More importantly, I’ll tell you exactly how to avoid them. Let’s get started!
1. The Free Bracelet Scam
You’re exploring a local market when a vendor offers you a “free” friendship bracelet. Before you can decline, it’s tied around your wrist. Then, the scammer demands payment, and their backup crew is ready to intimidate you if you resist.
How to Avoid It: Keep your hands to yourself. If someone tries to give you something for free, refuse firmly and walk away.
2. The Fake Photographer Scam
A “friendly” local offers to take your picture but then demands payment for a series of unwanted photos. Worse, they may ask for your email or phone number and later bombard you with demands for money.
How to Avoid It: Always ask fellow tourists to take your photos instead of strangers.
3. Cruise Community Romance Scam
You meet someone in a Facebook cruise group who seems friendly—even romantic. Over time, they gain your trust and then hit you with a sob story that requires financial help. Once you send the money, they disappear.
How to Avoid It: Never send money to people you’ve met online, no matter how convincing they sound.
4. Bait-and-Switch Shopping Scam
You buy a luxury item, but when you unwrap it later, you find a cheap knockoff instead.
How to Avoid It: Always inspect your purchase before leaving the store and buy from reputable shops.
5. Fake Visa Websites
Scammers create fake government visa websites to steal your personal and financial information.
How to Avoid It: Always apply for visas through official government websites.
6. The Cruise Duck Scam
A seller offers to send you exclusive cruise-themed items if you just cover shipping. Once you pay, the items never arrive.
How to Avoid It: Never send money for unsolicited online offers.
7. The Fake Crew Member Scam
A scammer pretends to be ship staff and tries to lure you to their “family business,” where you’ll face high-pressure sales tactics.
How to Avoid It: Verify crew members by checking their badges and avoid following strangers to shops.
8. The Taxi Overcharge Scam
A taxi driver claims their meter is broken and charges an outrageous fare.
How to Avoid It: Use reputable taxi services or ride-share apps, and agree on a fare upfront.
9. Cruise Ponzi Schemes
Companies offer heavily discounted cruise deals in exchange for upfront payments, but the cruises never materialize.
How to Avoid It: Book only through reputable travel agents or directly through cruise lines.
10. Fake Docking Fees
You receive a call or email claiming you must pay an unexpected fee to keep your cruise booking.
How to Avoid It: Always verify with the cruise line directly through their official contact channels.
11. Early Boarding Fee Scam
You’re offered a “special” opportunity to change your boarding time for a fee—but it’s a scam.
How to Avoid It: Check with your cruise line to confirm legitimate boarding procedures.
12. Cabin Key Card Theft
Scammers steal unattended key cards and make unauthorized onboard purchases.
How to Avoid It: Always keep your key card secure and report missing cards immediately.
13. Too-Good-To-Be-True Cruise Deals
Social media ads promise heavily discounted cruises, but they turn out to be scams.
How to Avoid It: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always book directly through official channels.
14. Fake Cruise Customer Service Numbers
Scammers create fake customer service websites with phony phone numbers to steal your personal information.
How to Avoid It: Only use official cruise line websites for customer service contacts.
15. Hidden Fees for Onboard Activities
A supposed craft class or workshop turns out to have hidden fees, payable in cash or through suspicious apps.
How to Avoid It: Always verify onboard activities through the ship’s official guest services.
Final Thoughts
Cruising should be a fun and relaxing experience, but scammers are always lurking. The key to avoiding these scams is to stay informed and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind and keep your hard-earned money safe.
Did you find this article helpful? Share it with your fellow travelers and stay scam-free on your next cruise adventure.