My Worst Cruise Ever

[@CP140405]

I just yank the caller's chain by asking if they let registered sex-offenders travel aboard the ship... because if they do that's great, but I will have to clear it with my probation officer... is there a telephone number I can reach you at?

[@worldhello1234]

Sex-offenders are those who dare to stare to long at someone's boobs. :D

[@edg8535]

That was a great reply, however some would most likely try to work around it. Once received a phone call that I had won a Hawaii seven day vacation. What immediately came out of my mouth was "I do not like the sun" they didn't have a come back for that one on how to recover.

[@APolishPlayer]

Hey man :( don't do that if you submit info to be called though! If it's a unsolicited cold call go wild. But us travel agents work decently hard😂

[@karyndewit193]

That’s great!!

[@ilovelar]

I have always wondered what the scam is in those phone calls! Thank you so much for doing this research and putting yourself through the process! What a service to the rest of us! Thank you!!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

like the old saying goes I did it so you don't have too lol :)

[@TheMindfulMillennial12]

I have worked on 7 cruise ships and not one guest ever said they were there because they 'won a cruise' - I'm so sorry that happened to you!

[@maxboi1036]

Kristen Marie my mother won a cruise with Carnival. She won it because she plays at the Casino a lot........no joke

[@ChaseTerrier]

The only people that I know that "won" a free cruise either won it on a cruise ship or they had to lose a lot of money at a casino (example: I met a lady who "won" a free cruise on with NCL because she is a regular at Harrah's Casino).

[@pimentocheesesandwich3065]

Kristen we watch so many of the same channels ( and I am subscribed to you). Enjoy the snow today and make your video tomorrow😊

[@joanerdelyi4807]

A young couple we know won a trip around the world, some of it was a cruise and she won by entering a photo she took in a contest and won. Lucky young people had a month long amazing trip all for free.....yahoo

[@tonyhinojosa7710]

J.N.J. 704, your mom probably lost more than the equivalent of the normal cost of the cruise in order to "win" that cruise.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

I get them in the mail and throw them away in the trash! The first time I got one, I called the 800 # and they wanted my credit card # for a deposit so of course, I hung up on the guy.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

good job hate these scams

[@tonyhinojosa7710]

Anytime I get something saying I "won" something I discard it immediately.

[@ThePossumCatcher]

They call me all the time. I tell them I can't afford the free Cruise. :(

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

lol that's more true then not nice job

[@cheeseofdestiny9479]

Don that isn't funny

[@gjmob]

I tell them that I work at an Indian call centre.

[@derrickjohnson1938]

@Vip Keys what cruise

[@finchjones5433]

This was my first cruise it was terrible! We’re thankfully loyal to royal now so that should never happen again

[@deniscoakley7342]

Prayers that all goes well for your surgery. God bless you and be good to you.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Thank you so much Denis. I'll get through it :)

[@debcar573]

Hope your operation goes well! I hate those high pressured sales pitches. It reminds me of the South Park episode where the families get a free stay in a ski resort. It was hilarious but true.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

lol I remember that episode.

[@1Rancor1]

Thanks for taking one for the team. I never trusted these calls or fliers I received, but my wife keeps asking to try it. Now I have an answer.

[@ushadabycharun6153]

Sounds like a nightmare! I wouldn't even class it as a cruise!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

neither would I lol

[@kxp.1496]

Usha Dabycharun same ;)

[@suemcdaniel4778]

That was hilarious! I cracked up throughout the whole video! Won’t be jumping on that ship any time soon! Thanks for the heads up!

[@bc057]

Thanks for the video, that is a really bad waste of time. Wish you have a smooth operation. Take care!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you very much hopefully only 2 more to go

[@bridgetmurphyv]

Don's Family Vacations for this I have to say it was to good to be true

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

for sure, too many people fooled

[@eadecamp]

85 cruises?? YOU LUCKY STIFF!! It's the old saying "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." My husband is a commercial real estate paralegal. After a big time share sales pitch, he will rip them to shreds over all the hidden fees, costs for maintenance, escrow account, who REALLY owns the property, etc etc, the things a salesperson rather you not know until after you sign. He was escorted out of one place by security. Good luck on your surgery.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

yes I know more people who get into timeshares and quickly regret and hate being part of them

[@largol33t1]

Aimee, I'm sure they wound up kicking out half of the people at the meeting since he exposed their little scam.

[@darkstar5081]

Aimee Ward this guy Is incredibly lucky you’re right, I’ve been on 16 cruises and I’m only 14 so I’m kinda on the same cruise (see what I did there, I know it’s a crappy pun but whatever) also all the ones I’ve been on were Disney cruises so I’m a little more privileged

[@cruiseintowealth7770]

Very few people are willing to share their nightmare experiences like you just did. Love the transparency. Great lesson learned also.

[@monkfan72]

I always wondered what happened if a person followed through on that "free" cruise scam. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoy all of your videos. 😊

[@divox9pqr]

Don, I can totally empathize with you on this one. In 2013, I got bit by Caribbean Cruise Lines, and haven't taken the cruise yet, and it's now 2017. After booking the date to take cruise, the cruise agency kept stalling and delaying sending out the package materials. I was finally able to look at the itinerary in detail a month before the departure date. It would have been too complicated with the flight arrival, the timing of having to be at the airport to pick up the car, get to the hotel to get the discounted coupons, be present at the high pressure property presentations, and get to the multiple ship dockings on time. Not to mention nickel and dimming you to death in ways that even regular cruise outfits don't do. It was not going to be a stress free time. So, I asked for a refund. Lol...still waiting

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

So many get fooled by this at least I knew what I was getting into but a lot of people are turned off on cruising after this and it really is a shame.

[@BC-dm5bi]

OMG, as soon as you told us it was a converted ferry, I was dying...😅😂 🤣

[@largol33t1]

Nothing unusual. This happens a lot with cut-rate cruises. They quite frequently buy a very old ship and try their best to restore it or convert it and hope to make a few decent bucks after a year or two...

[@believerinchrist6391]

😂😂😂 I did that "cruise" last year...I didn't have to go through the sales pitch and didn't go to the resort, but yes it was terrible!

[@valerief1231]

Don, you are looking great, I sure hope you will be up to a cruise in the fall, no better cure for our spirit the salt water. Stay strong!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you Valerie. I can't wait to get back out there. hoping for around Christmas or January Alaska next year for sure as well

[@montyboswell6509]

I’ve gotten many of these “prizes” offered over the year. I’ve always believed “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!” It’s great that you put out this video. Lois 😂

[@msshell5374]

Thank you for this video Don! I have always said no to these calls and thrown the mail into the trash. I have been curious about them and after hearing what it was like know that we would have hated the experience.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

yes you would have.......and yes I did hate it too lol

[@Coronakenify]

Thanks for the heads up. Do these cautions also apply to the calls telling me that I won a lottery that I never heard of, LOL. Good luck with your surgeries. Be well

[@donneary7104]

I get this same free cruise phone call at least once a year. The last time the woman caller kept telling me how lucky I was to to win this wonderful prize. . I told her, " I have to decline the trip because I'm blind. But, since you're so excited about the cruise, I've decided to give it to you for yourself." I than followed that quickly by saying, "You don't have to thank me", and hung up.

[@ericleszkowicz898]

Love hearing these storeis :D. Sorry you had to endure it though.

[@bobbiedolick5318]

We enjoy your videos & prayers for a great outcome on your surgeries.

[@llchapman1234]

Thanks Don for reminding us that "If it looks too good to be true..."

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

always a good way to think

[@worldhello1234]

... it is a guy in drag.

[@wanderingtravels2488]

lol it's a wonder you didn't jump over board

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

lol it would have been a better trip if I did :)

[@dede.terrebonneterrebonne9914]

Prayers sent for your complete healing. Thanks for the info

[@erickaallen3690]

Love the channel, glad I stumbled onto you. You are very informative, non biased and well spoken. Even about the entitled prego Disney lady. Thanks for your time and efforts. Going on my fifth cruise in a couple years and enjoy researching the ins and outs for a better experience. Get well soon.

[@radiostarron]

Thanks for the video, always wondered about those cruises. You had lots of info, great review.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you so much beware of free things :)

[@bboorideau5253]

Thanks Don-I have been greatly enjoying your videos. Wishing you well,x

[@disineyfreakz9183]

nothing is ever free

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

so true

[@Mike1614YT]

and yet, Socialism is still being sold successfully

[@gingersutton8240]

Who ever said socialism was free? However, this is about a cruise.

[@acajudi100]

I threw their junk mail in the garbage.

[@tigerbaby8621]

Once you think about it.. Is air we breathe even free

[@loriwhitbord9860]

Thanks for sharing this experience ! I received a few such invites and always thought I might have missed out. You saved me🤗

[@bigd9848]

You learned a great lesson you get what you pay for I can't imagine.They could not pay me to go.Thanks for this video spread the word.You are a seasoned cruiser I love to cruise I have been on many not as many as you but about 32.I remember when I was young my parents took us on the big red boat it was premiere cruise line.We went twice looking back now it was ok but the cruise industry came a long way now.My favorite ship as of my last four cruises is the Norwegian Breakaway.I live in New York so it's convenient I'm going again in a few weeks.Enjoy your future cruises 🌴😎

[@John_Fugazzi]

I couldn't stop laughing when you got to the entertainment director singing showtunes! I recently discovered your travel videos and find them entertaining and very informative.

[@stitchtovictory5356]

As the old saying goes, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". Thanks for the advice, Don. You are an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to cruises!

[@mikev4089]

Hope your operation goes well. I enjoy your videos. Thanks for making them.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thanks Mike. glad you liked them. I'm sure they will it's not my 1st lol been a rough couple of years but it might be coming to an end soon then back to hitting the road :)

[@manonsinclairladyofblairad9675]

Wow, incredible! I've always been highly suspicious of those free cruises and you just confirmed it. If that would have been my first cruise, I don't think I would have cruised ever again! And 5 hours of grilling? That's tough!

[@tomblikre2501]

Thanks for taking a bullet and telling a good story! I get these mailings and calls all the time.

[@jlawrence0181]

I always knew it was a scam but never met anyone who fell for it. Thanks for the public service.

[@blancaw6280]

OMG! Sounds like terror on the high seas! I would have hijacked one of the life boats or commandeered one of the dinghys and rowed back to the shore, just to get off that hellish ship! I keep getting these calls constantly. I answer and its a ship horn blasting in my ear and a recording telling me I just hit the jackpot and am the winner of some fabulous cruise. Now I know my suspicions were totally right. It is nothing but a scam! Thanks for the confirmation!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

It was not fun lol

[@wuxipoo]

Amazing that you fell for this. This scam has been around for years. And they run similar ones in Orlando for timeshares as well. Best to throw out those cards.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

lol I didn't really fall for this I took this cruise so I could have video and photo's of how bad it was when my clients were asking for it. I knew this was not going to end well lol. and yes avoid all these timeshares at all costs they are not worth it.

[@balzirus]

Yeah I've heard of this they've been pulling this scam for years they were trying this with sell me packages back in 2006!!!

[@shannongorman6516]

Lol if its too good to be true..,,,run.....run.....run.....,theres always a catch

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

always lol

[@sharonristau2475]

Yes but why do seniors not make a judgement and find out how other seniors want to spend their retirement. A lot of seniors suffer in America and they could have beautiful apartments and live like they were in America but in other countries. Your money last longer and no one is raising your taxes. We worked for our money and we want to spend it on us. Health care very reasonable and I have been here 8 yrs. good years.

[@barbarawarner1442]

What a Mmmmooooooving experience! Not! Can anyone say marine version of a cattle car??

[@phyllismontoroula6454]

Thank you for letting us know about scams

[@mickfrance1973]

don has a background probably hinting at what you really should be aiming for, a balcony and the open sea xx

[@millsykooksy4863]

Hugs Mike, I hope your surgery goes well

[@marvinwashington7810]

I learned a very big truth years ago - there is no such thing as 'FREE'

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

sometimes free costs you more :)

[@sharis3541]

Marvin Washington If it sounds too good to be true-it usually is : (

[@worldhello1234]

Off course their is, free like in free of charge.

[@donjonlon2909]

thanks don lots of people need to hear these pearls of wisdom oh and god bless you and yours.thanks really from the bottom of my heart .unfortunately yes there are hustlers and scammers in this cup of soup :(

[@Matt-tx1tc]

That music in your intro! When i was in KL it plays constantly in the in train station. i will never ever forget that song.... haha

[@ihavecancer2657]

wow this sounds horrible

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

lol it was

[@spoonerpurple]

i just started watching your videos ...im enjoying them very much..thank you ..you have such a wealth of information..

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you very much Jennie glad you like them

[@diamondvall101]

Where did the ship go? A patch of island 🌴 with a coconut tree lol

[@chanroobi7460]

Don- I subscribed to your channel and have been watching your videos (which are wonderful), anyway, I truly hope that you are okay, now. I know this video is over 2 years old, but I do hope you're much better now.

[@claudianowakowski]

Sounds like the ship that used to run between Portland, Maine and Nova Scotia. Prince of Fundy. Went on it in late 90s.

[@gailabert7976]

Wow, Don, I get those phone calls all the time but always hang up. Now I know what is actually on the other end. Thanks for being the guinea pig so you could tell us all....you are a brave soul!......Hope all goes well with your surgeries. Pleae let us know, ok? BTW, I am an RN (retired finally now!) so I really can understand what you have been going through medically. Take care and get well fast!!!! :-)

[@lincolnhudgens3007]

They do the same scam in Branson, mo. Have to sit thru a 3 hour sales pitch for tickets to one of the dinner theatres. Wasted a hour signing up for one only to be told we didn't qualify because they had done a seminar 50 miles from our home within the last year

[@gb9903]

Thanks for doing this for everyone else. I would have never done this once I heard the word time share. 😢

[@eddieschneider6578]

I hope and pray that your surgeries go well. I just had hernia surgery so I'm on the mend

[@cutnpaper6831]

Thanks for the info... I knew something was off about these offers...Glad I didn't jump! :-)

[@jptraveladventures]

Thanks for the heads up. I will be vary of this scam

[@maryriley6163]

I really feel bad for you. My late husband dragged me to a time share thing one time and it was the most useless and boring thing I ever attended. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience.

[@Artistmouse]

Funny enough, I just received one of these "you've won a free cruise for two" notifications in the mail last week. Not only did it seem too good to be true considering it wasn't from one of the cruise lines that I've been on before nor did I enter a contest to win one, but for three days, it wasn't worth the effort for me to find a sitter for my two kids, take the time off of work and fly down there. I heaved that rubbish in the bin right away . . . well, I recycled it. ;-) Appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experience to better help inform us.

[@loriwhitbord9860]

In the middle of the Pandemic?

[@druegillis1744]

You get what you pay for. Or NOT! Thanks for the warning. We have been sucked into a cheap stay before a cruise which turned out to be a time share scam. PS- We did not buy!

[@silverbubbles4728]

Thanks for letting everyone know about these scammers. It should be illegal with what they do.

[@jasonb7543]

I've seen this. really glad I never called after watching this video thanks Don

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

be glad you never did

[@ctbednar]

Your lido picture was from the Grand Celebration (The Old carnival celebration), your trip was on the Bahamas celebration (which was the old Prinsesse Ragnhild), which ran aground in 2014.

[@Kamelhaj]

Thanks! I get these solicitations all the time. I never take them seriously.

[@chocobo3847]

Not saying I would try this, but my sense of humor might be strong enough to make it through. Awful experience, but it made for a great/hilarious story. Great video!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Thank you very much Christina :) I have a good sense of humor too lol

[@attitudekid745]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Cruislings be aware there are timeshares out there which promote on top of their holiday stays also "buy one, get one free cruises" which is pretty much a rip off. you will not be able to get just any cruise matched you are interested in and if they do, you might end up saving 200 Dollars or so. which is a high price to pay for your initial investment of many thousands of Dollars. There are always cheap cruises available if one is reasonable flexible.

[@grand_vacation]

I've done my research on this. They're called Bahamas Celebration Cruise Line. The old Bahamas Paradise ferry ship was in an accident and scrapped. Then BCCL acquired the old Carnival Celebration and renamed it Grand Celebration. I would go on this cruise only because it used to be the old Carnival Celebration and it's got a nice history.

[@deaconandrewkingtheinspira762]

Dude.....they got you real good. I'm that you went through that mess.

[@phyllismontoroula6454]

I'm have a learning disabilty my parents always about scams You are great man You tell us a lot of information

[@violetwilliams8926]

I often wondered how does cruise worked thanks for the info.

[@thebeardedrailfan]

I've never taken a cruise, and have never really even considered going on a cruise. I'm a pretty big introvert and don't do crowds very well. So I figured I wouldn't enjoy it, but man I tell you the whole time you were talking. I was watching that background. It was so relaxing. I think I could very easily spend the bulk of the cruise on that balcony LOL.

[@kayhawkins5925]

I am an introvert as well. Went on three Holland cruises and enjoyed them all. Spent time on my balcony, walked the deck for exercise. Most people are old folks polite and helpful no kids or obnoxious teenagers. No problem just went thru the buffet selected my food and ate in my room. They have TV and movies in the room. I had room service for breakfast or any other meal if wanted. In the ports I followed others to the Sandy beach and got there early to get a lounge seat before the maddening crowds showed up. You can spend your entire cruise as much alone as needed. Never took the excursions as meant being too close for comfort, over price and over rated anyway. Swimming with the dolphins a small pool was one excursion. People lined up to spent a few minutes with the Dolphin and could wait in line a long time. Not worth it. Also the entertainment I went to I could slip into the back row unseen and alone to watch the shows like magicians, comedy, and a dance show. No one bothers you and minds their own business.

[@shortstuff2700]

with a last name like murphy. ..all this could happen to me for sure. ..lol. .thx for the great info!!! hope you get to feeling better so you can go for the cruise in Dec! !

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you Wendy I had a best friend who's last name was Murphy and that was always our running joke :)

[@kristiewong8444]

great info thanks. i do cruise with royal caribbean and NCL, so was glad to get this info.

[@kristiewong8444]

i don't know why this came up as kristie wong. i am not kristie wong.

[@Dxplora5000]

It sounds like a hostage situation.

[@yellowstone2964]

I live in Ft. Lauderdale,they used to have the Sea Escape,same type of ship doing overnights to Bahamas,absolute nightmare !!!!

[@kenleachman5476]

so true what on that cruise totally sucked week after I got off the boat the boat sank found out they bought one of Carnival's old cruise ships

[@garysmale9791]

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, thanks Don we lost our cruise due to the virus problem, it was over in Europe for the river crouse, perhaps we will try again someday,

[@alisonherdman4146]

Have been to a few Time Share Scams, they get just NASTY when you don't sign.....It's almost Entertaining!!!

[@brownsense1]

Hey Don, Love the videos. New subscriber. You should do a video on how to pocket your passport while on a cruise. Like if there's a wallet or something we should be looking at buying. Should we carry it around with us on the cruise ship. Etc.

[@harpsha6]

Can you please do a video with actual costs for cruises? We are a family thinking about cruising for the first time, and, thanks to this video, we know to not accept the "free" cruise, yet we want to know what the costs will look like for a family of 4. We are "babies", so to speak, looking for a way to gently enter the world of cruising as our vacation alternative. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!!!

[@matiasscr3643]

That happens when you see a pop up in your mail saying “You won a free cruise” and is only an spam that wants to rob you or they send you a supposed cruise in Symphony of the seas and ended being an second class line that wanted to scam you with time shares sales pitch and putting you in an old ferry or an very old cruise being attempted to be refit as moder cruise ships

[@taurus-astrobike104]

Thankyou FOR ur frankness & honesty... U saved me FROM my FIRST cruise of disasters... Because I DID get a free cruise offer LIKE you've stated.. 😲 OMFUGGINGAWD

[@buonafortuna8928]

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

[@BartendressTwin]

Wow, Don That was an horrible experience. But everyone knows "Everything Free aint good!"

[@tjflash60]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Well wishes.

[@nanajodi201]

Oh good grief! I have only run into this one and I consider that to be very lucky now! What a racket!

[@IndyGuy65]

Thanks for the warning sorry you got talked into that cruise. Sounds miserable. In Vegas time share people will try and talk you into their "seminar" They will say anything to get you into the room. I just say hell no, Im hear to party not listen to somebody preach about a condo! LOL

[@dennywordkiller4253]

Good review on the time share switcheroo but it should have been noted that the ship in question hasn't sailed since October 31st, 2014 and that it was eventually sold for scrap after striking an object which seriously damaged it. Also, the images of the pool and main theater are from the ship that replaced it in 2015 (the old Carnival Celebration, now Grand Celebration purchased from Costa). Still not a state-of-the-art ship but a significant upgrade from the old ferry with actual rooms and facilities familiar to most cruisers since it was built as a cruise ship and sailed for Carnival for 30 years (Carnival, Ibero and then Costa). Time share companies purchase cruises and then 'give' them away and we've been called a number of times after 'winning' NCL, Carnival and Royal cruises. If it sounds too good to be true it often is.

[@JennyWinters]

Are you well in this video. As a nurse you look like you aren't feeling well. I hope you get better soon. Much love to you.

[@planedudea380]

The ferry one is no longer in service, it's now the old Carnival Celebration and apparently is better

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

yes they changed it out about 2 years ago. I have not been on it since but I can't imagine it being worse. I hear the food is still bad and you still have to do timeshare meetings so the ship might be a little nicer but I would still stay away

[@jonolson5397]

don you're a fucking moron

[@jolain76]

@@Donsfamilyvacations actually I went last week on the relief cruise, rooms were clean, staff was awesome and food was great. It's the Grand Celebration.

[@arlysveen7774]

We won a free 3 day trip to San Francisco which was, surprisingly free, even airfare. However, we arrived in SF at 8 pm, had one day and had to be picked up for the airport on the 3rd day at 6am!! Nice 3 day cruise!

[@gemsr9439]

Yep been there done that we payed for a window room and the ac was bad and we were told 2 keep the shads closed after paying 2 have that window same cruise line

[@sheismymom]

Get well soon Don

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you very much Halsey I will :)

[@stirgy4312]

It probably would have been okay for me. I enjoyed sleeping under the stars on the ferry from Italy to Greece. But I was twenty-two at the time!

[@justaperson2687]

Dont book a cruise without completely healing from surgery! Travel insurance wont cover it! Mine did but only because I bought a "cancel for any reason" package. So either buy that policy or wait to book a cruise until after you're fully healed! Best of luck :)

[@daricej9753]

In the early 2000's I "won" a cruise to the Bahamas with 3 nights at a resort. The resort was pretty but nothing was included the ship that took us was small and I was so sea sick. Had to pay for a cabin and they charged us $99 each to leave a day early. I think it was called Discovery Cruise or something. Our free cruise that we thought we would use for our honey moon costs us Over $600 in taxes & fuel fees, food, cabin, etc.