Scams Cruisers Are Falling For BEFORE Even Leaving Home

I look at scams playing on cruise lovers eagerness to cruise right now, like my friend Helen, who almost fell for one of the four scams very active now catching cruise passengers while at home thinking or planning a cruise. This is the first of a two-part series about scams targeting cruise passengers right now, the other looks at scams in cruise ports
Links mentioned in the video:
* CruiseMummy.co.uk: www.cruisemummy.co.uk/win-a-c...
* TravelScoop.co.uk travelscoop.co.uk/explore/cru...
* ThePrizeFinder.com www.theprizefinder.com/popula...
* ShouldBeCruising.com shouldbecruising.com/2020/08/...
* LiveAbout.com www.liveabout.com/cruise-swee...
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ABOUT TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS: If you want to get cruising right, Tips For Travellers makes it easy to plan and have the incredible cruise experiences you dream of every time. All my Tips For Travellers advice, tips and tricks tips draw on everything that I have learnt on the 101 cruises I have done to date.
#cruisetips #CruisingTips #cruisetipsandtricks
00:00 Start
00:30 "free" cruise scam tricks
05:18 Cruise Ship crew scammers
09:19 Pre- & Post-cruise booking scams
11:00 My scams !!

[@vzkmqz]

This is the reason Gary is king of the cruise vloggers. He is always professional without any sensationalism or hyperbole; just well formulated information. Keep up the good work!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks :-)

[@rhondastevens2773]

​@@tipsfortravellers 😢😮😮😮😅

[@w3ndi973]

This is the reason I don’t have social media. Great information though for those who do

[@sandraoettle1476]

He's like the Walter Cronkite of cruise vloggers!

[@TheZackofSpades]

I’m always so sad hearing about operations like these scams…the desire of humans to cheat/steal/harm other humans is truly bottomless

[@Rumline7]

💯

[@edwardhiler3455]

I think the old adage, “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is” applies here.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Yes! A good rule to live by 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@abigailgerlach5443]

I've been offered the same sort of "prizes" for a week at a resort. As you say, it was a time share scam. I caught it in time. I follow the old adage, if someone offers you something for free...don't believe it!

[@timkellyD2R]

Great coverage, Gary. The scams have become very sophisticated and nuanced, so much so, that even veteran travelers who can usually sense a scam are being roped in. In their infancy these scams were obvious and awkward. Not anymore.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching. Yes, things are getting more clever and I suspect as AI develops the ability to mimic people in audio and video will make it even more challenging.....

[@halpen]

​@Tips For Travellers That is a great point. Terrifying!

[@Mindsi]

I sense leonardo de caprio film coming on😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@paulwrightwa]

@@Mindsi😅

[@damascus6478]

Nobody gives away something for nothing, never, ever fall for this. Once they start trying to get money, hang up. Also noticed the email purportedly from Delta. They are, I believe, the only ones who spell Airlines as Air Lines. If your email says "Delta Airlines", it's bogus.

[@mea3665]

Actually that's not true I won a free trip to Mexico on a radio station give away. Yes it was free airfair and 4 nights in a hotel

[@alex182618]

-Have you seen any sharks? -Yes, they tried to sell me a drinking package.

[@lesleybenson8794]

This happened last week while we were on a boat trip around Miami. A number of our coach party did fill in the form to enter the ‘ competition’. A lady’s name of our coach was called out as a winner. This scam has surprised me as we were on a organised excursion from the ship. I through the ship would monitor things like this.

[@chriswilliams6568]

They do, but folk have to report it. Cruise line monitors cannot be on every excursion.

[@jeffreywagner5234]

THANKS, GARY!!! Wow, we have to be vigilant with all these scammers! 🚢🚢

[@swisstroll3]

One of my best defenses is this: If it seems too good to be true, it is false. While there may be an exception, the chances are so small that you should just pass them up.

[@Marshal_Dunnik]

There’s no such thing as a free lunch. If a stranger offers you a free lunch and you don’t think to ask, “What’s the catch?” then now would be a good time to start.

[@seanmahoney1077]

And here is another warning. Do not get too friendly with the service staff on a ship. They smile and are helpful and friendly because they are paid to be so. They don't really care about you, are not your friend and after you leave they have forgotten you. That's as it should be. However, if you have given a phone number or address back home to the staff, be perpared for a never ending littany of woes that they need help with.

[@gratefultube]

Frightening. Thank you, Gary, for helping us stay safe.

[@Elaines-travels]

Another good tip, if you get an email, tap the email address of the sender, fake accounts will never match the companies they are pretending to be from. This works for all scam emails

[@ros8986]

not necessarily - I had a fake email where the address did show the company.

[@jerrygallant7207]

If you have a good travel agent ,do everything through them .ALot less headaches

[@neutrino78x]

Gary, hugely important video! It's not just "old people" who get scammed, either! I myself fell for a scam, and I am only 45. I was SO PISSED OFF when I realized what had happened. It was less than 2000 USD, luckily I found out was going on before I sent more....and I make more than that per month, but it's the principle of the matter, you know?? Argh I was SO angry. But nothing you can do at that point except stop sending them money, and report it to the FBI (or the equivalent in UK etc). It's easy for people to say "oh that would never happen to me" but I'm sitting here as a guy with decades of experience online -- I've been chatting online in one form or another since 1987, when I was 9 --who managed to fall for someone acting like that they were someone they were not, and befriending me over a period of months, and tricking me into sending them money! So, just reminding people out there, it can happen to you as well! BE VIGILANT!! 🙂

[@kendallbird]

I have been following you since 2018. I was researching cruising in anticipation of my first cruise sailing. This report is mind blowing!!! Just when you think you have been so careful about avoiding scam artists, you introduce us to a new string of horrifically cleaver ways for these criminals to separate us from our hard earned money. As always, your reporting is informative and valuable. Thank you very much for the very important work you do to keep us safe. Cheers!!!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thank for watching for so long!!!!

[@nnajj01]

I use the same caution on vacation/Holiday as I do at home. Then again people look at me and leave me alone.

[@ModernMyths]

One of the easiest ways to find out if a "Free Cruise" is a scam or not. Is simply go call the main cruise line. It is annoying and does take a little bit of time. But It's the best way to find out if something is real or not. I got on free cruises all the time, mostly cause I gambled on the ships XD. But I always make sure if the offers are real or not if I'm interested in them. But a funny story with the Time Share Scam your friend got caught up with. My dad got one of those and invited me to go with him. Even though I told him it was a scam. We go to it and they were friendly, and helpful and kind. Talking to everyone about the cruises and such. But then they found out I'm an experienced cruiser that's been on a bunch of them. Suddenly they completely ignored me, they stayed away from me, and just was cold to me. It was pretty blatant they were scammers. XD At the end I tried to talk to them about cruising and such (As a joke) and they just pretended I wasn't there. Which made everyone else suspicious XD

[@sdega315]

This is great info, Gary! Thanks for keeping us informed.

[@sl4193]

Thank you, Gary. So good to be warned about the latest cruise scams.

[@karenreilly9425]

Don't use a pre-paid credit card for anything. The scammers get you to buy the pre-paid card for lots of money for a good deal but the pre-paids don't have the same protection as a legitimate card so you will lose your money.

[@mollymcdonagh75]

Biggest scammers can be the cruise lines themselves! P&O for example, offer you lots of onboard credit for a markup when booking, but you then find out you can only use it on things you book when you’re onboard. These days lots of stuff (excursions, restaurant bookings) is sold out before even boarding, so you can’t use your onboard credit for things you actually want to… but you’ve already paid for it by the time you learn that

[@chriswilliams6568]

Well find out earlier, get it in writing on your invoice. Shipboard credit (SBC) is just that, credit to be used onboard. Celebrity Cruises will allow you to use it to pre book your shore excursions and speciality restaurants though.

[@tuvia4082]

Great info as usual Gary, keep up the great work.

[@dellnichols4625]

Great info, Gary! Unfortunately the scammers are often a few steps ahead of us. How sad that many people have no qualms regarding cheating.

[@arfriedman4577]

Glad you're letting people know of these scams. I hope they get the information first so they don't get scammed.

[@yourworldwithbill9096]

Thanks for another really useful video. The lengths and sophisticated methods that scammer find are pretty remarkable. It's hard to keep up!

[@fosteringleaders9872]

Thank you so much for this video. Caribbean islands unfortunately have lots of scams in the timeshares where they offer free stays for listening to a presentation and people on cruises have lost their precious few hours trapped in a room and like you said, the hurdles you have to overcome to claim such prize are costly and certainly not worth it (taxes, airfare to the island).

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Thanks for the helpful information Gary. Some of it I could’ve guessed, but I didn’t realize how prevalent it was. !! Sorry that this happened to you.

[@ZephyrLily-ry1el]

Wow, never knew about these scams…a good rule of thumb is: nothing is free! And if a deal is too good to be true, it probably is! Do your homework/research 😉 stay skeptical ❤ Thank you, Gary!

[@user-um6xl4kt5y]

Gary, you rule! We cruise in 26 days. You said start to check for cabin upgrades closer to sail time. We snagged a sweet deal today because of your advice. Thank you dear.

[@clbert7460]

Really great tips! Even the most savvy people can be scammed. You’ve given us even more to watch out for. Happy Cruising, all!

[@phaedoncouniniotis2183]

Thank you Gary very educational and important! Highly appreciated

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching 👍🏻👍🏻

[@edmorris7482]

Great post, Gary. Keep up the good work.

[@kathywest7205]

Thanks Gary! Great info as usual!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching :-) Great to hear!

[@lesleywaghorn1627]

Thanks, Gary. The extent of it is mind-blowing!

[@tipsfortravellers]

yes 100%!!!!!

[@TheBashfulScambaiter]

Thanks so much for sharing this valuable information. I work with a worldwide group of people (known as scambaiters) who try to help spread awareness about scams of all kinds, and this video really helps to educate others!!

[@SD-cj8sp]

Great information Thank you Nothing is ever truly free"

[@PaulCashman]

That was even more informative than normal for Gary...and that's saying a lot.

[@janiekcarney5482]

Thank you for these ideas.

[@glendahill]

excellent video as usual

[@natalieb2858]

Thank you for this important information.

[@Michael-Bennett]

Thanks for all this great information, Gary. Your videos are the best!!!

[@suerobinson844]

Thanks for exposing the scammers. If something is to good to be true then it is.

[@kylamason7752]

Thank you!! Really informative 👍

[@docsmctink]

Important information…thx so much! We appreciate you so much!

[@antoniotula262]

As soon as people realize that nothing is free, your chances of being scammed get cut in half. If you stay away from social media offers, then it drops even more.

[@janebeville7446]

Thanks for the warning! I tend to be very suspicious, but some of these were surprising!

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Thank you Gary. Much appreciated. All the best from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@clarefriend1376]

Fantastic video. Thanks

[@ChrisTheDBA]

Some lesser-stake scammers join cruise groups and sell t-shirts and whatever...still a scam to get your info and credit card, and bank accounts.

[@howardosden3112]

Having retired from working in Consumer Protection for over 35 years, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 👍

[@sent7127]

Thanks, Gary!. We should all remember the old adage: If it sound too good to be true, it probably is.

[@crimlarksSteve]

Great video, Gary! Seems there are always scammers looking to separate you from your money.

[@amandabrown7043]

This is an amazing and incredibly useful video. Thank you.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marilynnkadan7948]

Wow i so glad i looked back to see what i missed last few days! Saw Scams. Whar a big review. Thanks much for your full covage. Glad i haven't seen any though now i aware. Tks again

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@roberthicks2191]

We received a “free” cruise offer from a major line last fall by email. I thought it was a scam, but after calling the cruise line’s main reservation line with the promotion code it turned out to be indeed a legitimate “free” cruise. In this case it was a free inside cabin base fare, with taxes and fees extra plus a requirement for minimum onboard spending. So, was it free? Not exactly - it was a really, really good deal for us. It was an excellent cruise that we had this spring. Why did we get the “freebie”? We suspect that it was in part through our standing with the cruise loyalty program, part to fill out some particular cruises which might not have been selling well, and maybe just random good luck.

[@maurinet2291]

I've heard of Carnival offering free cruises to reward patrons of their casino. Some were surprised because they didn't spend that much, but those free cruises appear to be legit.

[@RandomTheresa]

@@maurinet2291 It's CAS with NCL, we get them frequently. Definitely left.

[@lauriemoser4208]

Well what was the total spent on the ship and total on other travel expenses. Designed to create brand loyalty I think as well as your reasons

[@lokicooper4690]

Prime example of “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

[@karenjensen2345]

Great video!!!

[@williamwagner7959]

Always call the cruise line and mention the low price, offer, and who is providing it. They are very honest about if it is real or not and can advise if it is a scam. It also gives the line a chance to shut down scams and protect others.

[@elainewhitmore787]

Very informative…thank you

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

The clone scammers are all over the net. It is shocking. Thank you for the video.

[@daver1787]

very good....very helpful and everyone should take heed

[@Fabio_Qc]

I realy like your contents ... you go right to the point and I like your many tips... thanks from Canada

[@donb2480]

Great info…. Thanks

[@biohazard66gaming53]

Thank you for telling me about the scams

[@dakg8034]

Thank you, Gary, for your tips on these scams, although I doubt very much that I could be a victim of the scams you outlined. This is because I have a policy where I reject anything of significant value that is being offered for free or being offered at a significantly lower price. Additionally, I only use Expedia to book my (landed) vacations and cruises, even though there are other genuine agencies online. Bargains and offers from others simply do not entice me, regardless of how authentic and reputable they be. And it's nothing against them per se; it's just that I find handling my travel needs this way makes my life simpler and it significantly reduces my exposure and risk to unscrupulous people. As for surveys, I don't do surveys except for the ones sent to me by the hospital clinic after each medical appointment. With the sophistication of today's scammers, I take no chance no matter how good it sounds.

[@sandybruce9092]

I’m with you!

[@Merlinda107]

Great video! I'm attuned to scammers as I was always trying to get my father out of one. So many friends on facebook share the 'free competition' and I feel bad for a moment when I have to point out it is a scam site. And the number of single men who want to friend me from a comment I've left on a random site ...

[@charpnatl]

Valueable information!

[@dogzdad123]

Gary: Thanks for the heads-up on these scams. A local (native American) casino here in N. California mailed out a flyer/postcard promoting a “Free” Princess cruise. The “selected destinations” were limited. The staterooms were in the bowels of the ship. My neighbor took the bait. I did not. “There’s no such thing as a free lunch”. If this is legit, I suppose that once you’re checked in and boarded, Princess will do their best effort to pick you up by the shoes and hang you upside down. Then start shaking you to see how much money falls our of your pockets? Your thoughts?

[@VoiceoverMomentum]

Very helpful!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mapuc]

I say use your local travel agency or known cruise agencies on the web in your country

[@maureendwyer3547]

Thank you!

[@sofienummers]

Thank you for making a video about! Especially when it comes to cruising, bc in general its still an older public and sadly they do get scammed easier bc they are sometimes less experienced with today's technology! But scammers and the tricks are getting sneakier every day; we all need to be cautious!

[@margraine]

Great info, Gary! I don't see a link to the video you mention at the end of the video regarding scams in port.

[@ros8986]

What is not necessarily a scam is getting discounts on cruises from cruise booking agents - while my experience was 25 years ago working for a cruise/travel agency (not as an agent) - the agents would often discount the cruise price (taking lower commission) in order to make the sale (as 5% or 10% was better than no %).

[@sandybruce9092]

The word “free”should be the first warning! Some of these scams sound like those in years past for timeshares “talks” 😢which I went to one- and said hell no!

[@shecrazyhorse3122]

Thanks for Sharing ❤ 🥀 😎

[@margaretthompson6391]

I can see the recent uptake in ai assisted productions resulting in more scams.

[@Marcus51090]

I honestly don’t know how people fall for these

[@PowderPuff_]

Me either🙄

[@williamwagner7959]

Lets not forget the Timeshare sales with a bait and switch. I feel for that and lost $1700. Run away from any resort ads.

[@allanfifield8256]

Repeat after me: There is no such thing as a Free Lunch.

[@bryantsteury8910]

The bad thing about the time shares is it's often run by unscrupulous people, and they DO "give" you a cruise so some people weirdly don't think of it as a scam. The only time they're worth it (sorta kinda) is if you don't mind saying "no" a million times to these people up front and then have nothing to do which allows you to operate within their restrictions for which cruise you can actually go on. If I were retired and 60+ years old, with a fair amount of disposable income, it'd be a reasonable way to get a free trip I suppose. 3 nights starting on a Monday leaving out of Miami but I live near Orlando, and only in December? Fine. I got nowhere to be. But short of that EXTRAORDINARY type of situation it's complete nonsense

[@tpiety]

I went to one of those things to get a free night in a hotel, was run by Hilton Hotels for their time share product. I thought all I would have to do is keep saying “no” but it was SO unpleasant, (several hours!) that I have to say I can’t imagine a situation in which it would be worth it.

[@derekh5340]

Thank you

[@michaelc8651]

And then there's the onboard crew scams like the towel folding book appearing on my onboard account, and additional tips I never gave for drinks.

[@redhatbear1135]

The free cruises we see are on unknown ships and require you sit through a timeshare presentation. Those happen on land too. And yes, the dates are awful! On land we’ve seen several for camping but they are always pushing beaches which aren’t my thing!

[@LOrealHardly]

I know you'll not believe me but there are people who "buy" stuff from ads on Facebook, I kid you not!

[@et8138]

Mahalo, you are always so helpful and interesting. I know you've been on a lot of cruises, but curious to know exactly how many cruises have you bee on in your awesome lifetime? (I'm so jealous :-)

[@lauriestrong9972]

😂😂😂 You’re so clear about being in a long term relationship!

[@AI_MIT_71]

Always keep in mind “There is no free lunch” or “Too good to be true”. Every time I see something free or….I delete it without hesitating. Any business is to make money, not a charity organization.

[@kimpulsipher647]

This is the timeshare people who move over to cruise scam vacations.

[@lisaa8795]

There was a scam like this making the rounds in Germany a couple of years ago - but the scammers were using chain grocery stores, also filling out a survey, to lure you into getting a "free" iphone.

[@paulgerrard9227]

One scam can be a half day trip. Some are 90mins. And the perpetrator is the cruiseline. Beware of gem scams. Eg tanzanite, pearls etc. Onboard its watches handbags art and jewellery

[@lokicooper4690]

I’ve had those comments (I have a prize for you!) replying to my comment on almost every channel I watch. They are so prevalent. I’ve been reporting them (even those on other people’s comments, not just my own), but it’s exhausting. Thanks for bringing the other scams to light. Hadn’t heard they have been copying crew members. Somehow, I’m not shocked…

[@rumaki7543]

Thank you for all the helpful information! I'm actually going on my first cruise later this month and have been watching many of your videos to prepare. I wanted to follow up and watch the port scams video, but unfortunately for me, I didn't see it pop up where you were pointing. Could I please get the link to that video? Thank you so much!

[@chriswilliams6568]

Yes when bloggers say that, it never is shown on my screen either.

[@Unazaki]

This is a great video and covers a lot of aspects, especially those who are looking for great deals for cruises. But I am curious to ask though, what about scams that target cruisers who go for premium or luxury cruises? Some of the things mentioned here seem to rely on cruisers that are targeting cheaper, mass market lines like Carnival. But there are those who are fortunate enough to be able to and want to target only lines like Azamara or Regent. Lines like Carnival are simply a turn off for them. How do scammers target these cruisers given that they're not really looking out for a great deal but are looking more for the prestige and exclusivity?

[@southwestjohnny7767]

If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Words to live by.

[@JoeFrohlich]

You can book your flights and hotel through your cruise line.

[@YG-fo5rl]

Nothing is free in this world. If they are be ready for the catch.

[@noxproductions6851]

Yes definitely use a reputable travel agency when booking a cruise, most of which are either owned or partners with the agency I work for. Which is the largest cruise travel agency in the world

[@RL-jd2lr]

Thanks for the tips Gary. FYI, LiveAbout has not updated their sweepstakes entry page since Nov. 2022. Not a good recommendation.