Watch Out for These Sneaky Cruise Ship Scams!

Going on a cruise can be super fun and exciting! You get to visit new places, enjoy the ocean, and have a great time with friends and family. But, just like anywhere else, there are some sneaky people out there who might try to trick you. Here are some common cruise ship scams to watch out for when you go on vacation.

Free Charm Enticements and New Cruise Friend Scams

Imagine you’re walking around a port and a store offers you a free charm or a cool product. Sounds awesome, right? But be careful! Sometimes, these “free” items are just a trick to get you into the store so you’ll buy more stuff. Also, be cautious about accepting friend requests on social media from people you don’t know. They might seem friendly at first, but later they could ask you for money. It’s always best to be careful and only accept friend requests from people you actually know.

Illegal Taxi/Uber Driver Solicitations

When you get off the ship at a port, you might need a ride to explore the area. Some people might come up to you and say they’re taxi drivers or Uber drivers. They might even show you the Uber logo on their phone. But guess what? They might not be real Uber drivers at all! To stay safe, always use the official Uber app to book your rides. This way, you know you’re getting a legitimate driver.

The ‘Bump and Break’ Scam

This one happens in souvenir shops. Imagine you’re looking at some cool figurines, and suddenly someone bumps into you or your little sibling, causing you to knock over an expensive item. The shopkeeper then demands that you pay for it, and they might even threaten to call security if you don’t. In some extreme cases, they might even threaten to take something valuable from you, like your phone or even a family member! It’s a scary situation, so always be careful in crowded shops and try to keep your distance from fragile items.

The Cruise Deck Fee Scam

Scammers sometimes post fake phone numbers online, pretending to be from the cruise line. If you call these numbers, they’ll tell you that you owe a “cruise deck fee” of around $294. They’ll ask for your booking details and payment information. But here’s the thing: there is no such fee! Always make sure you’re calling the official cruise line number, which you can find on their official website.

The ‘Sip and Paint’ and Cruise Raffle Scams

These scams usually happen on Facebook. Fake profiles join cruise groups and offer fun events like a “sip and paint” session or a raffle. They ask for upfront payments, but guess what? These events don’t actually exist! The scammers just take your money and disappear. Group admins are getting better at spotting these scams, but it’s always good to be cautious. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This is one of the most common cruise ship scams these days.

Fake Online Accounts and Impersonations

Be careful of fake accounts pretending to be famous cruise personalities. They might offer you prizes or ask you to contact them through other messaging apps. These are just tricks to get your personal information or money. Always double-check if an account is real before interacting with it.

Tips to Stay Safe

Be Skeptical of Freebies: If someone offers you something for free, think twice before accepting it.
Use Official Apps: For rides and bookings, always use official apps like Uber or the cruise line’s app.
Keep Your Distance: In crowded places, be mindful of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from fragile items.
Verify Phone Numbers: Always get contact numbers from official websites.
Be Cautious Online: Don’t trust everything you see on social media. Verify events and profiles before engaging.

In addition to keeping an eye for cruise ship scams, here are some tips to know when going on a cruise:

General Safety Tips

Stay Informed: Attend the safety drill at the beginning of the cruise. It might seem boring, but it’s super important to know what to do in case of an emergency.
Keep Valuables Secure: Use the safe in your cabin to store valuables like passports, money, and jewelry. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Stay Connected: Make sure you have a way to contact your family or friends on the ship. Walkie-talkies or cruise line apps can be handy for this.
Know Your Surroundings: Familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout. Know where the exits, lifeboats, and muster stations are located.

Health and Hygiene

Wash Your Hands: Cruise ships can be breeding grounds for germs. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re spending time in the sun.
Watch What You Eat: Be cautious with food, especially at buffets. Make sure food is properly cooked and avoid anything that looks questionable.

Shore Excursions

Stick to Group Tours: When exploring ports, it’s safer to join group tours organized by the cruise line. They are usually vetted and safer.
Keep Essentials with You: Carry a small bag with essentials like sunscreen, a hat, water, and a copy of your passport.
Be Back on Time: Always return to the ship well before the departure time. The ship won’t wait for late passengers!

Personal Safety

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation.
Stay Sober: While it’s fun to enjoy a drink or two, it’s important to stay in control and be aware of your surroundings.
Buddy System: Always stick with a friend or family member, especially when exploring new places.

Digital Safety

Use Secure Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Use the ship’s secure network or a VPN.
Be Cautious Online: Don’t share your cabin number or personal details on social media. Scammers can use this information against you.
Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity.

Emergency Preparedness

Know Emergency Numbers: Have the ship’s emergency contact numbers saved in your phone.
Pack a Small Emergency Kit: Include items like a flashlight, basic first aid supplies, and any necessary medications.
Stay Calm: In case of an emergency, stay calm and follow the crew’s instructions. They are trained to handle these situations.

Conclusion

Cruises are a fantastic way to see the world and have fun, but it’s important to stay alert and be aware of potential cruise ship scams. By following these tips and being cautious, you can enjoy your cruise without any worries. Have a great trip and stay safe! 🚢😊