Cruise scams spike around big shopping events, because that is when people expect to see huge discounts and act fast. The scams are not new; they simply wear a holiday costume. Here is what they look like and what the Federal Trade Commission advises.
The Main Cruise Scams
Copycat websites and ads
Sites that imitate a cruise line or agency, often reached through a search ad or social post. The FTC’s travel scam guidance warns about vague offers with no cruise line named and pressure to decide immediately.
Phishing emails and texts
Messages that look like they come from a cruise line, claiming a booking problem, a refund or a prize, with a link to “confirm details.” The FTC’s phishing guide says to contact the company through a website or number you already know is real.
“Free cruise” calls and prizes
Robocalls and prize letters that turn into fees or a high-pressure sales pitch. See the FTC alert on “free cruise” robocalls.
Unusual payment demands
Any seller who insists on wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps or cryptocurrency. The FTC notes these payments are hard to get back.
Warning Signs
- A price far below every other site for the same sailing.
- No ship name, sailing date or cruise line named in the offer.
- A countdown timer and pressure to pay today.
- A web address that is almost, but not quite, the cruise line’s.
- Requests for passport numbers or card details by email or text.
- No cancellation or refund terms in writing.
If You Think You Have Been Scammed
Contact your card issuer at once and ask about disputing the charge. Change any passwords you entered on the suspect site. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. Then call the real cruise line, using the number on its official website, to check whether any booking exists.
Cruise Scam Questions
What are the most common cruise scams?
Copycat websites and ads that mimic a cruise line or agency, phishing emails and texts about bookings or prizes, “free cruise” robocalls and prize offers that demand fees, and sellers who want payment by wire, gift card, payment app or cryptocurrency.
Is a free cruise offer ever real?
Contests run by real companies exist, but the FTC notes that legitimate companies do not make you pay to claim a prize. If you must pay fees or taxes to get a free cruise, treat it as a scam.
Where do I report a cruise scam?
Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. If you paid by card, contact the card issuer immediately.
Fake Reviews and Look-Alike Agencies
Scam sites often borrow credibility: glowing reviews, logos of real cruise lines and trust badges that link nowhere. Real agencies can be checked. Look for a physical address, a working phone number, state seller-of-travel registration where required, and a history you can find in independent searches.
Not Sure an Offer Is Genuine?
Forward it to our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise. We will tell you whether it is real and what the sailing really costs.
Check an Offer