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The promise of a free cruise or all-inclusive trip sounds enticing, but is it really free? Before you start packing for your trip, be sure you know exactly what is free and what the additional costs are for your cruise or vacation package.
Consumers should understand that because a cruise or travel company advertises a vacation as “free,” it does not necessarily mean the trip is entirely without cost or restrictions. Watch for add-on fees for air transportation to the port, port charges, taxes, tips and other undisclosed fees.
One consumer shared their experience with a free cruise offer with BBB Scam Tracker: "...They promise a free cruise for sitting thru a time share program...This time they said it was a free cruise that we'd be responsible for taxes. We sent the check for taxes and on 4/12 they called and said the cruise was cancelled and that they would "rush" us a refund check. We have not received the check." This consumer reported losing $798.
BBB offers the following tips to consumers receiving phone calls, text messages, mailers or emails of free travel offers:
- Research the travel company and the travel offer by searching the internet and checking with BBB. Look at the company’s BBB Business Profile at BBB.org and read customer reviews and complaints, if any. If you're suspecting the offer is a scam, look it up on BBB Scam Tracker to see if other people have reported receiving the same travel offer as you.
- Ask for references of people who have been offered and taken a similar cruise or vacation package and contact them to ask about their experience.
- Read any contract carefully before signing or paying any money. Understand the company’s refund policy in the event you are no longer able to attend the vacation or are not satisfied with the service.
- Ask for the location of the corporate headquarters and check it out to make sure it is an actual address and the business is located there.
- Look for the catch, such as mandatory attendance at a timeshare or vacation club presentation or attending a travel show or travel exhibit. If you're required to attend these excursions to claim your free vacation, take this as a red flag.
- Read the fine print for any fees that are required to claim your trip. The fine print of the vacation offer may list the fees you are actually responsible for, like port fees, taxes, and agency fees. Take a moment to consider these extra costs. Does the vacation still feel “free”? Do the fees seem reasonable? Any trip or prize that requires a wire money transfer should be suspicious. If you do choose to pay fees and claim the prize, pay with a credit card in case you need to challenge the charge.
- If you are proclaimed the winner of a drawing and don't recall or have proof of ever entering the drawing, ask questions. It's unlikely that you would legitimately win something that you never entered for.
- Anytime someone says you must accept the offer now or it's gone forever, walk away or hang up the phone. If you're feeling pressured to pay for something immediately, this is a red flag for a scam.
For more information
When considering a vacation with a travel company, check out the company's reviews and complaints history on BBB.org.
If you feel you witnessed or were part of a scam, contact your local BBB, the attorney general’s office, the U.S. Postal Inspections Services toll free (877-876-2455) or the Federal Trade Commission toll-free (877-382-4357). You can also report it to BBB Scam Tracker.
Find more travel tips at BBB's Travel HQ. BBB has additional tips on travel scams.