Is Free Cruise Travel Too Good to be True?

There are countless travel clubs offering members discounted vacation. This is great for people who travel frequently but unfortunately, some of these travel clubs are nothing but scams.

Be careful not to jump to conclusion when you receive a voucher or ticket slip by mail offering you free cruise. Most likely, the club will want you to attend a presentation (harmless) and then sell you on their membership (watch out!). Membership fees ranges from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars! I’ve heard that people have been scammed for as much as $10,000 in membership fees in return for discounted vacations. In addition, these clubs charge an annual renewal fee ranging from $100 to $600.

After paying high price for the membership, you will go on the ‘free cruise’ promised in the voucher (chances are that the cruise may have cost you just $200 or less). However, when it comes to schedule your ‘discounted vacations’, the dates you choose will never be available.

In some offers, you may never get to go on the ‘free cruise’ or you may end up paying a lot for it after paying fees, charges etc that the salesperson conveniently omitted. Another catch is that the cruise may be free for you based on a paying partner.

Are all travel clubs bad? No, there are legitimate Travel Clubs that offer customers savings and other services. Here are a few things you can do your end to avoid being scammed.

• When a travel club asks for thousands of dollars in membership fee and you should act NOW or the deal is gone - Run! -
• Find the name of the company and check it’s ratings in the Better Business Bureau
• Check the Attorney General’s website for your State and the State the company is in. Click on Consumers and check the scam alert section. -
• Find out how much their ‘free’ and ‘discounted’ vacations cost in the market. Chances are, you can get the same deal through your travel agent or cruise line.
• Do not be eager to part with your credit card details – NEVER.
• If you are pressured to make a decision on the spot, tell the sales person that you are not interested and hang up. If you are in a presentation, leave immediately. The goal is to get your money NOW before you find out they are not delivery much or anything at all.

In short, if a deal comes in the mail, over the phone or through email promising you a free or low price cruise and it looks too good to be true – it is. Remember that you have worked hard for your money so don’t give it away easily.