You’ve Won a Free Cruise; So How Much Will it Cost You?

The sight is a common one at just about any county fair. A large banner proclaiming “Enter to Win a Free Cruise!” is emblazoned behind a table at which smiling representatives await curious guests with preprinted forms and sharply pointed mini pencils. A large box or a clear tumbler stands at the ready; already partially filled with neatly folded forms that previous passerby have already completed. There is no lack of people to sign up for a free cruise, including airfare and hotel!

If you are one of the hopeful people who cast your name, email address and phone number into the queue for this free cruise, you probably received the telephone call within the following week announcing excitedly that you have won!! It usually takes a few minutes into the phone call before your euphoria becomes dejected reality as you learn what you need to do in order to claim this “free” prize.

So how much does a free cruise cost? The caller doesn’t disclose the information immediately, stating instead that they need to have a credit card number in order to secure your reservation. It is only after several prompts to explain the need for a credit card to claim a “free” cruise that a disjointed scripted speech about fees, taxes and a deposit is offered. The amounts vary, but often the total cost of your so called free cruise will be between $200 and $500!

The companies offering such “deals” usually do deliver, only not to the complete satisfaction of the prize winner. Airfare that is often included in these fantastic deals is subject to blackout days, availability and certain days of the week; rarely meeting the winner’s schedule. Sometimes, the free airfare is companion airfare, contingent upon the winner purchasing a full price ticket. And the hotel is almost always free, unless your time is worth anything. A mandated presence at a sales pitch seminar is generally required for time shares. Ah, but you still have the cruise! Often, just a turnaround gambling cruise.

Many people are taken in by the dazzling idea of winning a vacation. To avoid being scammed, always be sure to get written details of your prize before paying anything, for cancellations are certainly not as simple as they try to get you to believe. If you are going to end up paying anyway, research some of the great deals the cruise lines themselves are offering. You will be more certain to pay for a vacation you will enjoy.