Why Did My $300 Cruise Cost $4000

With the popularity of cruise travel, and the reduction in its cost, people who once would never have dreamed of taking a cruise vacation are now taking cruises in record numbers. Unscrupulous travel promoters are aware of this, and attempt to cheat people with the promise of free travel or huge discounts. Thus, when you get an unsolicited announcement that you will receive a cruise vacation - free or discount - you should investigate the offer thoroughly before you make any payment.

Common Problems With Discount Cruise Offers
Common complaints about this type of free or discount cruise offer include:

•Hidden Fees - Once you book the cruise and pay a down payment (or pay for the entire cruise package), you are told of additional fees, such as port fees, taxes, registration fees, or service fees, or other surcharges.

•Different Amenities - Once you arrive on the cruise ship, you discover that it lacks the features you were promised.

•Not Free After All - Sometimes the promoters of a "free cruise" offer start hitting you with extra fees from the moment you call, and will pressure you to pay immediately by credit card.

Protecting YourselfYou can help avoid being cheated by taking the following steps:

•Remember - if a travel deal sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.

•Cruise offers that come via unsolicited telephone calls or by spam email are much more likely to be fraudulent.

•Don't be afraid to say "no". Don't let them pressure you. If they call you and "won't take no for an answer", hang up.

•Whenever possible, purchase cruise services only from businesses you know to be genuine.
•Take your time. If you are pressured to make a quick decision, the chances are much higher that you are being scammed.

•Get the details before you buy - in writing. Insist that you get a complete description of the cruise in writing, including all costs and fees, before you book. Investigate the cruise ship. If air travel is included in the package, find out what airline and airport they use. If they won't provide details, or won't provide them in writing, you can be quite certain that they are trying to cheat you.

•Check out similar packages with other, legitimate travel agencies and services. You may find that you can get this "spectacular fantasy cruise vacation" for less money through a reputable travel service.

•Make sure you know all date restrictions on any cruise package - if there are so few days available that you can't schedule a holiday, you're throwing your money away.

•Make sure that you are dealing with a genuine travel promoter or agency before giving them a credit card number by telephone, email, or through a website.

•Do not send money by courier or overnight mail. Unscrupulous cruise promoters want your money as soon as possible, and sometimes use couriers or overnight delivery services to avoid the possibility of federal mail fraud charges.

•If in doubt, pay by credit card. While there is no guarantee that you will be able to effect a charge-back if the travel deal turns out to be a fraud, you effectively have no chance of recovering your money if you pay by check, money order, wire transfer, or cash.

•If you encounter problems during the cruise, complain at that time. If you don't complain until after the cruise is over, you will be in a much weaker position to secure any sort of refund or legal assistance after the cruise is over.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100