Cruises are supposed to be carefree, relaxing, and FUN, not stressful. But lately, there's been a rise in cruise-related scams that are catching even the savviest travelers off guard.
If you have a cruise booked, whether it’s through Fins Agency or you booked it on your own, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.
The Scam That’s Costing Travelers Hundreds
This scam typically starts with a simple
Google search. Someone is trying to contact their cruise line and types in something like “Carnival Cruise customer service phone number.” But the number they find? It’s not the real one. It’s a fake number set up by scammers, and it can appear at the top of the search results.
Once the call is placed, the scammer answers posing as a cruise representative. They may already know some basic info about your cruise from what you say during the call, and they’ll sound legitimate. That’s when they hit you with urgent, unexpected fees:
- "Docking fees" (These don’t exist.)
- "Additional port fees" (These are already included in your cruise fare.)
- “Confirmation fees” or “security verification charges”
They might claim your cruise will be canceled if you don’t pay right away. Unfortunately, many people panic and hand over their credit card info — and never see that money again.
How to Stay Safe
Never Google the cruise line phone number. Only use the official cruise line website or your official confirmation emails.
Be skeptical of unexpected fees. If you’ve already paid for your cruise, you shouldn’t be asked for more money without an explanation.
Listen to your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
Why Booking with Fins Agency Helps
When you book your cruise through Fins Agency, you never have to worry about calling the wrong number — because you don’t need to call anyone at all.
Here’s what you get:
- Direct access to us for anything related to your cruise. Have a question? We’ve got the answer.
- We handle the calls for you. If a call to the cruise line is needed, we'll make it on your behalf — safely and correctly.
- No added cost. There’s no extra charge to book through us.
- A real human to support you. No phone trees, no bots, no stress.
Bottom Line
Cruise scams are real, and they’re getting more sophisticated. But when you book through a trusted travel advisor like Fins Agency, you can cruise with confidence, knowing you have someone looking out for you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to plan your next cruise or want help reviewing an existing booking, We’d love to help. Reach out today and let’s make your next cruise smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Stay safe & sail smart!
