Whether you’re cruising to Alaska, the Mediterranean, or the Caribbean, there are a few travel scams making the rounds right now that every cruiser should know about. Some of these might surprise you, and one of them actually happened to my own son.
The more I looked into it, the more I realized just how common these scams have become. I’m sharing everything I’ve learned here, including a hotel warning story from my own recent cruise, so that you can protect yourself and your family.
Scams Cruisers Need to Watch For Right Now
The Airbnb Damage Claim Scam
This happened to my son and his friends while they were staying at an Airbnb in Europe. Everything seemed fine when they left, and they even spoke with the host before heading out.
About three weeks later, they received a complaint saying they had left the home in poor condition and broken a cupboard lock. My son was charged around $150 and honestly thought it might just be a misunderstanding, so the dispute is still ongoing with Airbnb.
Since then, I’ve come across other reports of the same scam, including one where a group of travelers had their entire security deposit withheld over the same kind of claim. In their case, it was several thousand dollars, and the host insisted the home had been left in poor condition even though the group disputes this completely.
It seems that some Airbnb hosts are targeting guests after the fact to recoup extra money by claiming damage that never happened. If you’re staying at an Airbnb on a pre or post cruise trip, there are two simple things you can do to protect yourself.
Take photos when you arrive, and consider taking a short video with your voice narrating what you see. Do the same thing again right before you leave, since this creates a timestamped record that can be used if a false claim ever comes up.
The Free Cruise Text Message Scam
You may have already heard about postcards or phone calls claiming you’ve won a free cruise. Now, this scam has moved to text messages, and it’s catching people off guard.
The message usually says you’ve won a free cruise with a well known cruise line, but calling the number connects you to a scammer instead of the actual cruise line. Once you engage, you’re asked to pay port fees and taxes upfront, and there’s no guarantee you’ll ever receive that cruise.
By the time you add up those fees, it’s often more expensive than simply booking a short cruise the normal way. If you want to check for real deals, go directly to the cruise line’s official website or work with a trusted travel advisor instead of responding to a text or postcard offer.
Fake Cruise Influencer and Impersonation Accounts
There’s also a growing number of fake social media accounts pretending to be cruise personalities, YouTubers, and even ship captains. These accounts often comment on posts or send private messages, trying to build a relationship with you before asking for money.
I’ve personally had people reach out saying they thought they were having private conversations with me, when in reality it was an impersonation account. A good rule to remember is that legitimate cruise personalities and travel creators will never ask you for money or suggest an investment opportunity through a private message.
If an account claiming to be a well known cruise creator or influencer starts asking about your finances, it’s a scam every time.
The Free Bracelet and Photo Scam
This scam is alive and well in many Caribbean ports and European cities. Someone will try to grab your hand for a moment to tie on a “free” bracelet, telling you it’s a gift or a sign of friendship.
Once that bracelet is on your wrist, they’ll expect payment, and the amount they ask for has been climbing. Some travelers report being asked for twenty euros or more, and a few have even had someone bring out a card machine when they said they didn’t have cash.
The same idea applies to the free photo scam, where someone in costume puts an arm around you for a quick photo before demanding a tip. The best approach with both of these is to keep your hands to yourself, say a firm no thank you, and keep walking.
For more on the tricks scammers use in port, I’ve put together a full breakdown of tourist scams cruisers need to watch out for, including a few other free item scams you’ll want to know before you go ashore. I also cover several of the newest scams targeting cruise travelers that have started popping up more recently, both online and in port.
The Fake Street Artist Scam
I’ll admit I didn’t realize this one was a scam until I started researching it myself. You’ve probably seen street artists set up with a canvas, painting what looks like a local scene, and it can feel like the perfect authentic souvenir.
In most cases, these artists aren’t actually painting at all. They’re selling mass produced prints while making a few quick brush strokes to look convincing, almost like filling in color by number.
If you see someone genuinely painting a piece from start to finish, that’s a different story. If all you’re seeing is a couple of quick strokes on an already mostly finished piece, it’s best to keep your money in your pocket.
A Pre-Cruise Hotel Warning Story
I also want to share something that happened to me on a recent pre-cruise stay, because it taught me a lesson I think every cruiser should know. We had an incredibly long travel day getting to Seattle after our flights were cancelled and rerouted through Ottawa and Vancouver, arriving close to 11pm instead of 2pm.
By the time we got to our hotel, all we wanted was to collapse into bed. Instead, we stood at the front desk while the clerk searched the system for several minutes before telling us the hotel had been overbooked and there was no room available for us.
It was close to midnight, we had a cruise the next morning, and the only option offered was a king bed with a rollaway for three people. We reluctantly accepted, since the alternative was heading back out to search for another hotel in the middle of the night.
The next morning, I spoke with the hotel manager, who was genuinely apologetic and explained what should have happened. If a hotel overbooks and can’t honor your reservation, a reputable property should have another room ready for you at a nearby sister hotel, and they should cover your transportation to get there.
Looking back, there’s one thing I wish I had done differently. When I realized we’d be arriving close to midnight, I should have called the hotel directly to let them know our plans had changed, even though our reservation was already confirmed.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, know what to ask for. A displaced reservation at a reputable hotel should come with a comparable room nearby and transportation included, not just an apology.
If you’re booking a pre-cruise hotel stay for the first time, it’s worth calling ahead if your arrival time changes, and always confirm your reservation details a day or two before you travel. This is also a good time to review some of the essential things to prepare in the days before boarding your cruise, since a smooth pre-cruise stay sets the tone for the whole trip.
Staying Safe Without the Stress
None of this is meant to scare you away from travel. Knowledge really is your best protection, and once you know how these scams work, they become much easier to spot and avoid.
A few habits go a long way here. Photograph or film your rental property on arrival and departure, book cruise deals only through official sources, keep your hands to yourself when someone offers you something “free” in port, and always verify who you’re really talking to online.
It’s also smart to let your credit card company know you’ll be traveling before you go, especially if you’re heading overseas. This is one of several small steps that can protect you well before you even reach the ship, and I cover more of them in my guide on reasons cruisers get denied boarding, which touches on documentation and account safety too.
If you’d like more tips on staying safe in port, I’ve shared a full list of dangerous cruise port mistakes cruisers still make as well as my complete guide to cruise port safety. Between staying alert and knowing what these scams look like, you’ll be ready for whatever comes up on your next cruise.
Have any of these scams happened to you or someone you know? I’d love to hear about it, and please share this with a fellow cruiser so they can stay protected too!
Happy cruising!
Ilana