Connecticut BBB Cautions Consumers to Read Fine Print When Booking a Vacation

Watch Out for Free Cruise Scams This Vacation Season

Wallingford, CT – January 12, 2012 – Winter and spring are prime cruising months, but before signing up or handing over credit card information, Connecticut Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to read all of the fine print before signing up for a special cruise deal.

In 2011, BBB received more than 1,300 complaints against cruises operators. While many cruise deals are legitimate, there are a sneaky few that end up cheating consumers out of thousands of dollars. BBB is urging consumers to be cautious of unsolicited mail with offers of free or discounted cruises. 

Scammers will often send unsolicited e-mails, postcards and other mailings trying to lure consumers to call them in order to claim a ‘free cruise.’  Don’t be fooled by professional looking websites either.  Gather as much information as you can about the business and ask a lot of questions before signing on the dotted line.

BBB and CruiseCitic.com recommend the following tips to consumers who are looking to book a cruise getaway:

Don’t be a victim - Oftentimes, vacation scammers will use high-pressure sales tactics and make you feel coerced to buy the limited-time deal on the spot.  A reputable business or travel agent will provide any information that you request and give you time to decide before booking a vacation.

Always check the business first - If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.  Before giving a business any personal information, check out their BBB Business Review at http://www.ct.bbb.org.  Consumers can also contact the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for information on finding a reputable travel agent.
 
Pay with a credit card - For your best protection against a dishonest vacation seller, always pay for your cruise fare -- both the initial deposit and the final payment -- with a major credit card.  If problems arise, you may dispute the charges with your credit card company.  However, this protection may not apply to debit or check cards, so it's important to confirm policies with your issuing bank before you charge.

Ensure your money is in the right hands - After you've made a payment, review your credit card or bank statement and make sure that any applicable charges originate directly with the cruise line, not with the travel agency.  That way, you'll know that the cruise line has definitely received your money. If you must pay by check or money order, it should be made payable to the cruise line -- not to the agency or to an individual.

Get proper confirmation of your booking - Insist on getting the actual cruise line's confirmation numbers, not just a confirmation number from your agency.  Not only will you then know that your information and money is in the right hands, but you'll also be able to pre-reserve shore excursions, restaurant reservations and spa appointments (where available) on the cruise line's website.

Ask lots of questions - Before signing on the dotted line make sure all of the details have been clearly outlined and the pricing thoroughly explained. Double check whether there are hidden cancellation fees, port charges, or insurance processing fees that aren’t covered by your payment.
 
Consider investing in travel insurance - Travel insurance can provide protection in the event of an accident, an illness, lost luggage, or a canceled or interrupted trip, among other things.  Follow the same steps outlined here when buying travel insurance. 

For more consumer tips you can trust visit http://ct.bbb.org/bbb-news.