As the winter months set in and the snow piles up, nothing sounds better than relaxing under a tropical sun.
While many cruise deals are legitimate, there are always those sneaky few that end up sucking thousands of dollars from victims. In 2011, the BBB received more than 1,300 complaints against cruises.
The BBB and CruiseCritic.com recommend the following tips:
Don’t be a victim. Vacation scammers use high-pressure sales to make you purchase a vacation deal on the spot. A reputable business or travel agent provides any information that you request and gives 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 its BBB Business Review at
www.bbb.org/search. Consumers can also contact the Cruise Lines International Association for information on finding a reputable travel agent.
Pay with a credit card. Pay for your cruise – both the deposit and the final payment – with a major credit card, which allows you to dispute questionable charges later on. However, this protection may not apply to debit or check cards.
Ensure your money is in the right hands. Review your credit card or bank statement to make sure any applicable charges originate directly with the cruise line, not with the travel agency. If you must pay by check or money order, do so directly to the cruise line, not to the agency or an individual.
Get proper confirmation of your booking. Insist on getting the actual cruise line's confirmation numbers. You’ll be reassured that your reservation is secure and you’ll also be able to make advance reservations for shore excursions, restaurants and spa treatments.
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure all details are clearly outlined and pricing is thoroughly explained. Be sure to check for hidden cancellation fees, port charges or insurance processing fees that haven’t been covered.
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.
Start With Trust. For trustworthy consumer tips and information, visit wynco.bbb.org or call 970-484-1348 or 800-564-0371.
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