Carnival Cruise Line passengers targeted by more travel scams
Fraudsters continue to find new ways to target travelers preparing for cruise vacations.
Sophisticated scammers have targeted unsuspecting cruise passengers in a variety of ways lately.
Multiple cruise lines have recently alerted passengers of a number of cruise scams, including schemes where individuals pose as cruise line employees or travel agents. The scammers attempt to trick passengers into making bogus payments for the balance of their cruise fare, cruise upgrades, or for airfare to their cruise departure port.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line employee sounds alarm on new cruise scam
One Norwegian Cruise Line passenger reportedly lost nearly $20,000 to a new phone scam related to the cruise line’s airfare deal.
Along with these sorts of scams, cruisers are also being warned to watch out for new travel document scams, which can target all types of travelers, whether you’re traveling by sea, air, or land.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald recently alerted his more than 600,000 Facebook followers to two of these travel document scams that cruisers need to watch out for as they prepare for their vacations.
While one of these scam warnings applies only to those visiting the UK, the other alerts cruisers of a scheme targeting those sailing from U.S. ports.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
New scam targets cruise passengers, other travelers visiting the UK
The first travel scam that Heald addressed stems from the UK’s new electronic travel authorization (ETA), a digital pre-clearance that most travelers must now obtain in order to visit the UK.
Carnival Miracle recently kicked off its UK cruise season from Dover, England, and the brand ambassador has posted several reminders for passengers traveling to the UK for a cruise on the ship to make sure to obtain an ETA before their trip. If they don't, they won’t be permitted to enter the country.
An ETA is required for travelers of all ages visiting the UK who do not have a UK visa. It costs £16 (about $21) and can be applied for via the UK ETA app or online at GOV.UK.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line cracks down on new cruise ship scam
When applying for an ETA, it’s vital that you double-check to make sure that you’re applying via the official UK government app or website because fake ETA application websites are already popping up.
“There are once again despicable scammers targeting individuals trying to apply for ETA,” Heald told his followers. “They are creating fake websites that resemble official government sites, charging inflated fees and potentially stealing personal information. We have had guests who have paid $90-$200 to sites and their approvals looked fake.”
Heald also instructed passengers cruising from Dover to make sure to hold onto their ETA confirmation email.
“Please keep the copy of your email that you receive when you get your visa in case immigration officers at the airport or Dover need to see it.”
Travel document scam targets Carnival cruisers departing from U.S. ports
Travel document scams are not just targeting travelers visiting the UK, however.
Heald also warned passengers that a company posing as Carnival Cruise Line is tricking cruisers departing from U.S. ports into paying $400 to have travel documents needed for their cruise expedited to the cruise line. Of course, those documents don’t reach the cruise line, causing problems for the passengers when they check in at the cruise port.
“Guests with document issues are showing up at our home ports stating that they called a company pretending to be CCL,” Heald explained. “This company has their booking information somehow and tells them they will expedite copies of documents that they’ll send to Carnival and that all is taken care of. They’re charging $400 per transaction.”
More Carnival cruise news:
- Carnival Cruise Line plans to bring back popular app feature
- Carnival cruisers overwhelmingly want this booking process change
- Carnival Cruise Line sounds the alarm on new scam
“And sadly, very sadly, some have fallen to this scam from these heartless, soulless creatures. So please be careful,” Heald urged.
He also reminded passengers that they can always contact him on Facebook or call the legitimate Carnival Cruise Line phone number to verify or get assistance with anything related to their cruise.
“Even if you have a small dollop of doubt, ask us. Please write to me here on Facebook or of course call 1-800-carnival and we will make sure everything is confirmed and checked,” Heald promised.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
