Carnival Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages share cruise scam warnings
Virgin Voyages has shared some information that all cruisers need to hear while Carnival Cruise Line has almost finished a major project.
When you book a cruise, it's best to use a travel agent. That's true for a number of reasons, but a good travel agent keeps you from making a lot of potential mistakes.
Some of those mistakes involve booking the wrong cruise line for your needs or getting a cabin in a bad location. In other cases, the mistakes can be expensive and a good travel agent can save you money.
Related: Carnival Cruise Lines adds new ban families won't like
In addition, working through a travel agent can save you money as they will check the price of your cruise and make sure you at least get onboard credit if it goes down. They should also do the same with excursions, drink packages and any other area where you might spend money.
But, the biggest thing may be that a travel agent can protect you from being scammed.
Another recent scam has impacted some cruisers.
Doug Parker of Cruise News Today has the full story and more.
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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.
Virgin Voyages shares news on new scam
Transcript:
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning. Here's your cruise news for Thursday, February 20.
Virgin Voyages is warning passengers about a rising number of cruise scams.
Now, the cruise line has alerted guests known as sailors about fraudulent offers, including discounted resales and fake social media deals.
Virgin Voyages says to book only through its website, an authorized travel agent, or official sailor services. Passengers should also protect their reservation details, like not posting them on social media to prevent unauthorized charges.
The company said it will never call to request payments or personal information.
Carnival close to opening new destination
And Carnival Cruise Line is nearing completion of Celebration Key,
Yeah, its first exclusive destination set to open July 19. The private port will see calls from over 20 Carnival cruise ships.
Carnival executives recently toured the site, which features five themed areas, including an adults-only beach club, a 10-story sun castle, and the Caribbean's largest freshwater lagoon.
The company says it's also focused on sustainability, including a desalination system and replanting 1,000 sable palm trees. Carnival Vista will be the first ship to call at Celebration Quay, and bookings are available through 2027.
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Carnival also shares scam news
And a couple's Carnival cruise was unexpectedly canceled by the husband's ex-fiance. The company booked their trip for June, but discovered a refund had been issued without notice.
Now, after contacting Carnival, they learned that the ex-fiance, still listed as the husband's emergency contact, had accessed the reservation and canceled the cruise.
Initially frustrated with Carnival's response, the couple later received a free room upgrade and a $300 onboard credit.
Carnival advises guests to keep their emergency contact information up to date to prevent similar issues. A valuable lesson in love, trust, and the fine print of emergency contacts.
If you have a lead on a story, let us know, tips@cruiseradio.net.
This week's cruise radio podcast, a review of MSC Lyrica, where you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Have yourself a great day. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.
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