Huge cruise scam; Royal Caribbean loses legend, Carnival adds fee
Cruise News Today has the latest on a $500,000 cruise scam as well as a key Royal Caribbean retirement, and a new Carnival fee.
Cruise passengers need to be careful when it comes to communicating with anyone regarding their cruise.
Scams have seemingly become more common, and it's important to be vigilant. That's challenging because some people book cruises through third parties.
Related: Carnival Cruise Lines shares new gift for loyal VIFP members
That could mean a travel agent or it could be a service like Costco Travel. But, no matter where you book, you need to make sure the person you're communicating with is legitimate.
When talking to your cruise line, make sure you initiate the call. People use spoof numbers, fake emails, and even fake websites to collect payments.
It's easy to go to any cruise line directly to check the validity of any charge before handing over a credit card.
When dealing with a third party, it's important to do your research. Before turning over any money, make sure the person is actually a travel agent or that any business actually has the right to sell cruises.
Those lessons are cold comfort for nearly 200 people who were caught in a cruise scam. Cruise News Today's Doug Parker has the full story on the Feb. 12 edition of his popular YouTube show.
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Scammer jailed after $500,000 cruise scam
Transcript:
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning. Here's your cruise news for Wednesday, February 12.
A British man has been sentenced to five years in prison for a fraudulent cruise scheme that stole over a half a million dollars from 184 victims, yeah.
Richard Lester, 56 of Luton, ran a Ponzi scheme through his company Cruise Direct UK LTD, selling fake cruise vouchers as well, funding his lavish lifestyle.
Now, some customers only discovered the scam when they arrived at the pier and weren't on the ship's manifest. A judge condemned Lester for gaslighting victims into thinking it was their fault.
Aside from jail time, he's also banned from serving as a company director for nine years.
Royal Caribbean captain retires, Carnival adds new fee
And a legendary career comes to an end. Captain Johnny Favilan is retiring after 50 years with Royal Caribbean.
Captain, if I'm butchering your name, I apologize. He started in 1975 on the Song of Norway. His first task was washing the decks.
Some of the top moments of his career include sailing Mariner of the Seas around Cape Horn, bringing out multiple Oasis-class ships, and officiating his daughter's wedding as captain. Now turning 70, Captain Johnny says it's time to tie up the boat and say goodbye.
Enjoy retirement, my friend.
And Carnival Cruise Line has begun charging for what was previously a free shuttle service at the Port of La Paz, Mexico. Guests sailing Carnival Panorama were informed of the change after their cruise already set sail. The round-trip shuttle now costs $10 for adults and eight for children, though private taxis remain available for around $40 each way.
Carnival has not explained the new fee, which some cruisers say should have been disclosed earlier. Panorama is currently on an eight-night Mexican Riviera cruise out of Long Beach, California.
It should be noted that other cruise lines under the Carnival Corporation may also introduce similar charges.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
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Have yourself a great Wednesday. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.
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