Go On A Cruise, But Don’t Get Taken

By
Holly Doering
– September 26, 2011Posted in: Alerts/Scams, Travel-Recreation

cruise ship large1 150x150 Go On A Cruise, But Dont Get TakenIt may seem ironic, given the unemployment rate. But consumers are getting postcards in the mail from cruise companies. Why go on a cruise now?

Actually, it would make sense that cruiselines would offer discounts when business is down. And, many people are looking for a little joy, given the grim economy.

But before you sign on the dotted line, make sure the company offering the cruise is legitimate. As always, Start With Trust by researching the company’s track record on www.bbb.org and other trusted sites. You could also:

  • Check with your State Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (or that of the state where the company is registered.) Make sure they are properly licensed to do telemarketing and travel sales.
  • Ask if the company offering the vacation is a third party. Some companies have been known to avoid responsibility for customer dissatisfaction via this sort of relationship set-up.
  • Search for hidden fees or just costs you might not think of at first so that you can calculate the true cost. A discounted cruise does you no good at all if you can’t afford the airfare or the rental car.

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About Holly Doering

Holly Doering has worked for the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and Montana for half a decade. Her areas of expertise include the CORE Values Program (Character, Optimism, Respect, Ethics) for Teens and Charity Review as well as writing and editing. Prior to that, she has written for two newspapers, a local magazine, and taught English at the community college. She is the proud author of a short story in ZYZZYVA literary magazine and has had good luck publishing lots of poetry. Each year she rolls up her sleeves and wades into the autumn Nanowrimo writing madness and has several unfinished novels to her credit.