Let’s face it — scammers are everywhere these days. And sadly, cruise passengers often make easy targets.

Whether you’re at the port, wandering the city, or just scrolling online before your trip, there are people looking for a way to take your money.

I’ve seen some of these scams myself, and others I’ve learned about from fellow cruisers.

Here are the ones you really need to watch out for… so you don’t end up learning the hard way like some of us did!

1. The Cruise Dock Scam — How Online “Deals” Almost Got Me

This one’s sneaky because it starts in Facebook cruise groups (where I love hanging out for tips).

A “cruiser” says they can’t go on their trip and are giving away cruise ducks or handmade crafts — just pay shipping.

Sounds harmless, right?

• You send money…
• And the scammer vanishes.
• Sometimes it’s fake onboard events or classes you pay to join — which don’t even exist.

👉 My Advice: If it’s a stranger asking for cash via a cash app… it’s a hard pass. Stick to trusted groups and friends.

2. The Fake “Outstanding Balance” Email — Don’t Get Fooled

This one nearly caught me when I was distracted before a cruise.

You get an email saying you owe a balance on your cruise or that new port fees were added. The email even looks official.

Here’s what gives it away:

• The link takes you to a site that looks legit — but it’s fake.
• They want your payment info or login credentials.

👉 How I Avoid It Now: I never click links in random emails. If I’m unsure, I log in directly through the cruise line’s website or call the verified number on my booking.

3. The “Free Bracelet” Scam — A Classic Tourist Trap I’ve Seen in Europe

I first saw this in Rome — but it’s popped up in other touristy ports too.

Someone offers you a “free” bracelet, ties it on your wrist… and suddenly demands a “donation.”

Why it works:

• You feel awkward walking away.
• Sometimes they’ll guilt trip you or show you a picture of your family.

👉 My Tip: If anyone tries to hand you something for “free,” just say no and walk away. The same goes for rosemary sprigs, flowers, or even a “free tea sample” in a shop.

4. The “Free Cruise” Scam — Don’t Fall for the Bait

A text or email tells you…
🎉 “You’ve won a FREE cruise!” 🎉
But wait — you have to pay taxes, port fees, or an admin fee to claim it.

Here’s what really happens:

• You pay… and either get nothing or face endless upsells that cost more than booking a cruise outright.

👉 My Rule: Legit cruise lines don’t give away cruises like this. If you have to pay to “win” — it’s a scam.

5. Taxi Scams — My Personal Experience With This One

I learned this in the Caribbean: getting into an unlicensed taxi can be a wallet-buster.

Common scams I’ve seen or heard about:

• Inflated fares or meter scams.
• Taking the long route to hike up the price.
• Being dropped off at shops that give the driver a kickback.

👉 My Go-To Solution: I ask the price upfront or use a ride app. I also check Google Maps to make sure we’re not taking the scenic (read: expensive) route.

6. Discount Excursion Scams — The One I Almost Took

I’ll admit, I’ve been tempted. You step off the ship, and someone offers a “private tour” for half the cruise line’s price.

Sounds amazing, right? Here’s the reality I’ve seen happen:

• The tour’s rushed, poorly planned, or straight-up non-existent.
• Worse, the guide doesn’t get you back in time — and the ship won’t wait.

👉 My Rule: I stick with cruise-line excursions or well-reviewed third-party operators. If I’m booking off the ship, I make sure there’s a guarantee to get me back before all-aboard time.

7. The Fake Traffic Ticket Scam — Watch Out If You Rent a Scooter

This one’s common in some ports where tourists rent scooters or cars. You get “pulled over” and fined for a supposed traffic violation — real or fake.

What I’ve heard from fellow cruisers:

• You’re told to pay the “fine” on the spot in cash.
• They count on you wanting to avoid delays and just paying up.

👉 How I Avoid It: I stick to tourist areas and walk when I can. If I rent a vehicle, I research local laws first — and stay alert for shady stops.

8. The “Free Gift” Trap From Vendors — I’ve Seen This Everywhere

This one’s like the bracelet scam but happens in shops. A vendor outside a store offers you a “free” trinket — maybe a necklace or charm.

You take it… and suddenly, you’re inside their shop under serious pressure to buy something expensive.

What happens next:

• They use guilt, pushy sales tactics, or even block the door until you buy.
• You feel awkward or embarrassed, so you give in.

👉 My Tip: A polite but firm “No, thank you” works. I avoid engaging with vendors offering freebies — especially near busy ports.

9. The Wrong Change Scam — A Sneaky One You Might Miss

This scam is sneaky because it preys on tourists in a rush.

Here’s how I’ve seen it work:

• You pay in cash, and they hand you back less change than you’re owed.
• Or worse, they give you outdated currency or wrong denominations.

👉 My Habit: I count my change carefully, every single time. And when I use my card, I double-check the amount before tapping.

10. The “Please Hold This” Scam — Thankfully, I Knew About This One

This scam is rare but nasty. Someone hands you an item — a bag, jacket, or camera — asking for help.

Moments later, another person shows up claiming it was stolen or damaged… and demands cash.

👉 My Golden Rule: I never hold things for strangers. If it feels sketchy, I walk away. And if anyone starts causing a scene, I look for a local officer or someone official nearby.

11. The Bait & Switch — It Looked Legit… But Wasn’t

I once watched this happen at a street market in a cruise port: a tourist buys a “designer” item for a crazy low price.

It looks great… until they unwrap it later and realize it’s a cheap knockoff (or worse — a completely different item).

Here’s the bait & switch in action:

• You see one item… but another is packed for you.
• Or you get a fake instead of the real deal.

👉 My Tip: I always check what’s being packed — before I pay and before I leave the shop. And if it seems too good to be true… it probably is.

12. Travel Clubs & VIP Discounts — The “Exclusive” Deal Trap

I’ve been invited to a few of these “VIP travel club” presentations — both on ships and in port.

They promise luxury perks and crazy cruise discounts if you just… pay an upfront fee (and sometimes a recurring one).

Here’s the catch:

• The deals are often no better (or worse) than what you could book yourself.
• The contracts are hard to cancel — if at all.

👉 My Rule: I don’t pay just to access discounts. If it feels high-pressure or shady, I walk away.

13. Souvenir Shops with Breakable Items — A Pricey Accident Waiting to Happen

I once picked up a small mug in a souvenir shop… and caught a stern look from the shopkeeper.

That’s when I remembered hearing stories of tourists who were charged ridiculous amounts for “breaking” fragile items — even when they barely touched them.

What I do now:

• I avoid handling fragile items in souvenir shops.
• If I’m shopping, I make sure the shelves look stable before touching anything.

👉 My Thought: It’s not worth the risk — if it looks delicate, I let it be.

14. Onboard Art Auctions — Fun to Watch, But Buyer Beware

I’ve attended cruise art auctions just for fun. But here’s what I noticed:

• The auctioneers hype up mass-produced prints as rare collectibles.
• Some people spend thousands on “bargains” that aren’t really bargains.

👉 My Advice: Treat cruise art auctions as entertainment, not investment. If you love a piece, research it before buying — don’t let the hype (or free champagne) sway you.

15. Spa Upsells & Hidden Charges — I’ve Seen It Happen

You go in for a relaxing massage… and come out with a surprise £200 worth of spa products you didn’t plan to buy.

I’ve even seen cases where charges were added to people’s bills without clear consent.

What I do now:

• I politely but firmly say I’m not interested in products at the start of the treatment.
• I check my spa bill before signing anything.

👉 My Tip: Stay friendly, but stay firm — and don’t be afraid to dispute unwanted charges at Guest Services.

All 15 Scams & How I Avoid Them

Scam	How to Avoid It
Cruise dock scam	Don’t send money to strangers online
Fake outstanding balance email	Use official sites only
Free bracelet scam	Say no & walk away
Free cruise scam	Never pay for a prize
Taxi scams	Confirm the fare before the ride
Discount excursions	Book with trusted providers
Traffic fine scam	Avoid risky rentals & check local rules
Free gifts from vendors	Politely refuse & keep walking
Wrong change scam	Count your change carefully
“Please hold this” scam	Never hold items for strangers
Bait & switch	Watch your item being packed
Travel club scams	Don’t pay for access to deals
Souvenir breakables	Don’t handle fragile items
Cruise art auctions	Only buy what you’ve researched
Spa upsells	Say no upfront & check your bill

How I Stay Scam-Free On Every Cruise

After years of cruising, I’ve learned one big lesson: scammers count on you being distracted, rushed, or too polite to say no.

Whether I’m in port or onboard, I stay alert, trust my gut, and don’t let fear of being rude stop me from walking away.

👉 My Last Piece of Advice:
Be friendly, but be firm. Don’t let anyone rush you, guilt you, or pressure you into buying — whether it’s a taxi ride, a trinket, or a spa product.