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What was supposed to be the countdown to dream vacations instead turned into a nightmare for multiple travelers — including cruise passengers who only learned the truth when they showed up at the port ready to sail.
Police Arrest East Meadow Woman Over Alleged Travel Scam
Police in Nassau County, New York, announced the arrest of a Long Island woman accused of running a large-scale travel agency scam involving cruises, destination weddings, and international vacations.
Authorities say 47-year-old Tavia Thomas, the owner and sole operator of Destiny Travel, was taken into custody on January 6, 2026, after numerous customers reported paying for trips that were never booked — and never refunded.
Investigators allege Thomas collected tens of thousands of dollars from clients while failing to secure the promised travel arrangements.
Cruise Passengers Learn the Truth on Embarkation Day
One of the most alarming cases involved a group of cruise passengers who believed they were booked on a Royal Caribbean sailing.
According to police:
- Nine travelers paid a combined $35,753.98
- The cruise was scheduled to depart from Bayonne
- The group arrived at the terminal in July 2024, ready to board
That’s when they were reportedly told their reservations were fraudulent and void — and that no valid booking existed.
For many cruisers, embarkation day is already stressful. Discovering your cruise doesn’t exist at all is every traveler’s worst fear.
Multiple Fraud and Larceny Charges Filed
Police say the cruise incident was just one piece of a broader pattern.
Thomas now faces:
- Three counts of grand larceny
- Three counts of scheme to defraud
- Two additional grand larceny charges are tied to separate cases
Authorities allege victims paid using:
- Cash
- Checks
- Electronic transfers
With Destiny Travel being solely operated by Thomas, investigators say there were no other employees involved.
Allegations Extend Beyond Cruises
Cruise bookings weren’t the only services investigators say were never delivered.
Additional reported cases include:
- $5,000 collected from two individuals for a destination wedding at an ALG Vacations resort
- More than $10,000 was taken from a family planning a 75th birthday trip to the Dominican Republic
In each case, police say:
- No bookings were ever made
- Clients were unable to recover their money
Police Seek Additional Victims
Given the scope of the allegations, detectives believe there may be more victims who haven’t yet come forward.
Anyone who believes they may have been affected is urged to contact:
- Nassau County Crime Stoppers
- 📞 1-800-244-TIPS
Authorities say even small or older incidents could help establish a broader pattern.
Online Claims vs. Reality Raise Red Flags
According to its website, Destiny Travel NY claimed to have served New York City and Long Island since 2016, promoting itself as a full-service agency offering stress-free planning.
The site highlighted:
- A team of “experienced travel agents.”
- Industry certifications and endorsements
- Membership claims tied to groups such as the American Society of Travel Advisors and the Cruise Lines International Association
Thomas was also quoted on the site, saying she founded the company to specialize in destination weddings and memorable group travel.
Mixed Online Reviews Tell a Complicated Story
Online reviews paint a sharply divided picture.
A devastating review posted on TheKnot in August 2024 accused Thomas of canceling a destination wedding at the last minute under false pretenses.
The reviewer wrote that:
- A group of 80 people was scheduled to travel to Cancun
- They were notified one day before departure that the vendor had canceled
- The reviewer claimed the explanation was false, and the money was never returned
Other reviews from earlier years were positive, praising attentiveness and personalized service — a contrast investigators say may have helped build trust before problems surfaced.
BBB Rating and Business Address Raise Concerns
The Better Business Bureau had not accredited Destiny Travel and assigned the business an F rating, citing:
- Failure to respond to three complaints
- Concerns related to the length of operation
At the time of reporting:
- The BBB acknowledged Thomas’ arrest
- Destiny Travel NY’s listed address was linked to a UPS Store, not a traditional office
A Cautionary Tale for Cruise and Travel Bookings
Cases like this are a reminder that even polished websites and professional branding don’t guarantee legitimacy.
For cruise travelers especially:
- Always confirm bookings directly with the cruise line
- Be cautious with large cash or wire payments
- Verify agency credentials independently
- Watch for warning signs like delayed confirmations or vague explanations
For the victims in this case, the damage wasn’t just financial — it was emotional, arriving at ports and airports expecting lifelong memories, only to learn their trips never existed.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities say more charges could follow if additional victims come forward.
