Get marketing news you’ll actually want to read

As modern cruise ships become floating communities, scammers continually adapt their tactics to exploit guests who are distracted by entertainment, excursions, and port calls. The first line of defense is awareness: understand that legitimate crews never ask for sensitive information in unsolicited calls, messages, or pop up prompts on the ship’s wifi. Review your itinerary, onboard credit, and reservation details regularly after docking, and keep a routine of checking your accounts for unfamiliar transactions. If something seems off, report it to guest services immediately and preserve any screenshots or emails that verify the suspicious contact. Prompt action can stop a scam from escalating.

Another common ploy targets passengers through compromised wifi networks and unverified apps. When logging into your accounts, avoid autofill and use multi-factor authentication where possible. Prefer official cruise-branded apps and websites rather than third-party links received by email or text, which may lead to phishing pages designed to harvest credentials. If you must use public internet on board, use a personal hotspot from your phone or a trusted provider’s network, and turn off automatic connections to unknown networks. Be prudent about sharing personal information in chat forums or social media where false profiles may pretend to be crew or fellow travelers.

A key safeguard is verifying the legitimacy of every contact claiming to be from the cruise line. Always contact the company through official channels listed on the ship’s directory or the official website rather than replying to a message that appeared on your phone. Scammers sometimes spoof caller IDs or use convincing branding to appear trustworthy. Do not provide credit card numbers, social security information, or passport scans unless you are certain you are communicating with a verified corporate system. If you doubt the source, request a callback number and confirm with guest services. This due diligence helps you avoid costly mistakes that are hard to reverse at sea.

Onboard payments also require careful handling. Use a single, secure payment method linked to your primary account, and monitor every charge against your itinerary. If you notice unfamiliar transactions, contact your bank immediately and notify the ship’s financial desk. Keep receipts for all purchases, including shore excursions and spa services, so you can dispute discrepancies with solid evidence. In some ports, scammers solicit deposits for fake tours; resist the urge to pay in cash to unknown guides and insist on booking through the cruise line’s official shore excursion desk. Document everything for reference.

Physical theft is another risk on cruises because public spaces, pools, and lounges see heavy foot traffic. Never leave valuables unattended, even briefly, and use a hotel safe to store passports, extra credit cards, and emergency funds. If you bring multiple devices, keep them on your person when moving through crowded areas and never park them at the edge of a chair with a careless setting. Use strong, unique passwords for each device and enabling biometric unlock helps minimize unauthorized access. Regularly back up important files before departure and encrypt sensitive data. A small practice of precaution dramatically reduces the harm of a stolen device.

Wireless devices should be protected with up-to-date security settings. Install reputable antivirus software and enable automatic updates to shield against evolving threats. Disable auto-join for public networks, and set your devices to ask before connecting to unfamiliar networks. When using onboard ATMs or payment kiosks, ensure the screen shows the legitimate brand’s logo and that the URL starts with https. If you must connect to a shared printer or kiosk, suspend any automatic cloud syncing that might expose personal files. A few careful steps create a strong barrier against data loss.

When signing up for shore excursions, rely on the cruise line’s official offerings rather than third-party vendors promoted in unsolicited emails. Check the operator’s licensing, insurance, and safety record, and never pay upfront with cash to unfamiliar guides. If a local vendor asks for passport copies or excessive personal data for a tour, politely decline and seek alternatives through official channels. For onboard activities, keep track of your tickets and confirmations, and avoid sharing sensitive details in groups or public chats. A measured approach to booking and information sharing preserves both security and enjoyment during port days.

In day-to-day ship life, use a discreet approach to money handling. Avoid flashing large amounts of cash in public spaces, and consider using a travel wallet with RFID protection for cards. If someone asks to see your itinerary or personal data, offer only the minimum necessary and defer to official guest services for verification. Be mindful of cameras and unguarded moments in corridors, lounges, or spa areas, where misused footage could expose personal habits. Maintaining modest privacy helps keep your cruise experience relaxed and secure.

When approaching local businesses ashore, verify their legitimacy by calling the shop or hotel directly using a trusted directory. Be wary of “too good to be true” deals or unsolicited tourist discounts that require upfront payments. If a driver or guide insists on handling documents like passports, politely refuse and arrange legitimate check-in through the cruise line. Keep photocopies of essential documents in a secure online location or a second wallet. This redundancy protects you if something is lost or stolen while you explore new destinations. A calm, well-documented plan reduces anxiety during busy excursion days.

If you encounter suspicious behavior aboard, report it promptly to guest services or the security desk. Describe the encounter in clear terms, including times, locations, and the individuals involved. Security teams on ships are trained to follow up on reports discreetly and to protect your privacy. Do not confront suspected scammers directly, which can escalate risk. Instead, rely on the ship’s protocols for investigations and refunds when appropriate. Your proactive reporting helps prevent others from becoming targets and strengthens the overall safety culture of the voyage.

A proactive approach blends preparation with ongoing vigilance. Before departure, compile a secure list of emergency contacts from your home country and your cruise line, stored offline and online, in case of data loss or credential compromise. Make digital copies of important documents, such as itineraries, visas, and insurance policies, but keep sensitive information protected with encryption. During the voyage, schedule regular checks of your bank and credit statements and set up alerts for unusual activity. If something seems off, pause your use of the device, disconnect from untrusted networks, and seek guidance from official channels rather than chasing rumors.

Finally, practice good privacy hygiene and share your knowledge. Educate traveling companions about recognizing phishing attempts, the value of strong authentication, and the importance of controlled information sharing. Encourage others to report suspicious emails or calls to the cruise line and to use only official apps for tracking excursions. Maintain a calm, informed mindset so you can enjoy the voyage while minimizing risk. Over time, these habits become second nature, and the sea becomes a safer backdrop for memories that last a lifetime.