Australians Outraged: The $4,000 Cruise Ticket Scam That Could Trap You Next!
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Imagine the excitement of booking a cruise to explore the idyllic islands of the Pacific, only to discover that your much-anticipated adventure is nothing more than a round trip to your own backyard. This is the unfortunate reality for a group of Brisbane neighbours who found themselves caught in a cruising conundrum that has left them both frustrated and financially strained.
David, Terry, and their wives, Sandra and Laree, had been eagerly awaiting their vacation, a chance to unwind and indulge in the tropical paradise of the Pacific Islands. They had shelled out a hefty $4,000 for the experience, not including the additional costs of flights to and from Sydney, where they were set to embark on the Carnival Luminosa. However, their dreams of island hopping were dashed when they learned that their itinerary had been drastically altered due to ongoing unrest in the Pacific, rerouting them back to Brisbane—their point of origin.
The original plan, as advertised by Choose Your Cruise, promised an eight-night journey with stops at three New Caledonian ports, complete with a backdrop of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Instead, the group will now be taking a scenic cruise around Willis Island before heading back to Sydney, with a pit stop in Brisbane that seems more like a cruel joke than a vacation highlight.
Terry's sarcastic quip to A Current Affair, 'Maybe we'll come home, catch a taxi, and do the washing, and go back to the port in the afternoon,' captures the absurdity of the situation. It's a sentiment echoed by David, who expressed his disappointment at not being able to visit any of the South Sea Islands they had been promised.
The 'Flashback' package, which initially lured in customers with the allure of tropical getaways and musical acts from the '80s and '90s, including Human Nature and Marcia Hines, has now been reduced to a coastal cruise with no exotic destinations in sight. Despite the significant change in plans, Choose Your Cruise has refused to offer refunds or credits, instead opting to ramp up the onboard entertainment and offer a $50 voucher as a consolation prize.
The company's statement to A Current Affair attempts to justify the decision, citing the limited availability of ports in the South Pacific and the need to maintain the integrity of the entertainment program. However, this explanation provides little comfort to those who feel they've been misled and left out of pocket.
This cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder to all prospective cruisers to be vigilant when booking their trips. It's essential to read the fine print, understand the terms and conditions, and be aware of the potential for last-minute changes that could turn your dream vacation into a disappointing detour.
For our members here at the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that a cruise is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we want to ensure that your hard-earned money is spent on a trip that meets, if not exceeds, your expectations. We recommend thoroughly researching cruise companies, seeking out reviews from past passengers, and considering travel insurance that covers cancellations and itinerary changes.
Have you ever experienced a similar situation with a cruise or holiday package? How did you handle the disappointment and financial loss? Share your stories with us in the comments below, and let's help each other avoid these costly pitfalls in the future.
David, Terry, and their wives, Sandra and Laree, had been eagerly awaiting their vacation, a chance to unwind and indulge in the tropical paradise of the Pacific Islands. They had shelled out a hefty $4,000 for the experience, not including the additional costs of flights to and from Sydney, where they were set to embark on the Carnival Luminosa. However, their dreams of island hopping were dashed when they learned that their itinerary had been drastically altered due to ongoing unrest in the Pacific, rerouting them back to Brisbane—their point of origin.
Two senior couples felt they were scammed by Carnival Luminosa. Image Credit: Wikipedia
The original plan, as advertised by Choose Your Cruise, promised an eight-night journey with stops at three New Caledonian ports, complete with a backdrop of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Instead, the group will now be taking a scenic cruise around Willis Island before heading back to Sydney, with a pit stop in Brisbane that seems more like a cruel joke than a vacation highlight.
Terry's sarcastic quip to A Current Affair, 'Maybe we'll come home, catch a taxi, and do the washing, and go back to the port in the afternoon,' captures the absurdity of the situation. It's a sentiment echoed by David, who expressed his disappointment at not being able to visit any of the South Sea Islands they had been promised.
The 'Flashback' package, which initially lured in customers with the allure of tropical getaways and musical acts from the '80s and '90s, including Human Nature and Marcia Hines, has now been reduced to a coastal cruise with no exotic destinations in sight. Despite the significant change in plans, Choose Your Cruise has refused to offer refunds or credits, instead opting to ramp up the onboard entertainment and offer a $50 voucher as a consolation prize.
The company's statement to A Current Affair attempts to justify the decision, citing the limited availability of ports in the South Pacific and the need to maintain the integrity of the entertainment program. However, this explanation provides little comfort to those who feel they've been misled and left out of pocket.
This cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder to all prospective cruisers to be vigilant when booking their trips. It's essential to read the fine print, understand the terms and conditions, and be aware of the potential for last-minute changes that could turn your dream vacation into a disappointing detour.
For our members here at the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that a cruise is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we want to ensure that your hard-earned money is spent on a trip that meets, if not exceeds, your expectations. We recommend thoroughly researching cruise companies, seeking out reviews from past passengers, and considering travel insurance that covers cancellations and itinerary changes.
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