Administrative Office of RPR/OFV
January 14th, 2009 by Alan YuSo I got this strange letter in the mail today. At first it looks like some kind of strange business letter, but I knew it couldn’t be that important otherwise it would have been sent by registered mail.
In the back of it there sure were a lot of big brand name companies though as you can see.
Interesting use of fine prints too such as this one stating “Universal Orlando is a supplier and not a sponsor of this vacation offer”.
After reading that I thought maybe I would find something humorous or interesting in this. It was kind of interesting how there is an address to “2419 E. Commercial BLVD., FT. Lauderdale, FL 33308” and right beside it there is a label titled “Mail Data PO Box 337 Fort Erie, Ont L2A 5N1”. Makes it sound like the “Mail Data” has a whole pile of addresses used to solicit people.
Upon opening it the offer was for one of those cruise line vacations. This one was from company called “Imperial Majesty”. It came complete with a pitch card too:
Pack your bags Alan Yu! You’ve been identified to receive a FREE Two Night Caribbean Cruise for two adults!* As our guest, you’ll cruise round-trip on the Regal Empress from sunny Ft. Lauderdale, FL, to Nassau/Paradise Island in the tropical Bahamas. Your first time traveler introductory familiarization cruise includes a private stateroom, with all meals and entertainment included.
Congratulations Alan, your responsible financial history earned you this FREE “Fam Trip” Cruise!*
“Fam-Trip” is travel industry jargon for a “Familiarization Trip” which is a free or highly discounted vacation package that most Travel Agents receive as a perk to “familiarize” themselves with fine Resorts and Cruise Ships like ours. We believe you’re just as qualified as a travel agent to experience our “familiarization” tours. We have found this to be the best way to advertise the quality of our properties and we believe you’ll tell your friends and family about the great time you had.
Alan, please call Toll Free 1-800-405-6112 in the next 72 hours to claim your FREE “Fam-Trip” Cruise. No purchase necessary, no strings attached!
Sport charges and government taxes not included
Alan, as a FREE Cruise “Fam-Trip” recipient, you’re also entitled to a $1,300.00 Travel voucher. We’re pleased to provide you with this special travel voucher to purchase your family’s spectacular Florida Resorts extended stay that may be used in conjunction with your FREE cruise.* In return, we request you fill out a one-page “Fam-Trip” survey evaluating your cruise and your Resort hotel stay.
The Yu family FREE cruise/extended stay package includes:*
• 4 days & 3 nights at the “Gold Key” award winning Ramada Plaza Resorts in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
• 3 days & 2 nights at the “Gold Key” award winning Ramada Plaza Resorts in Magical Orlando, FL.
• 2 Night IMCL Caribbean Cruise including private stateroom? all meals, live entertainment and onboard activities.
• Informative guided tour of a local vacation ownership resort.
• 7 Days transportation by Alamo Rent-A-Car with unlimited mileage during your vacation.
Alan, please participate within 48 hours! You’ll also receive both getaways:
• 3 days and 2 nights in exciting Las Vegas, Nevada.
• 4 days and 3 nights in romantic Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Call Toll Free 1-800-405-6112. Agents available Monday to Friday, 10 am – 11 pm, Saturday 10 am – 8 pm, and Sunday noon – 8 pm (EST). Only one call per notification. If busy, please call 1-800-404-4924.
See reverse side of credit voucher for terms and conditions.
They also created this facsimile of a check worth $1,300.
Of course with it comes all the fine prints too:
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This is an offer to sell travel. This Vacation package includes nationally recognized Ramada Plaza Resorts Gold Key Award Winning accommodations for three nights South Florida, two nights Orlando, FL, round-trip Carnivals Cruise or imperial Majesty Cruise with meals and entertainment included to and from Nassau, Bahamas, and an economy rental car for seven days with unlimited mileage while in Florida. Ramada Plaza Resorts, Orlando/Ft Lauderdale Vacations, a franchisee, markets and is responsible for quality travel packages to promote specific hotels and resorts in Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale, which it exclusively owns and operates, and in return requires the attendance at a presentation on the sale of independent vacation ownership resorts.
Participants will also receive four days/three nights in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and three days/two nights in Las Vegas, NV, which may be enjoyed after primary itinerary Responders to this offer may be identified to other advertising companies with products and services we believe you may be interested in if you do not wish to receive these attractive offers, please write to: Ramada Plaza Resorts O.F.V., Attn: Marketing Department, 2419 E Commercial Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Offer is subject to change without notice and not valid in conjunction with any other offer Transportation to and from Florida, hotel and rental car taxes if applicable and meals on land are the travelers’ responsibility. Depending on traveler’s selection of cruise line, additional energy and security surcharges may be imposed and collected at time of embarkation to reimburse carrier for increased costs associated with fuel prices, port security and government imposed fees Please only one call per notification UNIVERSAL ORLANDO is a registered trademark of Universal Studios Ramada43 Plaza Resorts, Orlando, is a “Destination Universal” hotel. UNIVERSAL ORLANDO is not responsible for the fulfillment of this vacation offer. Imperial Majesty is Ramada’s Preferred Cruise Lined Carnivals, Carnival Cruise Line, The Most Popular Cruise Line in the Worlds and Fun Ships are all registered trademarks of Carnival Corporation. Ramada) Plaza Resorts, O.F.V. is solely responsible for this offer. Ramada(3 Plaza Resorts, O.F.V. is an equal opportunity employer Void where prohibited. All Federal, state and local laws apply. Licensed and Bonded in the state of Florida, Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST-30427. See reverse side for details Refunds subject to law of state in which consumer resides.
This advertising material is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of a vacation ownership plan.
This is the fist solicitation I have seen that literally tells you in the fine print that the intent of this is to sell you something. But then again, how many people would actually read that right? If that is not enough, they even create the free “cruise voucher” too:
While I guess since a lot of people are having tough times financially that this would seem like the perfect time for companies like these to prey on people looking for free stuff, it sure makes me wonder how people still get lured into these things.
I don’t think I need to shout too loud in terms of telling people to stay away from this one right? Wonder how global this one is.
January 24th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Thank you very much. I have also received the same thing you received. I was first surprise and then check their web site to confirm it. Then I felt this is suspicious and type the offer in google. Then I found the truth through few web blogs. Thank you very much again.
February 27th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I guess it’s a good thing that I decided to research this before calling. I just got this crap in the mail today and was starting to get excited till that lil part of my brain was telling me, “if it sounds too good to be true, check it out” and I did and now I know, this crap is fake!! I wonder how these people sleep at night, knowing they are preying on honest people like us!! Thanks for posting this blog, otherwise, I’d have never known NOT to do this…
March 9th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Wow. I got the same solicitation in the mail today. Thank God for the internet because they do a really good job of making you think that they may be legit, even to someone as skeptical as myself. This “voucher” will will going in the garbage! Thank you for your reports!
March 10th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Yeah I got one too. I am from alberta Canada
March 16th, 2009 at 9:23 am
me too i receive that piece of crap in my mail box and i live near montreal quebec me and my boyfriend was happy in the first time but in the second time i check it and they just want to sell us some travel
March 17th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I Got the same think, thank’s to Jesus for all your help, God bless you all.
March 18th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I received one today as well in Vancouver,BC. My sister worked for a timeshare company and knew something was not right. We googled the Florida address and a paralegal firm came up and when I googled the Ontario address I came across this.
April 17th, 2009 at 7:32 am
I received the exact same documents, except mine says from CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, RECORDS DIV.,531 SE 5th Court, Pompano Beach, FL 33060. All the remaining documents and stamps are identical. I am a Paralegal and decided to do some research glad you were here. NEVER GIVE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION, SOCIAL SECURITY # OR BANKING INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE. THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVISE JUST EVERY DAY JOE ADVICE. HAVE HAD BAD EXPERIENCES IN THE PAST. GOD BLESS ALL!
April 21st, 2009 at 10:57 am
I just received this same document. Up front it looks professional but luckily I decided to research it first.
April 21st, 2009 at 2:01 pm
I just got this trash in the mail today. Right off the bat I said to myself, this is a SCAM. So I went right to my pc to check this outfit out. Why don’t these people STOP!@
April 28th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
My grandma got the same thing today, the whole thing sounded a littly fishy so I decided to check it out for her on the internet. I am very happy that I did. I from Saint Paul MN. Mine was from Pampano Beach Florida as well. Stupid.
April 28th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
I received this mail, the same one that everyone got. I looked at it and was excited about it, so I called the company to see if its true, so a guy answer it and told me that the cruise line is free, but I have to pay $789 for the rental and plane ticket for two people.So, I told the guy that I have to talk to my husband about it and see if we can go, so the guy was like “Sorry, one phone call per household”. It seen like he want me to puchase it right away. But I just told him that I will call them back and then he just said ” OK” and hang-up the phone without saying “Thank You for calling and have a nice day.” What a jerk!! But also, it’s a good thing that I try to search for their company and found this website because I kinda knew it was a scam. So,Thank You!
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:11 pm
I received the exact same documents, except mine says from CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, RECORDS DIV.,531 SE 5th Court, Pompano Beach, FL 33060. All the remaining documents and stamps are identical. Thank you for posting the actual documents online, that really help.
May 5th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Look at the address in google maps street view!!!
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&q=531+se+5th+court,+pompano+beach&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,4628736444211441824&ei=jNcASr2iBZuqMs6c2dwH&ll=26.224543,-80.115094&spn=0,359.977341&z=16&iwloc=A&layer=c&cbll=26.222826,-80.115093&panoid=sBg6Yn8wm3s-BF6V_Fkkkg&cbp=12,8.062004903916381,,0,5
LOLZ!
May 5th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I recieved the same thing in the mail. I even called on it, and was really pumped until they asked for my credit card. That was the key that something wasn’t right, and I hung up. My wife got on line and found this blog. What kind of people are these guys anyway. This is such a scam. Thank You!
May 8th, 2009 at 7:48 am
guys i had the identical thing but it said Carribean line. but all the documents were identical. my dumb butt did call and i had the experience about the “one phone call per household” deal. except with me they put the “manager of operations” on the phone and she reduced the 798 to 596 and when i said i would have to talk with my husband. she got an attitude and spouted off some website i could still get my free cruise and hung on me!! these people need to be reported. thanks for your postings. it helped a lot!!
May 8th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I got the Caribbean Cruise Line one in the mail today…these people are unreal! I went to their website…you couldnt book this cruise even if you wanted to pay full price..there is no option to! check it out http://www.thecaribbeancruiseline.com/index.html
I cant believe they went to all that work…SCAM, SCAM, SCAM!!
May 8th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Oh and mine is “signed” by a Robert Mitchell and now Craig’s List is scamming it as well….BEWARE
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/tix/1113476362.html
May 11th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Oh I am glad to see this website I got this today and I usually research things that I get in the mail and I google it and came across this thank you for the information in this economy times people still scamming. I am a single mother of two and would love to go on a vacation but I will not reveal any of my credit card information to anyone.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Sirs,
Also regarding the Caribbean Cruise Line “offer,” I “googlearthed” 531 SE 5th Ct, Pompano Beach, FL and discovered it is not an office at all, but a private residence in a residential neighborhood. It also appears to be abandoned, though I am inferring this because another website shows the property as being for sale and asks if the viewer is the owner of said property. Anyway, it is very strange, indeed.
May 15th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Hi,
I recived the same thing in the mail today in Alberta, Canada. I called the number to find out where they had gotten my info to and they began to have an attitude with me and gave me the number to customer serive. Just wondering if anyone got charged for the call as I used my cell seeing it was a 800 number.
May 15th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
I@am @so happy that I checked in to this. My voucher looked identical to the documents that everyone received I’m only 20 and I don’t even know how they found me. But I searched the address and found this. The address was 531 SE 5th Court, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060
May 16th, 2009 at 4:55 am
i fell for it and now i am paying for it trying to get my money back if anyone can give me advice on how to go about this it would really be great
May 16th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I’ve taken a trip like this before it was pretty cool and cheap but the sales guys for the timeshares r hardcore If i wasn’t there my wife would have bought one. but this is just a total non existing scam. Glad I looked it up too. I feel sorry for the suckers that fell for it.
May 17th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Check out Better Bus “F” rating:
http://www.seflorida.bbb.org/BusinessReport.aspx?CompanyID=92014161
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:30 am
If it sounds too good it probably is.
Scammers suck! stay away from them.
May 22nd, 2009 at 4:36 am
http://www.sunbiz.org/scripts/cordet.exe?action=DETFIL&inq_doc_number=P08000050872&inq_came_from=OFFFWD&cor_web_names_seq_number=0001&names_name_ind=P&ret_names_cor_number=P06000150992&ret_cor_web_names_seq_number=&ret_names_name_ind=&ret_names_comp_name=&ret_names_filing_type=&ret_cor_web_princ_seq=0001&ret_princ_comp_name=MITCHELLROBERT&ret_princ_type=P
May 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
DUDE!!!!!! THESE FOLKS ARE A TRIP!!!! I WAS ON THE PHONE FOR 25 MINUTES TALKING WITH THIS GUY NAMED VICTOR MURRAY, REFERENCE ID #PN1341, ABOUT THIS CRAP! NOW IM NOT GONE LIE, I DID GET ALL EXCITED WEN I GOT THIS SH** IN THE MAIL! ITS A RECESSION, ANYTHING FREE SOUNDS GOOD!!! BUT AS I WAS LISTENING TO THIS DUDE GO ON ABOUT THIS DREAM VACATION, IN THE BACK OF MY MIND I WAS WAITING ON THE “ALL WE NEED IN RETURN OF GIVING YOU THIS FREE TRIP IS…” aND SURE ENOUGH IT CAME!!! THIS DUDE, MURRAY, COULD HAVE HAD ME GOIN IF I WERENT SO SKEPTICAL!!! HE TALKING BOUT HOW HE HASNT FOUND THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE YET AND HOPEFULLY ONE DAY!!! BOO BOO BOO WAH WAH WAH BLAH BLAH BLAH SHUT THE F**K UP IS WUT IM THINKING. BUT I HOPE HE IS GETTING PAID TOP DOLLARS CUZ THE MAN WAS SELLING HIS ASS OFF. HE SHOULDA BEEN IN THE CAR SALES BIZ. BUT YEAH ITS ALL FAKE. I WISH I COULD MAKE THESE LETTERS BIGGER WEN I SAY “ITS ALL FAKE!!!!” THE VOUCHER THE CHECK THE FACT THAT THEY TRY TO MAKE THE SHYT LOOK LIKE A REAL CRUSIE TICKET OR SOMETHING. HA HA HA AM GLAD IM NOT GULLIBLE AND I HAVE UNLIMITED MINUTES!!! DAMN
May 22nd, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Hi, I’m so glad I found this site; even though I fell so hard for this crap…I don’t know what the fudge was wrong with me on the 20th of May, 2009. I gave them my cc # thinking it was just to charge me port fees and BAM got charged $224 b/c I couldn’t afford the $898 they wanted and they automatically set me up with a monthly payment plan for an undisclosed amount (until I asked) and on an undisclosed date (until I asked) . After dizzily authorizing the payment; I thought to myself this must be a scam so I googled but couldn’t find sufficient info to make me angry…I called and tried to cancel; just on the off chance that it was a scam; and the guy was rude and trying to intimidate me. He kept saying he didn’t mean to patronize me but I couldn’t get a full refund even though I was told I could when I authorized payment. I have chase and debits tend to go in immediately but it was still pending so it was funny to hear him say the funds were already “dispersed.” I asked where, since I hadn’t made reservations. He said he would cancel the automatic monthly payments and extend the life of the package to 2.5 years and only charge me $498, as this was the ONLY thing he could do. I sat on that for about a day. On the 21st I cancelled my debit card and on the 22nd, today, I called back. (I had googled the address and that’s when I hit paydirt)
I was armed with the FBI’s number (mass marketing fraud crime); the FTC (Federal Trade Commission-federal-wire fraud b/c crossing state lines to wire money *see former Gov. Spitzer*); the NYS attorney general’s #, the FLS attorney’s general #, FLS and NYS Consumer Protection Board #, BBB, Google maps, this website and the US Postal Inspector’s office number (mail fraud Title 18 of US code chpt 63) and a lawyer’s number.
First I confirmed their address and spelling of the company…simply b/c google maps shows the address to be residential and just in case they try to fall back on misspelling “Caribbean” or some such nonsense; confirmed with them that they were registered with the BBB and in good standing. I called back and asked to speak to “Phillip.” I then proceeded to rip Phillip a new one. He tried to say he was a middle man company and that’s why he wasn’t in the BBB so then I said well tell me your companies name so I can look them up…long pause.. “Caribbean Cruise Line.” Ah justification, he also acknowledged that he hadn’t cancelled my monthly payments when he tried to offer me that option again! When I caught him on that he said “it takes 24hours to process any changes” I said funny, it’s been 48!.
I told them that after confirming the address I found that it was house not a business, and he said he works out of a 3-story building with 500 ppl. In each floor (wtcrap? Does such a building exist? Please call the fire dept. doubt they have adequate exits for that amount of ppl). I repeated that I had googled the address and found it to be a house and politely asked him to confirm that address. I also said according to both states attorney general’ I can receive a refund. He said only after you pay for the entire vacation or take the vacation, so now I’m supposed to pay the rest of the $$ so I can get my money back? Lets do the math here ppl. I was very careful to not accuse them of being a fraudulent company as the US is a litigious country and who knows they might turn around and sew me for defamation. Make sure to say “IF you’re a scamming fraudulent company, not saying you are”
I basically threw every phone number and any information I had at him until he put me on hold. I nervously looked at my friend thinking he hung up on me…about five minutes later I was transferred to a guy who was more than happy to authorize a full refund of the $224 paid. I asked him to repeat it b/c I was taping him. YES RECORD THEM!!!! He said it would take 48 hours to process and 7 business days to complete. I assured him I’d be calling back next week!!! Because, honestly we can’t trust these fudgers to keep there word.
I then called my bank who assured me even though I had cancelled my debit card on the 21st they can still refund me the $ w/o me having to give them another number. They also said (now this I have to confirm with my personal banker b4 I believe it) that if the they do not submit there receipt of the transaction within five business days of the card cancellation, the bank automatically refunds my money. But just on the off chance these fudgers fudge with me again I asked them to make a note of the fact that they agreed to a full refund within 7 business days and it was recorded and there was a witness (put in on speaker). So cross your fingers folks. Hopefully this helps you Chet. Good luck.
The trick is to be forceful but not rude. Use the same tactics they used on you, on them i.e. no time to think or form coherent thoughts.
May 23rd, 2009 at 8:40 am
Woke up this morning to find out I had my money back!!!! Happy Day!!! Good luck to those who are still trying…
May 24th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
IT BROKE MY HEART NOW I WANA KILL MYSELF
May 26th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
WOW, ok I am also glad I found this site…. when it sounds too good to be true it usually is… LESSON LEARNED!
When I called the number it had been disconnected hahha… serves them right!
May 29th, 2009 at 10:39 am
DONT DO IT. THOSE JERKS ARE TRYIN TO GET YOU.
May 29th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I too am so glad that I found this site. My mom went through with it and the whole HOUR she was talking on the phone with the guy I knew that it was a scam. After typing in the given website on Google, I found no pages that said it was a scam, most said that it was legit. I still didn’t believe it and I was glad that I found this site. The voucher that my mom got was almost exactly the same as yours except for the company name, which was Caribbean Cruise Line. Thank you so much.
May 30th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Well I feel so deflated and happy at the same time. I feel for it because I thought it was just one of those time share promotions. I spoke to a guy who said his name was Rodney, but he wouldn’t tell me his last name. He went through the wonderful spill about the cruise. I was hooked. Then he said I had to do it then and I couldnt call back. I told him I couldnt afford it even at that price. So like the poster ashlee above says he put some woman on the phone and she dropped the price to $596 and said we would get a $100 credit for restaurants of our choice. I told her I still didnt have the money, but I really wanted to do it. She said I could give her my card # and if it declined it then I would have the deal locked in and I could call back and pay them. So I gave her the number of a empty re loadable card I had in my wallet. They said it was declined but I could still call back. And it sounded so good
May 30th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
btw if you google the address you get this site on several hits http://www.lisacurtin.com/index.htm
weird huh?
June 1st, 2009 at 10:19 am
I received the exact same documents, except mine says from CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, RECORDS DIV.,531 SE 5th Court, Pompano Beach, FL 33060. All the remaining documents and stamps are identical. I am a Paralegal and decided to do some research glad you were here
I am in Vancouver Canada
June 8th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
i dont know whats going on with these people… i also receice a mail from caribbean cruise line, administrative office records div,. 531 se 5th court pampano beach florida 33060.
i went online to check for their website thinking if this was for real they would atleast mention something towards it. then i check to see if bahamas celebration has any cruise shedule and there was none. then i realise that this is some bulshit. wish there was a way to getback to these criminals…
June 9th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
lol this is very funny, i also got this in the mail, i knew it was fake but i decided to check it out anyways :p
that funniest part is that they sent to ME and not my parents, i am 17 right now, who lives in a lil hick town, i laughed!
June 16th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
LOL , I too received this mail. thanks for posting this review. When i called them they said the same as you guys mentioned above. They are really Jerks.
June 26th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I think its time to get these people back!
June 29th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
I have received the same tickets for a $1,300 and it smells like scam. How can we get them back?
July 9th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Got this today. How in the fuck did these people get my information and information as in the first place as in address and name? I hate that so much, it’s offensive and I wanna know and I wanna know how scammers get my cellphone number as well. It’s bullshit.
July 11th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Haha I got one of these today as well…I won a free cruise and they won a free trip to the trash can!
July 27th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Thanks pretty funny cause I just got one today that it Caribbean Cruise Line. It says the same thing thing. I was lmao.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Unfortunately, I have received the same dream vacation in the mail. I’m sorry to hear that some people have been have lost money over this. What is the world coming to. These ppl are disgusting
July 30th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
I got one just like this except it was caribbean cruise line instead of Imperial Majesty. I was curious so I called them up just to see what the deal was. As soon as they told me that I had to give them my credit card information and I was only given one call per notice sent in the mail… my red flags were flying. So I told them I’d get back to them anyway because I couldn’t make an impulse decision like that. I looked up their address and am I ever glad I did… Thanks so much!
August 3rd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
August 6th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I was so excited, i had never ‘won’ anything before. i was about to give my credit card info when my husband stepped in and talked to the guy. he was extreemly rude and impatient, and we hung up…i married a smart man:) i feel better now knowing that so many other people think this is bullshit. i live in bc, canada (they tell you that there is only 1 person per state invited) so if anyone from bc is reading this-red flag! and apparently they know that i pay my bills ontime… how did they get this information??
August 7th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Man these people are good at making things look like the real deal, nothing like this is free every these days. Amazing how they get your information. These people need to be stopped. Not just these silly ones that we all got a ‘free’ cruise from but all people that do this.
August 15th, 2009 at 11:22 am
I got a similar letter, new address–200Knuth Road, Suite 101, Boynton Beach, FL. The new twist is the addition of Carmen Electra on the website to make it feel legit. They even have her giving a testimonial about the wonderful cruise. Hmmmm.
August 17th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Got mine as well…I wonder why these ppl have not been caught.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Yes it is a scam. They are sending out a new promo just got it today. They would not let me hang up so I went online and found this. I told him about it and he hung up.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I got a similar letter, new address–200Knuth Road, Suite 100, Boynton Beach, FL 33436 and the phone # is 1 800 461 1801.I strongly belive my wife changed her mailing adress on the usps website,by accident ticked offers.after that we are getting this junk/scrap/scams ones
August 19th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I received my Free two night Bahamas cruise for two adults on 8/12/09 for $1,300.00 travel voucher. Can’t believe Universal\Orlando\Ft. Lauderdale and Ramada are responsible for this crazy offer????!! Har!! Har!! Hardy!! har!
August 25th, 2009 at 11:37 am
its still circulating i got one too and i’m in british columbia WILL IT NEVER END? LOL
August 25th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
My fiance got one of these in the mail today and I told her I would look around on the internet first. Didn’t believe it for a minute. Her’s was from Caribbean Cruise Lines, signed by one Robert Mitchell. These people need to find a different hobby. Maybe one that actually benefits society.
August 31st, 2009 at 11:29 am
I got this letter as well (free cruise for 2 and $1,300 vocher. It’s from Caribbean Cruise Line 200 Knuth Rd., Suite 100, Boynton Beach, FL 33436 and Toll # 1-800-733-4223
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I got this in the mail today and as soon as i opened the mail, i got very excited – for 1 minute only. I thought I did not join any contest that I knew of and never had any single transaction with Caribbean Cruise Line or Universal Orlando or whatsoever sponsors listed in this document. I researched the toll free number 1800 301 8076, and found this site and I am very happy that you guys confirmed that this is a scam. I am replying to your blogs so that other people who knows me who receives the same thing will believe that this is indeed a big SCAM….so far, one of the biggest scam that I have ever encountered because of the very good marketing strategy – real voucher with my name and address.
Again, thank you everyone. You just saved my money and time.
September 4th, 2009 at 11:34 am
hahahaha guys, did you know that i received the same letter too?..,nevertheless, I can never be fooled by this tricks..,thanks to this concerned citizen who posted this blog..,hooray bahamas!
September 6th, 2009 at 1:26 am
i fell into thise i lost 1000$.
i was never fuld b4
September 11th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
i received the same thing in the mail today. the first thing i said was yeah right. if this was real the Pope is coming to my house to visit. right now i can’t see myself falling for any of this BS when i’m trying to figure out what bill i’m going to pay on payday. WHAT A JOKE!! free cruise my behind!
September 16th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
The link to Google Maps posted by foobar made me laugh. That is a nice cozy looking house out in the suburbs.
I got the Caribbean Cruise Line offer and decided to Google it just out of boredom. Usually such offers have a catch.
September 17th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
They now have a Commercial that runs w/Carmen Electra as the spokesmodel offering the same thing if you call 888.405.8882
When I went to the website to register they gave me a confirmation # & then I called the 800 # where I was told of all the wonderful details of what I will receive followed by asking for my CC # to pay for my “port fees” of $59 per person.
On the website it specifies that the port fees are to be payed upon BOOKING of your trip, which I was not doing at the time of the call. I told the woman I was not comfortible giving my info over the phone to an unknown company & she went on to tell me that every time I use my CC over the phone or at a retail store I really don’t know of the company. WHAT???
I just repeated that I didnt feel comfortable and said goodbye while she was still trying to bully me into why I should trust them with my info.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:14 am
these guys are very rude on the phone i called to have my name taken off the mailing list. they put me on hold for 5 mins came back tried to sell me it again when i refused they put me on hold again for 5 mins then came back with the “supervisor” when i wouldn’t give him any info and told him not to put me on hold anymore i got fed up and said i’d mail a letter and he told me he didn’t want to talk to me anymore and hung up the phone. not professional at all just makes it look more suspicouse.
September 21st, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I just received the same voucher from Caribbean Cruise Line ,200 Knut Rd, Suite 100 , Boynton Beach , FL …After seeing this I felt very excited and read it properly and got a doubt. I tried reaching their tool free number which is 1800-461-1801 , its not wrking, Its strange and I got a doubt and searched in the internet and found that this is a type of promo and scam who are playing with us. Which is not tolerable… Thx for the person who has posted this and saved my time and Money ! Hurray we escaped
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
PPL what shoul I do if I already gave them my info 2 day ago?:(
September 24th, 2009 at 9:16 am
I got a Caribbean Cruise voucher in the mail today to, so I went online to check it out to see it was a scam and It was. I knew it because I got other different stuff in the mail. Your right it is wrong that the people try to get honest people to fall for there scam. I’m happy that I got the internet to check out stuff like this.
September 24th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Got the letter Today and immediatly googled and came across rip off reports and this site. Definitely a scam. If we keep this going at some point the scam will have to run its course.
September 28th, 2009 at 11:10 am
September 28th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
just got my letter from caribbean cruise at 200 knuth rd called because we are actually looking to take a cruise after 30 min. started asking for $ told them would be a month before i had $700 they dropped it to $124 told them i would call back in 30 min. had to ck funds they started getting mad at the same time my wife found this web site i guess we’ll look for a cruise the old fashion way by checking with a travel agent
September 29th, 2009 at 9:29 am
SEROJ I would suggest u try cancel the transaction if that doesn’t work u may hav 2 cancel & get new card that way they can’t keep charging u
There were a couple ppl who tried getng refunds above also a link 2 betr business b if nothng else mayb they can help @ very least u can file a report
I too got this n mail mine was almost identical 2 the othrs now they r using diff address its:
Caribbean Cruise Line
Administrative Offices
200 Knuth Road
Suite 101
Boynton Beach FL 33436
800 461 1801 or
800 461 3226
Its just sad they r getng 2 ppl it has 2 b sumwhat successful or they would of already moved on 2 sumthng else
Sadly not evry1 doesn’t ck or hav access 2 the internet
B4 internet I would always ck BBB if I had questions about somethng 2 good 2 b true. N my experience it is just that
That’s how these scammers stay n business
Thanks 4 starting this blog u did a gr8 job getng the word out ther very detailed
September 29th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Shirley I had a prob w/Block Buster taking out more than supposed 2 b4 they we’re supposed 2 which caused me overdraft fees I talkd 2 my bank & they knocked off the fees they also said its hard 4 a bank 2 stop some transitions that r automatically authorized so that’s sumthng 4 all they suggested mite b best n circumstances like these 2 use pay pal use the setting that u transfer funds not wher PP automatically takes out of ur account
Hope that helps ppl a little
On a separate note aftr trouble w/BB I tried Netflix they do rite by u if any1 is thnkng about trying them LOL
Have a gr8 day evry1!
October 2nd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I got the “Carribean Cruise Line” one… Few twists compared to the original, but of the same nature… The fine print is drastically re-worded.. Lol,I believed this for like.. an eighth of a millisecond. I’m in Chicago…
October 13th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I sadly fell for this cruise line. I should have done research on this before I gave them info. I have to talk to my credit card company tomorrow to hopefully get things straightened out. Sadly, i’ll probably have to change up my numbers and start over. I feel so ashamed that I fell for this stupid scam. I can’t believe places like this can exist.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:48 am
I got one too! I hate how they try to trick people in to buying stuff to still ur identidy! Amarillo, TX
October 31st, 2009 at 8:30 pm
hi,
I got the same mail too. I am puzzled why I got one? and no idea of cruises in particular since I know it’s expensive. I launch on the net and check about this….to my surprise IT’s a SCAm!!!!. Thank you so much for helping people like me. Lets fight Scam !!!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:52 am
HAHA, I just got this in the mail today and decided to type in the 1800-733-4223 and it took me to this website. I decided to call them and tell them to take me off of there call list, they said ok and that was it. After reading these comments I noticed a different number someone typed in… I called it and this lady answered…I told her that they were a bunch of scammers and that they were going to HELL!! She goes, So How can I help you today?… What BITCHES!!!
November 9th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
i knew it was fake from the begining cuz i didnt recall signing up for anything. i used a credit card i havent used in years n immediately canceled it afterwards! so lets see if they will take the money out.
how does FREE turn into $800 after a long 30min conversation?
November 13th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
I to fell for this, but I am still not sure it is a scam. I looked up the address on google maps and yes, it is a residential neighborhood and the Woman that lives there is Lisa Curtin Paralegal and runs her business from there, she says that she rented out a room for office space to them. I also contacted Celebration cruise Lines and asked them if they had any promotions going on and they gave me the number to these people. The lady from celebration cruise lines said they are a wholesaler company and are able to give cruises and vacations at discounted prices and that they are a real company and not a scam and they do promotional cruise packages to sell other vacation packages. As I said before I am not completely convinced that this isn’t a scam, but not that it is either. If anyone can find out any more evidence that this is a scam please let me know and any info on how to get out of it as well. Thank you.
November 16th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
I JUST CALLED! knowing it was a scam told the girl i didnt want to pay anything thinkign it was a free cruise ship..not even saying hold on one second some guy answers saying because im from canada it will cost 7hundred and something bucks for the airline..i was like ya right im not paying that and told him itsaid it was free then he had the nerveto say “THANKS FOR WASTING MY TIME!” i was like excuse me and he said it again!! lol i was like GET A REAL JOB and hung up! I want to call these people back and laugh in there face!
November 20th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
AMAZING!!! And to think at first I thought it was lagit….What ASS HOLES!!!
November 28th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Wow, I just recieved this today in the mail, but it’s printed a little different.
Mine says Caribbean Cruise Line
Address 200 Knuth Rd., Suite 101 on the envelope and suite 100 on the inside of the ticket.
I called a business in the same building, I got an answering machine to return my call, about 15min later a got a return call and a woman (name I wont mention) left a message in my voicemail saying there was a guy that was there and no longer there, he does his business elsewhere and she gave me a number for the owner of the bulding to get more info of who occupy that suite.
I just called the property owners and left a message, I will post the result of the call once the get back to me.
December 1st, 2009 at 1:14 pm
This scam is still circulating; I received my “free cruise” offer yesterday.
December 6th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
What can I do if I already fell for the scam and my credit card was charged? Please help! I definitely should have researched harder…
December 7th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
FREE !!! U CAN MAKE THE RESEARCH FREE BUT SORRY NO FREE CRUISE!!!
i said awww when i got it an hour ago today.
its like the same voucher as displayed above but this is from Caribbean cruise line, boynton beach, Fl 33436.
I thought i won the GOOD MORNING CBS46 reward(island gifts) but it doesnt say anything about FLIGHT. i was sure nobody will give that offer for free hahahaha, So before i scream to anybody i made the reseach and found this like yall did. oh thanks i was planning to take one of my girls lol
IM FROM ATL …BE A WINNER OR A LOSER U CANT BE BOTH!!! PEACE
December 8th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
We recieved this letter in the mail and talked with Phillip and Jay over the phone. IT all sounded good but he wanted 798.00 up front. We were reluctanct and he came down as low as 199.0. HOw’s that? Glad to have read this blog. We honestly gave it a thought.
Thanks again bloggers
December 9th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Thanks for all your help!I received the same letter thank God I research before I actually believe this B.S.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Thank God i’m not gullible
December 14th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
I got almost the same one, but it was a Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas for 3 days and 2 nights, celebrating their new ship.
I know a lot of places that ask for the credit card number that are certified companies, so that part I didn’t mind, but when they asked for the 3 digit number on the back of my card I got suspicious and told “Al” that I think this is a scam. He laughed and said it wasn’t, because, and I quote, “these companies[meaning Ramada and Orlando, etc] wouldn’t put their reputation on the line if it were a scam.”
I’m still suspicious, but at the same time I’m curious because there are tickets like these that aren’t scams, my brother got one that looked a lot like that and it was really a cruise, and he went on the cruise with his wife. Since they didn’t ask me for money up front it lessened my suspicion.
I gave them the credit card number and everything but immediately after called my bank and had my account put on as a credit only status, so money could only be deposited and not withdrawn.
I’m waiting to see what happens- my bank said they’d give me a call if anything tried to come through, and if anything happens, the police in my area are looking for it.
The police will help- it’s part of their job. If you’ve been a victim of any scam from something like this to a pyramid scam, the police can do something about it so you won’t end up owing money to anyone. If any kind of scam happens to you or anyone you know- report it immediately. The sooner the police know about it, the more likely they can do something about it.
Thanks for posting this- it was a good eye-opener for this whole thing. Plus it got my anti-skepticism husband to understand that most scams like this are run by very intelligent people who know what they’re doing.
December 14th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
LN-
Call/go to your bank and tell them to put your account on a temporary credit-only status. This will make it so that for a certain period of time nothing can be withdrawn from your account- however long or short you want it.
Get a new debit/credit card. Get a new one issued by your bank.
Tell your bank what happened- that is VERY important that you tell them exactly what happened so they know what to watch for.
Good luck,
Lil
December 15th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Thanks for the information, and blogs like this. I got one and had been called for so many times for my credit card number. Good thing my instincts still works I also did a little research and did not take a minute to know the truth before going in to anything like this . . . FREE???
Again thanks for all the people who took time to share the information.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I have sued Caribbean Cruise Line twice now. Im interested in speaking with anyone who has purchased this cruise package in the last 18 months. Email me at mtodd75682@aol.com and tell me what state you are in and how much you paid.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Received the offer in the mail today so naturally I had to do a little background check. I am shocked that Alan’s blog was written in January and it’s December now. They survived the whole year and the scam is ongoing?!
January 4th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
I received one today for Caribbean Cruise Lines. I live in Chicago, if that helps track this.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:46 am
I received one today for Caribbean Cruises Lines.I live
in New York, I had my bad felling on this but I would
like to thank you, your blog was very helpful.
January 12th, 2010 at 8:12 am
i got the same mail today, FREE BAHAMAS CRUISE FOR TWO ENCLOSE no string attached! AND 1300$ TRAVEL VOUCHER signed by ROBERT MITCHELL. At first i got all excited, i thought ill take my bf with me. On the second thought,I wonder how did i get this? and too bad i cant avail the offer coz am new in Ontario Canada and am not allowed to enter US yet. As for curiosity and to prove my self that it is a scam i check online and BINGO! I’m right. This Scammers are smart alright but not smart enough to fool me!
HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA…. STUPID ASS!
BUT I CANT JUST BELIEVE THIS BLOG STARTED LAST JANUARY AND UNTIL NOW THE SAME SCAMMING IS STILL GOING ON.
Hoping to you all if you receive any suspicious letter or offer please check online first b4 giving ur money away.
Thanks to blog!
January 13th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
I got the same mail from Caribbean cruise line with the $1300 travel voucher enclosed in it. Was planning to give them a call but thought to do some research online and I am glad I did, thanks to all the bloggers.
Don’t fall for anything that sounds too good to believe.
January 14th, 2010 at 6:17 am
Wow… it still goes on and on… i’m from around Montreal in Qc, and received one too, and found out they copied some info from Celebration Cruise Line who really get 10 free cruise… But they dont send Random Scam like that!
January 14th, 2010 at 6:24 am
Wow. Unsure what most of you are talking about. I paid the requested $59 per person last February, for my family of 4 (plus one baby) and we booked the trip for June ‘09. Got cheap airline tickets from NJ to FL and the cruise worked out great. Just had to sit through one two hour sales promotion in the hotel in Orlando.
No, I’m not serious. I wouldn’t touch this one with a ten foot stick.
February 1st, 2010 at 4:56 pm
February 4th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Check out the address
531 SE 5th Court, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
on Google Streetview and you will see that it is a little house in a modest neighbourhood.
Their new address, not far from the old address, 200 Knuth Rd. Suite 100, Boynton Beach, FL 33436 as seen on Streetview is a lowrise on a two lane road in the middle of nowhere.
Do not give them your credit card. If you had won something, it would be free.
February 6th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
I went on the Free 3 day/2 night Caribbean Cruise Line trip. I used this site: http://www.cruises-4-free.com and yes it was legit. You do have to pay for your on transportation to and from the port. This would be a great cruise for someone cruising for the first time and short on money, but this was my third time. So, I did have a couple of complaints. I had never departed from that port (Port Everglades)before. I hate it. It was not organized or pleasant to look at. Their registration building looks run down. Everthing looked like it (the port) needed remodeling. Jacksonsville’s port looks great compared to this one. The ship was bigger than I thought for a 2 night trip and it looked beautiful once we entered- I felt better. However, this was a free trip. I noticed that we kept passing some nice cabins and kept going lower and lower. When he opened the door, I was speechless. I didn’t know whether to laugh or scream. I’m a Christian so I try to watch my language, but this was like a nightmare. I thought that the steward was playing. It was so small that we couldn’t move around. To me it was too small for 1 person and you know how females pack. I didn’t know that they made cabins that small. I expressed my disappointment to the steward and he told us who to see. I cordially expressed my issues to the manager and he politely gave us a free upgrade. God is great! The upgrade he gave us was a regular size inside cabin that was spacious. However, my cousin and I decided to pay an extra $100.00 to get a window (oceanview) room. This is not necessary to have fun since hopefully you’ll spend most of your time out of the room. This was her first time and I wanted it to be amazing for her. After we changed rooms, it actually was amazing.
You just have to be careful of the photographers (their photos are expensive) but this happens on most ships. Just take plenty of your own film or a digital camera. Since it’s only morning until late afternoon (about 4 pm) in Nassau, you have to make sure that you use your time wisely and pick the best tours. We selected Cable Beach w/ the lunch deal and were not disappointed. Another great option is the Atlantis Tour, Paradise Island, or Blackbeard Cay which I did on previous cruises. However, I think that Cable Beach was the best because we got a tour of the city as we rode on the van to the beach. I saw residential parts of the city that I had never seen when visiting before. I was going to give up on visiting the Bahamas again since I had gone so much but this tour gave me a greater appreciation for the Island and I actually may go back a 4th time. The only catch with this free cruise was we had to do a tour of some Resorts. You can see the resorts before or after the cruise. We selected to go after the cruise and I didn’t regret it. I actually ended up buying a timeshare. 
and it’s a great deal for me since I love to travel so much. They did give us 2 free vouchers for vacations to Daytona Beach and our choice of Las Vegas, Virginia, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale. The Daytona Beach voucher looks legit and I visited the agency that gave it to me (South Florida Welcome Center) on 5100 N. State Road 7 in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33319. Their number is It’s located inside of the Ramada Inn. I’m not sure about the other voucher because it has the address that you all mentioned: 531 SE 5th Court, Pompano Beach FL 33060. Before sending it off, I wanted a phone number to it and came to this site. Reading your comments I found out that there is possible a new address. I’m definitely going to look into the second voucher some more before sending it. I did use the 531 SE 5th Court address to set up my cruise and correspond with no problem. I’m not sure if it works out well for a Resort vacation however. Thanks for all of your input everyone. I’ll check out those phone numbers that you provided.
February 6th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Oops, I forgot to add the number to the South Florida Welcome Center on 5100 N. State Road 7 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33319: 954-735-7474.
Have a great day!!!
February 10th, 2010 at 6:42 am
I was curious and suspicious. Unfortunately, I got in telephonic contact with Caribbean Cruise Lines. Since then the telephone calls come three times a day. I think the thing is a scam to lure one into a postion to be pressured into buying vacations/time shares.
Apparently Caribbean Cruise Lines is not connected with Celebration Cruise Lines – other than Caribbean just uses their ship to keep you hostage while they subject you to their sales pitches.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:22 am
I went on this trip to Ft. Lauderdale and on the cruise. I chose not to take the Orlando part of the vacation, but they said I could take it later. It is not a complete scam. The accommodations are real. The hidden charges are what pissed me off. It is not worth the end cost. It is not free.
February 12th, 2010 at 8:48 am
thank you everyone!!! im so happy i researched this 1st! i just knew this was a scam!
February 20th, 2010 at 11:43 am
It’s really not a scam. Read this for details of how it works:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2692769/the_truth_behind_caribbean_cruise_lines.html
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:21 am
I received this at my place of employment. We receive bonuses at work which allow us to purchase online visa cards for the internet. So i purchased some books with it one time and I”m assuming this is how they got the address. Obviously, I want off their mailing list so that my employer doesn’t receive these anymore, does anyone know how to do this swiftly. If so, please please let me know.
Nicole IN Winnipeg Canada
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:24 pm
might of been good if real…snowed in pa..84″ of snow so far an more coming
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Hi there, i worked for this company. Now the thing with this is that the cruise is guaranteed to everyone who calls in about the promotion. They simply try to get your to upgrade to the extended stay package. If you do not purchase the extended stay package then you need to pay your port and departure fees to us so we can send you your pre-paid tickets…They cant just sent you free tickets without commitment from you to book a room. That money of for 3 things 1.the bohemian government 2.your processing fees 3.date change flexibility…So if you change your date of the cruise more than once there wont be a penalty fee for having to reserve another room.
When you give the confirmation number over the phone is confirms as a caller in the data base, so if you call back again about the cruise it is not available to you. This is because of the one call per house hold policy.
I know many people who have taken the package and been very pleased with it.
I cant explain the address issue, and i cant explain you not being able to purchase the cruise online….probably because depending on the caller there are different packages available.
All in all, 798 for the package is not a bad deal.
March 4th, 2010 at 11:12 am
I received one of those today and i live in al. i don’t even have a credit card and for the one who worked for them i have a tendency to believ the 50 other complaints that this is a scam thank you so much for this site