So 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.
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