Complaint Review: Caribbean Cruise Line

I received a phone call on my cell that if I completed a 5 question survey, I would win a free cruise. They gave me the website to contact: www.2011getaway.com to secure the free cruise. I guess I didn't call them back fast enough because a week later they were blowing up my phone! I can't believe that I even answered!

A Guy named Reynold (I guess) started with his line but the free 2 day cruise to the Bahamas but then I mistakenly asked about more time. I was immediately transferred to Scott, the processing director who just happened to be walking by Raynold's desk. Fat chance huh? Scott was much more polished in the sales pitch of course: Just for you I'll add 3 days and 2 nights in Orlando and 3 days 2 nights in Fort Lauderdale in addition to 3 day 2 nights in the Bahamas plus an overnight cruise over and back with free meals on the Bahamas Celebration. I asked him how big was the ship because my wife and I cruised to the Bahamas for our honeymoon on a tin can. He replied that the Celebration was a BIG ship: 2 football fields in length.

Then he replied that just for me he would upgrade the cabin and the hotel accommodations for free and also add free hotel accommodations for Vagas and Mexico.

When I finally had a chance to speak I asked, "how much?" He answered, "...all for the the 70% discounted price of $817.00 ...plus $118.00 port tax for a grand total of $935.00 that had to be immediately charged on my card to lock in that deal. I told him to wait a few minutes while I called my wife at work. He said, "go ahead. I know how that works." I called her and told her what was going on and she asked me if we could call them back. I told her what I was told, this was a great opportunity.

She then had to go and hung up. Then Scott proceeded to ask me again for me CC number. I told him I don't have one anymore but I had a debt card. I told him that it probably had a $500.00 limit per day protection on it. He said, oh that's okay. We can take payments or whatever. I finally broke down and gave him my debt information. Unfortunately, it when through for the full $935.00. I was promptly transferred to verification and repeated my information to her and I was all set.

Well it definitely didn't take long before buyers remorse set in big time. When I contacted customer service the next day low and behold it was that same verification person I talked to the day before. When I started discussing my plans I couldn't help but notice discrepancies in what I was told by Scott the day before. Later when my wife got home I voiced my concerns to her an she asked me if I had researched them online yet. I hadn't so that's when I saw "Bahamas Celebration - Rip-off." I immediately got that sick feeling. Then I called my bank and promptly canceled my debt card. I'm going to pay my bank a visit in the morning to dispute the charge. I hope this works.


EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.

According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.

If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.

Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!

DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!

Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.

And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.

Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.

CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD

If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.

Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.

And good luck Let us know how you do!

ED Magedson Founder RipoffReport.com Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com

Rip-off Report PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280