cruise surprise card

Cruise Surprise Card - Oh Ship... You're Going on a Cruise [2 Pack]

You get TWO [2] Cruise Gift Surprise Cards and envelopes. You've already spent the time and effort to prepare this amazing gift. You need to package it properly!

What better way than with this beautiful, high-quality Cruise Gift Surprise Card from Cruise On. Customers who have surprised others with our cards have had amazing stories of reactions from the lucky recipients.

Customers have proudly shared that they've surprised friends and family with a gift card for occasions including:

• Anniversary
• Valentines Day
• Just because

At Cruise On, we love being a part of this process. Thank you for letting us make this gift extra special for those that you love.

As with all of our cruise essentials, we stand by our product 100%. Our small, American business will do anything we can to make sure you have a wonderful experience. Please don't ever hesitate to reach out. We'll answer within hours!

Happy cruising!

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Cruise line gift cards: Where to buy them, how to spend them

If you're racking your brain to come up with the perfect gift for your cruise-loving family member or friend, consider buying them a gift card or certificate from their favorite cruise line.

Cruisers will appreciate a gift they can use toward purchasing their cruise fare or splurging on a beverage package, specialty restaurant or spa treatment. Don't rule out the first-timers on your list; you can help them fund their first foray into cruising or surprise them with something extra to make their upcoming trip special.

If you're a cruiser, you may also want to purchase a gift card for yourself, especially when you can find a deal. AARP sometimes offers digital gift cards for cruise lines like Princess, Holland America, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean at a savings of up to 10%.

Gift cards purchased with Target's RedCard receive a 5% discount. You can also look for Black Friday sales on Disney gift cards at Sam's Club and other promotions offered through the cruise lines or retailers.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Not every cruise line offers gift cards, and some have alternative ways to help pay for a portion of someone else's vacation. However, if you're in the market for cruise line gift cards, read on to find out which seven lines offer them, where to buy them and how to use them.

Holland America Line

Holland America offers gift cards in denominations between $5 and $2,000 that are available to buy on its website. You can either purchase a physical card to send enclosed with a personal message or choose a digital version that the recipient can open online with personalized audio and photos.

The line offers one or two sales a year that feature an added perk, such as a $100 bonus card with a $1,000 purchase.

You can use the cards to pay for cruise bookings, pre-cruise expenses or onboard charges covering specialty dining, beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments, gratuities and other purchases. They can also be used to buy Holland America's "Have It All" bundle, which includes a beverage package, shore excursion credit, Wi-Fi and specialty restaurant meals.

Holland America's gift cards are also available at online retailers, including Amazon, Target and Walmart, in preset amounts. Certain banks feature credit card programs where you can redeem points for the cruise line's gift cards. If you prefer to shop in person, you'll find gift cards in stores such as Target, Publix, Kroger and Giant Eagle.

Related: The 4 classes of Holland America ships, explained

Gift cards are only available in U.S. dollars. Gift cards are activated upon receipt, and they cannot be resold. In addition, buyers cannot purchase an aggregate amount exceeding $10,000 in one day.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises also offers gift cards on its website in denominations between $5 and $2,000. Buyers can personalize the line's eGift Card with photos and audio for the recipient. Princess Classic Gift Cards arrive by mail, with free shipping on cards over $100. Expedited shipping is also available.

You can use Princess gift cards to pay for your cruise, including fares with the Princess Plus and Princess Premier all-inclusive packages .

Recipients can also settle part or all of their onboard bill with gift cards at the end of the cruise at the passenger services desk. That means gift cards can essentially pay for meals in specialty restaurants, shore excursions, spa treatments and other onboard splurges.

You cannot use the gift card to pay for land excursions as part of a cruisetour, flights booked through Princess or gratuities.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships and itineraries

You can find Princess gift cards in grocery stores like Kroger, Harris Teeter and Giant Eagle and online at retail sites such as Amazon, Target and Best Buy.

Gift cards are only available to residents in the U.S. and Canada. Classic Gift Cards cannot be mailed to Canada, so Canadian residents should choose the eGift Card option.

Buyers are limited to a $10,000 online aggregate purchase in one day and a maximum of five transactions a day. Anyone can use the gift card since there's no name on the card.

Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line 's online gift cards are customizable from $100 up to $1,000. You can purchase a physical card that's mailed and even have it wrapped and delivered in a tin for an additional $1.99 (for up to five cards). If you prefer, you can choose an e-gift card that's sent to the recipient online.

The gift card can be used toward a cruise booking, pre-purchased shore excursions or spa treatments. You can also apply it to beverage packages and gratuities. If you'd like to use the card as an onboard credit, you must go to the guest services desk or Sail & Sign kiosk to apply the gift card as payment for your onboard bill once you're on the ship.

Related: Cruise onboard credit: What it is, where to get it and how best to use it

Carnival's gift cards are available in over 9,000 retail outlets, including Best Buy, Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Lowe's, Safeway, Winn-Dixie and Publix. You can also purchase gift cards on board Carnival's ships. You can buy as many cards as you'd like, but there is a maximum online transaction of five gift cards at one time.

All gift cards are in U.S. dollars and not accepted on ships using a different onboard currency. You can transfer the gift card to another user since there are no names on the cards.

Disney Cruise Line

Gift cards for Disney Cruise Line are sold online at shopdisney.com in preset amounts, from $25 to $500. You can choose from over 60 Disney designs of physical gift cards and have them shipped, or you can send a themed eGift Card.

Gift cards are also sold at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney retail locations throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada. If you're purchasing them in person, you can load them for any amount from $15 to $1,000. The cards are reloadable with as little as $5 and up to $1,000. They can be reloaded at any location that sells the gift cards. That option is not available online.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

Use Disney gift cards to purchase a cruise, shore excursions, merchandise on the ship and other onboard expenses. You can also spend the cards at Disney-owned properties, like Disney's Vero Beach Resort; on trips or cruises with Adventures by Disney; for Disney on Broadway; and at retail stores and other Disney businesses.

You'll also find them in preset amounts at retailers like Target, Walmart and Best Buy.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line ended its gift card program in 2021, but you still can send gifts to cruisers in the form of an onboard credit or spa credit. Onboard credit is available in $25 increments up to $100. Mandara Spa certificates are offered in amounts of $25, $50 and $100.

To send the gift, you'll need to know some personal information, including the birth date of the recipient or the reservation number for the booking. You can order the gift of onboard credits on Norwegian's website.

CruiseFirst certificates are another gift option. These advance purchase vouchers can be used to pay for cruises of six days or longer and are valued at double the price. For example, you'll pay $150 for a certificate worth $300. You can transfer these vouchers to another person as a gift without a charge.

You can purchase up to 10 certificates per person at a time, and they can only be applied to new reservations on voyages scheduled at least 120 days out from the purchase date of the certificate. Only one certificate can be used per sailing — and there are a few other restrictions. These vouchers expire within three years of the purchase date.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is another line that uses a gift certificate program rather than gift cards. Certificates are available in the following U.S. dollar increments: $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $1,500, $1,700 and $2,000. These certificates must be redeemed at least 10 days before the cruise.

Use them to pay the cruise fare, with some restrictions, or apply them toward onboard credit to cover specialty dining, beverage packages, spa treatments, gift shop purchases and other items. If you want to apply the gift certificates as payment for expenses on the ship, you'll need to redeem them online 10 days before the sailing date. They cannot be used for government taxes, fees, gratuities or casino play.

Related: 35 Royal Caribbean cruise tips and tricks that will make your voyage better

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises has an online store where you can purchase onboard credit to celebrate someone's birthday, honeymoon, anniversary or other memorable occasion while on their cruise.

Gift certificates are available in $25 increments. These certificates can be purchased online if you know the recipient's reservation information, or you can call Celebrity's Store Customer Support team to place an order.

Note that gift cards cannot be used to pay shipboard charges, including gift shop purchases, casino debts, shore excursions or gratuities.

You can also give specialty dining certificates for $45 each. If the amount charged is less than that, the remaining sum will be applied to the passenger's onboard account.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• The top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Cruise Gifts & Services

Show how much you care with gifts & services that can be enjoyed on a princess cruise.

Beverage Packages & Wine Cellars

Beverage packages for every taste.

There’s a gift for everyone: the Coffee & Soda Package for coffee and tea lovers, the Classic Soda Package for fans of fountain sodas and the Plus Beverage Package for guests who want it all: cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffee and more. You can also purchase a bottle of Champagne, wine or spirits from our Princess Cellars.

Learn more about our beverage packages

Shop for your upcoming cruise

Surprise someone with a gift

Gifts from The Shops of Princess

So many ways to surprise someone special.

The Shops of Princess are like a floating mall, with a wide array of gift options sure to make anyone feels special. Maybe it’s a box of chocolates or an aluminum water bottle for a day-long excursion. It could be a Princess-branded roller bag, designer perfume or the cuddliest gift of all – a Stanley bear.

Celebration Packages

Make occasions even more special.

Birthday packages pamper adults, while a kid-themed package makes junior guests happy. Dining packages are perfect for couples looking for a romantic dinner out.

Packages start at $29.

All prices are quoted in USD and are subject to change without notice.

Learn more about our celebration packages

Romance Packages

Gotta love the romance of the sea.

It could be a wedding beside the waves. A honeymoon after the fact. The start of it all with a Princess® Perfect Proposal. Or honoring your journey so far with an anniversary celebration.

The Love Boat® is YOUR love boat with packages for everyone from young in love to the young at heart.

Getting married? Try these packages

Or browse other romance packages

Internet Packages

Best wi-fi at sea.

MedallionNet® Wi-Fi is fast, reliable and wherever you are. Stream your favorite shows, movies, music and sports. Stay connected to the internet anywhere on board so you can text, post photos, video chat and more. Purchase one-device or four-device packages at low daily rates.

Learn more about MedallionNet®

Culinary Delights

Treats that tempt any palate.

There’s something to be said about the power of food to make any moment a little better. Especially when we’re talking chocolate-dipped strawberries, chilled shrimp, a cheese tray and the ultimate indulgence – the Ultimate Balcony Dinner for two.

Photography & Video

Memories that last.

Memories are the best souvenirs of all, and the best way to capture them is through photos. Especially ones taken by our professional staff.

Onboard Credit

No idea what to get no worries.

Onboard credit is like the chameleon of our cruise gifts because it can be used on – or turned into – so many different things. Gifts at The Shops of Princess. Treatments at the Lotus Spa®. Shore excursions. Pre-paid crew appreciation. The possibilities are nearly endless.

Available in increments of $25, $50, and $100.

You May Also Like

Because every special occasion deserves to be well celebrated.

We offer several packages to help you celebrate your special occasion.

Wedding Cruises

Celebrate your love with Princess Perfect Weddings.

Cruise Gifts - 21 Brilliant Gift Ideas for Cruise Passengers

Cruise gifts are a great way create excitement for an upcoming sailing.

These gift ideas will instantly upgrade their experience.

We've surveyed hundreds of thousands of cruisers. Most agree on one thing. A few small items can have a significant impact on the cruising experience. The items below are the most frequently recommended cruise accessories.

Use the button above to pin this page to your cruise packing list board!

Why give cruise gifts?

Create Anticipation: Everyone knows the saying, "anticipation is half the fun." It's true. We love having something to look forward to. A cruise is on the top of that list. Cruise gifts are a great way to spark that excitement. A set of lanyards at the six month countdown. A set of luggage tags at three months. A travel tote bag at a month. All are great ways to build anticipation.

Cruse Agent "Thank You" Gift Ideas: Cruisers have many options when selecting an agent. They're plopping down a significant investment for their vacation. The agent receives a healthy commission from our business. We never feel like we're owed a "thank you." But, we're always very grateful when our agent sends a nice gift to show her appreciation. These small cruise gift ideas can go a long way in terms of "customer loyalty."

To Say, "You're Going on a Cruise:" She may be a bit confused when opening up a set of cruise lanyards. She may start putting the pieces together with the cruise cabin nightlight. Once she opens that last envelope with her cruise ticket, she should have a pretty good idea what's going down.

Treat Yourself: Sometimes (ok, often times), we like to treat ourselves to something nice. These cruise gifts don't need to be for anyone else. You deserve it. A few small accessories can have a significant impact on your cruise experience.

Regardless of your reasoning, here are the best cruise gift ideas of 2021.

Cruise Gifts - 19 Great Gift Ideas

Cruise Lanyards are on the top of our Cruise Gifts Ideas list. If you've cruised, you'll notice that everyone wears these around the ship. Why lanyards? Cruisers are constantly on the go. From cabin to pool to port and back. Throughout their vacation, they'll need to keep the necessities safe and close. A waterproof badge holder fits cruise key cards, cash, and credit cards perfectly. The lucky recipient will never lose their essentials with this great gift!

Cruise cabins are tiny. They're also very dark at night. Those midnight trips to the restroom require a little illumination to avoid damaged shins. The lights in the cabin, however, will wake up everyone in the room. This cruise cabin night light offers the perfect solution. It's motion activated to light up with activity. And it can be pointed in any direction to eliminate cranky spouses waking up with each trip. It also offers a magnetic base to stick onto cabin walls with ease!

Does your cruise buddy love to take selfies? We're guessing the answer is

This must have cruise item is on the top of all cruisers' packing lists. Cruise cabins typically have just two plugs. Yet we all have phones, laptops, cameras, e-readers, and countless other devices requiring constant juice. Unfortunately, any old power strip won't work. They must be

She'll need a handy tote bag for trips back and forth to the pool and port. Carry towels, snacks, reading material, and a change of clothes easily. The travel tote folds up into the palm of her hand when not in use. It's also ideal for port visits. She'll need extra space for those souvenirs. This offers more than enough space for any new trinkets! It's machine washable and extra durable for many cruises to come.

Give the gift of guaranteed luggage. We've had our bags lost on a cruise. It's a terrilbe way to start your cruise vacation. That's why these cruise luggage tags are a favorite gift for travel agents to send their clients. The cruise lines suggest that you print your issued e-tags and to STAPLE them onto your luggage! No thank you. We arrive in style and with the assurance our luggage does too. Click through to find the cruise luggage tags by specific line.

If your cruise gifts recipient has a good sense of humor and fondness for boat cocktails, this is a must have item. Muster drills are a

Do you have a nerdy friend who loves drinking and cruises? Here's a funny cruise t-shirt to combine those passions in one ridiculous display. He or she will enjoy countless smiles with every wear. This is a must have for the social cruiser in your life!

Cruise Nail Strips are a great way to stand out on a cruise. These Carnival Cruise inspired nail strips feature nautical designs in red, white and blue. They're guaranteed to get some attention from passerbys on the ship and multiple daily compliments. The nail strips are incredibly easy to apply. They're vibrant colors and should last for the entire cruise.

Does the cruiser in your life need some cabin organization? If so, the tops our list of cruise gifts. Easily organize your cruise tiny cruise cabin to keep clutter free all week. The cruise hack here is to use

Magnet hooks pair well with the cruise organizer seen above. These attach to most cruise walls as they're made of steel. Stick them anywhere throughout the cruise cabin. The magnetic hooks are extra strength to hold wet towels, organizers, purses, or other. Check any

If you haven't seen the

The next few cruise gifts top our packing list for

Ultraviolet light is on the forefront of our nation's fight against virus and illness. This technology is used in our hospitals and now available to take aong anywhere sanitization is needed. In a few minutes, the user can dissinfect items like an iphone, key card, toothbrush and more. Additionally, it comes with a handy phone charger. It sanitizes and charges at the same time! This is one of our favorite post-pandemic cruise hacks. It'll make for an amazing cruise gift for the health-conscious cruiser in your life.

This cruise gift is even more portable than the sanitizer box shown above. Now they'll have the power of ultraviolet dissenfection in their pocket or purse. It's battery operated so does not need a plug or adapter of any sort. Wave it over any item needed sanitization and it kills pathogens within 30 seconds of application. Cruise ships have really upped their game when it comes to health and safety. But, this provides one additional step of protection.

All of the mentioned items are cruise gift ideas to help improve the experience. This item is a bit unique. If you're actually surprising someone with a cruise as a gift, then this product is essential. It's the most fun way to surprise a lucky recipient. The front reads, __Oh ship__. The inside reads, __You're going on a cruise__! We've used this to surprise others a couple times and it's always an amazing (and hilarious) reaction.

We like to call this one the

Cruise Door Decorations are a must have item for that extra level of personalization. Every cabin door is identical. This can get extra confusing after a long happy hour. These sticky frames easily apply to the stateroom door with any printed decoration. They're also great for inside the cruise cabin to display daily itineraries, food menus, and more. We like to post a fun new daily message showing our hometown and reason for cruising. It always gets a few fun comments from our ship mates.

Towel bands are an amazing new invention and one of our favorite cruise gifts. Old school cruisers love towel clips. These are bulky and often break. Towel bands are the hottest ticket. These wrap around beach or pool chairs to keep towels firmly attached without blowing into the ocean. They also offer a convenient way to find your cruise setup amongs a sea of similar towels and chairs!

Water and smartphones go together like peanut butter and horseradish. Unfortunately, the two meet frequently on cruise ships. Everyone is constantly handling their phones and there's no shortage of water to be found. With the new safety protocols, phones will also replace key cards. This phone pouch and lanyard set solves all these issues. They'll have the device handy and safe for frequent and dry use!

Cruise customers are often disappointed that they don't receive a physical ticket after booking. They want something to touch. Something that they can post to their refrigerator. Fortunately, we have the solution to this as well. Gangwaze offers a free cruise ticket template. Use our widget to customize and download your cruise ticket in minutes. You can then print it out and include it with any of the cruise gifts mentioned above.

If you're thinking of getting cruise gifts for friends or family, these are wonderful ideas. We hope you find the perfect item.

If you've found this post helpful, please use the buttons below to share with your favorite cruise community!

Gangwaze is your one-stop destination for shore tours, pre-cruise hotels, transfers, vacation insurance & more. We’ve partnered with industry leaders to bring you the best deals and the most convenience.

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN GIFT CARD

Give the gift of adventure.

Take their vacation to the next level with a Royal Caribbean® Gift Card. Easy to purchase, send and redeem, gift cards let family and friends choose the adventure that’s right for them — or splurge on their onboard faves like specialty dining, beverage packages, spa services, shore excursions and more. And since the value never expires, they can max out the memories on their own time.

PURCHASE GIFT CARD NOW

TREAT THEM TO BOLD DISCOVERIES

Like quick getaways and longer adventures, plus specialty dining, shore excursions and more.

ALL IT TAKES IS A FEW CLICKS

Deliver a virtual gift that’s customizable, convenient and flexible.

2 EASY WAYS TO REDEEM

Redeem on RoyalCaribbean.com or onboard at Guest Services.

Contact CashStar, Inc. Customer Care for Gift Card:

Phone: 844-645-8889, Mon - Sun 8:00 am - 9:00 pm ET Email: [email protected] 24-Hours Online Self-Service

*For Royal Caribbean product information unrelated to gift cards, guests will need to contact Royal Caribbean’s Customer Support

Still have questions?

Check out answers to common topics. See FAQs

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Cruise scams: Why you should toss that 'free cruise' card in the trash

W hen TPG's Gabrielle Bernardini opened up her mailbox recently, she was surprised to find a congratulatory postcard announcing she'd won a free cruise with her spouse. It was surprising in many ways, but mainly because she hadn't entered any contests. She assumed the anonymous free cruise brochure was a scam but was unsure of the extent.

Here's what I learned about Gabrielle's free cruise award and what you need to know if you receive a similar "prize."

Congratulations! You won a free cruise

As a consumer advocate who has covered all types of scams over the years, I'm familiar with the free cruise postcard routine. Those mailings are tricky because they might be sent by a quasi-legitimate timeshare or travel club — albeit one with questionable marketing tactics.

However, more often than not, a full-fledged scammer is on the other side of that notification.

After having a good look at the postcard Gabrielle received, I determined this one leaned further into cruise scam territory due to the following red flags:

• This mailing was anonymous and had no return address.
• It was unsolicited: Gabrielle hadn't entered any contests, and she doesn't particularly identify as a cruise enthusiast.
• Gabrielle is unmarried, so the mention of a spouse further suggests the sender bought some kind of list of names without personal details attached.
• The invitation named an event with zero online presence: Travel Exhibit 2024.
• It attempted to create a sense of urgency by warning of a short time frame for claiming the prize before the free cruise would be awarded to someone else.

The top of the free cruise brochure had an additional red flag with the names of various cruise lines displayed prominently, giving the impression that these companies were somehow involved in Travel Exhibit 2024.

Finally, the name at the bottom of the form was the same as a very popular cruise vlogger with hundreds of thousands of followers. Although there was no direct insinuation that the author of the mailing and the cruise vlogger are one and the same, I don't think it's a coincidence. That particular name was likely chosen to give the mailing additional (false) credibility.

So, who was actually behind this scheme? I decided to call and find out, and that's when things got really weird.

What do I have to do to claim my free cruise?

I dialed the number on the postcard (1-866-922-4205) and asked to speak to Justin Alexander, whose signature appeared at the bottom. The man who answered told me that Alexander wasn't available, but that he could help me.

At this point in the conversation, this person's voice was normal. As the call went on and he was unable (or unwilling) to answer many of my questions, he started to speak in an increasingly more bizarre vocal fry.

Here's a little excerpt of our first conversation about the identity of the company behind the free cruise and how it could be redeemed.

Me: I don't see any information about your company on this postcard. What is it called?

Mr. Vocal Fry: It says Travel Exhibit 2024.

M: Yes, but is that a company? I can't find anything at all online about Travel Exhibit 2024.

VF: That's because each year, its name is different. That's why you can't find anything about us. Last year, it was called Travel Exhibit 2023.

M: Is it a travel show or a company? I'm confused. What exactly is Travel Exhibit 2024?

VF: Do you want the free cruise? If so, you and your spouse have to come to a 60-minute presentation in Boca Raton this weekend. You can learn all about it there. You will qualify for the free cruise, which will be provided by one of the major cruise lines.

M: But I would like to know more about it before I drive all the way there. Can I come by myself?

VF: No. This offer is only for couples. If you don't have a spouse, you can bring a partner ... or a friend.

When I continued my attempt to get clarity about what Travel Exhibit 2024 actually is and how I could learn more, he told me he wasn't sure. He then said he was a third-party marketer hired to answer the phone and make appointments. He assured me that I would learn all about the company behind the postcard during the presentation.

"It's called Perfect Vacations and their website is hidden, so you can't see it. It's members-only," he explained to me. "But you'll be able to look at it when you go to the meeting. Also, you're going to get a $100 gift card. When would you like to go?"

I told him that I needed to know what the presentation was about before I committed. He assured me it wasn't going to be a timeshare presentation but that he would need to call me back after he learned more from the company.

Since he never asked me for my name or number, I was sure he had no intention of calling me back.

By the time our conversation was over, I knew he needed a big glass of water to clear up whatever had caused his voice to change so dramatically during our conversation. The vocal fry was so strong that it made my throat hurt. I assumed he was trying to disguise his voice, and that, along with everything else that transpired, convinced me that this operation was not on the up and up.

No legitimate company would be so secretive about its name, location and purpose. I had a little more sleuthing to do.

Mystery solved: Prime Vacations International

After online searches for Perfect Vacations and Travel Exhibit 2024 turned up nothing, I called the number on the postcard again the next day. I asked for Justin, but the same man answered and told me Justin wasn't available. His voice had returned to normal until I reminded him that we had spoken the day before, and soon, the same pressured vocal fry emerged.

I asked what he had found out about the company, and he asked me what I wanted to know.

"Well, mainly the name of the company that will issue my free cruise," I told him. "I don't think you've given me the actual name yet. Have you?"

He paused and then said, "It's Prime Vacations International."

Mystery solved.

He asked me again if I wanted to schedule a presentation with my spouse for the next day in Boca Raton.

"Where in Boca Raton will this be held?" I asked. "Is it in a hotel?"

He hesitated for a moment, and then the vocal fry became more bizarre.

"Inside the Bank of America Building in Boca Raton," he told me.

I asked him for a few more details about the free cruise, and he told me that I could go on any major cruise line leaving from Florida. The room would be an inside cabin, but I could upgrade at an additional cost. There would also be taxes and some other "fees."

I thanked the vocally challenged man and explained I would need to do more research before making a decision. We ended our call.

What is Prime Vacations International?

Now that I had the name of the actual company behind the free cruise postcard, I was able to find a plethora of information. It was immediately clear to me why the third-party marketer would want to conceal the name as he tried to lure someone to the initial sales pitch.

Prime Vacations International scores 1.4 out of 5 stars on Yelp , where there are various verified reviews from people who actually attended the presentation. As the score would imply, most are dissatisfied with the company and identify it as a scam operation. Some say they felt forced to endure a high-pressure sales presentation where a variety of tactics were employed to wear them down.

The consumers who were unsuccessful in resisting the pitch and signed a contract at the end describe the club's reality as simply a reservation call center — one you have to pay big bucks to use. Many participants reported spending $3,000 to $10,000 on a membership that gave them access to that hidden website mentioned in my first call with Mr. Vocal Fry.

Even the lone five-star review for Prime Vacations International on Yelp isn't great. It says the available inventory is limited, and you can find better deals independently.

As I read through all the reviews on Yelp and other sites, I couldn't help but think that this might be another type of reservation call center scheme . Sure, this travel club might make you a legitimate reservation, but you can do that on your own and — as the five-star reviewer points out — at a cheaper rate.

What about that free cruise and gift card?

So, if you can withstand the hard sell and make it through the 60-minute presentation, will you get the free cruise and gift card at the end?

According to participants on all the review sites, the answer is "nope." Instead, when the sales pitch is over, the "winner" receives a voucher with all the terms, conditions and fine print about that "free cruise." Those are details that the company should include on the original postcard so that the would-be cruiser can make an informed decision about whether they even want — or can afford — the prize.

First, a $50 per person deposit is required just to get the redemption ball rolling.

Next, as you might expect, you'll encounter all sorts of restrictions and blackout dates. One of the Yelp reviewers who sat through the presentation was kind enough to share the redemption instructions and fine print.

What is immediately clear is that the free cruise has the potential to turn quite pricey.

Taxes and fees will cost approximately $200 to $350 per person.

Additional fees "might include and not limited to: government imposed taxes, port charges, transfers, agency booking fees, NCFs, fuel surcharges, cruise line imposed surcharges or any incidental expenses like gratuities, phone calls or entertainment."

Prize winners with dreams of relaxing on their cabin balconies as they sail to tropical locations are in for another disappointment. The free cruise award winners are assigned windowless interior cabins on the lowest deck, which might have "bunk beds." I found that part particularly curious, given that Mr. Vocal Fry told me this prize is for couples only.

I'm sure it's a rare couple who would find sharing bunk beds on vacation enjoyable. Only a few cabins on a few cruise ships are indeed bunk bed-only, but mentioning the possibility is likely part of the ploy. It encourages the prize winner to upgrade to a more suitable cabin for, you guessed it, another fee.

But even if all of these terms and conditions sound agreeable to you, there might still be an insurmountable roadblock to redeeming the voucher: blackout dates and limited availability.

"Generally, there is no availability during peak holiday weeks and limited to no availability during peak summer travel dates in June, July and August," the terms and conditions state.

Because the inventory for these free cruises is so limited, the company requires recipients to provide a total of three possible dates that they would be willing to travel. It offers no guarantee that any dates will be confirmed. A repeated complaint across the review sites is that it's seemingly impossible to redeem the voucher if you're unwilling to pay more to upgrade.

And I discovered one more oddity in this scheme: The phone number associated with redeeming the free cruise is yet another third party — Casablanca Express . That company holds a one-star average review on the Better Business Bureau and doesn't fare better on other sites.

Casablanca Express describes itself as "the preferred travel agency for companies that require fulfillment services for a variety of travel packages. While we may be in the travel business, it may be more accurate to say that we are really in the customer service business."

However, the reviews across multiple sites tell stories of disappointment and frustration for the customers who attempt to use this company to fulfill their "free" prizes.

Look out for these warning signs

The free cruise marketing scheme has been around for years. It's not showing any sign of going away because people are still responding to it. Message boards around the internet are filled with tales from victims who got drawn into the appeal of a complimentary trip that turned out to be anything but free. As an additional insult, some ended up with timeshares and travel clubs they never wanted.

Don't let that be you.

Remember these warning signs of a less-than-above-board operation before you agree to drag your partner to one of these presentations with the hopes of cruising to the Caribbean for free.

Unsolicited awards

These surprise prizes might come via the USPS, email or phone. Remember, you can't win a contest you didn't enter. You can be 100% positive that the person or company awarding you a free cruise or other travel-related prize wants to sell you something — and that something will be expensive. Your free trip definitely will not be free. You should ignore all unsolicited award notifications.

Invitations by strangers to non-transparent events

If someone came to your front door wearing a mask and told you that you won a free trip, you would be suspicious — especially if they were unwilling to tell you who sent them to your house. You might even call the police.

Postcards containing no identifying information are similar in that you don't know who you're talking to or their true intent. Any invitation that doesn't identify who, what, where, why and how much should be tossed in the garbage. Don't risk exposing yourself to a possible scam.

Booze-fueled events

If cocktails are served (which often happens if you attend a travel club presentation in the Caribbean), your hosts aren't simply being hospitable. If you choose to attend, please decline the proffered drink. I've received many pleas for help from bewildered travelers who attended festive, booze-filled presentations and signed legally binding contracts at the end — much to their horror once they sobered up.

Free cruise scams and schemes: Bottom line

If a legitimate travel club contacts you (yes, there are legitimate, transparent travel clubs) and you wish to proceed, make sure to do your research. Look for review sites, preferably ones like Yelp and others with spam detectors able to identify and flag fake posts. Compare reviews across multiple sites for a better overall picture of whether or not you should spend your valuable time attending a presentation for the travel club — free cruise or not.

Before you attend a travel club or timeshare presentation in the hopes of receiving a free gift, get all the prize redemption details. Then, mentally prepare yourself for a type of sales pitch you have likely never experienced before.

If you decide to try your luck and think you have the stamina to resist that hard sell, skip the alcohol and proceed with caution. But don't say TPG didn't warn you.

Related reading:

• How to avoid vacation rental scams this summer
• Help! A fake Air Canada customer service number scammed me out of $493
• How to avoid overpaying for a travel visa on an airline website
• Is a cruise itinerary change worth $4,000? This Regent passenger says it is
• Help! I've been waiting 2 years for a $7,443 refund from my cruise operator
• Do you get compensation when an aircraft swap leaves you with a worse seat type?

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.