Family of Four Lost $45,000 to a Cruise Scam That Never Set Sail
A shocking cruise scam has left a family out nearly $45,000 — and the trip they paid for never existed. Here’s what happened and how you can protect yourself.
Miami Couple Arrested for Alleged Royal Caribbean Cruise Scam
Two Miami residents are facing serious charges after allegedly tricking friends and family members into paying for a Royal Caribbean cruise that was never booked. Antonio Diaz, 65, and his wife Maria Blasco Diaz, 64, were arrested on April 7. According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the couple allegedly stole a total of $200,259.85 across multiple scams.
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How the Cruise Scam Worked
It all started when one victim asked Blasco Diaz for advice about booking a cruise. Blasco Diaz was known to cruise often, so the victim trusted her opinion. Blasco Diaz then claimed she could score big discounts through a friend who supposedly worked at Royal Caribbean.
The offer sounded too good to pass up. According to the arrest report, “Ms. Diaz offered cruise excursions, drink packages, room upgrades, hotel stays, transportation, and travel insurance.” The victim and her family handed over nearly $45,000, paying through Zelle, checks, and cash.
The Money Was Split Between the Couple
The arrest report states that “the victim and her family paid Mr. and Ms. Diaz a total of $44,910 through Zelle, checks, and cash. Checks were all cashed by Ms. Diaz and the Zelle payments were sent to Mr. Diaz.” The couple allegedly divided the payments between themselves, making it a coordinated effort.
Red Flags Started Piling Up
The cruise was supposed to depart on July 9, 2023, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas. By late June, the victims still hadn’t received any travel documents. Blasco Diaz kept making excuses and eventually claimed her contact at Royal Caribbean had been fired.
Blasco Diaz then offered partial repayment checks and promised to pay the rest using a home equity line of credit. That promise fell apart quickly. According to court documents, those checks “were later determined to be drawn from a newly opened account with insufficient funds.”
Royal Caribbean Confirmed the Booking Was Fake
When the victim reached out to Royal Caribbean directly, the cruise line confirmed something alarming. The reservation number existed, but it wasn’t linked to the victim or anyone in her family. The couple never followed through on any further promises to repay the money.
The Scam Went Beyond Just the Cruise
The alleged fraud didn’t stop with the Royal Caribbean trip. Starting in 2022, the couple also reportedly took deposits for 16 Rolex watches and one Patek Philippe watch, totaling nearly $139,000. Antonio Diaz claimed he could offer a 50% discount because he worked at a jewelry store. None of the watches were ever delivered.
The victims’ family also paid more than $13,400 for other jewelry purchases. A pair of “discounted” diamond earrings worth $3,000 was also part of the alleged scheme. None of those items were delivered either.
What Happened After the Arrest
After being arrested, Antonio Diaz chose to remain silent and requested an attorney. Blasco Diaz, on the other hand, admitted to the crimes but claimed her husband “had nothing to do with it,” according to arrest reports. Both defendants have since pleaded not guilty.
Lessons Every Cruise Traveler Should Take From This Story
This case is a painful reminder that cruise scams are real and can happen to anyone. Even when someone seems trustworthy, you should always book directly with the cruise line or through a licensed, verified travel agent. Never pay for travel through personal Zelle transfers or cash payments to an individual.
- Always verify your booking directly with the cruise line using the reservation number.
- Be cautious of anyone claiming to have special “insider” discounts through a personal connection.
- Use secure payment methods that offer fraud protection, like a credit card.
- Ask for official documentation before making any large payments.
- If something feels off, trust your gut and double-check everything.
No real deal is worth losing $45,000 over. When it comes to your cruise vacation, always go through official channels and protect yourself first.
