Mexico Cruise Ports Hit by Alarming Resort Day Pass Scam Preying on Unsuspecting Holidaymakers with Fake Perks and Costly Travel Club Traps

Poalua, April 15, 2025

Cruise travellers in Mexico are falling victim to a resort scam offering free perks, only to face high-pressure sales for costly travel club memberships.

A growing number of cruise passengers have reported falling victim to a deceptive excursion scam that is rapidly spreading across popular cruise destinations.

Travel expert Gary Bembridge, known for his Tips for Travellers series, has sounded the alarm on a surge in cruise-related scams, particularly in busy ports throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and more recently, the Mexican Riviera. In a recent video, he described how friendly locals or so-called resort representatives are tricking travellers with enticing offers that come at a hidden cost.

The scam usually begins with a too-good-to-be-true deal at the cruise terminal: a complimentary day pass to a luxurious resort, complete with free transfers, meals, and drinks. These offers are pitched at well-branded kiosks or by persuasive individuals claiming to work for reputable resorts.

However, the catch comes once the guests arrive and begin to unwind. After a few complimentary cocktails, they’re ushered into what’s marketed as a brief “information session” — but it’s actually a high-pressure sales pitch for a travel club membership. These clubs promise exclusive travel discounts and luxury perks, but only after an expensive initial buy-in and recurring monthly charges.

Bembridge cited a new report from The Points Guy, a trusted travel news platform, which recently highlighted the rise of these scams. He cautioned cruisers to avoid signing up for any clubs or excursions not officially sanctioned by their cruise line, and to remain vigilant — especially when approached with lavish freebies.

For unsuspecting travellers, what starts as a relaxing shore experience can quickly spiral into a financial trap.