Carnival Cruise Line Warns Guests About Wristband Scam
Cruise guests are always looking for the best deals and ways to get special perks for their upcoming sailings in order to make the most of their oceangoing vacation.
One supposed “hack” to get special privileges, however, is only a scam – and one that Carnival Cruise Line is wise to.
The scam centers around Carnival’s exclusive Havana Retreat, the ship-in-a-ship concept that includes Cuban-inspired staterooms and exclusive spaces for the use of Havana guests.
Guests booked in Havana staterooms are issued silicone wristbands that permit them access into the exclusive spaces. The colorful “Havana Experience” wristbands are an easy way for crew members to check that only permitted guests are allowed into that coveted part of the ship.
John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, has noted that some less-than-scrupulous guests may sell the wristbands on online auction sites. Upcoming guests who purchase them, however, do not get Havana privileges and instead are just scammed out of their payment without any perks.
But how does Carnival know whether the wristbands are legitimate or not? Heald has explained.
“Some very naughty people have been selling their Havana wristbands on Eeeeeeee Bay and other auction sites. These bands are checked by the staff working in the Havana area,” Heald explained.
“Someone silly decided to buy two of these and tried to wear them to get into the Havana area on one of the ships. They were denied and I am sure were embarrassed because the wristband was the wrong color.”
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Havana wristbands come in various colors, including brown, green, yellow, blue, red, and white. What inexperienced guests may not realize, however, is the colors aren’t just decorative.
“We used to have just two colors for these cabins,” Heald said. “[Now], we have different colors. They are changed at random each cruise.”
Guests who purchased the used wristbands were denied entrance to the Havana area. While Heald noted that they were likely embarrassed by the incident, he doesn’t elaborate if there were any other consequences for trying to circumvent the cruise line’s rules.
A quick perusal of online auction sites does show some Havana wristbands for sale, with prices ranging from just a few dollars to $30 and higher.
Depending on the seller, some are described as used or collectible only, but there is no mention that the wristbands do not guarantee Havana benefits on upcoming Carnival cruises.
Auction sites are not responsible for the truthfulness of individual listings, as that information is up to the seller to disclose. Furthermore, there is nothing wrong with previous Havana guests selling the wristbands as unique souvenirs, so long as they are not being dishonest and claiming that buyers will receive the benefits.
In addition to the wristbands, Carnival crew members may ask to see guests’ Sail & Sign cards to verify their Havana status, just to ensure the exclusive area remains exclusive.
Is The Havana Worthwhile?
The exclusive Havana area is only available on select Carnival cruise ships. At this time, the premium area is found on Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama, as well as all three of the cruise line’s Excel-class ships – Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.
The Havana features old-time Cuban-inspired decor with a relaxed tropical vibe. Each stateroom – and there are different types available to book, from interiors to balconies to suites – has a branded robes and towels for guests to use.
Guests booked in The Havana also have exclusive access to their own pool or hot tub area (depending on the ship), and plenty of sun-drenched lounging space – without the massive crowds in public areas.
The Havana Bar is also available exclusively for booked guests to use. Previously, that venue was open to all guests during the evening hours, but that policy was changed in recent years and now is only available for Havana guests.
All guests booked in Havana staterooms must be age 12 or older, which makes the area even more desirable to guests who prefer quieter, more adult-oriented spaces.
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