Two South Florida residents are facing criminal charges after investigators say they collected tens of thousands of dollars for a luxury Royal Caribbean vacation that never existed.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office told USA Today that 65-year-old Antonio Diaz and 64-year-old Maria Blasco Diaz were arrested on April 7 after authorities accused them of taking more than $200,000 from multiple victims.
Investigators say the largest portion of the alleged scheme involved a family that believed it had booked a Royal Caribbean cruise aboard the Odyssey of the Seas for July 2023.
The family reportedly turned to Blasco Diaz for advice because she frequently talked about taking cruises. Authorities say she claimed she could secure major discounts through a friend who supposedly worked for Royal Caribbean.
The deal allegedly included far more than just the cruise fare. Investigators say Blasco Diaz offered drink packages, excursions, hotel stays, room upgrades, transportation, and travel insurance as part of the package.
Over time, the victims allegedly sent the couple $44,910 through Zelle, checks, and cash. According to the arrest report, checks were deposited by Blasco Diaz, while the electronic payments were routed to Antonio Diaz.
The problems began in late June 2023, just days before the July 9 sailing date, when the family still had not received any travel documents. Authorities say Blasco Diaz repeatedly delayed the process and eventually claimed that the Royal Caribbean employee who had been helping her had been fired.
When the victims contacted Royal Caribbean directly, they learned that the reservation number they had been given was legitimate — but it belonged to someone else.
Investigators say Blasco Diaz later attempted to make partial repayments and issued checks to the family, promising the remaining balance would come from a home equity line of credit. But according to the affidavit, those checks came from a newly opened account that did not have sufficient funds to cover them.
The alleged scam extended well beyond the failed Royal Caribbean trip. Beginning in 2022, authorities say the couple also accepted nearly $139,000 in deposits for 16 Rolex watches, a Patek Philippe watch, and a pair of diamond earrings.
Diaz allegedly told buyers he could offer a 50 percent employee discount through a connection at a jewelry store. None of the items was ever delivered.
Maria Blasco Diaz later admitted to the alleged scheme, according to investigators, although she reportedly claimed that her husband “had nothing to do with it.”
Antonio Diaz invoked his right to an attorney. Both later pleaded not guilty.
Travel scams tied to cruises are becoming more common. Fraud experts recommend booking directly through official cruise line websites or through accredited travel agents, especially when a deal appears unusually inexpensive.
The American Society of Travel Advisors and the Cruise Lines International Association both maintain directories of verified travel professionals.
Travelers are also urged to pay with a credit card rather than Zelle, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or cash, since credit cards typically offer fraud protection. Experts also warn against sharing booking numbers or photos of cruise documents online, where scammers can use that information to impersonate agents or create fake reservation issues.
Royal Caribbean passengers are increasingly being warned about phishing emails and fake requests for new port fees or last-minute payments. The safest move, experts say, is to ignore the message and contact the cruise line directly using the number listed on its official website.
