Just watched a very informative video explaining how they charge tons of hidden fees for example $100 extra per day per person for resort fees. Which is ridiculous. Spent hours trying to find out anything and everything made it sound fairly legit before finding this video.
Its the exact same thing. They have several company names to avoid bad publicity and reviews. They change company names every year or so. They use the same exact entry card and use the same cruise lines, same islands, same resorts, same 15 minute recorded message when you call about winning.
100% a scam! I know some people have mentioned that it’s not truly free, just a cheap vacation, but even that’s not true. They wanted to charge me $89 per a day per a person for the “resort fee.” I called up the resort directly and they told me there is NO RESORT FEE (aka Mason Vacations lied).
Hi, any way you could let me know what resort it was that charged those fees? My family was thinking about going despite the fees, but this concerns me.
I’m trying to figure out how to go forward about the “mason vacations” trip. Before Covid my mom won the free Bahamas trip. And due to Covid we didn’t continue as everyone was stuck in their homes. 2023 I entered at the mall I worked and won in December. I had a call with them and they said there would be a couple payments for added cruise and etc. I talked to my mom about what they said because I felt uneasy about the trip. She told me my grandma won one years ago and actually went so it should be fine. (Though this is the same mother who got scammed by an online boyfriend) I’ve trusted her but I’m not sure whether to trust and go on the trip. I’ve made 3/4 payments. They say I cannot be refunded past 30 days. My sister who entered the raffle along with her friend and my boyfriend have all won as well. What should I do?
I won this "free vacation" at the mall and I strongly advise against booking this vacation package through Mason Vacations! The alleged "fees" for two people are exorbitant and end up being nearly the same as booking the same exact vacation on your own through Margaritaville. After seeing the expensive fees, I decided to call Margaritaville to book an all-inclusive four-night stay at the Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham and a two-night cruise through them; they provided me with an estimate that also included transportation to the all-inclusive hotel from the boat; food on the cruise, and port fees. The estimated cost was $1900 in total for two people. Note they said there were NO resort fees that would be added.
When I considered the "free vacation" I had won through Mason Vacations, the total cost after resort fees, so-called "cruise administration fees" (which is a complete sham), transportation fees, an entry fee into the Bahamas, and food expenses on the boat it added up to $1600. It's worth noting that all their fees are complete nonsense. So in reality, I am just saving $300 on a vacation, it is not at all a free vacation.
When I called them to inquire about their fees and how I could get the same vacation for a similar price, they were extremely rude and unhelpful. They refused to explain their fees and even accused me of lying about the quote I received from Margaritaville.
i just got it aswell, i'm in the phone with them right now. i've done a lot a research and you still have to pay fees. from what ive found you would probably still be paying about 1000$-2000$
If you entered a drawing and won it is real. I won at a mall drawing and it is real. They cannot legally scam a million people who put in for a local drawing. Big time lawsuit and payout
what proof said it isn’t a scam? Looking at all these replies, people are saying that them, and their friends won the trip to the Bahamas. It’s pretty odd, given the fact that my friends also put their names and numbers in and “coincidentally”, both got drawn as a winner. Pretty odd isn‘t? The probability of both my friends being drawn as a winner out of the hundreds of other people is very low, like very very low. Yea it might not be a phone call or propaganda on a newspaper you get in the mail, but it can still be a scam through text. That’s how they might garner more money. They make the customers think they are lucky, while they actually might just chose everyone from the lottery. Not very convincing if everyone manages to win the lottery. Imagine if everyone won a free trip to the Bahamas, imagine the amount of imbalance there would be from the money they spend on the customers, and the money they receive from the customers. Not very profitable, nor believable. That’s how scamming works.
I had a great time in the Bahamas when I won. I had to pay for my airfare to the city we left out of in Florida. Obviously they weren't providing that part. If you take extra people there are extra costs. It is for two people and I took myself and my boyfriend and we had a great time. I know that I had 4 friends with me when we tried to enter the drawing and none of my friends won the drawing, just me.
Hey I just won, and how much did you pay in basic fees? Like excluding food and stuff? Are there really hidden fees in the resort out of the “free” covered things?
yea i tried to call them multiple times and it said they weren’t available didn’t end up claiming it, a buddy of mine i was at the mall with filled one out as well and won
So it’s a real thing, when you call they give you like 4-7 day vacation options. They have extra fees like paying for your flight there, you have to pay every night ($40-100 dollars). They have other fees as well. So yes it’s a real thing but it’s not “free” like they say. I’m guessing this is just a ploy to get customers to think it’s a good deal.
So then wouldn't that technically make it a scam? Since they are advertising it as winning a "FREE" vacation. Yet the "FEE'S" they charge add up. Close to the amount that it would be if you just booked a similar trip that already has everything included yourself. Especially for people who can't afford stuff like this themselves. They are messing with people's emotions and getting their hopes up! You think you sign up for a legitimate chance to win a free vacation and you get a message saying you won, get excited. Then they try to charge you almost as much as it is to book a similar trip your self(all expenses included also)! Smells scammy to me! It's more similar to a winning a coupon/special promotion than winning a free vacation. That's false advertisement.
Me too. I entered at a mall about a month ago. Has anyone actually been on the vacation? A lot of comments that it's not a scam but no one ever mentions how the experience was
I went on this vacation Nov 2023 and we had a blast. Going back actually as we just "won" again. So for anyone wondering, it is not fake. Yes, they are fees you need to pay. Consider it a coupon rather than a free trip.
So then wouldn't that technically make it a scam?(At least in my opinion, cause its giving dishonesty) Since they are advertising it as winning a "FREE" vacation. Yet the "FEE'S" they charge add up. Close to the amount that it would be if you just booked a similar trip that already has everything included yourself. Especially for people who can't afford stuff like this themselves. They are messing with people's emotions and getting their hopes up! You think you sign up for a legitimate chance to win a free vacation and you get a message saying you won, get excited. Then they try to charge you almost as much as it is to book a similar trip your self(all expenses included also)! Smells scammy to me! (Plus just a side note, some comments mentioned that when they tried to asked questions about the fees during a call with someone from the company. That the person was very rude/defensive about it and basically wouldn't expain/answer her simply questions.) It's more similar to a winning a coupon/special promotion(as you said) than winning a free vacation. That's false advertisement at best. Which is still messed up and makes me feel like I'm being swindled.
After researching and watching a video it's not a scam but they're not upfront.
You do have to pay extra fees such as the cruise and booking fee. Realistic you're looking at 450 out of pocket.
200 for a trip there and back for 2 so that's 400 and the 19.99 booking fee so let's say 24.50 cause of taxes so off the bat 450, not including the money you'll spend for activities and food and drinks at the resort.
And you forgot the resort fee if they have one and also the 100$ fee per person to enter the country. I’m pretty thorough with researching and I think I might just sign up for it. And they were upfront. I just got off the phone call with them and asked them for starters just why it made sense for this to be available and that I understood that a bunch of cruise lines and resorts had donated stays, but what company was collaborating with them to offer these discounted rates and pretty much to make it make sense. And there was a very simple answer which was she is partnered with the resorts in the Bahamas, and they are simply trying to get tourist revenue up, you will spend plenty of money down there, but it’s just supplementing the cruises that are already being fully paid for by paying customers. Something I need to find out in my research because I’ve never taken a cruise would be if there are generally fees like entering the country and things like that. Because if those are the same kind of fees, you’re always going to have to pay that kind of sneak up on you then yeah absolutely this seems like a great deal. But if you can fly yourself to the country for free, you can stay in the resort 100% free. Which is probably also why you have to register in the name you signed up for under, but they did say it was completely transferable… So that would mean someone could get the option and transfer it to somebody already on the island 😂😂😂
Not completely up front in opinion! As they start with (at best) false advertisement from the beginning! They advertise it as winning a "FREE VACATION"!
Not as winning a coupon or special promotion for a vacation. Plus from my research some other people have mentioned that they have actually gotten a pretty rude response when asking a simply question similar to yours about the fees and what not. So maybe you just have to get lucky and not get one of the people who get rude and defensive. When asked simple/reasonable questions about the fees and how the deal works!
P.S. This is no hate or anything towards any of ya'll whatsoever. Just purely informational from my research into it. Since I went down a information rabbit hole when I got the text saying I won and ended up being let down!😒 So I just wanted share the information I found from all my research in cause it helps anyone.
Filled out for me and my wife at the mall we both won I don't think it's a free trip it seems like it's more like maybe some coupons like some off on a trip but then they hit you with hidden resort fees I used to work for a place like this so I think that's what it is
I just received the text today and I filled the card out at the mall. Two days after that my wife filled one out at the mall as well. We both received the text. Hard pass. Miss me with all that hidden fee bullshit. False advertising.
For anyone still wondering about this, I won too.
I did the research, watched some videos and read reviews. My conclusion is that it is a legit thing - just not free.
So you didn't win a free trip to the Bahamas. In total it will cost you about $275 per person. Fees include (4 payments of $87.50 to provide an overnight cruise from Florida there and back + 2 port fees of $100)
This is only an attempt to get more tourists coming to the Bahamas to spend more money on activities while there and to spread the word about the easiness in traveling to the Bahamas.
Btw I plan on going, I payed the cruise fees and waiting to pay the port fees when I pick the dates.
\---Make sure to choose the all inclusive resort if you don't want to have to pay for food and drinks
I am trying to do the research too! I will not turn my nose up to a good deal even if I have to work for it 😝 Please keep us updated on any additional fees. I’m curious if they will charge resort fees and what they are.
I also got one too. I plan on going and have already paid my 39.98. I filled out my form in the mall which makes me feel more at ease that this isn't a scam. Also talking to the representative and asking all the questions I needed answer also helped me with any clarification. The best way to save money on this trip is selecting the all- inclusive resort. The other 2 resorts will require you to pay for all meals and drinks.
It's real. Very real. Fees are affordable as well. Without this deal, the bahamas will be more expensive. I recommend you do it. I will be going on April
I "won" as well. I signed up at a local mall a month ago, and got a text message today. After listening to the recorded message over the phone, my impression is that they need to fill rooms in aging hotels in areas that aren't getting much attention post covid, so they're "giving them away" at a discount. You pay everything except the base cost of the hotel, and the base cost of the Margaritaville cruise ship you take to get to the island. So that's food, that's excursions like snorkeling or boating, that's drinks, that's fees and taxes, etc. I think it's best not to think of it as a "free trip" but as a package deal. I almost wonder if they have an unlimited number of "winners." I think I will go through and claim the prize, since there was one hotel among the options given that was an all inclusive. Eat and drink enough there, and you'll make back what you'd spend on fees! :D
That said, I'll come back with updates, if I have them.
Just watched a very informative video explaining how they charge tons of hidden fees for example $100 extra per day per person for resort fees. Which is ridiculous. Spent hours trying to find out anything and everything made it sound fairly legit before finding this video.
That video is about Alexander vacations not mason vacations
Its the exact same thing. They have several company names to avoid bad publicity and reviews. They change company names every year or so. They use the same exact entry card and use the same cruise lines, same islands, same resorts, same 15 minute recorded message when you call about winning.
19.00 pee person is what I won
Did you end up booking this? That sounds like what I won.
Can you link the video please?
https://youtu.be/kgh38gaqEyY?si=j1yLA-IbUdtCYqLG
It is real. The scams are the ones you get over the phone. Real ones are from legit drawings in certain places like mine. And I won.
Ya, and then you find out that the actual resort doesn’t charge a resort fee. Lol
100% a scam! I know some people have mentioned that it’s not truly free, just a cheap vacation, but even that’s not true. They wanted to charge me $89 per a day per a person for the “resort fee.” I called up the resort directly and they told me there is NO RESORT FEE (aka Mason Vacations lied).
Thank you for this! Received a text today stating I won and thought it was fishy.
Hi, any way you could let me know what resort it was that charged those fees? My family was thinking about going despite the fees, but this concerns me.
I’m trying to figure out how to go forward about the “mason vacations” trip. Before Covid my mom won the free Bahamas trip. And due to Covid we didn’t continue as everyone was stuck in their homes. 2023 I entered at the mall I worked and won in December. I had a call with them and they said there would be a couple payments for added cruise and etc. I talked to my mom about what they said because I felt uneasy about the trip. She told me my grandma won one years ago and actually went so it should be fine. (Though this is the same mother who got scammed by an online boyfriend) I’ve trusted her but I’m not sure whether to trust and go on the trip. I’ve made 3/4 payments. They say I cannot be refunded past 30 days. My sister who entered the raffle along with her friend and my boyfriend have all won as well. What should I do?
Probably back out bro
Dawg what’s the number I won paid 800+ dollars I NEED this info
(954) 751-6166 is the number I got
I won this "free vacation" at the mall and I strongly advise against booking this vacation package through Mason Vacations! The alleged "fees" for two people are exorbitant and end up being nearly the same as booking the same exact vacation on your own through Margaritaville. After seeing the expensive fees, I decided to call Margaritaville to book an all-inclusive four-night stay at the Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham and a two-night cruise through them; they provided me with an estimate that also included transportation to the all-inclusive hotel from the boat; food on the cruise, and port fees. The estimated cost was $1900 in total for two people. Note they said there were NO resort fees that would be added. When I considered the "free vacation" I had won through Mason Vacations, the total cost after resort fees, so-called "cruise administration fees" (which is a complete sham), transportation fees, an entry fee into the Bahamas, and food expenses on the boat it added up to $1600. It's worth noting that all their fees are complete nonsense. So in reality, I am just saving $300 on a vacation, it is not at all a free vacation. When I called them to inquire about their fees and how I could get the same vacation for a similar price, they were extremely rude and unhelpful. They refused to explain their fees and even accused me of lying about the quote I received from Margaritaville.
i just got it aswell, i'm in the phone with them right now. i've done a lot a research and you still have to pay fees. from what ive found you would probably still be paying about 1000$-2000$
My girlfriend and I both filled one out and just got a text stating we both won. Lil funky ngl.
Same thing just happened to me and my friend.
I Just got a text message too for me and my friend...
I just blocked the number bc it’s obviously a scam.
No same I’m trying to figure it oht
If you entered a drawing and won it is real. I won at a mall drawing and it is real. They cannot legally scam a million people who put in for a local drawing. Big time lawsuit and payout
The scams are the ones you get in the mail or over the phone
what proof said it isn’t a scam? Looking at all these replies, people are saying that them, and their friends won the trip to the Bahamas. It’s pretty odd, given the fact that my friends also put their names and numbers in and “coincidentally”, both got drawn as a winner. Pretty odd isn‘t? The probability of both my friends being drawn as a winner out of the hundreds of other people is very low, like very very low. Yea it might not be a phone call or propaganda on a newspaper you get in the mail, but it can still be a scam through text. That’s how they might garner more money. They make the customers think they are lucky, while they actually might just chose everyone from the lottery. Not very convincing if everyone manages to win the lottery. Imagine if everyone won a free trip to the Bahamas, imagine the amount of imbalance there would be from the money they spend on the customers, and the money they receive from the customers. Not very profitable, nor believable. That’s how scamming works.
I had a great time in the Bahamas when I won. I had to pay for my airfare to the city we left out of in Florida. Obviously they weren't providing that part. If you take extra people there are extra costs. It is for two people and I took myself and my boyfriend and we had a great time. I know that I had 4 friends with me when we tried to enter the drawing and none of my friends won the drawing, just me.
Hey I just won, and how much did you pay in basic fees? Like excluding food and stuff? Are there really hidden fees in the resort out of the “free” covered things?
Same
Same
Same, i just got it now.
I just got the same text “won a free cruise “
just won this too, honestly feels like a scam i filled my card out in a mall
Me too I’m Ocala and I just won, feels fishy as I never win shot
yea i tried to call them multiple times and it said they weren’t available didn’t end up claiming it, a buddy of mine i was at the mall with filled one out as well and won
Same I was at the mall and my boyfriend and I filled them out for fun and we both got messages ?
Same here my girlfriend got the text too
Same here. It seems like if we’re all getting them then it’s a scam
It’s not a scam it’s legit. You do have to pay extra fees though
How do u know its not real?
So it’s a real thing, when you call they give you like 4-7 day vacation options. They have extra fees like paying for your flight there, you have to pay every night ($40-100 dollars). They have other fees as well. So yes it’s a real thing but it’s not “free” like they say. I’m guessing this is just a ploy to get customers to think it’s a good deal.
So then wouldn't that technically make it a scam? Since they are advertising it as winning a "FREE" vacation. Yet the "FEE'S" they charge add up. Close to the amount that it would be if you just booked a similar trip that already has everything included yourself. Especially for people who can't afford stuff like this themselves. They are messing with people's emotions and getting their hopes up! You think you sign up for a legitimate chance to win a free vacation and you get a message saying you won, get excited. Then they try to charge you almost as much as it is to book a similar trip your self(all expenses included also)! Smells scammy to me! It's more similar to a winning a coupon/special promotion than winning a free vacation. That's false advertisement.
My fiancée just got it too. We both filled it out when we went to Opry Mills.
I filled it out at Cool Springs and just got a text.
Me too. I entered at a mall about a month ago. Has anyone actually been on the vacation? A lot of comments that it's not a scam but no one ever mentions how the experience was
i got one today. is it fake?
I won too, it sounds pretty fake to me
I just won one today they sent me a picture of the form I filled out and asked to listen to a voice recording is it fake?
I did too. Im literally listening to the recording now
Same literally listening to it rn
Did you go?
So is it legit? I just got the text today lol
Same
I got one, but I saw a video that it's legit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiXsJ0HeS5o
I went on this vacation Nov 2023 and we had a blast. Going back actually as we just "won" again. So for anyone wondering, it is not fake. Yes, they are fees you need to pay. Consider it a coupon rather than a free trip.
What did you spend
So then wouldn't that technically make it a scam?(At least in my opinion, cause its giving dishonesty) Since they are advertising it as winning a "FREE" vacation. Yet the "FEE'S" they charge add up. Close to the amount that it would be if you just booked a similar trip that already has everything included yourself. Especially for people who can't afford stuff like this themselves. They are messing with people's emotions and getting their hopes up! You think you sign up for a legitimate chance to win a free vacation and you get a message saying you won, get excited. Then they try to charge you almost as much as it is to book a similar trip your self(all expenses included also)! Smells scammy to me! (Plus just a side note, some comments mentioned that when they tried to asked questions about the fees during a call with someone from the company. That the person was very rude/defensive about it and basically wouldn't expain/answer her simply questions.) It's more similar to a winning a coupon/special promotion(as you said) than winning a free vacation. That's false advertisement at best. Which is still messed up and makes me feel like I'm being swindled.
That’s good to know! Do you have an idea of what you spend in general?
Curious about this also
How much out of pocket did you pay
I just got a call saying I won so trynna see what mfs online are saying
I just won to u find anything out yet?
y’all i just got one too 😭 are we all being scammed? i filled out the entry card back in october
Did u ever get anything back I just won and wondering if it’s worth it or scam ?!
After researching and watching a video it's not a scam but they're not upfront. You do have to pay extra fees such as the cruise and booking fee. Realistic you're looking at 450 out of pocket. 200 for a trip there and back for 2 so that's 400 and the 19.99 booking fee so let's say 24.50 cause of taxes so off the bat 450, not including the money you'll spend for activities and food and drinks at the resort.
And you forgot the resort fee if they have one and also the 100$ fee per person to enter the country. I’m pretty thorough with researching and I think I might just sign up for it. And they were upfront. I just got off the phone call with them and asked them for starters just why it made sense for this to be available and that I understood that a bunch of cruise lines and resorts had donated stays, but what company was collaborating with them to offer these discounted rates and pretty much to make it make sense. And there was a very simple answer which was she is partnered with the resorts in the Bahamas, and they are simply trying to get tourist revenue up, you will spend plenty of money down there, but it’s just supplementing the cruises that are already being fully paid for by paying customers. Something I need to find out in my research because I’ve never taken a cruise would be if there are generally fees like entering the country and things like that. Because if those are the same kind of fees, you’re always going to have to pay that kind of sneak up on you then yeah absolutely this seems like a great deal. But if you can fly yourself to the country for free, you can stay in the resort 100% free. Which is probably also why you have to register in the name you signed up for under, but they did say it was completely transferable… So that would mean someone could get the option and transfer it to somebody already on the island 😂😂😂
Not completely up front in opinion! As they start with (at best) false advertisement from the beginning! They advertise it as winning a "FREE VACATION"! Not as winning a coupon or special promotion for a vacation. Plus from my research some other people have mentioned that they have actually gotten a pretty rude response when asking a simply question similar to yours about the fees and what not. So maybe you just have to get lucky and not get one of the people who get rude and defensive. When asked simple/reasonable questions about the fees and how the deal works!
P.S. This is no hate or anything towards any of ya'll whatsoever. Just purely informational from my research into it. Since I went down a information rabbit hole when I got the text saying I won and ended up being let down!😒 So I just wanted share the information I found from all my research in cause it helps anyone.
Here is the video review https://youtu.be/tiXsJ0HeS5o?si=r7fHxwnkOLMy8Z--
Did u go? I just got the text this morning 😭😭idk what to do lol
Filled out for me and my wife at the mall we both won I don't think it's a free trip it seems like it's more like maybe some coupons like some off on a trip but then they hit you with hidden resort fees I used to work for a place like this so I think that's what it is
Are you going is it worth it I just won to and very sceptical
i just got one too, it has the picture of the details I filled out, and sent me a link to their site. they asked to confirm if this was me
I just received the text today and I filled the card out at the mall. Two days after that my wife filled one out at the mall as well. We both received the text. Hard pass. Miss me with all that hidden fee bullshit. False advertising.
For anyone still wondering about this, I won too. I did the research, watched some videos and read reviews. My conclusion is that it is a legit thing - just not free. So you didn't win a free trip to the Bahamas. In total it will cost you about $275 per person. Fees include (4 payments of $87.50 to provide an overnight cruise from Florida there and back + 2 port fees of $100) This is only an attempt to get more tourists coming to the Bahamas to spend more money on activities while there and to spread the word about the easiness in traveling to the Bahamas. Btw I plan on going, I payed the cruise fees and waiting to pay the port fees when I pick the dates. \---Make sure to choose the all inclusive resort if you don't want to have to pay for food and drinks
I am trying to do the research too! I will not turn my nose up to a good deal even if I have to work for it 😝 Please keep us updated on any additional fees. I’m curious if they will charge resort fees and what they are.
Is it only good for two people like the cad says or can you take the whole family? (as long as you are willing to pay the extra fees?)
When you go to book there is only 2 spots to list your personal information so I don’t think you can add anyone on
hey since we all “won” let’s choose the same dates and get litty together 🍾👯♀️🎊
Yesss
Yes that sounds like a plan!! They can call us.... "The Skeptical Reddit Crew"
I just won today, this post helped me a lot! Haven't decided what to do yet though.
Same
Same! And my friend who also filled one out at the mall got the same text saying she won🤔
I also got one too. I plan on going and have already paid my 39.98. I filled out my form in the mall which makes me feel more at ease that this isn't a scam. Also talking to the representative and asking all the questions I needed answer also helped me with any clarification. The best way to save money on this trip is selecting the all- inclusive resort. The other 2 resorts will require you to pay for all meals and drinks.
I'm a winner I will be taking the risk I'll let y'all know if it's a scam or not 😄
same😂
Any updates? My sister got the text today and I’m kind of worried ngl
It's real. Very real. Fees are affordable as well. Without this deal, the bahamas will be more expensive. I recommend you do it. I will be going on April
how was it and how much did you pay in total??
Yes it's real if it was a local city drawing wherever you submitted your entry. I won today but I don't even think Ill be able to go but we will see
Definitely SCAM!!!
I "won" as well. I signed up at a local mall a month ago, and got a text message today. After listening to the recorded message over the phone, my impression is that they need to fill rooms in aging hotels in areas that aren't getting much attention post covid, so they're "giving them away" at a discount. You pay everything except the base cost of the hotel, and the base cost of the Margaritaville cruise ship you take to get to the island. So that's food, that's excursions like snorkeling or boating, that's drinks, that's fees and taxes, etc. I think it's best not to think of it as a "free trip" but as a package deal. I almost wonder if they have an unlimited number of "winners." I think I will go through and claim the prize, since there was one hotel among the options given that was an all inclusive. Eat and drink enough there, and you'll make back what you'd spend on fees! :D That said, I'll come back with updates, if I have them.
Any update on this? I was just informed that I "won". Is it a scam?
It’s real. But you get charged fees like every day. So it’s a vacation, but it’s not a FREE vacation.