A young British couple’s attempt to evade their cruise bill ended dramatically at Ibiza airport. They were arrested after allegedly leaving a ship with over €3,196 (£2,730) in unpaid charges. The pair, an 18-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man, were apprehended by the Spanish National Police on 21st May 2025. Their swift disembarkation prompted an island-wide search.
While the couple’s identities and the cruise line remain undisclosed, only MSC Grandiosa and Costa Toscana were docked in Ibiza at the time. Both ships were on week-long Western Mediterranean routes. Reports suggest the couple pushed past crew members to leave the ship without settling their bill, likely including a bar tab and other expenses.
A police spokesperson stated, “Crew members reported the offenders tried to force their way off the ship.” Although no injuries or damage occurred, the couple was quickly located and arrested at the airport. They now face charges of fraud and unauthorised departure, with prosecution in Spain likely.
Understanding Cruise Bills
On a cruise, each guest has an onboard account linked to their cabin. This account tracks all purchases made during the trip. Common expenses include alcohol, shore excursions, speciality dining, spa treatments, gratuities, shop purchases, and WiFi.
Most travellers link their accounts to a credit or debit card for automatic settlement at the cruise’s end. Some prefer using cash, requiring an upfront deposit and additional top-ups if needed. Cruise lines monitor spending closely. If a guest nears or exceeds their limit, they are usually contacted to update their payment method. Failure to do so may result in a frozen account, halting further charges.
Consequences of Unpaid Cruise Bills
In theory, guests cannot leave the ship without settling their accounts. However, in busy ports, some might slip through unnoticed. Cruise lines actively pursue those who attempt this. Unpaid bills can lead to fines, legal action, arrest, and bans from future cruises. In some cases, debt collectors or legal claims in the guest’s home country may follow.
If financial hardship or misunderstandings cause the unpaid balance, cruise lines might offer payment plans or support. However, deliberate attempts to evade payment, like this couple’s, receive little sympathy.
Tips to Avoid Bill Shock at Sea
Monitoring your onboard spending is straightforward on most cruises. Use the cruise line’s app or onboard kiosks to check your account regularly. This helps you stay within budget and avoid surprises at the end of your holiday.
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