Miami Couple Arrested in $200,000 Fake Cruise Booking Scam

Miami-Dade investigators arrested a Miami couple on April 7, accusing them of taking more than $200,000 from victims who believed they were buying discounted Royal Caribbean cruise vacations and luxury goods that were never delivered.

Authorities charged Maria Blasco Diaz, 64, and Antonio Diaz, 65, after an investigation that the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said covered nearly three years and included complaints from friends and acquaintances who alleged they paid the couple for travel and high-end items that never materialized. Detectives alleged the total loss reached $200,259.85.

What investigators say happened with the Royal Caribbean cruise booking

A central complaint detailed in arrest records involves a family that thought a July 2023 sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas had been booked. Investigators described a package pitched as more than a base fare, including add-ons such as drink packages, excursions, cabin upgrades, hotel stays, transportation, and travel insurance.

Authorities alleged the family ultimately paid $44,910 through a mix of Zelle transfers, checks, and cash. As the departure date approached, investigators said the travelers still did not have documents needed to sail.

When the family contacted Royal Caribbean directly, the cruise line reportedly confirmed that a reservation number existed, but it was not connected to the victim or the victim’s family members. Investigators treated that as a key indication the travelers were not actually booked onto the sailing.

According to investigators, Blasco Diaz offered multiple explanations for the delays and later blamed the failed booking on a cruise line employee who had supposedly been “fired,” an explanation authorities said she repeated to multiple victims.

Other alleged victims and last-minute cancellations

In another example referenced by detectives, a large family group planning a graduation trip saw the sailing fall apart shortly before departure after the reservation proved invalid. One victim described the emotional toll after a trip was canceled two days before departure.

Detectives also alleged that money intended for Royal Caribbean payments was instead deposited into accounts belonging to Maria and Antonio Diaz.

Separate allegations involving Rolex, Patek Philippe, and jewelry deposits

Investigators said the alleged scheme went beyond travel bookings. Prosecutors alleged the couple took significant deposits for high-end watches and jewelry sold at steep discounts, but never delivered the items.

According to case allegations, victims were told they could access steep savings described as a “friends and family” discount tied to Antonio Diaz’s work at a jewelry store. Detectives alleged victims paid nearly $139,000 beginning in 2022 for 16 Rolex watches and one Patek Philippe watch, along with thousands more for diamond earrings and other jewelry purchases. Authorities alleged none of the promised watches or jewelry were provided.

Alleged repayment attempts and verification red flags

When victims demanded refunds, investigators alleged the couple attempted partial repayment using checks that did not clear. Arrest documentation described checks written on a newly opened account that lacked sufficient funds, even as additional repayment promises were made.

The allegations, investigators said, reflect a pattern in which large sums were routed to individuals rather than through established booking and payment channels.

Charges, court proceedings, and responses

Both defendants face multiple felony charges, including organized fraud exceeding $50,000 and grand theft exceeding $100,000, along with allegations related to issuing worthless checks and theft involving an elderly victim. Under Florida law, organized fraud and grand theft at the levels alleged are first-degree felonies that can be punishable by up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

In post-arrest proceedings described in case materials, Antonio Diaz invoked his right to counsel. Investigators also recorded an account in which Blasco Diaz admitted to wrongdoing while asserting her husband was not involved. Both later entered not-guilty pleas.

Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Royal Caribbean International, did not immediately provide comment in response to inquiries cited in coverage of the case. No official statement from the couple’s attorney was included in available reports.

Steps travelers can take to reduce scam risk

While cruise scams are not common, experts and investigators point to documentation and payment practices as early warning signs. Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines also have tools that can help travelers verify reservation details.

• Use protected payment methods: For large travel purchases, consider payment methods with consumer protections, such as a credit card, rather than cash, wire transfers, checks to individuals, or person-to-person payment apps.
• Verify the booking directly: Ask for an official cruise line confirmation number and confirm it with the cruise line (including verifying that the reservation is assigned to the correct passenger names).
• Watch how payments are requested: Be cautious if you are asked to make checks payable to an individual instead of using an accredited travel agency or the cruise line’s standard payment process.
• Act on repeated delays: If documents and final confirmations are repeatedly delayed close to sailing, treat it as a reason to pause and independently confirm booking status.

Miami-Dade authorities have encouraged anyone who believes they paid money connected to the alleged scheme to contact investigators. The case is expected to proceed through Florida’s court system while the felony charges are litigated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What were Maria Blasco Diaz and Antonio Diaz accused of doing?

Miami-Dade investigators alleged the couple collected more than $200,000 from victims who believed they were buying discounted cruise vacations and luxury goods, including watches and jewelry, that were never delivered or booked. Detectives alleged total losses of $200,259.85.

How can I confirm a cruise reservation is real?

A legitimate booking should generate a cruise line confirmation number that can be verified directly with the cruise line through its website or customer service. Investigators said one alleged victim learned a reservation number existed but was not assigned to the correct passenger names.

What penalties could apply if the defendants are convicted?

The charges include organized fraud exceeding $50,000 and grand theft exceeding $100,000, which authorities described as first-degree felonies under Florida law that can carry sentences of up to 30 years in prison, depending on the outcome in court.

How did investigators say the alleged fake cruise booking worked?

Investigators alleged Blasco Diaz offered discounted cruise arrangements and collected payments through Zelle transfers, checks, and cash. As the sailing date approached, authorities said victims did not receive travel documents, and Blasco Diaz later blamed the failure on a cruise line employee who had supposedly been “fired.”