800-813-6994

BALTIMORE -- An offer for an eight-day complimentary cruise concerned a Baltimore County couple when they learned the trip wasn't exactly free.
Brian and Kathy Flick received a postcard offering a complimentary eight-day cruise. The postcard had a picture of a cruise ship and a credible-looking Carnival logo on the front. On the reverse, the postcard had a printed confirmation number and ports of call.

"Right off the bat, you have to pay a $130-per-person reservation for the cruise ship line. What part of complimentary requires a $130 deposit?"
- Brian Flick
The Flicks said they called the number on the postcard and were told they would have to attend a seminar in Washington, D.C., or Gettysburg, Pa., to collect their cruise.
"(It) said, 'No obligation.' We would just go down there, view the presentation and go on the trip," Kathy Flick said.
Some things still bothered the couple.
"The first person (I) talked to was Peggy, and as we're talking, I could hear a baby in the background, kind of close to the phone," Brian Flick said.
When the Flicks called back for more information, Brian Flick said, "The next person I talked to sounded like he was in a bar."
The Flicks said they had not noticed the fine print on the postcard that indicates the promotion is not sponsored or affiliated with Carnival Cruise Lines, something that had drawn them to the offer, and the complimentary cruise wasn't exactly free -- a variety of fees and taxes would be their responsibility.
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Yes, several
Yes, once
No, but I would like to
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"Right off the bat, you have to pay a $130-per-person reservation for the cruise ship line. What part of complimentary requires a $130 deposit?" Brian Flick said.
The Flicks said they were told the company behind the offer is called Divine Getaways. When Brian Flick asked for a physical address for the company, he said the person on the phone hung up on him.
The WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team called the same phone number the Flicks called. When asked, the person on the phone said Divine Getaways is located in Washington, D.C., but that she didn't know the address. The woman said that if someone at the company's seminar at a hotel in Virginia could probably answer the question.
Angie Barnett, president of the Greater Maryland Better Business Bureau, said the authentic-looking postcard reels consumers in and that travel offers like this have swept the country.
"(It's) as close to deceptive advertising as you can get ... Their goal is to get all of the money up front before you begin to have concerns."

- Angie Barnett,
Greater Maryland Better Business Bureau
"(It's) as close to deceptive advertising as you can get," Barnett said. "To claim your prize, you must attend a 90-minute seminar. Consumers have reported that when they go to the seminar, they are instructed to report 15 minutes early to complete information, which they give a lot of personal identifying information and they're also asked to give a credit card."
The BBB said consumers complain about being given a hard sell to sign up for a travel membership program, and usually for a fee of $8,000 to $10,000, plus monthly recurring fees.

On the reverse, the postcard shows a printed confirmation number and ports of call.
When asked what the consumers get in return, Barnett said, "Consumers report they never get the discounts or they're much less than anticipated and they're hooked into these recurring monthly fees plus the loss of that up-front fee."
"Their goal is to get all of the money up front before you begin to have concerns," Barnett added.
When 11 News I-Team reporter Mindy Basara identified herself as a reporter and reached out to Divine Getaways for comment, the person on the phone hung up. When Basara called back, she got a hold of a different person, who said the I-Team would need to speak to a manager. The woman on the phone took Basara's information, but there was no call back.
As for the Flicks, they are relieved they didn't bother with the seminar.
"Don't waste your time, throw it out," Kathy Flick said.
When the I-Team contacted Carnival Cruise Lines for comment, a company representative said the company is not affiliated with the promotion and is investigating it.
Do you have a story that the WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team should investigate? Email the WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team.

» See Breaking news Divine Getaways

BALTIMORE -- An offer for an eight-day complimentary cruise concerned a Baltimore County couple when they learned the trip wasn't exactly free.
Brian and Kathy Flick received a postcard offering a complimentary eight-day cruise. The postcard had a picture of a cruise ship and a credible-looking Carnival logo on the front. On the reverse, the postcard had a printed confirmation number and ports of call.

"Right off the bat, you have to pay a $130-per-person reservation for the cruise ship line. What part of complimentary requires a $130 deposit?"
- Brian Flick
The Flicks said they called the number on the postcard and were told they would have to attend a seminar in Washington, D.C., or Gettysburg, Pa., to collect their cruise.
"(It) said, 'No obligation.' We would just go down there, view the presentation and go on the trip," Kathy Flick said.
Some things still bothered the couple.
"The first person (I) talked to was Peggy, and as we're talking, I could hear a baby in the background, kind of close to the phone," Brian Flick said.
When the Flicks called back for more information, Brian Flick said, "The next person I talked to sounded like he was in a bar."
The Flicks said they had not noticed the fine print on the postcard that indicates the promotion is not sponsored or affiliated with Carnival Cruise Lines, something that had drawn them to the offer, and the complimentary cruise wasn't exactly free -- a variety of fees and taxes would be their responsibility.
  SURVEY
Have you ever taken a cruise?
Yes, several
Yes, once
No, but I would like to
No, and I don't want to

Results | Disclaimer | E-Mail
"Right off the bat, you have to pay a $130-per-person reservation for the cruise ship line. What part of complimentary requires a $130 deposit?" Brian Flick said.
The Flicks said they were told the company behind the offer is called Divine Getaways. When Brian Flick asked for a physical address for the company, he said the person on the phone hung up on him.
The WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team called the same phone number the Flicks called. When asked, the person on the phone said Divine Getaways is located in Washington, D.C., but that she didn't know the address. The woman said that if someone at the company's seminar at a hotel in Virginia could probably answer the question.
Angie Barnett, president of the Greater Maryland Better Business Bureau, said the authentic-looking postcard reels consumers in and that travel offers like this have swept the country.
"(It's) as close to deceptive advertising as you can get ... Their goal is to get all of the money up front before you begin to have concerns."

- Angie Barnett,
Greater Maryland Better Business Bureau
"(It's) as close to deceptive advertising as you can get," Barnett said. "To claim your prize, you must attend a 90-minute seminar. Consumers have reported that when they go to the seminar, they are instructed to report 15 minutes early to complete information, which they give a lot of personal identifying information and they're also asked to give a credit card."
The BBB said consumers complain about being given a hard sell to sign up for a travel membership program, and usually for a fee of $8,000 to $10,000, plus monthly recurring fees.

On the reverse, the postcard shows a printed confirmation number and ports of call.
When asked what the consumers get in return, Barnett said, "Consumers report they never get the discounts or they're much less than anticipated and they're hooked into these recurring monthly fees plus the loss of that up-front fee."
"Their goal is to get all of the money up front before you begin to have concerns," Barnett added.
When 11 News I-Team reporter Mindy Basara identified herself as a reporter and reached out to Divine Getaways for comment, the person on the phone hung up. When Basara called back, she got a hold of a different person, who said the I-Team would need to speak to a manager. The woman on the phone took Basara's information, but there was no call back.
As for the Flicks, they are relieved they didn't bother with the seminar.
"Don't waste your time, throw it out," Kathy Flick said.
When the I-Team contacted Carnival Cruise Lines for comment, a company representative said the company is not affiliated with the promotion and is investigating it.
Do you have a story that the WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team should investigate? Email the WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team.

» See Breaking news Divine Getaways

Divine Getaways Rip off, traveling sales men trying to sell bogus, expensive, discount package , Internet
From: Divine Getaways
This company sent me a "free" 7 night cruise and 2 airline tickets offer if I attended a presentation. Sounded simple. They said all I had to do was pay the taxes and port fees. It sounded to good to be true! Well it was. I went to their seminar in the Embassy Suites Hotel in Santa Ana. It was a good presentation. For a little over $5,000 you got the capability to have the costs of vacation packages at wholesale prices. They gave many examples of what it would cost through Expedia and other websites vs. going through Divine Getaway. The packages were half the cost of what you could get otherwise. It sounded great! Problem was that when you sat down to close the deal with their aggressive sales person, you couldn't think about it and sign up later. I really wish I brought my laptop with me so I could research it before I purchased it. I went ahead and purchased it because it was a great offer. You could get this deal for life and you could sign up 4 family members to use it as well. I made sure however that I could cancel later. They did have a 3 day cancellation policy. The stupid thing was that you couldn't actually see this product or use it until 7 days later. Smart of them! I'm sure most people don't cancel until they receive their online account after 7 days, which is past their cancellation period. If they were so legit, wouldn't you think they would want you to have full access before the cancellation period to see if it really was a good thing for you and your family?? Only a scammer would do it this way! That night after paying $5,200 they handed me my vouchers to get my "free" cruise and airline tickets. I read in small print that you had to pay additional fees just to activate it. I read online that night that people sent in their money but yet never got their trip. They lost over $200 in fees. I never sent mine in. It was all a scam. I also learned that Divine Getaways is a new company (only about 15 days old per their manager) and that the same people keep closing one company and opening up another under a different name. Some who paid all of that money was not able to use the product because of them closing their doors along with other problems. After reading all of the reviews, immediately I sent my cancellation letter and binder via UPS so I would have proof of the cancellation. After they received my package, they had the nerve to still charge my card in the full amount. I sent them e-mails as well as called them. I left messages. Nobody called me back. I had to go through my credit card company to file a dispute. Luckily I have all of my documentation so Divine Getaways will never be able to argue with them and validate the charge. I did finally get a response back from a manager. He was verbally abusive and very unprofessional. I printed them all out in case of needing them for future reference with my credit card company. If you get this postcard in the mail, throw it away!!! It is all a scam. I am sure some people were not as stupid as me to fall for it in the first place without being able to research it before spending that type of money. But I'm sure there are a some people out there who didn't read that small print about the 3 day cancellation and waited for their account to activate after 7 days to try it. If there weren't, they wouldn't keep spending all this money on the hotel banquet rooms and having employees do these presentations throughout the U.S. Divine Getaways will soon close I'm sure and once again they will open up under a new name. I wish the government could step in to really see who has gotten cheated and close them down for good!!

Divine Getaways Rip off, traveling sales men trying to sell bogus, expensive, discount package , Internet
From: Divine Getaways
This company sent me a "free" 7 night cruise and 2 airline tickets offer if I attended a presentation. Sounded simple. They said all I had to do was pay the taxes and port fees. It sounded to good to be true! Well it was. I went to their seminar in the Embassy Suites Hotel in Santa Ana. It was a good presentation. For a little over $5,000 you got the capability to have the costs of vacation packages at wholesale prices. They gave many examples of what it would cost through Expedia and other websites vs. going through Divine Getaway. The packages were half the cost of what you could get otherwise. It sounded great! Problem was that when you sat down to close the deal with their aggressive sales person, you couldn't think about it and sign up later. I really wish I brought my laptop with me so I could research it before I purchased it. I went ahead and purchased it because it was a great offer. You could get this deal for life and you could sign up 4 family members to use it as well. I made sure however that I could cancel later. They did have a 3 day cancellation policy. The stupid thing was that you couldn't actually see this product or use it until 7 days later. Smart of them! I'm sure most people don't cancel until they receive their online account after 7 days, which is past their cancellation period. If they were so legit, wouldn't you think they would want you to have full access before the cancellation period to see if it really was a good thing for you and your family?? Only a scammer would do it this way! That night after paying $5,200 they handed me my vouchers to get my "free" cruise and airline tickets. I read in small print that you had to pay additional fees just to activate it. I read online that night that people sent in their money but yet never got their trip. They lost over $200 in fees. I never sent mine in. It was all a scam. I also learned that Divine Getaways is a new company (only about 15 days old per their manager) and that the same people keep closing one company and opening up another under a different name. Some who paid all of that money was not able to use the product because of them closing their doors along with other problems. After reading all of the reviews, immediately I sent my cancellation letter and binder via UPS so I would have proof of the cancellation. After they received my package, they had the nerve to still charge my card in the full amount. I sent them e-mails as well as called them. I left messages. Nobody called me back. I had to go through my credit card company to file a dispute. Luckily I have all of my documentation so Divine Getaways will never be able to argue with them and validate the charge. I did finally get a response back from a manager. He was verbally abusive and very unprofessional. I printed them all out in case of needing them for future reference with my credit card company. If you get this postcard in the mail, throw it away!!! It is all a scam. I am sure some people were not as stupid as me to fall for it in the first place without being able to research it before spending that type of money. But I'm sure there are a some people out there who didn't read that small print about the 3 day cancellation and waited for their account to activate after 7 days to try it. If there weren't, they wouldn't keep spending all this money on the hotel banquet rooms and having employees do these presentations throughout the U.S. Divine Getaways will soon close I'm sure and once again they will open up under a new name. I wish the government could step in to really see who has gotten cheated and close them down for good!!

Divine Getaways Rip off, traveling sales men trying to sell bogus, expensive, discount package , Internet
From: Divine Getaways
This company sent me a "free" 7 night cruise and 2 airline tickets offer if I attended a presentation. Sounded simple. They said all I had to do was pay the taxes and port fees. It sounded to good to be true! Well it was. I went to their seminar in the Embassy Suites Hotel in Santa Ana. It was a good presentation. For a little over $5,000 you got the capability to have the costs of vacation packages at wholesale prices. They gave many examples of what it would cost through Expedia and other websites vs. going through Divine Getaway. The packages were half the cost of what you could get otherwise. It sounded great! Problem was that when you sat down to close the deal with their aggressive sales person, you couldn't think about it and sign up later. I really wish I brought my laptop with me so I could research it before I purchased it. I went ahead and purchased it because it was a great offer. You could get this deal for life and you could sign up 4 family members to use it as well. I made sure however that I could cancel later. They did have a 3 day cancellation policy. The stupid thing was that you couldn't actually see this product or use it until 7 days later. Smart of them! I'm sure most people don't cancel until they receive their online account after 7 days, which is past their cancellation period. If they were so legit, wouldn't you think they would want you to have full access before the cancellation period to see if it really was a good thing for you and your family?? Only a scammer would do it this way! That night after paying $5,200 they handed me my vouchers to get my "free" cruise and airline tickets. I read in small print that you had to pay additional fees just to activate it. I read online that night that people sent in their money but yet never got their trip. They lost over $200 in fees. I never sent mine in. It was all a scam. I also learned that Divine Getaways is a new company (only about 15 days old per their manager) and that the same people keep closing one company and opening up another under a different name. Some who paid all of that money was not able to use the product because of them closing their doors along with other problems. After reading all of the reviews, immediately I sent my cancellation letter and binder via UPS so I would have proof of the cancellation. After they received my package, they had the nerve to still charge my card in the full amount. I sent them e-mails as well as called them. I left messages. Nobody called me back. I had to go through my credit card company to file a dispute. Luckily I have all of my documentation so Divine Getaways will never be able to argue with them and validate the charge. I did finally get a response back from a manager. He was verbally abusive and very unprofessional. I printed them all out in case of needing them for future reference with my credit card company. If you get this postcard in the mail, throw it away!!! It is all a scam. I am sure some people were not as stupid as me to fall for it in the first place without being able to research it before spending that type of money. But I'm sure there are a some people out there who didn't read that small print about the 3 day cancellation and waited for their account to activate after 7 days to try it. If there weren't, they wouldn't keep spending all this money on the hotel banquet rooms and having employees do these presentations throughout the U.S. Divine Getaways will soon close I'm sure and once again they will open up under a new name. I wish the government could step in to really see who has gotten cheated and close them down for good!!

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Divine Getaways
Additional Locations
Phone: (703) 476-2286
Fax: (703) 476-2289
12020 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100 , Reston, VA 20191
leslie@mydivinegetaways.org
http://www.mydivinegetaways.com

On a scale of A+ to F
Reason for Rating
BBB Ratings System Overview
SharePrint
BBB Accreditation
This business is not BBB Accredited.

Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.

To be accredited by BBB, a business must apply for accreditation and BBB must determine that the business meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses must pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.

Reason for Rating
BBB rating is based on 16 factors. Get the details about the factors considered.

Factors that lowered the rating for Divine Getaways include:

BBB does not have sufficient information to determine how long this business has been operating
Failure to respond to 1 complaint filed against business
BBB does not have sufficient background information on this business
Business has failed to resolve underlying cause(s) of a pattern of complaints
Customer Complaints Summary
1 complaint closed with BBB in last 3 years | 1 closed in last 12 months
Complaint Type     Total Closed Complaints
Advertising/Sales Issues    0
Billing/Collection Issues    0
Delivery Issues    0
Guarantee/Warranty Issues    0
Problems with Product/Service    1
Total Closed Complaints    1
Additional Complaint Information

According to BBB records this company offers consumers complimentary vacation vouchers. In order to redeem vouchers, the company requires consumers to pay a processing fee and attend a sales presentation offering membership in a discount travel club.

Consumer complaints allege the company engages in high pressure sales methods during the sales presentation. Consumer complaints also allege that the substantially discounted vacations offered in the presentation are not available once membership has begun. Several complainants state that vacation packages offered once membership has begun are comparable in price to vacation packages offered by traditional travel agencies and retailers. Consumer requests for refunds are not answered by the company.

Regarding the complimentary travel vouchers, consumer complaints state that the rules and stipulations to redeem the vouchers are extremely stringent, making them almost impossible to redeem.  In all cases reviewed by the BBB, consumers were required to pay additional fees in order to redeem the vouchers. 

Vacation club memberships can be priced anywhere from $1000 to nearly $10,000. Be certain you understand what you are buying. Do not be pressured into signing a contract without carefully evaluating this company's program.

The BBB has been unable to find a physical location for this business. 


Complaint Details | Definitions | BBB Complaint Process | File a Complaint

Government Actions
BBB knows of no significant government actions involving Divine Getaways.

What government actions does BBB report on?

Advertising Review
BBB has nothing to report concerning Divine Getaways's advertising at this time.

What is BBB Advertising Review?

Additional Information
top
BBB file opened: March 31, 2011
Contact Information
Complaint Contact: Ms. Leslie Lenel, Director of Administration
Business Category
TRAVEL CLUBS
TRAVEL AGENT MILLS
Industry Tips
Travel Clubs - Discount Travel Services

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Postcard,  Anniversary version,  called 800 313 1263,  Nina ( id AMD88 ) answered, Divine Gateway Travel Service …, 60 min presentation, allow 90.  Only tax + port fee + $49 scheduling fee.  

Using class local hotel; Embassy Suites, (415-499-9222), San Rafael, Santa Rosa room. Scheduled for Sat. June 4, 2011, 9:30am.   Haven’t decided if we’ll make them pay for room and be a no show.

Now comes the fun;  Nina was going to have someone call me to discuss a possible business alliance. We’ll be drilling for info before letting Nina know she is working for a rip off (as if she didn’t know already).  If we get any info we’ll let you know…  don’t hold your breath.    Bon Voyage!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Phone numbers differ.  

We're on  page = 800-313-6994  = 16 pages of complaints/comments
   POST CARD = 800 313-1263 = only 1 reported calls.

Funny thing the text - divine getaways and mailer is all over this site.
I'm still investigating.  Karen at 800 service says this co is legit.

Do anybody have the correct address to return the binder to. Please write back with the address. Thanks

Divine Getaway or Paradise Escape is fraudulent!  Anyone have a # for them in PA??  I have been calling their "Corp Office" all day and they will not talk to me...Only found that # from my credit card company. Say they have to get a copy of my contract from PA where we did business....to know if the date we canceled is within the 3 days...we have business day and they have calendar days.....none of which are in our contract...money pending on credit card for now and we are getting no where with them.  Told me it would take a few hours....they have done nothing to get contract.  Tried to reach them at Resort Inn in Lancaster, PA  and they will not answer phone.   We canceled our credit card and they posted the charge on our new card under another name...Paradise Escape Harpers Ferry WVA!    BEWARE!!  Can't get resolution!  Anyone know what makes them back off??

Received a flyer in the mail offering us a 7/night cruise for 2 on Carnival and airfare on US Airlines. I did not call, but googled the phone number 800-813-6994 and saw this site, and others. Anyone out there care to stop this scam?

Got a postcard : Carnival fly a US AILRLINES Complimentary 8day/7-Night cruise..... Seen so many posts on different forums about this scam ...they just change the toll free number on it......

Just for this...I am never Crusing via Carnival and never flying via US Ailrlines.

Toll Free 1-877-731-2269 SCAM   Toll Free 1-877-731-2269 SCAM    Toll Free 1-877-731-2269 SCAMToll Free 1-877-731-2269 SCAM Toll Free 1-877-731-2269 SCAM    
Toll Free 1-877-731-2269 SCAM    

Toll Free 1-877-731-2269 SCAM    


Punisher

Got my card 1 day ago. Got on this sight and wanted to give you my take on it. Called and got a kid on the line. I started asking questions. I could hear what sounded like a tv and people walking around. He did ask someone there for an answer to my question as if he was asking his Mom if he could go out and play. He gave me an address and times I could set up to go and be shown the offer.

Got the card, went to the presentation, bought the package, got the cruise and airline vouchers, came home and started reading sites like this, cancelled credit card payment and now trying to decide to dump it or not.  

After reading most of the 16 pages of this conversation I only saw comments from one couple that actually went through with the deal.  The man wrote that everything was great and then the woman wrote and disputed everything he had written so I'm not sure what that was all about.

All of the other comments are from all of you that received the card and
1) "knew it was a scam" right away,
2) those that checked sights like this after receiving the card and "knew it was a scam" because you all said it was,
3) those that went to the meeting and knew  it was a scam because of the way someone was dressed, no name tags, etc.
4) those that were surprised to have to pay the taxes and reservation fees up front for the "gifts" even though the card said you would.

 Is there ANYONE out there who actually purchased the product, has used it more than once and has any real experiences with it - good or bad? Has anyone out there actually used the free cruise and/or airline tickets?

I would love to hear from someone that went through this "scam" and lived to tell about it.  Last night they said there were 250,000 of you out there!

Here are two links that have more details about experiences from people who have actually fell for this scam.

The first is from iglobe travel which is divine getaways previous name.  The second is divine's itself but there is only one complaint thus far since they obviously, recently changed their name.

http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/iglobe-travel-direct-marketing-solutions-c329235.html

http://www.complaintsboard.com/?search=Divine+Getaways&everything=Everything


P.S.  I think the listing here where the wife is disputing the husband is a joke.  Looks like the "husband" works for the company and wrote a fictitious entry stating how wonderful and easy it was use this organization, while the "wife", wrote a humorous rebuttal making fun of the scammer who entered the initial report.

Same thing just happened to me today, only my top prize was a Ford Escape.  Just come to the Holiday Inn at 2101 Wisconsin Ave NW in Washington, D.C for a "very short" presentation.  Told them I'd be there, then I read all of these reports.  Definitely won't show up.
Thanks to all for reporting things like this.  
BTW my 800 number was a little different....I was told to call 888-648-2802 ext 245 and talk to Kelly Knight.

I'm in the Kansas City, Mo area and I did speak to someone after receiving the same card you did.  I was suspicious upon receiving the card but decided to call anyway.  I  spoke with someone named "Sean" who sounded like he was about 16 years old and did not seem to know what was going on. Each time I asked  a question he had to get an answer from someone else in his "office".  

My first question was "what company is this"?.  The response was My Devine Getaways which I proceeded to google while on the phone with him, and found this site.   Unfortunately,  I really need a vacation so I took the chance to call.  Really disapointed this stuff goes on and can't understand how they continue to get away with it.    Thank goodness for the internet!

Beware its a big big scam.

I received this exact same card!

This is a SCAM.  Note that your postcard says "Fly A US AirLINES" -- there is no U.S. Airlines.  US AirWAYS is the real airline.  They have tried to mimic the logo of US Airways.