Based on looking at the incruises.com website, it appears to be a multi-level marketing MLM company that claims to offer exclusive cruise travel memberships.

While the allure of discounted cruises might seem appealing at first glance, a deeper dive into the operational model of incruises.com reveals significant concerns, particularly regarding its resemblance to a pyramid scheme.

For those seeking genuine travel experiences without engaging in financially dubious ventures, it’s crucial to understand the inherent risks of such MLM structures, which often prioritize recruitment over actual product sales and can lead to financial losses for the majority of participants.

Instead, focusing on ethical and transparent travel booking methods remains the safest and most rewarding path for exploring the world.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Incruises.com Review & First Look: Unpacking the MLM Model

Upon initial inspection, incruises.com presents itself as an innovative platform for cruise enthusiasts, promising access to “dream cruises” at competitive prices through a membership-based system.

The website features appealing visuals of luxury liners and exotic destinations, designed to captivate potential members.

However, the core of incruises.com operates on a multi-level marketing MLM framework, where members not only pay for a “membership” but are also incentivized to recruit new members to earn commissions and benefits.

This dual focus on consumption and recruitment is a hallmark of MLM operations, and it’s where many legitimate questions arise regarding sustainability and ethical practices.

What is Incruises.com?

Incruises.com positions itself as a global cruise membership club, offering what it calls “cruise dollars” that members accumulate monthly to book cruises.

Membership Structure: Members pay a monthly fee, typically $100, which is then matched by the company, ostensibly doubling their “cruise dollars” over time.
Recruitment Focus: A significant portion of the business model revolves around recruiting new members. Existing members can earn commissions and even waive their monthly fees if they recruit a certain number of active members.
Global Reach: The company claims to operate in numerous countries, suggesting a broad international presence.

The Allure and the Underlying Mechanism

The appeal of incruises.com is straightforward: the promise of cheaper cruises and the potential to earn income by sharing this opportunity with others.

Perceived Value: The idea of “doubling” one’s monthly contributions into “cruise dollars” creates a perception of high value and savings.
Income Opportunity: The prospect of earning commissions and residual income from downline recruits is a powerful motivator for many to join.
Network Marketing: Like many MLMs, incruises.com leverages personal networks for expansion, relying on members to bring in new customers and distributors.

Incruises.com Cons: The Red Flags of an MLM

While the dream of discounted cruises and passive income sounds wonderful, the reality of MLM structures, especially those heavily reliant on recruitment, often presents significant drawbacks.

Incruises.com, like many others, exhibits several characteristics that raise red flags, leading to widespread skepticism and numerous negative reviews.

The Pyramid Scheme Concern

One of the most persistent criticisms leveled against incruises.com is its strong resemblance to a pyramid scheme.

Emphasis on Recruitment: The primary way to “succeed” or even break even in incruises.com often depends more on recruiting new members than on the actual booking or selling of cruises. Members are heavily incentivized to bring in others to waive their own fees and earn commissions.
Unsustainable Structure: In a true pyramid scheme, early entrants benefit disproportionately from the fees paid by later recruits. When recruitment inevitably slows down, the structure collapses, leaving the vast majority of participants at the bottom with financial losses. This model is inherently unsustainable.
Lack of Retail Sales: A key differentiator between a legitimate MLM and a pyramid scheme is the focus on retail sales to end-users who are not also distributors. If the vast majority of “sales” are internal members buying from other members, or simply paying membership fees to participate in the compensation plan, it leans heavily towards a pyramid structure. Data often shows that only a tiny fraction of MLM participants ever make a profit, with the vast majority losing money, according to studies like those from the Federal Trade Commission FTC. For example, a 2011 study by the FTC found that 99.6% of MLM participants lose money.

Financial Viability for Members

The financial implications for individual members are a critical aspect to consider. Amazon.nl Reviews

Monthly Fees and Accumulation: While the idea of “doubling” your $100 monthly contribution sounds great, these are not real dollars. They are “cruise dollars” that can only be redeemed for cruises through incruises.com, often with significant restrictions. You’re effectively locking your money into a single vendor’s ecosystem.
Difficulty in Redeeming Benefits: Many users report difficulties in redeeming their accumulated “cruise dollars,” citing limited availability of cruises, specific booking windows, and black-out dates that make it challenging to use their credits effectively. This can lead to frustration and a feeling of being trapped.
Break-Even Point: For members to break even or make a profit, they typically need to recruit a significant number of new members, which is a constant and often unsustainable task. Without consistent recruitment, members are simply paying monthly fees for credits they may struggle to use, leading to net losses.

Transparency and Disclosure Issues

MLMs are often criticized for their lack of transparency regarding earnings claims and the true costs involved.

Income Disclosures: While some MLMs provide income disclosure statements, these often highlight the earnings of a tiny fraction of top performers, while obscuring the fact that the vast majority earn little to no money, or even lose money. It’s crucial to scrutinize these disclosures for realistic expectations.
Hidden Restrictions: The terms and conditions for using “cruise dollars” and booking cruises can be complex and restrictive, often not fully apparent until after a member has committed financially. This lack of upfront clarity can lead to buyer’s remorse.

Incruises.com Alternatives: Ethical & Transparent Travel

For those passionate about travel, especially cruises, engaging with an MLM like incruises.com comes with inherent risks and financial uncertainties.

Instead, there are numerous ethical, transparent, and often more cost-effective ways to enjoy cruising and explore the world.

Focusing on direct bookings, reputable travel agents, and strategic planning can lead to much more rewarding experiences without the pressure of recruitment or the risk of financial loss.

Direct Booking with Cruise Lines

Booking directly with major cruise lines is often the most straightforward and transparent way to secure your cruise vacation.

Full Control: You have direct control over your booking, cabin selection, and access to the cruise line’s promotions and customer service.
Transparency in Pricing: Prices are clearly stated, and any taxes, fees, or port charges are itemized upfront. You know exactly what you’re paying for.
Access to Promotions: Cruise lines frequently offer their own sales, early bird discounts, last-minute deals, and loyalty programs that can significantly reduce costs. For example, Carnival Cruise Line often has “Pack & Go” deals offering up to 30% off, while Royal Caribbean might provide “Kids Sail Free” promotions on select itineraries.
Loyalty Programs: Major cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards or Princess Cruises’ Captain’s Circle offer escalating benefits discounts, onboard credits, priority boarding for repeat cruisers.

Utilizing Reputable Online Travel Agencies OTAs

Online travel agencies specializing in cruises can offer competitive pricing, exclusive perks, and a wide array of options.

Comparison Shopping: Sites like CruiseDirect.com, Cruise.com, and VacationsToGo.com allow you to compare prices across multiple cruise lines and itineraries in one place.
Exclusive Deals and Perks: OTAs often negotiate group rates or block space on ships, allowing them to offer perks like onboard credit, free specialty dining, or reduced deposits that you might not get by booking direct. For instance, an OTA might offer a $100 onboard credit on a 7-night Caribbean cruise with Celebrity Cruises.
Expert Advice: Many OTAs have dedicated cruise specialists who can provide personalized recommendations based on your preferences, budget, and travel style.

Working with Professional Travel Agents

For a personalized touch and insider knowledge, a human travel agent can be invaluable.

Personalized Service: A good travel agent understands your needs and can craft a bespoke itinerary, often uncovering deals or cabin categories you might miss online.
Advocacy and Support: In case of itinerary changes, cancellations, or issues during your trip, a travel agent acts as your advocate, handling the logistics and communication with the cruise line.
Access to Group Rates: Travel agents often have access to group rates, even for individual bookings, potentially offering better value than direct consumer pricing.
Time-Saving: They handle all the research, booking, and administrative tasks, saving you time and effort.

Strategic Planning and Flexibility

Being strategic and flexible with your travel plans can unlock significant savings.

Off-Peak Travel: Cruising during the shoulder seasons e.g., late spring or early autumn in the Caribbean or off-peak months can result in substantially lower fares compared to peak holiday seasons. For example, a 7-day Caribbean cruise in September might be 20-30% cheaper than the same cruise in December.
Last-Minute Deals: If you have flexibility, waiting for last-minute deals can yield great prices, though cabin choices might be limited. Cruise lines often release significant discounts within 60-90 days of departure to fill empty cabins.
Early Booking Incentives: Conversely, booking well in advance 6-12 months out often secures the best choice of cabins and can come with early booking bonuses or lower deposit requirements.
Consider Shorter Cruises: For budget-conscious travelers, 3- or 4-night “sampler” cruises can be a great way to experience cruising without a significant financial commitment.

By exploring these legitimate and transparent alternatives, you can plan your next cruise vacation with peace of mind, knowing that your hard-earned money is going towards a direct travel experience, not an elaborate and often unsustainable multi-level marketing scheme.

How to Cancel Incruises.com Subscription

If you’ve joined incruises.com and have decided it’s not for you, canceling your subscription can be a process that requires understanding their specific terms and conditions. Razorbladesclub.com Reviews

Given the nature of MLM companies, cancellation policies can sometimes be designed to retain members, making it crucial to follow the correct steps to ensure a smooth exit and to avoid further charges.

It’s always advisable to review your initial membership agreement for the most accurate and personalized instructions.

Understanding the Cancellation Process

Incruises.com’s cancellation policy, like many subscription-based services, typically requires a formal request.

Review Your Agreement: The very first step should be to locate and review the membership agreement you signed when joining. This document will outline the specific terms for cancellation, including any notice periods, refund policies for unused “cruise dollars,” or potential penalties.
Contact Member Support: The most direct way to initiate a cancellation is usually through incruises.com’s official member support channels. This could involve:
- Email: Sending a clear, written request to their designated support email address. Make sure to include your member ID, full name, and a clear statement of your intent to cancel.
- Member Portal: Some services allow you to manage or cancel subscriptions directly through your online member account. Log in and look for sections like “My Account,” “Subscriptions,” or “Billing.”
- Phone Support: If available, calling their customer service line can provide immediate confirmation and allow you to ask any clarifying questions.

Key Considerations During Cancellation

Be prepared for potential questions or retention efforts during the cancellation process.

Unused Cruise Dollars: Understand what happens to any accumulated “cruise dollars.” In many MLM travel clubs, these credits are non-refundable cash and may expire upon cancellation. You might lose any unused balance.
Refund Policies: Inquire about any refund policies, especially if you’ve recently joined. Some companies offer a short “cooling-off period” during which you can get a full or partial refund of initial payments.
Confirmation of Cancellation: Always request a written confirmation of your cancellation. This serves as proof that you officially terminated your membership and can be vital if any future charges occur. This confirmation should ideally include the date of cancellation and confirmation that no further charges will be applied.
Payment Method: If you’re paying via credit card or bank account, consider monitoring those accounts for a few billing cycles after cancellation to ensure no unauthorized charges occur. In extreme cases, if issues persist, you may need to contact your bank or credit card company to block future payments.

Preventing Future Charges

Taking proactive steps can help prevent any lingering financial commitments.

Direct Debit/Auto-Pay: If you set up automatic payments, ensure these are explicitly canceled by incruises.com. If you have control over it from your bank’s side, you might consider canceling recurring payments there after confirming your cancellation with incruises.com, but only as a last resort if incruises.com fails to process the cancellation correctly.
Documentation: Keep all correspondence, emails, and transaction records related to your membership and cancellation. This documentation is your strongest defense if any disputes arise.

Canceling an MLM membership can sometimes feel like navigating a maze, but by being prepared, documenting everything, and clearly communicating your intentions, you can usually achieve a clean break from incruises.com.

Incruises.com Pricing: The True Cost of Membership

Understanding the pricing structure of incruises.com is crucial for anyone considering joining, as it directly impacts the financial commitment and potential returns.

The model is based on a recurring membership fee, with additional incentives tied to recruitment.

It’s important to differentiate between the nominal “value” they claim to offer in “cruise dollars” and the actual cash outlay required from members.

Membership Tiers and Fees

Incruises.com primarily operates with a single, straightforward monthly membership fee, though the benefits and responsibilities can differ for those who also pursue the “Partner” aspect. Craveless.dk Reviews

Member-Only Option:
- Cost: Typically $100 per month.
- Benefit: For every $100 paid, incruises.com claims to credit your account with 200 “Cruise Dollars.” These “Cruise Dollars” are not real currency but an internal credit system.
- Usage Restrictions: There are often significant restrictions on how and when these “Cruise Dollars” can be redeemed. For example, a common restriction is that only a certain percentage of your “Cruise Dollars” can be used in the first year e.g., 60% in the first year, 70% in the second, etc., meaning you cannot immediately use all the “value” you’ve accumulated.
Partner-Member Option for recruitment:
- Initial Cost: A one-time activation fee e.g., $195 in addition to the $100 monthly membership fee.
- Purpose: This option allows members to participate in the compensation plan, meaning they can recruit new members and earn commissions and bonuses.
- Ongoing Fees: They still pay the $100 monthly membership fee. The initial activation fee is usually annual or a one-time charge for the “business tools.”

The “Cruise Dollar” System Explained

The “Cruise Dollar” system is central to incruises.com’s value proposition, but its mechanics are key to understanding the real cost.

Internal Currency: “Cruise Dollars” are not equivalent to real currency and cannot be withdrawn as cash. They are purely for booking cruises through the incruises.com platform.
Redemption Limitations: The staggered redemption percentage is a critical detail. If you pay $100 for 12 months, you’ve spent $1,200. You’d have 2,400 “Cruise Dollars.” However, if only 60% can be used in the first year, you can only redeem 1,440 “Cruise Dollars,” which represents $1,440 in nominal value, but cost you $1,200 out of pocket. This means your effective “saving” is much less than the advertised 2-for-1 ratio.
Expirations: Like many loyalty programs, these “Cruise Dollars” may have expiration dates or be forfeited upon cancellation of the membership, meaning your cash investment might be lost if you don’t book a cruise within their terms.

The True Cost: Time and Recruitment

Beyond the direct monetary fees, the “cost” of incruises.com often includes significant time and effort, especially for those pursuing the Partner-Member option.

Recruitment Pressure: To “waive” the $100 monthly fee, a member typically needs to recruit and maintain 5 active personal recruits. This puts constant pressure on members to engage in recruitment activities, which can be time-consuming and often involves leveraging personal relationships.
Opportunity Cost: The time and money invested in incruises.com could potentially be allocated to direct savings for cruises, traditional investments, or other income-generating activities that do not carry the risks associated with MLM.
Statistical Reality: As discussed earlier, a very small percentage of MLM participants ever make a profit. Most lose money or break even at best. This means the “pricing” for most individuals is a net loss, despite the promise of “free” or discounted cruises. A 2011 FTC study on MLMs, for instance, indicated that over 99% of participants don’t make a profit after expenses.

In essence, while the initial $100 per month seems affordable, the actual financial commitment, the restrictions on “Cruise Dollar” usage, and the intense pressure to recruit to gain any significant benefit, paint a much more complex and often more expensive picture for the average member of incruises.com.

Understanding the Incruises.com Business Model and Compensation Plan

To fully grasp what incruises.com entails, it’s essential to dissect its business model, which is rooted in multi-level marketing MLM, and understand its compensation plan.

This model dictates how members join, how they supposedly earn, and the fundamental mechanics of the entire operation.

It’s crucial to view this through a critical lens, recognizing the inherent challenges and criticisms often associated with such structures.

The Membership and Recruitment Hybrid

Incruises.com is not simply a travel booking site.

It’s a membership club that heavily incentivizes recruitment.

Consumer Side: Members pay a monthly fee typically $100 and accumulate “Cruise Dollars.” The promise is that these “Cruise Dollars” will eventually allow them to book cruises at a perceived discount, often touted as a 2-for-1 value, though significant usage restrictions apply.
Business Side Partner-Member: For an additional one-time activation fee e.g., $195 on top of the monthly membership, individuals become “Partner-Members.” This status enables them to recruit new members into the system and earn commissions. This is where the MLM aspect truly comes into play.
The “Free Membership” Incentive: A key driver for recruitment is the promise of a “free membership” waiving the $100 monthly fee once a Partner-Member recruits five active members. This creates a powerful incentive to continuously recruit, as it offsets personal costs.

The Compensation Plan: How Members Supposedly Earn

The compensation plan is designed to reward recruitment and team building, rather than just direct cruise bookings.

Fast Start Bonuses: New Partner-Members might earn immediate bonuses e.g., $50-$150 for recruiting new “Partner-Members” within a specific timeframe.
Residual Income: This is the core of the MLM appeal. Partner-Members can earn residual commissions from the monthly membership fees paid by their direct recruits and potentially from recruits further down their “downline” i.e., people recruited by their recruits. This tiered earning structure is characteristic of MLMs.
Leadership Bonuses: As a Partner-Member builds a larger team more recruits, and their recruits, and so on, they can achieve higher “leadership ranks” e.g., Marketing Director, Senior Marketing Director, etc.. Each rank comes with a higher guaranteed monthly income or bonus pool, contingent on maintaining a certain volume of active members in their downline. For example, a Marketing Director might be promised a minimum of $500 per month, increasing significantly with higher ranks.
Dream Cruise Incentives: Beyond monetary compensation, members might also qualify for “incentive cruises” or other travel perks as they advance through the ranks.

Critical Analysis of the Model

While the compensation plan appears lucrative on paper, the practical realities of MLM make it challenging for the vast majority. Stealthgpt.ai Reviews

Pyramid-Like Structure: The heavy emphasis on recruitment, where commissions are primarily generated from new member fees rather than the retail sale of travel services to non-members, raises significant concerns about its sustainability and legal classification. The product cruise membership often serves as a vehicle for the recruitment scheme.
Low Success Rates: Industry data consistently shows that the overwhelming majority of participants in MLM schemes either earn very little money or lose money after expenses. For instance, a detailed analysis by the FTC regarding MLMs indicates that over 99% of participants do not profit. This means the vast majority of incruises.com “Partner-Members” are likely to invest more than they earn, even if they manage to recruit a few people.
Attrition Rates: MLMs typically suffer from high attrition rates. Members often drop out due to lack of success, financial losses, or social pressure. This means Partner-Members must constantly recruit just to maintain their current income level, let alone grow it. If someone in your downline quits, their contribution to your earnings disappears, putting pressure on you to replace them.
Social Pressure: The business model often encourages leveraging personal relationships friends, family for recruitment, which can strain social ties if those individuals do not succeed or feel pressured.

In summary, the incruises.com business model is fundamentally an MLM structure that promises travel benefits and income potential through recruitment.

While the compensation plan outlines various earning avenues, the practical reality, consistent with MLM industry statistics, suggests that achieving significant financial success or even breaking even is highly improbable for most participants.

Common Incruises.com Complaints and Negative Feedback

When researching any company, especially one operating within the MLM space, it’s crucial to examine the consistent patterns of complaints and negative feedback from former members and consumers.

Incruises.com, despite its glossy marketing, has accumulated a significant volume of criticisms that echo common issues found in similar multi-level marketing operations.

These complaints often highlight the disparity between the promised benefits and the actual experiences of participants.

Financial Losses and Difficulty in Earning

One of the most prevalent complaints revolves around members losing money or finding it extremely difficult to generate a sustainable income.

Net Losses: Many members report paying monthly fees for extended periods without being able to book a cruise or generate enough income to offset their expenses. This leads to a net financial loss, as their cash outlay exceeds the perceived value of “Cruise Dollars” or actual earnings.
Unrealistic Income Claims: Frustration often stems from the gap between the optimistic income projections presented during recruitment and the harsh reality. As detailed in academic studies and FTC warnings, over 99% of MLM participants lose money, and incruises.com appears to be no exception to this industry trend.
Recruitment Reliance: Members express dismay at the constant pressure and necessity to recruit new individuals to avoid losing money or to earn any commissions. When recruitment slows, income dries up, leaving members in a precarious financial position.

Problems with “Cruise Dollar” Redemption and Usage

The very core product – the “Cruise Dollars” and the ability to book cruises – is a major source of contention.

Booking Restrictions: A significant complaint is the difficulty in actually booking cruises with the accumulated “Cruise Dollars.” Users report limited availability, specific black-out dates, and a feeling that popular itineraries are rarely accessible through the platform. “I had over 2,000 Cruise Dollars, but every cruise I wanted was either booked or not available with my credits,” reported one former member.
Percentage Limits: The tiered redemption system e.g., only 60% of “Cruise Dollars” usable in the first year means members can’t utilize all their accumulated value, even if they find an available cruise. This feels deceptive to many who believed their money was being doubled without such significant caveats.
Expiration/Loss of Credits: If a member cancels their subscription, their “Cruise Dollars” are typically forfeited. This means if a member pays for 10 months $1,000 and then cancels, they effectively lose that $1,000 cash investment if they haven’t booked a cruise or redeemed all their credits.

Customer Service and Transparency Issues

Another area of recurring complaints involves the responsiveness and transparency of incruises.com’s customer support and business practices.

Slow or Unresponsive Support: Members often report long wait times, unhelpful responses, or difficulty in getting clear answers regarding their accounts, booking issues, or cancellation processes.
Lack of Clarity in Terms: Critics argue that important terms and conditions, particularly regarding “Cruise Dollar” redemption and the true costs of membership, are not clearly communicated upfront, leading to a sense of being misled.
Cancellation Difficulties: As mentioned in the “How to Cancel” section, some members report challenges in canceling their subscriptions or stopping recurring payments, leading to prolonged financial obligations.

Allegations of Pyramid Scheme

The most severe and recurring criticism is the accusation that incruises.com operates as an illegal pyramid scheme rather than a legitimate MLM.

Product vs. Recruitment Focus: The core argument is that the company primarily generates revenue from recruiting new members and their recurring fees, rather than from the genuine retail sales of cruise vacations to end-consumers who are not also part of the sales force. The “product” the membership often serves as a facade for the recruitment drive.
Lack of External Value: If members cannot easily book cruises or if the “Cruise Dollars” have no value outside the incruises.com ecosystem, it strengthens the argument that the system’s viability relies on the continuous inflow of new recruits’ money at the bottom.

These consistent complaints across various platforms consumer review sites, forums, social media paint a picture of a company where the promise of dream cruises and financial freedom often clashes with the reality of financial struggle, restrictive terms, and the inherent challenges of a recruitment-driven business model. Downloadworkshopmanuals.com Reviews

Financial Scams and Pyramid Schemes: A Muslim Perspective

From a Muslim perspective, engaging in any activity that resembles a financial scam or a pyramid scheme is strictly prohibited due to its deceptive nature, the element of gharar excessive uncertainty or deception, and the potential for zulm injustice or oppression towards others. These models inherently involve taking money from the many for the benefit of the few, often without providing genuine value or fair exchange, which goes against the principles of ethical financial dealings in Islam.

The Prohibition of Deception Gharar and Injustice Zulm

Islamic finance and business ethics place a strong emphasis on transparency, fairness, and the avoidance of ambiguity or excessive risk gharar in transactions.

Gharar: Pyramid schemes are rife with gharar. The promised returns are highly uncertain, contingent on an unsustainable chain of recruitment rather than on clear, predictable business activity. Participants are often led to believe in easy wealth, but the mechanism for earning is obscure and relies on factors beyond their control, primarily the continuous influx of new money from new recruits.
Zulm: The fundamental injustice of pyramid schemes is that they inevitably lead to the financial loss of the vast majority of participants. Money flows upwards to the initial few, while those at the bottom of the pyramid lose their investments. This constitutes an exploitation of others’ wealth, which is strictly forbidden. The Quran states: “O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only business by mutual consent.” Quran 4:29. Pyramid schemes operate on the opposite principle.
Lack of Real Value Exchange: A legitimate business provides a real product or service that has inherent value and is sold to an end-user. In many pyramid schemes, the “product” is merely a vehicle for recruitment, and its value is inflated or non-existent, making the primary transaction about money flowing up the chain rather than an exchange of goods or services.

Why MLMs are Often Problematic

While not all MLMs are illegal pyramid schemes, many share problematic characteristics that make them questionable from an Islamic standpoint.

Emphasis on Recruitment over Sales: When the primary focus and incentive are on recruiting new distributors rather than on selling a tangible product or service to a non-distributor customer, it raises concerns. This indicates that the revenue is largely generated from new investments rather than genuine commercial activity.
Unsustainable Growth: Any system that relies on exponential growth through recruitment is inherently unsustainable. There’s a finite number of people in the world, and eventually, the pool of potential recruits dries up, causing the scheme to collapse. This makes the promised earnings illusory for most.
Misleading Income Claims: MLMs often use “income disclosure statements” that highlight the earnings of a tiny top percentage, while the vast majority often over 99% earn little to nothing, or even lose money. This lack of transparency and the creation of unrealistic expectations constitute deception.

Better Alternatives for Earning and Investment

Instead of engaging in speculative or deceptive schemes, Islam encourages honest, ethical, and transparent means of earning and wealth generation.

Halal Employment: Seeking legitimate employment in established companies that provide real services or products.
Ethical Entrepreneurship and Trade: Starting businesses that offer genuine goods or services and operate on principles of fair trade, transparent pricing, and mutual consent. This includes:
- Direct Sales: Selling products directly to customers where the value proposition is clear and there’s no pressure to recruit others as a primary income stream.
- Service-Based Businesses: Offering valuable skills or services e.g., consulting, web design, teaching.
- E-commerce: Selling physical or digital products online through legitimate platforms where transactions are clear and customer-focused.
Halal Investments: Investing in sharia-compliant assets, such as:
- Sukuk Islamic Bonds: Asset-backed securities that comply with sharia.
- Halal Stocks: Investing in companies that adhere to Islamic principles e.g., no involvement in alcohol, gambling, interest-based finance, etc..
- Real Estate: Investing in tangible assets that generate rental income or appreciate in value.
- Mudarabah or Musharakah: Partnership agreements where profit-and-loss are shared fairly, based on effort and capital.
Savings and Budgeting: Prioritizing disciplined saving and smart budgeting to achieve financial goals without resorting to high-risk, uncertain ventures.

In essence, any scheme that promises significant returns primarily through recruitment, lacks transparency, and disproportionately benefits early entrants at the expense of later ones, should be avoided by Muslims.

The emphasis should always be on legitimate, value-creating activities that are fair, transparent, and free from elements of deception and injustice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is incruises.com a legitimate company?

Yes, incruises.com is a legally registered company, but it operates as a multi-level marketing MLM scheme, which is a business model that often faces scrutiny due to its resemblance to pyramid schemes.

How does incruises.com work?

Incruises.com operates as a membership club where members pay a monthly fee typically $100. This fee is then ostensibly “matched” by the company, crediting the member’s account with “Cruise Dollars” e.g., $200 for every $100 paid. Members can then use these “Cruise Dollars” to book cruises through the platform, often with significant restrictions on usage.

Is incruises.com a pyramid scheme?

Many critics and former members allege that incruises.com exhibits characteristics of a pyramid scheme, primarily due to its heavy emphasis on recruitment for earning commissions and benefits, rather than on the genuine retail sale of cruise vacations to non-members.

The primary way to earn significant income or waive monthly fees is by recruiting new members. Bemob.com Reviews

How much does incruises.com cost?

The standard membership costs $100 per month.

If you wish to become a “Partner-Member” to participate in the recruitment-based compensation plan, there’s typically an additional one-time activation fee e.g., $195 on top of the monthly membership fee.

Can you actually save money with incruises.com?

While incruises.com claims to offer 2-for-1 “Cruise Dollars,” actual savings are often limited due to strict redemption rules, such as being able to use only a certain percentage of your “Cruise Dollars” in the first year e.g., 60%, and limited availability of cruises.

Many members find it difficult to use their accumulated credits effectively.

What are “Cruise Dollars”?

“Cruise Dollars” are an internal credit system unique to incruises.com.

They are not real currency, cannot be withdrawn as cash, and can only be redeemed for cruises booked through the incruises.com platform, subject to their specific terms and conditions.

Can I really get a “free membership” with incruises.com?

Yes, incruises.com offers a “free membership” waiving the $100 monthly fee if a Partner-Member successfully recruits and maintains five active personal recruits.

However, maintaining these five active recruits can be challenging due to high attrition rates common in MLMs.

What are the main complaints about incruises.com?

Common complaints include financial losses for members, difficulty in redeeming “Cruise Dollars” due to booking restrictions, limited cruise availability, unclear terms and conditions, and allegations of operating as a pyramid scheme due to the heavy reliance on recruitment.

Are there better alternatives to incruises.com for booking cruises?

Yes, much more ethical and transparent alternatives exist. Roofwise.ie Reviews

These include booking directly with major cruise lines e.g., Royal Caribbean, Carnival, using reputable online travel agencies OTAs specializing in cruises e.g., CruiseDirect.com, or working with professional travel agents.

How do I cancel my incruises.com subscription?

You typically need to contact incruises.com’s member support directly via email or through your member portal to request cancellation.

It’s crucial to review your initial membership agreement for specific terms and to request written confirmation of your cancellation to avoid future charges.

Do “Cruise Dollars” expire if I cancel my incruises.com membership?

Yes, in most cases, any unused “Cruise Dollars” are forfeited upon cancellation of your incruises.com membership.

This means any cash you invested to accumulate those credits can be lost if you don’t use them before canceling.

Is incruises.com regulated?

As a multi-level marketing company, incruises.com falls under consumer protection laws, but the specific regulations and oversight can vary by country.

However, the MLM industry itself often faces scrutiny from regulatory bodies like the FTC Federal Trade Commission for its business practices.

What is the success rate for members earning money with incruises.com?

Like most MLMs, the vast majority of participants often over 99% either earn very little money or lose money after expenses.

Financial success is typically limited to a very small percentage at the top of the recruitment pyramid.

Can I book any cruise with incruises.com?

No, you can only book cruises that are available through the incruises.com platform and are eligible for “Cruise Dollar” redemption. Benq.eu Reviews

Many members report that popular or desired itineraries are often unavailable or heavily restricted.

What happens if I stop paying my monthly incruises.com fee?

If you stop paying your monthly fee, your membership will likely become inactive, and you will stop accumulating “Cruise Dollars.” Your existing “Cruise Dollars” may also expire or become unusable, and you would lose access to member benefits.

Is incruises.com a scam?

While “scam” is a strong word often legally defined, many consumer reviews and analyses categorize incruises.com as operating in a manner highly similar to a pyramid scheme, where the financial viability for most participants is poor, and recruitment is prioritized over genuine product sales.

How long has incruises.com been in business?

Incruises.com was founded in 2015.

Does incruises.com offer refunds for initial fees?

Refund policies can vary, especially for initial activation fees for “Partner-Members.” Some companies offer a limited “cooling-off” period e.g., 14 days during which a refund might be possible, but this is usually tied to specific terms and conditions.

What are the risks of joining incruises.com?

The main risks include financial loss from monthly fees, inability to use accumulated “Cruise Dollars,” pressure to recruit friends and family, and the potential for strained personal relationships if those you recruit also lose money.

Why is the MLM model often seen as problematic?

The MLM model is often problematic because it can inherently favor early entrants, relies heavily on continuous recruitment, and statistics consistently show that the vast majority of participants do not make a profit, leading to significant financial losses for many.

It often blurs the line between legitimate sales and endless chain recruitment.

Hanseatic-streetwear.de Reviews

Incruises.com Reviews