A woman has highlighted the ‘hidden’ details involved after winning a ‘free’ cruise trip.

Millions of people opt for a cruise break every year – from top-tier service to the chance to visit multiple countries in one trip, it’s easy to see why the vacation is such a popular choice.

While there are some budget-friendly options, most cruises come with a bumper price tag, leaving it out the question for plenty of wanna-be cruise-vacationers.

One person claims to have won a free trip with a leading Asian cruise liner – yet, even that comes with some hidden costs, it seems.

Taking to Reddit, they posted a photo of their alleged prize letter, from StarDream Cruises.

The company covers destinations across Asia, connecting countries in Southeast Asia – like Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia – with East Asian, including Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.

The trip in question is for a five night cruise for two people, departing from Taiwan onboard the company’s Star Navigator ship.

The winner has until November 2 to redeem their prize – though a few terms and conditions are attached.

Posting to the R/Cruise subreddit for advice, the person explained: “I recently won a 5-night cruise onboard Star Navigator with StarDream Cruises (Balcony Stateroom for 2). It sounds amazing, but I’m wondering if anyone here has claimed something similar.”

Diving into the details, they explained: “The fine print says: I still have to pay visa fees, port charges, gratuities, etc. Blackout dates apply.

“I must book at least 1 month ahead. Not transferable or refundable.”

Finally, they asked what they should expect ‘in terms of costs or experience’.

“Did you enter a contest with this cruise line to win a cruise? If not, it’s tied to something and not worth the hassle,” one person responded, which was voted the top answer.

A second weighed in: “As some wise guy said, there is nothing free in this world. If something seems to be too good (like free), it comes with lot of strings attached.”

Others theorized the ‘free’ trip could have come after the Redditor attended a timeshare presentation.

“Usually these type of giveaways come after you sit through a timeshare presentation or signed up for a raffle,” one user explained, as somebody else noted: “It feels like there should be another catch lingering somewhere like sitting through a timeshare presentation or an expectation of certain levels of casino play if you’ve been offered this based on past gambling, but it’s a legit cruise line and they’re telling you to contact an email address with their domain.”

They speculated: “It could just be that they’re desperate to fill cabins and would rather someone was in it and spending money on board than if it was empty – they’re not losing money on the port fees etc, so it’s not outside the realms of possibility.”

Another simply laid it out: “No idea if this is reputable or not but reputable sweepstakes with a cruise as a prize often require you to pay visa fees, ports fees, and gratuities. Blackout dates is just another way to say there has to be room for you to claim a specific cruise.”

A StarDream Cruises spokesperson told UNILAD: “The prize winner may contact our Reservations Team directly at [email protected], attaching their prize letter for validation.

“Our team will be happy to assist to check on the validity of the prize letter, or enquiries on cabin availability, bookings and clarifying any terms outlined in the prize letter. With regards to sitting through a timeshare presentation or something similar, we do not practice that.”

Looking to end your 2025 summer with a New York road trip? We’ve got you covered.

There are various attractions across the state that are worth the drive, and the summer season is the perfect time to do it.

From museums to scenic walkways and state parks, here’s a list of New York attractions that should be on your end-of-summer road trip bucket list.

Corning Museum of Glass

The Corning Museum of Glass is a Southern Tier destination that offers the perfect mix between fun and learning.

Listed among the New York Times’ “U.S. Museums to See” in 2025 and Newsweek’s “Top 3 Best Art Museums in America,” according to the museum’s website, Corning Museum of Glass allows visitors to learn about the history of glass and participate in glassworking.

Fun for the whole family, the museum holds various kids and family programs along with glassmaking demonstrations if you’re interested in more than a casual stroll to view the art. An added perk is the admission price, free for kids 17 and under.

• Where: 1 Museum Way, Corning.

• Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Letchworth State Park

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” as stated on the website, Letchworth State Park is the perfect destination for those with a love of nature and scenery.

Hike through some of the 66 miles of hiking trails to view the three large, gorgeous waterfalls or take part in other activities including guided tours, white-water rafting, kayaking and swimming.

• Where: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile.

• Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Museum

If you’re a history buff, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum could make for the ideal road trip destination.

The museum features “special interactives, immersive audio-visuals, and rarely seen artifacts” that take visitors through the Roosevelt era, according to their website. Take a walk through the museum or go through the presidential archives for an all-day immersive look into FDR.

• Where: 4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park.

• Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Walkway Over the Hudson

Stretching from Poughkeepsie to Highland is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. It crosses over the Hudson River, and could make for the perfect summer stroll.

Starting as a railroad bridge in 1889, the bridge was unused from 1974 through the mid-2000s when the structure was turned into a pedestrian bridge, which more than seven million people have now experienced, according to the website.

The 1.28-mile walkway stands 212 feet above the Hudson River and is a must-see in the Hudson Valley.

• Where: 87 Haviland Road, Highland.

• Hours: Open 7 a.m. to sunset daily.

More: It’s not a Southern Tier summer without these 6 tasty treats: Where to get them

Munson arts institute

Founded in 1919, Munson is a “celebrated venue for art, music, performance and education for people of every age and background,” according to its website.

Munson is a diverse institution packed with art to witness, classes to participate in and events throughout the summer, including performances, films and live music.

If you’re a fan of the arts, Munson is a great destination to check out this season.

• Where: 310 Genesee St., Utica.

• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Roberson Museum

Home to an abundance of art exhibits, events and a planetarium, the historic Roberson Museum is ideal for family fun.

Founded in the 1930s, the museum “continues to be locally, regionally and nationally recognized for its excellence in art, history and science education,” as stated on the website.

Stroll through the various exhibits that mix art and science or dive deep into the solar system inside the planetarium for a fun day for all.

• Where: 30 Front St., Binghamton.

• Hours: noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.

Kaaterskill Falls

The Catskills region of New York features some of the best trails and views in the state, including Kaaterskill Falls.

The short 0.6-mile round-trip hike will take you to the Kaaterskill Falls viewing platform, which overlooks the “highest cascading two-tiered waterfall” in the state, according to the website.

The simple hike to one of America’s oldest tourist attractions will give scenery lovers a breathtaking view.

• Where: Laurel House Road, Haines Falls.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Museums, nature, and seven sights worth seeing during a NY road trip