@PastryPal I was recently on the Ruby...and spoke at length with several members of the staff at the Future cruise department. New to me, they are now promoting packages that include various combinations of hotels with the future cruise deposits.
Yes, they are in the thousands of dollars range.
Fortunately for me, or unfortunately, they are only offered in US$ and using the new program, one must book using US $. As a Canadian, I did not like that idea, so I declined.
I did see that there could very well be some value to the program, for a small extra amount of OBC..more than usual - up to $300 for a larger package. If I recall correctly, the smallest package was $3499, then one for $5499 and one for $7999, or thereabouts. There may even have been one for more money.
These are fairly new promotions, about a year in the making, as far as I am aware. They are not "scams" to my understanding, but perhaps your parents were charged for MORE than they bargained for. I also believe that the bulk of the costs charged will be applicable as payment for the upcoming cruises that are booked.
I hope this helps you. So sorry to hear that your parents were not advised as fully as they could be. I asked many, many questions of the program. I think there are some benefits, but a lot of money is charged up front, in US$$.