Cruisegoers warned to avoid 'being stung' by huge bills - 'prices are often deceptive'
Cruise ships can have a lot of hidden fees
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Cruises are a great way to see lots of locations in one trip.
Many costs are covered when booking a holiday this way, but cruisegoers can still be hit with huge bills at the end of their trip.
Experts explained how to avoid additional fees and what holidaymakers should watch out for before booking.
Experts at Panache Cruises said: "First time cruisers risk being stung by the additional onboard costs of cruises which always appear less expensive up front.
Drinks usually cost extra on a cruise ship
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"However with luxury and ultra-luxury cruises, many onboard items are included in the ticket price including all drinks, WI-FI, shore excursions, speciality restaurant reservations and gratuities/tips."
While meals are often included during a cruise, drinks, excursions and even WI-FI can cost extra with many cruise lines.
This is why the expert warned against taking the most basic package.
Add ons - such as drink packages - can be purchased in advance which could help travellers save.
The experts continued: "Always price up the ‘total cost’ of the cruise when making comparisons.
"The cheapest prices can often be deceptive and seldom represent the best value.
"Consequently, first time cruisers should consider all-inclusive options to better manage supplementary costs."
Before travelling, founder and managing director at Panache Cruises James Cole encouraged travellers to ask for help.
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Add ons can be purchased before a trip
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He said: "Remember, there are so many variables in a cruise, so someone contemplating going on one for the first time will have many questions when planning and booking.
“Don’t learn the hard way. Aside from doing research online, speak to a specialist cruise agent or you can even pose questions on cruise message boards to create a shortlist of the best cruise lines and itineraries.
“Stepping on a ship for the first time can be daunting, so it makes sense to be well-researched and organised to reduce any stress.”
Cruises can be pricey to book and an expert recently shared more extra charges that can add up.
Sometimes flights are required to travel to the port the ship leaves for. An expert warned Britons what they should never do on a plane.
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