Cruise ship passengers warned to never fork out for regular 'rip-off' extra
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While most amenities on cruise ships are complimentary - there are plenty of additional services and products that could cost you a pretty penny. The YouTube channel Eat Sleep Cruise asked its followers what they would never spend their money on during their next cruise. From the responses, a list was compiled of the biggest rip-offs to help future cruisers avoid wasting their hard-earned cash.
Topping the list was paying for onboard photos, as most passengers have their own means of capturing memories. Onboard art galleries and auctions were also flagged as a way for cruise lines to make extra money. According to the video, many of the artworks on cruises are merely prints with painted brush strokes added to create the illusion of originality. These pieces are often marked up by 50 to 100%, leading to some disgruntled buyers filing lawsuits against the cruise lines or onboard auctioneers, claiming the value of the artworks had been inflated.
There have even been instances of holidaymakers purchasing forged art pieces, resulting in some receiving refunds from the cruise lines without any legal or media involvement. Another area to steer clear of, according to the feedback, is the salon and spa services, reports the Express.
Many cruise ships boast onboard spas, ranging from a few rooms with massage tables to expansive areas featuring sun decks, saunas and pools. However, these services often come with a hefty surcharge compared to mainland spa prices. Gambling was also highlighted by many users as a significant expense. The amount spent on gambling varies from person to person, but many warned that the excitement of being on a cruise ship can lead to heavy losses.
