January is one of the busiest months for booking holidays as Brits look to escape the post-Christmas blues. 

Cruises remain a popular choice, offering sun-drenched decks and luxurious getaways.

However, experts at Viva Cruise are warning travellers to be on high alert as scammers prey on eager holidaymakers.

According to Lloyds Bank, holiday scams have surged with victims losing an average of £750. 

Nearly half of these frauds begin online and the situation is expected to worsen as cybercrime continues to evolve. 

Fraudsters are targeting unsuspecting holidaymakers with convincing tactics, from fake email offers to fraudulent booking sites.

Gaurav Jaura, director of Viva Cruise, said: “January is a key time for holiday bookings, and while cruises are a fantastic option, travellers need to be cautious.

“By booking through trusted providers and staying informed, you can avoid scams and focus on enjoying your dream getaway.”

The risks were highlighted recently when a fraudster was convicted of stealing over £400,000 from holidaymakers. Posing as a legitimate travel agent, the scammer offered discounted luxury cruise packages and pressured victims into making hasty decisions. 

One common scam involves phishing emails promising “exclusive” cruise deals. These emails mimic well-known brands and often include links to fake websites designed to steal payment details. 

With the rise of AI, these scams are becoming harder to detect. Experts advise travellers to double-check email senders and verify offers by visiting official company websites.

Social media is another hotspot for scams, with fraudsters setting up fake accounts to promote free cruise holidays in exchange for sharing personal details or even payment for a small booking fee.

Consumers are urged to engage only with verified social media accounts and avoid too-good-to-be-true offers.

Dodgy booking websites are also catching people out. Fraudsters are creating professional-looking platforms to advertise cheap cruise deals but disappear once payments are made. 

Travellers should stick to trusted booking platforms, look for ABTA or ATOL protection and read reviews before parting with any money.

Scammers are also impersonating legitimate companies, offering last-minute upgrades or add-ons at discounted rates over the phone or email. These offers can include luxury suite upgrades or all-inclusive packages.

This can often lead to customers being pressured to “act fast” as they use convincing sales tactics to secure a limited-time offer.

Experts warn against sharing payment details over the phone and advise confirming offers directly with the cruise provider.