Cruise expert exposes all the hidden fees costing travelers thousands of dollars and the easy ways to save

It’s never rough seas for cruise connoisseur Carol Nicole. Nicole, 47, has been cruising for nearly six years, hitting the seas an impressive 33 times.And as a newly minted travel agent, she guarantees smooth sailing for her clients — and her over 68,000 “cruise besties” she’s dubbed on TikTok.“That’s my whole mission as your cruise bestie.

Making sure people have the best time without any nasty surprises on their bill at the end,” Nicole told The Post — while on a cruise in Key West.Nicole immediately caught the travel bug after just one stunning Caribbean cruise turned her from apathetic to an aficionado.“What started as a vacation quickly became a lifestyle,” she said.And if you do it right, cruises can be one of the most affordable ways to vacation, as so much is included in your initial fare, the travel expert said.

Big expenses like your room, food and entertainment are all budgeted for in the booking.Where it gets pricey is with those sneaky fees.The key to avoiding them — be informed before booking.“Cruise pricing can look misleading at first glance,” Nicole said.Pricing tends to be confusing because brands advertise their lowest rate possible, which is usually an interior cabin and not the coveted room with a view.

But costs can change based on five factors: cabin category, occupancy, taxes and port fees, promotions and your state.“Cruise ships offer multiple types of cabins ranging from budget-friendly interior rooms to luxurious suites,” Nicole said in a TikTok.“Each category comes with its own price point, and what may initially seem like a great bargain could mean you’re looking at a far less desirable cabin.

Always review the specifics of the cabin being offered,” she added.This means when you click on a room, make sure you check where it’s at on the ship and what it looks like inside, because the one being shown to you may not be the lower price.They’re likely showing you the best-looking to get you to b...