A report by the Telegraph has compiled some of the best ways to cut costs when planning a cruise holiday.

Check what the price includes as some packages may seem more expensive but may include gratuities.

Keep an eye on tipping. Some longer cruises include service charges and daily tipping charges. These can soon build up.

Hunt around for the best deals in newspapers and online.

Signing up for email alerts with different companies will allow you to compare deals.

Shoulder season cruises are more difficult to sell and so normally cheaper. In May and June prices can be up to 20% cheaper.

Booking your own flights may be cheaper than those included in the package.

Telegraph Travel reporter Sara Mace said: “The market is more competitive than ever as the economic downturn has coincided with a year when 10 ships have been launched, bringing extra capacity to the UK cruise scene.”

“With so many extra cabins to fill, cruise companies are having to be aggressive and this means tempting customers with lower prices and extra added-value offers such as free places and on-board credits.”