The summer is quickly approaching and holidaymakers will be looking forward to their cruises in the sun. Although many feel confident they know how to prepare for their cruise, experts are recommending passengers to make one essential stop before their holiday this year.

Packing the essential items, checking in early and making sure you have a transfer plan are all important things to do for cruise passengers. However, the experts say there is one “non-negotiable” step to carry out before boarding the boat to ensure you save a bit of cash.

Some cruise lines let people bring on a limited amount of wine to save them forking out for expensive prices onboard. The experts also recommend taking some “between meals snacks” on cruise holidays.

The Cruise Critic said: “Make the supermarket a non-negotiable stop on your way to the cruise port.

“Some cruise lines let you bring on bottled water and cans of your favorite soft drink free of charge, so you don’t have to suffer on a Pepsi cruise if you’re a Diet Coke fan or shell out two bucks whenever you want a seltzer.”

They explained that although some may allow wine – to expert a corkage fee in some trips.

The experts added: “Most will also let you bring on a limited amount of wine – though you’ll have to pay a corkage fee to drink it in an onboard restaurant.

“Plus, despite offering vast amounts of food, cruise lines aren’t so good with prepackaged snack foods that you might want for a between-meal snack or beach day munching.

“Stock up on granola bars, to-go packs of crackers, even your favorite candy before setting sail.”

Diners at one of Rick Stein’s restaurants were disappointed, with one calling the fish and chips ‘the worst they’d ever tried’. Gary Hanna, who runs the restaurant review YouTube channel Gary Eats, said he was so let down by the food that he even sent his meal back.

The chef and TV presenter owns a fish and chip shop in Padstow, Cornwall. A takeaway serving of haddock and chips is £15.95, going up to £19.95 for sit-down customers. Gary said of his meal: “I had his fish and chips and I’ve got to say they were disappointing. In fact, I actually called it out and said it was a tourist trap.” He even gave the restaurant a second chance, going back again to see if his first disappointment was a fluke. He said it wasn’t, and claimed the food was not worth the 20-minute wait.

The reviewer said it was “not a good piece of fish at all”, that the chips were “a bit dry”, the scampi “mass-produced mush”, and mushy peas “rubbish”.

Others on TripAdvisor were also left disappointed by Rick Stein’s fish and chips. One said: “Honestly the worst fish and chips I have ever tried! Chips and fish batter were absolutely saturated with oil and the curry sauce was like dishwater with a hint of curry.”

Another added: “Save you money guys and support the local fish and chip outlet in Padstow. The quality and portion size of our Rick Stein order was appalling.”

While a third said: “Initially thought there was a mistake and we had child size portions.” Another said: “Pure grease, well well overpriced not even a nice fish and chips, mushy peas if you could call them that watery paste.”

Someone else wrote: “We waited a very long time outside in the cold only to be disappointed with the food.

“The portions were minimal in size and not proportionate to the price of the meal. We also thought that basics like mayonnaise and tartare sauce would be included in the price”.

Rick Stein owns six restaurants and cafes in Padstow as well as a gift shop, pub and cookery school. His presence in the town has led to it being nicknamed Padstein.

The Daily Express contacted Rick Stein for comment.

Experts at Mintel and eurochange have looked at the price of flights, a three course meal and a beer to find the best-value holiday hotspots.

And Bulgaria is officially the best option for Brits looking to stretch their pounds that little further this year.

Flights start from as little as £28 and once you’re there, you can have a cold pint from £1.42.

Laura Evans Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, said, “Bulgaria is slowly becoming a holiday hotspot for UK travellers. Research shows an 8.8 per cent year-on-year increase in British tourists visiting Bulgaria in 2024.

“With incredibly reasonable prices and utterly stunning views, it’s easy to see why. Here you’ll find terracotta-tiled rooftops and beaches very reminiscent of Croatia, with a much smaller price tag.”

Bulagiara is one of the most affordable and beautiful places to visit in Europe, however it’s often overlooked.

Since it’s under the radar, there you’ll find fewer crowds and plenty of affordable activities.

Its rich history is evident everywhere, from ancient Neolithic settlements to mysterious Thracian tombs to fortresses left behind by powerful tsars.

Bulgaria even appeals to nature lovers, with several mountain ranges throughout the country, offering all kinds of breathtaking hikes.

So, whether you’re going for a long weekend or you want to spend a week or two hiking, enjoying the seaside or sightseeing – Bulgaria could be the place for you.

You should start your visit in Bulgaria’s capital, a vibrant blend of culture, rich history, bustling markets and contemporary architecture.

They also have a colourful food-market scene with organic and fresh produce stores dotted around, offering high quality eats.

Be sure to visit the Women’s Market, one of the best outdoor spots to discover everything from regional fruits and vegetables to spices, meats and even everyday household items.

For a deeper dive into the city’s history, check out the Sofia History Museum, housed in the beautiful former Central Mineral Baths, covering the gamut of the city’s past.

Plovdiv is another absolute must-visit. This charming city is the second largest in Bulgaria, and is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe.

Check out the Amphitheatre located in the Old Town – an iconic setting to watch concerts in the summertime, or just simply walk around and meet its feline inhabitants scattered across the cobbled streets.

The city is famously known as “the City of Seven Hills”, and the best spot to watch a sunset would be at local spot Danov Hill.

If you’re more the adventurous type, grab your hiking shoes and head over to Musala Peak in the Rila Mountains.

The Rila Mountains are the highest mountain range in the Balkans, with Mount Musala towering over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet).

Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful hikes in the country.

Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a visual and architectural masterpiece that attracts many visitors.

Lastly, for a truly unique experience, you should head to the heart of Bulgaria to witness the UFO- like Buzludzah Monument.

This abandoned, former communist headquarters is subject of ongoing revival projects that have been met with a lot of resistance from local authorities.

Though the hall slid into disrepair after the fall of communism, the space-age silhouette that remains is an irresistible stop for travellers.