HOLIDAYMAKERS are being asked to look out for advertising mail shots which promise Caribbean Cruises for £199.

Lancashire trading standards are liaising with the Florida-based tour operator after thousands of certificates landed on doormats across East Lancashire.

The holiday company even targeted 12-year-old Adam Greeve, of Darwen in the hard sell campaign.

The certificate of notification from the Florida Travel Network promises a cruise to the tropical Gran Bahamas Island, but Jim Potts, head of trading standards for the county said the trip will really cost tourists far more. Mr Potts has contacted the Florida Travel Network.

He discovered the actual cost of the "cruise" which in fact is a five-hour return ferry journey from Fort Lauderdale to the island, is almost £400 with room taxes and a £99 port and service charge added to the original cost.

In addition people who choose to take advantage of the holiday offer must pay for their own flights to Florida and car hire or bus fares to get to the various destinations.

Colin Greeve, father of 12-year-old Adam said: "My son was really excited with all this, he thought he had won a fantastic holiday."

Mr Potts said: "The company has been sending out what in fact is nothing more than an advertisement.

"We in Lancashire are leading the discussions with the company to establish a better advertising code which is less misleading to the customers nationally." The trading standards boss said that people who take advantage of the offer are first asked to phone Florida direct were they are given the "hard sell" by a trained salesman whose main aim is to get people to part with their credit card details.

Mr Potts said he was aware of at least two people who had been given full refunds when they had realised the total cost of the holiday and had decided not to go ahead"

Russell Fish, manager of Darwen's Co-op Travelcare, said: "We have had dozens of inquiries from people who have received these certificates.

"I would advise people to check out anything completely before parting with any money or credit card details."

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