Unless you’re fortunate enough to live within a few hours of a cruise departure port, or have the time, and patience, to drive - most of us cruisers must consider booking a flight in order to set sail on our cruise getaways even if it means including this cost into our overall vacation budget. (Frankly, with the rising cost of fuel these days it can be easier on the wallet and less wear on the ol’ automobile to fly.)
You can research and book your air independently, but booking and finding the perfect flights can be complex and infuriating. Most cruise lines offer an air/sea program that allows you to purchase your cruise plus airfare in one neat little package, but are you able to pick your flights and are they more expensive?
With all of that in mind a good question to ask is, “Should I book airfare on my own or through the cruise line?”
Travel is personal. So your decision on whether to purchase your air directly with the airline or through the cruise line is up to personal preference. Your best bet is to discuss with your travel agent and research the pricing on both so you can see which option fits with your own unique schedule and budget!
Standard Air/Sea Programs:
Advantage: You don’t pay for your airfare until final payment, assistance with day of travel flight delays or cancellations.
Disadvantages: No control over air schedule and times without a deviation fee, cannot guarantee direct flights, and fares can be higher than booking directly with the airline.
Cruise lines like Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Silversea offer an air add-on package you may purchase in addition to your cruise. They make your travel arrangements and can help you arrange ground transportation. This seamless process is convenient and provides peace of mind that the cruise line has selected the appropriate flights to ensure you arrive at the ship on time.
If you choose to take the air/sea package through the cruise line, you do not pay for your airfare until you make the final payment on your cruise, making it easier to put down a small deposit and budget for the final balance.
Flights will be confirmed 60-75 days prior to sailing, tickets are issued at the lowest-available coach fare, and all restrictions apply. Changes to the air schedule, or special requests, are subject to a service or ‘air deviation’ fee. The air/sea package does not include ground transportation from the airport to the cruise terminal, transfers may be purchased separately. The cruise line cannot guarantee direct flights, most routes are non-direct and include connections.
Upon having a confirmed air schedule, you are able to confirm seat assignments and add frequent flyer numbers directly with the airline.
In the event your flight is delayed and you do not arrive in time for the ship’s departure, there is a 24-hour hotline offer by the cruise line you may call for flight assistance.
Enhanced Air Programs for Flexibility & Control
Advantage: Control and flexibility, peace of mind, competitive airfares (especially international), access to air credits and promotions from the cruise line
Disadvantage: Possibility of higher fares for domestic flights and if reserving Flexible Airfare you must weigh the pros and cons
While the standard air/sea packages used to be the industry norm, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean International and Princess Cruises have enhanced, revamped and revitalized cruise line air programs.
Designed for the modern traveler, these flight programs provide cruisers access to real time airfares with your choice of airlines and flights any time from 330 days up to 4 days prior to sailing. Search results are pre-filtered for only those flights that complement your cruise in order to ensure your timely arrive on embarkation day. Want to arrive a day early? No problem. Want to leave by 8:00am? No worries. You have the flexibility to search for the flights right for you.
Enjoy day of travel support if there are any flight interruptions, delays, schedule changes or cancellations. If you miss your cruise embarkation, the cruise line will work with the airline in order to get you to the next appropriate port of call.
You also have the freedom to choose the pricing option best suited to your needs. You can decide between Lowest/Restricted Fares or Flexible Fares. The least expensive, yet most restrictive, fares require instant purchase. Flexible fares are more, well, flexible. They are typically higher than restricted fares, but you can easily cancel or change your flight arrangements up until a designed time, plus the air payment isn’t due until the date of the final cruise payment.
Many times, special promotions and valuable air credits are offered if you purchase air through the cruise line’s air program. And even some, like ChoiceAir, guarantee the lowest airfare, even providing a credit of 110% of the difference to spend onboard your cruise if you find a lower base fare within 24-hours of booking.
Booking Air Independently from the Cruise Line
Advantage: Control and flexibility over schedules and payment.
Disadvantage: More room for error, restrictive fares.
If you decide to research and book airfare for your cruise on your own, it may take more time and frustration, but you have the ultimate control over your desired air schedule and can purchase whenever you feel comfortable.
A few things to keep in mind when booking air independently:
- We recommend you consider arriving a day prior to the cruise to ease any concerns of arriving to the port on time. This is especially recommended for travel during the winter months when weather delays are common.
- If arriving a day early isn’t an option, you should plan to arrive no later than 1:00pm on the day of departure for cruises departing the continental United States. This should provide ample time to collect your bags and transfer to the ship, even if the port is an hour from the airport. By arriving early, you are planning ahead for unforeseen flight delays and increasing your chances of meeting the ship on time.
- Return flights should not be booked any earlier than noon on the day your cruise returns.
There are airports that are located more than an hour away from the cruise port, and ships depart from international ports at varying times, so in order to minimize your chances of choosing a risky flight schedule, please contact your travel agent or iCruise.com Cruise Specialist to confirm times before you purchase.
For more information on cruise line air/sea packages and their respective Terms & Conditions, please give us a call at 800-i-CRUISE or send us a message.
About Alara Shannon, Cruise & Travel Writer
Alara has traveled extensively since an early age. After the birth of her daughter, when an opportunity for a career in cruise travel presented itself, Alara decided to re-enter the workforce. She hopped on board with one of the largest cruise agencies and excelled in both cruise sales and customer service. This led to the chance to dive headfirst into the Internet Marketing world; taking on the roles of resident Bloggess, custom content creator and social media expert. Beyond a love of anything travel related, her life revolves around her family of four (husband + 2 little ones), writing, playing piano, coffee, recycling, and crafting (well, attempting to craft). Her dream destination? New Zealand!
