How to Book Cruise Line Airfare

Getting to the location of your cruise departure may require a flight depending on where in the country you are coming from.  You have two primary options when booking your cruise line airfare and understanding the difference between them can save you time, money and frustration.  Book your cruise line airfare by following these easy steps.

Option #1 - Book your cruise line airfare yourself

Advantages

• Shop the different airlines and often get a much better price than you can through the cruiselines


• Choose the time of day that you are traveling


• Choose your connecting city


• Choose your seating depending on which airlines you choose to fly

Disadvantages 

• You will have to arrange your ground transportation to and from the airport to the port


• You will have to handle your own luggage


• If your flight is delayed or you miss a connection you can miss your cruise.  You will have to pay out of your pocket to catch the ship at the next destination.

Option #2 - Book your cruise line airfare through your travel agent or the cruise line

Advantages 

• You can often get package pricing.  If you book far enough in advance this can be included in your trip payments which means that the cost does not have to come out of your pocket all at once.


• If your flight is delayed or you miss a connection due to the airlines fault the cruise line will fly you to meet the ship at its first destination.  Most cruise lines will pick up the tab for any hotel stay that you incur due to this before you get on the ship.


• It's convenient.  All of your information is in the same place and your airline tickets will be included with the rest of your trip documents.


• You do not have to worry about your luggage.  The cruise lines will pick it up from the airport and ensure that it arrives safely on the ship.


• The cruise line takes care of all transportation to and from the airport to the port.

Disadvantages 

• You often cannot choose the time of day that you are traveling


• You cannot choose your connecting city


• You sometimes will pay a slightly higher price


• It is often first come, first serve and you do not get to choose your seating