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Much like the cruise lines, travel agents who specialize in cruises often have access to special fares and flights. This is largely due to meticulously negotiated contracts with both cruise companies and airlines alike. Provided you have not requested early ticketing, Flexible fares can be changed or cancelled without change fees at any time prior to your cruise final payment due date.
Cruise Lines
Biggest cruise mistake: Think about flights before booking the sailing - USA TODAY
Biggest cruise mistake: Think about flights before booking the sailing.
Posted: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you'd love to book your flights with credit card points or airline miles, you'll need to do that through the airline, not the cruise line. 1No charge penalty until 45 days prior to departure for Flexible fares only. Restricted fares are non-refundable and must be paid in full at the time of booking. Commercial or passenger aircraft are usually designed for optimum performance around their cruise speed (VC) and cruise altitude.
Learn About Credit Cards
You can add your frequent flyer number to the reservation to earn miles and access your elite perks — but watch out for extremely discounted fares that might not qualify. Plus, if you pay with a rewards-earning credit card, you'll also get points or miles for your purchase. Overnight Hotel AccommodationsIt may be necessary for Seabourn guests to overnight en-route to or from their cruise due to airline schedules and/or availability. If deemed necessary, the cost of hotel accommodations is included in the air price. If guests choose to add additional hotel nights, the complimentary hotel night will be forfeited as the airline schedule will no longer require an overnight to assure timely arrival to the ship. Hotel options and costs will be communicated to and agreed by guests prior to being confirmed.
Cruise Packages with Flights
It's often seen as a comprehensive and convenient form of travel where onboard luxuries can be as inviting as the ports of call. Pulling up just before a ship leaves might seem like you'll save on lodging costs, as well as any meals or drinks you consume while waiting. If you miss the ship, however, you could lose out on the vacation you paid for or run up higher costs trying to reschedule the trip.
PERSONALIZED TRAVEL
The answer will depend on your particular travel situation, and whether you're contemplating a cruise with flights included in the deal or simply paying for flights through your cruise line. Seat assignments are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice due to schedule changes, equipment changes or other unforeseen circumstances. Princess has no control over seat assignments, and any changes are at the discretion of the airline. We recommend that guests contact the airline(s) directly, once you receive your air notification, to request specific seats.
Cons of Air Packages
We assume no responsibility for loss, damage, or delay while baggage is in the custody of airlines. Fortunately, there are routes to booking your cruise and flights together that don't require plotting out time-sensitive connections on your own. There's no reason to tackle uncertain flight planning when you can eliminate the stress from the process altogether. A better option is to book your cruise and flight simultaneously directly through the cruise line.
Fly Cruise Shipping Companies
This advice especially applies to travelers flying from smaller airports that aren't among the major ones covered by the free airfare deal. Most cruise line airfare fine print states that passengers flying out of other airports will pay an additional fee. If you can book flights that are cheaper than the fee plus the air credit, you should do that and skip the not-actually-free airfare. Buying a cruise line air package is similar to purchasing flights through a travel agent.
Air Rates/Air Taxes and FeesAir rates will be quoted at the time of booking. Air rates are for e-tickets, per person and include flight taxes and fees. Some countries impose an arrival or departure tax which cannot be included on an air ticket.
You'll be forced to travel in a group, whose company you might or might not enjoy. It's not difficult to book your own airfare for your preferred airline and travel dates and then choose your own hotel, independent sightseeing or perfect tour provider to create a personalized pre- or post-cruise vacation. Some lines offer guaranteed assistance for flight disruptions that keep you from making it to the ship on time. We found lines offering everything a good travel insurance policy would provide, including re-booked flights to the ship's first port and hotels if needed.
Even with the aid of a travel agent or online booking engine, it can get complicated to line everything up perfectly. In most cases, the cruise line's agents will only be booking the flights for you. Anything else you need, from special meal requests to seat selections (when they are available) are up to you to handle via the airline's website.
It all comes down to what type of traveler you are and whether a few extra dollars saved (or spent) makes up for the things that make the trip enjoyable for you. Consider your own travel temperament and weigh all the options carefully; don't let the experiences of others on the Cruise Critic message boards be your only guide. The same is true if your cruise ends unexpectedly early due to weather, mechanical issues or an illness outbreak.
Guests with Independent Flight ArrangementsWe recommend that you schedule a minimum of 3–5 hours both at the beginning and end of your cruise to allow for transfers, customs clearance, and airport security checks. Seabourn is there to support you with 24-hour flight assistance during your air travels. When a well-deserved vacation is in order, nearly 30 million passengers across the globe choose to cruise annually. Whether you're heading to the Caribbean or looking forward to a European tour, cruising is an appealing way to travel.
If you're cruising with Holland America or Royal Caribbean, start your cruise and flight search at Flight Ease and Air2Sea respectively. In most cases, if you prefer to arrive early or stay extra days in port, or to fly in or out of a city other than the port city, it is often easier to book independently. Some cruise lines handle these complications at no additional charge, while others charge extra fees for flights other than same-day arrival or departure.
You will also still need to check in for your flights yourself and pay any baggage fees the airline charges. In many cases, cruise reservations that are made alongside flights through a cruise line come with some great guarantees that provide peace of mind. For example, many cruise lines will fly passengers to the first port of call if the flight they've booked through the cruise line is canceled or delayed. Cruise lines will typically cover the cost of a hotel in those situations too. However, going this route means you might have to pay an air deviation fee if you're not booked into a cruise line tour or hotel and that you give up flexibility and independence in your post-cruise travel arrangements. You can't tailor the itinerary to your sightseeing preferences or choose the hotel where you're a loyalty club member.
In most cases this is paid by each guest upon check-in and may have to be paid in local currency. Other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airports and are the responsibility of the passenger. Another convenient option when you're ready to book a cruise and flight together is to go through a travel agent.
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