I agree that you can almost always find a better air fare than the cruise lines offer. I always keep them separate so I have more flexability with changes. You don't mention where you're meeting the ship. Might have some specific suggestions based on my experience. The other factor to think about is your luggage, I've seen several situations where passengers arrived on the ship without their luggage; not fun when you're out cruising in the middle of the ocean. I never rely on the cruise line transfers for that very reason.

Nelson