Having never been on a cruise, whats the thinking regarding including airfare with the cruise (seems high). Also getting from the airport to the ship?

Most experienced cruisers will tell you to arrange your own airfare and fly in the day or night before departure. It reduces stress by reducing the possibility of missing your ship. I've never seen a cruiseline airfare I couldn't beat by 30% or more and I've read too many horror stories about cruise insurance that doesn't compensate for air travel snafus even when the air is purchased from the cruiseline.

If flying in early, get a hotel near the docks with shuttle service from the airport. A cab to the ship the next day should be minimal $$.

If you are traveling within the US/Canada, yes, arranging the air on your own will save you money and give you more relaxing time.

But if you are traveling to Europe or Asia or somewhere you don't speak the language. I would recommend you get the plane ticket through the cruiseline. They will provide transportation from the airport to the ship and same for return. Other thing is since most foreign cruise start and end in different port, the airplane ticket are open-jaw. I normally do not find any price on my own lower than what the cruiseline offer.

Have fun cruising!

Cindy

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

Hi Nelson,

Actually, in the case of luggage missing, going with the cruiseline transfer will do you more good. I know somebody's luggage didn't get on to the ship until 3 days (into another country), but since they are with the cruiseline flight package. The ship provided them free overnight laundry and some spending money (to buy a T-shirt, toothbrush etc), during the time the bags not there. If you on your own, you will not have this cover and good luck on claiming it with your travel insurance, after you finish your trip).

Cindy

If you are cruising in the US, I would agree with what's been said...book your own airfare and fly in the night before.

Transportation to the port may be costly - depending on the port. When we cruised out of Ft. Lauderdale, the airport and cruise terminal were close - so a taxi was only about $10. When we cruised from Long Beach, CA, we hired a limo because the cruise line charged $25 / pp. each way - for only $10 more, we had private transportation.

Remember cruise lines disembark early. On my first cruise, we disembarked by 8 am and were at the airport by 8:30 am. Not knowing better, I booked a 5 pm flight and we sat around the airport all day. All flights were full because several cruises disembarked the same day - no standby seats.

Call your travel agent or the cruise line...they can tell you.

Within the US.. book your own air. Go the DAY before (the whole day and not the evening). That will make sure you get there. Doing your own air provides you with the ability to use upgrades and other things from your favorite airline.

Outside the US (specifically Start at A and End at B) is difficult. This as was mentioned is Open Jaw. I am doing QM2 NY-Southampton this summer. Cruiseline airfare was like $450 (the credit they gave me). My own ticket was $1200... but I am confirmed trans-atlantic in business class with an upgrade. My traveling companion is on a free ticket (tho a waste of miles since AA has only round-trip free tickets).

What would I suggest? I have booked on my own flights to New Zealand and back from Australia .. again with upgrades for cheaper than what the cruise line wanted. That said .. another cruise I almost missed the ship with my own airbooking .. when my flight cancelled (I did not go the day before!). There are many variables (even time of year topics)

There are several thoughts on where to stay the night before. Someone mentioned near the dock. I personally think near the airport with free shuttle to the airport would work. Fly in, take hotel free shuttle to property, stay, take free shuttle back to airport, go to luggage and find your cruise-line Rep and take the cruise transfer (you will have to pay for this but they normally take walk-up - non coupon - cruisers).

As far as the return. Call the cruise line ask when you can book a returning flight. Yea the ship arrives at 7/8am and the cruise line says not before 12:30... BELIEVE THEM! Then you can take their shuttle (purser will arrange and you pay) OR take a taxi. From FLL I took a cab and was able to standby on an earlier flight (thanks to EXP on AA) .. but it is not something to count on. LISTEN to the cruise line .. and follow. There have been many posts here freaking out that the ship arrives at 8am and they have a 10:30plane and will they make it. Answer mostly NO!

As a first time cruiser consider Caribbean or Alaska first before venturing onto something 'exotic' like Australia or Greece (for example only). You have a lot to learn from your first cruise .. the transfers are just one part! There is the seating (second), table size (large), the cabin (balcony minimum) and the ship line (loads of choices) and then the shore excursions/mix of sea/shore days (more sea). (these comments are my own)!

I personally love sea days. On port days I sleep in and will take a late morning or afternoon tour (never the 8am tour). Its nice to have an almost empty ship to yourself.

Also, length. Took a 4 day cruise.. hated it (waiter did not know my preferences or anything) . have had several 7 day cruises .. loved .. and also a 14 day panama canal cruise ... LOVED it but hard to get off from work... also a 14 day Australia cruise .... REALLY LOVED it but takes 2-3 days to get there and a long day getting home so almost three weeks shot from work.

Ask this forum your questions.. they may snicker at first and then give you a good answer. (I still cannot be bothered with Port and Starboard .. yes Fore and Aft makes sense)

Once you narrow down cruise #1 option, as questions with details.

Cindy:

I couldn't disagree with you more relative to using the cruise Line transfers. Yes, the Cruise line will help you with temporary necessities- toothbrush etc., but honestly they will help any passenger whose luggage didn't arrive, not just those who use their transfer packages. After 20+ cruises I can say with certainty that the majority of passengers with lost luggage were using the Cruise Line transfers. I always choose to control my own luggage and use Taxi's everytime. I also have a carry on for those items that are essential.

Nelson