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Should I book my air through the cruise line

Air-Sea Packages, Should I?

When you're ready to book your cruise, you'll be offered the opportunity to buy your air through the cruise line. The cost of your airline ticket may be included in your cruise fare _ the air "allowance" will be refunded if you don't use it _ or it may be listed as a separate charge.

Should you book your air through the cruise line?

Will you get a better deal that way? In general, the answer to both questions is yes. Reason: The cruise lines negotiate "bulk" rates with the airlines, since they buy in volume, and generally these rates are very favorable, if not as low as the airlines' own lowest sale fares.

But there are other issues to consider.

On the plus side:

  • When you book your air through the cruise line, the cruise line keeps track of you, and takes steps to make sure you get to the ship on time. -If your flight is delayed, the cruise line will be aware of it. Since there will most likely be other cruise passengers traveling with you on your flight, the line may, in case of an extreme delay, even decide to hold the ship until you arrive.
    -If the ship leaves without you, the cruise line takes on the responsibility of getting you to the next port.
    -If you book your air through the cruise line, you will typically also get transfers from the airport to the ship, which saves you cab fare. In some cases, you may even be able to check your bags right through to the ship, meaning that you don't have to reclaim them at your arrival airport.

    On the minus side:

  • When you book air through the cruise line you are pretty much at the mercy of the cruise line regarding your flight arrangements. -You usually do not get to choose which airline you take. It's up to the cruise line to place you on a flight, which may be either on scheduled or charter air. And since the cruise line has negotiated a deal on the ticket, it's likely you won't be on a nonstop flight _ you'll have to stop and switch planes and will have to travel at odd hours.
    -If you are really fussy about the carrier you use, you can inquire if the cruise line has an air deviation program. Through this program, you may be able to request an alternate flight or carrier, if any is available, for an additional fee. It is important to remember, though, that these deviations can only be requested at the time you make your cruise reservation. -Once your air tickets are issued, don't expect to make changes. The cruise lines will not allow it do it, and if you call the airline about a cruise line bulk ticket, they will just refer you back to the cruise line. Trust me, I've been there!

    Don't miss the boat!
    If you choose to book your own air you may, naturally, search for the lowest fare or use your frequent flyer points to purchase your ticket. But if for some reason you miss the ship, the responsbility to catch up at next port is entirely yours, and at your own expense.

    And while it may seem like a no-brainer, if you are booking your own air it's important to get the sailing date and time absolutely right. There are tales of do-it-yourselfers scratching their heads at the pier wondering where the ship is and simply not realizing they are either too early or too late. Keep in mind that even if you make your own air arrangements, you may be able to purchase transfers to the ship, avoiding the confusion of taking a cab. If you opt for a cab, make sure you have in your possession the exact location where your ship is berthed. Some cities have multiple piers, and the cab driver may not know where your specific ship is located.

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