Airline FAQ

How do I choose my flights?

If you have elected to purchase your flights through the cruise line, you may select specific flights by purchasing an Air Deviation. An Air Deviation, also referred to as customizing your flights, allows you to request specific dates, times, airlines, air cities, or nonstop flights. The cruise lines charge $35-$75 per person, plus any additional airfare costs to make this request. The benefit of an Air Deviation is that it confirms you on a preferred flight schedule. Without an air deviation, we are unable to guarantee specific flight times, schedules, or nonstop flights. In addition, if people from two or more staterooms are traveling together, we are unable to guarantee that they will all share the same flight schedule unless an Air Deviation is requested. Also, without an Air Deviation, you will not know your flight schedule until approximately 21-30 days prior to your departure. If you are purchasing your flights independently of the cruise line, you will want to inquire about the appropriate flight schedules when you purchase your cruise. Keep in mind, you will want to allow ample time to arrive to the pier on the day of the cruise's departure in case there are airline delays. Additionally, due to the disembarkation process, you will require several hours between when the cruise ship returns to port and when you must be at the airport for your return flight. We strongly encourage you to speak with our Customer Service representatives or you Vacation Consultant to obtain specific guidelines for your particular cruise.

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When will I get my Air Schedule? Can I pick my own flights?

If you booked your airfare through the cruise line, you may receive your flight schedule 29 days prior to travel. It can be on any airline on any flight schedule that will affordably get you to your port of embarkation before the ship sails. You can actually choose a specific airline and routing, as well as non-stop flights by requesting an Air Deviation. An air deviation allows you to pick your airline and flights prior to making your final payment. There is usually non-refundable fee(per passenger) for this service. Please contact our Passenger Support Desk if you would like to request an air deviation. You must make your air deviation request in writing at least 70 days before your cruise. Deviations give you a lot of flexibility. You can arrive early, stay extra days at the end of a cruise, or maybe build in a stop-over. You can also fly business class or first class. And you can get your seat assignments when you get the air deviations - assuming the airline assigns seats at that time. This alone is worth it at times, especially on long flights.

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What is an Air/Sea package?

An air/sea cruise or a fly/cruise vacation package includes either free or much reduced airfare along with your cruise ticket. These money-saving options are available from most major North American cities and include transfers between the airport and the ship as well as baggage handling. If you prefer booking your air travel separately from the cruise line, our full-service travel agency reservations center can assist you with obtaining low air fare rates. A Cruise Line's air/sea package works very well for most passengers. (With some cruise line packages you may receive ground transfers to and from the ship). A representative from the cruise line will be available as you leave the plane or in the baggage claim area to lead you to the motor coaches.  They generally carry a sign with the name of the cruise line.

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What happens if my flight is delayed for the cruise?

Both the cruise line and airline will work to assist in getting you to the ship . In the event of minor scheduling delays or flight cancellations, speak to the airline first, to find out when you will be able to depart. Then, contact our Customer Service Department, who will alert the cruise line to your situation. If your delay is only minor, we may be able to have the transfer shuttle meet you as planned. For major delays and flight cancellations, the resolutions are determined on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, the airline will fly you to the next port of call. In other instances, the airline may provide hotel accommodations or other options. If you purchased airfare independently of the cruise line, you will need to work directly with the airline. In either case, we recommend advising the airline that you are on your way to meet a cruise ship. The airline may then prioritize you above other passengers. Please consider the purchase of travel insurance, as there may be times when the airline and cruise line cannot help you, but the insurance can.

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What time will I be off the ship at the end of my cruise?

Time never stops on a cruise ship.  When one cruise ends, another one begins so it is very important for the staff of the ship to clear all passengers as soon as possible to prepare for the next sailing and to make sure guests holding airline tickets depart in plenty of time to catch their flights. A cruise ship usually arrives at its disembarkation port by 7:00 am on the last day of the cruise.  Local Customs Officials then come aboard to inspect the ship and process immigration information for US and foreign passengers.   If all goes smoothly, the ship is usually cleared for disembarkation between 8:30 am and 9:30 am.  There can be delays; therefore, if you are making your own flight arrangements, you should not book return flights home before noon if you are flying from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles or New York. For other cruise ports, please ask your Passenger Support Agent.

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Can I make my own flight arrangements?

If you can find better airfare rates on your own or have frequent flyer points, then you can certainly purchase your airfare separately. However, if you have any flight delays on flights arranged apart from the cruise line, then you're on your own to catch the ship in the next port of call if necessary. Note: insurance would protect a missed connection or travel delay claim. You are also responsible for your transportation from the airport to the ship and back. Most cruise lines do offer airport transfers at an additional cost for those passengers who elect to provide their own air. If you are making your own flight reservations, please contact our Passenger Support Desk prior to booking your flights.  There are required arrival and departure times to ensure that you do not miss the ship's departure or your flight home. If you wish to purchase airport ship transfers from the cruise line, they will require your flight schedule.  Please understand, the cruise lines neither control nor are they responsible for late flight arrivals.  You are responsible for arriving at the respective ports on time for embarkation and for joining the ship at its next port of call if, for any reason, you miss a scheduled sailing.  The cruise lines are not responsible for any financial loss to passengers who are delayed and miss the sailing.

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Can you get a better deal on your own?

The strongest consideration should be how confident you are in being able to make it to the ship on your own. If you are already flying in a few days early, know you’ll be there on time and you can save over the Air/Sea on plane tickets and shuttle costs, then you might just consider going it alone. But, remember you are going it alone. The Cruise Lines will be more likely to make accommodations and work with the Airline if their booking didn’t get you to the ship on time. They will be better able to track your late flight and might even delay the ship if they know you’ll only be slightly late. They might pay for you to stay in a hotel or pay for flights so you can catch up with the ship at the first port. Depending on the circumstances, they might even rebate some of your cruise or give you a discount toward your next cruise with them. However, the Airlines are independent contractors. Most cruise conditions of carriage state that since the Airlines are independent contractors the Cruise Line makes no warranty and assumes no responsibility for any failure or delay in their contractor’s services. This is another reason to purchase a strong trip insurance package. If the route you picked to make it to the ship fails, you are on your own. Don’t risk missing the whole cruise over a few frequent flyer miles. Sure you can probably get on if you can catch the ship, but will you be able to find a flight and transportation to the ship. Will it be worth it, considering how much you’ll have to pay in last minute travel arrangements? No matter how you get there, try to avoid this situation by booking a flight that leaves you plenty of time to get you to and from the port to the Airport.

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