Airline Information

Air/Sea Cruise

An air/sea cruise vacation is simply a cruise package that includes either free or reduced airfare along with your cruise. This is a money-saving option because cruise lines contract with the airlines for "bulk" fares. Cruise lines air is available from most major North American cities and also includes transfers from the airport and ship as well as airport baggage handling. Another plus to purchasing air from the cruise line is the cruise line becomes liable should you experience flight delays and miss the ships departure.

You do NOT have to purchase airfare from the cruise lines if you can find a better airfare or wish to use frequent flyer miles. However, there is risk in doing so, as the cruise line is not responsible for flight delays or cancellations which result in missing the ship. You would be responsible for catching the ship at the next port of call. The line does not provide airport to ship transfers either, although some lines are beginning to offer separate transfers for a small cost.

A simple solution when purchasing your own airfare is to travel to the port of embarkation the day prior to departure.

Insurance would protect a missed connection or travel delay claim.

Air Deviations

An air deviation allows you to choose the flights from the cruise line in advance and on the airline and schedule you choose. Deviations include traveling to your port of embarkation early and/or staying after your cruise. You may also choose business or first class flights. There is a cost of $35 - $50 per person.

Cruise lines do their very best to get you to and from your port of embarkation on the most direct and convenient flights out of your airport. If the most convenient flights are not available in the class of service contracted by the cruise line, the cruise line reserves the right to fly you any way they affordably can? During peak travel periods such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc. you can expect a flight schedule that is less than perfect.

When you book your an air/sea cruise, you will receive your flight schedule about 30 days prior to departure. It can be on any airline and schedule that will affordably get you to your port of embarkation before the ship sails.

Frequent Flyer Mileage

Cruise lines generally use scheduled commercial airlines when booking your airfare, so you would qualify for frequent flyer miles. On occasion, charter flights may be used to destinations under-serviced by commercial airlines. In these cases, no mileage would be earned.

Mileage Upgrades

Since the cruise lines contract with the airlines for "bulk" fares which are lower than normal published rates, mileage upgrades are generally not allowed by the airlines. It certainly doesn't hurt to call the airline once you receive your airline ticket just to see -- you might just get lucky.

Combination Flights

In some circumstances, you may have enough frequent flyer miles for one free ticket, but not two. In this situation, you can book your flight schedule for one passenger using miles. Then call |Carefree Travel & Cruises with the information, and we will ask for an air deviation for the second passenger using the same schedule. Of course there is an air deviation charge, but the cost is minimal considering the savings of using mileage on one ticket. The passenger using miles will also need to purchase airport transfers.

The only down side to this type of situation, is if you miss the ship due to flight delays or cancellation, the passenger using miles would be responsible to any cost related to reaching a port of call to catch the ship. Once again, this problem is easily avoided by traveling the day prior to departure.

Seat Assignments

When you purchase an air/sea cruise, seat assignments can sometimes be a challenge -- Here's why. The cruise lines submit a name list to the airlines 30 days before departure. We can call 29 days before departure and verbally receive your flight schedule. Only then can seat assignments be secured, and sometimes there are limited seats available to assign. If you are particular about your seats, we recommend spending the extra $35 - $50 for an air deviation in order to know your flight schedule in advance and be able to secure preferable seats. Using an air deviation is not a guaranty, but greatly increases the odds in your favor.

If you didn't purchase an air deviation, and then do not like the schedule they provide, canceling your cruise is an option, but a costly one. Since final payments have already been made 45-90 days before departure, full cancellation penalties will be in place before you receive final documents and your flight schedule, so penalties would be high.

Don't panic. To be honest, the cruise lines do an excellent job of securing acceptable flights for the majority of passengers. Remember, they want a happy customer too.

Airport Transfers

If you purchase your own airline ticket, many cruise lines will still offer you the option of purchasing airport transfers from them, generally at about the rate of a taxi cab.

Delays

Once again, if your flights are delayed, the responsibility of getting you to the ship depends on whether you purchased your own airfare or from the cruise line. In some cases, even if you purchased your ticket from the cruise line, airlines may not be liable for weather delays which are considered Acts of God. This being said, the airline and cruise line will do their best to get you to your ship at minimal cost.

Again, if you purchased travel insurance, this situation would likely be covered. Make sure you read the fine print from the insurance company as Acts of God may be excluded from coverage.

Please let us know if you have any other questions prior to departure. We're here to help!