Cruise Airfares

Old Aug 18th, 1999, 07:36 AM
  #1  
Vickie
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Cruise Airfares

A few weeks ago, there was a discussion on this board about the pros/cons of making your own air arrangements vs. using the cruise lines' air. I advised using the cruise's air arrangements in most situations, but now have to eat my words!! since I was able to save $550...

I'm booked on HAL Rotterdam, Venice to Rome, in Nov. and, since the embark/disembark cities were different, figured the cruise lines airfare would be cheapest. Their quote was $1029 which seemed OK; then the other night, it occurred to me that it'll practically be winter and the fares should be a whole cheaper than $1000. So, I checked the internet (expedia) and got the EXACT same flights for $479. Called my travel agent, offered to book it through her but her price was $548, so I purchased the internet ticket. It took all of 10 minutes on the web and saved me over $500!!!

Bottom line is that from now on, I'll decline the cruise's airfare until I compare their price quote to what I can get on-line. I won't get the transfers to/from the ship and airport, but for that kind of savings, I'll gladly pay for cabs and travel on my own schedule (which I prefer anyway.)
 
Old Aug 18th, 1999, 09:01 AM
  #2  
John
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I agree with the above. Sometimes you can save money as Vickie did. What you really gain is control. You can select your departure times and connections if any. You also know your flights before the Cruise lines tell you. You may consider purchasing the transfers to get luggage and you to the ship.
 
Old Aug 18th, 1999, 02:14 PM
  #3  
elaine
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John,
I think what Vickie wrote was that in the future, she will not rule out either option. It is always prudent to do your 'homework' Think it really depends on where you live, what month you cruise, and what from what port you will sail. Would not want first time cruisers to be misinformed.
 
Old Aug 20th, 1999, 07:06 PM
  #4  
Sandi
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In your case smart move, but sometimes not, especially at holidays, and if you are going the same day and there is a problem you are out of luck. Usually if at all possible the Cruise lines will wait for their air/sea people..I always caution my clients, if you can go a day early do it anytime, if not think about it, if you use a charter or budget carrier who cannot shift you to another scheduled airline it can be a problem also if they have trouble.
 
Old Aug 28th, 1999, 06:44 AM
  #5  
Hilary
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I agree 100%. If you can arrive a day early, definitely try to find your own airfare as you'll probably do better than the cruiseline. We booked our own airfare for our next cruise and used our mileage to fly first class (and for about $500pp than the cruise line wanted to charge us)!! Now that's what I call a great start to an anniversary cruise. &lt
 
Old Aug 29th, 1999, 07:11 PM
  #6  
Paul Therault
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Dear Vickie
I am a travel agent and have to agree in most instances it is more reasonable to purchase your own air.

But, you will have to consider the possibility you may miss the ship. You can negate this possibility by booking a day in advance. But then again, you will have to spring for a hotel and cab fare.

On the return, if you miss your connection in the states, you again will have to spring for your overnight hotel or sleep in the airport.

Purchasing insurance will pay a bit of your expenses.

I advise my customers to purchase cruise line air if only for piece of mind. So many things happen on vacation. Who needs the aggravation.

Also, if you do experience any of the above problems, your savings will certaily get eaten up. Be sure to weigh all possibilities. There is so may problems with airlines these days.

Paul
 
Old Aug 30th, 1999, 07:50 AM
  #7  
Vickie
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In my original post, I neglected to mention that I was arriving 4 days prior to embarkation, in order to explore Venice. So, knowing that missing the ship was not going to be an issue, it was a no-brainer to save $550 by booking my own airfare. As other posters have mentioned, anyone who does not use the cruise lines' air arrangements should consider all the pros & cons, and arriving a day early is smart. Plus, it makes the actual day of embarkation a leisurely, relaxed experience, instead of rush, rush, rush! I think it's very important to be an "educated consumer" and have all the facts before making a decision.
 
Old Aug 30th, 1999, 08:53 PM
  #8  
Dawn
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I have always taken the air offered by the cruiselines but my next cruise I will not if I can get a better price.

I always have heard that if you book w/the cruiseline, they will stand behind you, blah, blah, blah. This is true only getting on the ship. When you get off the ship and if you miss your flight, they are no where to be found and have nothing to do with the overnight stay. This happened to us and I can tell you the cruiseline knew nothing about it, wasn't there...had no reponse and we were basically on our own when we got to the airport. It was Delta that put us up for the night...it was Delta that took care of all of our arrangments. We had the transfers covered too, and they did get us to the airport, but once they drop you off, you are on your own.

I will definately look into booking my own air next time. And yes, I agree that you should always try to go at least a day early just in case of delay.

Dawn
 

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