I've never been on a cruise, but I've often wondered what would happen if your flight was delayed or cancelled & you were unable to get to the port in time for take-off? Has this ever happened to anyone on this board & what happened. Just curious.

you would lose the cruise. Unless you booked your flight through the cruiseline, then they will wait for you. That is why a lot of people fly a day before and stay at a hotel, just in case.

Thanks I've always wondered that with frequent flight delays/cancellations in the winter months. How long will the cruise ship wait? I couldn't imagine a big cruise line keeping a bunch of people waiting for a few people.

I would not count on a cruse ship waiting for you, even if you choose their airfare. While I have see slight delays in ships departing port if a large number of passengers are inbound on aircraft that they have chartered, they often do not wait. If you miss the sailing you will then often be re-directed to fly to the first port that the ship docks in where you'll then board the ship.
I agree, that IF possible it is always best to fly in the day/night before. Not only does it help avoid missing your sailing, but we find that it's like getting an extra day of cruising since your first day on this ship is truly enjoyable, instead of one where you get on the ship stressed out and tired from the flight. Most lines will let you board a lot earlier than their brochures state, often as early as noon or 1:00.


If you cannot fly in the day earlier and cannot afford the loss should you miss the ship, then yes, insurance is a must.

Insurance can also help with other things such as medical emergencies, etc.

Trust me, the ship will not wait for you..even if you take the cruise line's air. Happened to us when we missed our connection out of Lisbon due to our weather delayed flight. Flew us to Barcellona late in the day but our ship had already sailed. HAd to meet the ship in the next port making our own arrangements on a frightful puddle jumper. We were with 13 other stranded passengers and not one ounce of help from the cruiseline. No reps met us at any of the airports. Learned to ALWAYS fly in the day before!

Get travel insurance so you can be re-imbursed.