Many people tend to have a perception of cruising as a type of travel that doesn’t require any other travel. This is true for those that live in popular port cities like Galveston or New Orleans, but it’s definitely not the case for everyone. In fact, a lot of cruise passengers have a lot of logistics to figure out before they can actually step foot on the boat. Driving to your port is a great option for those that aren’t too far, and flights are the main mode of travel for those that are further away. We don’t need to tell you that figuring out flights isn’t the most fun thing in the world. This begs the question: are there any cruise lines that will just figure it all out for me?
Actually, yes! There is a wonderful thing called cruise line air packages where you essentially purchase the cruise and the flight to get there at the same time. There are many positives to doing this, but it’s definitely not for everyone. However, if you’re someone who likes to be more hands-off with their travel and just treat a vacation as a time to relax to the max, it might be smart to see if your cruise line offers packages like this.
On the pros side, there are plenty things to consider. For instance, buying an air package can result in some nice airfare deals at times (though not all times; do your research before buying!). The main draw, though, is the support that it offers. If your ship’s schedule gets messed up or anything else goes wrong on the cruise line’s end, you can expect them to be liable for any extra money you have to drop down on new flights or transfers. Getting it all into one package takes the load off of you having to figure out two separate moving variables, which can be a huge plus.
There are some factors on the negative side, though. For one, you end up sacrificing a lot of control over to an outside force. This can be nice for some, but it means you won’t be able to pick as many things as your normally would if you were handling your own flight. Upgrades and extra amenities may not be offered within these packages. You also could get stuck with a not-so-fun flight schedule or an uncomfortable seating arrangement. Again, you’re putting all the trust in the cruise line, so be wary.
With all that being said, it should be made clear that cruise line air packages can be great options for those that really just want to get to their cruise without worrying a whole lot about anything. If you aren’t too specific or picky, going with the air package could be an excellent idea. Next time you book a cruise, look into whether your company offers one or not – just make sure to read all the fine print before signing on!
