Yesterday, I read a blog posting that strongly urged readers to book their air directly with the cruise line. The author based the recommendation on several assertions: (1) that the cruise line assumes responsibility for ensuring you arrive to the ship on time; (2) that the cruise line will delay the ship's departure if a group of people on the same flight arranged through the cruise line is delayed; and (3) that the cruise line will pick up the costs travelers incur as a result of flight disruptions and cancellations for air purchased through the cruise line.
I agree that many cruisers pay a premium to purchase airfare through the cruise lines believing that everything the author said is true. Unfortunately, the author could not be more mistaken. Cruise lines will virtually never delay a ship's departure because of flight delays or cancellations, no matter who arranged those flights. The cruise lines have designated dock times for which they pay substantial sums, and incur large fines if they overstay their designated departure time. Besides, do you really believe that a ship will inconvenience perhaps as many as 4,000 other guests simply because some on the cruise are delayed en route?
In addition, good luck trying to address flight delays and interruptions with the cruise lines directly, especially if you are traveling at odd hours (e.g., Sunday morning, late at night, etc.). We've had this issue, and the cruise lines are not staffed or equipped to address them in a efficient manner. What's more, I would be very surprised if the cruise line agreed to pick up substantial incidental costs (such as hotels) because of air delays, disruptions, or cancellations. They are simply booking agents and will place the blame where it belongs: with the airlines.
This is all to say that there is no substitute for purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against air delays, disruptions, and cancellations. Skip purchasing the cruise line's insurance; if you don't take their airfare, then their insurance most likely will not cover your airfare. Instead, buy your insurance through a reputable travel insurance company. We use, and highly recommend, Travel Guard insurance. Travel Guard has a dedicated flight desk that is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have called on their services numerous times for our clients, and they have immediately stepped in, rerouted our clients, and, if necessary, picked up the costs incurred by our clients as a result of flight delays, interruptions, and cancellations.
In addition, there are many reasons to buy the airfare separately from your cruise line. First, the air is likely to be cheaper, perhaps as much as 1/3rd less. Second, and for some more importantly, you have control over your air schedule. If you purchase cruise line air, you will not know your airline or air schedule until well after your cruise final payment date, and you may not have the most direct route to your destination. By purchasing your own air, you can pick your airline and your flight schedule. Third, you will avoid any deviation charges the cruise line may impose. Cruise lines often post "deviation fees" -- as much as $100 per person -- if you choose to fly to your destination a day or two before your cruise departure, or stay later than the end of your cruise. By arranging your own air, this is an added cost you will not incur.
Finally, a word about "air included" cruise rates. Some cruise lines include airfare with their cruise fares. These lines include Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Crystal Cruises, among others. When booking one of these cruises, always ask about what the air credit would be if you were to arrange your own air. You might be surprised that, even with included air packages, the combination of airfare and air tax credit you receive off the quoted fare is more than the cost of what you would pay by arranging your air independently. To save even more, ask your travel professional to quote your air rates. Travel professionals, including us, work with a number of air consolidators that purchase airfare in bulk and sell it at a discount. You will travel on a major air carrier in a regular seat aboard the air craft; the only difference is that you might pay hundreds less for the same ticket than the guy sitting next to you on the same flight who booked directly with the airline.
