ADVANTAGES OF
AIR/SEA PROGRAM
If you are planning to fly to your port of embarkation, you must decide whether
to arrange airline tickets on your own, or use the AIR/SEA program offered by
the cruise line. Here is what you might want to consider when ordering cruise your
tickets.
Advantages of Arranging Your Own Airline Tickets
There are some advantages in arranging your own airline travel. You
will be able to select the airline that you want to fly on. You will have control over
the timing and routing of your flights. Also, if you are a frequent flyer,
you'll want to use your frequent flier rewards. If you arrange
your own airline travel, you have more control over these variables
than if you utilize the cruise line's AIR/SEA program.
Advantages of Using the AIR/SEA Program
The main reason to let us book your air travel at the same time you reserve your
cruise - (through the cruise lines AIR/SEA department), it is convenient.
Your one-stop travel arrangements saves you time. Plus,
you have better access to flights that make easy connections to your ship and added
protection in the event of a flight or sailing delay or cancellation.
Cruise lines meet their AIR/SEA passengers at the airport and transport
them directly to the pier. No need for transfer arrangements. These transfers are frequently free of charge, but even if
a minimal fee is charged, it is typically less than what you would pay if you
arranged your own transfers.
Cruise lines
frequently monitor the status of flights carrying their AIR/SEA
passengers, and will sometimes delay a ships sailing schedule past the
departure time to ensure that their guests arrive on board ship.
If you book separately you could encounter a delay that would cancel your
cruise.
Many cruise lines reserve large blocks of seats on flights that make easy
connections to their departing and returning cruise ships. These flights
traditionally experience high load factors and you could have difficulty
getting a low fare - or a seat at any price - as an individual. On busy days
like Saturday and Sunday, you might have to fly into your port of
embarkation a day early if you book your own tickets, adding a day's meals
and lodging to your cost.
And finally, sometimes unexpected
events occur that affect your travel plans.
Flight delays or cancellations, changes in cruise ship arrival or departure
times, and cancellation of sailings altogether, are some of the things that
can force you to rebook at a later time or date or seek a refund for your
airline tickets. If any of these things should happen before or during your
vacation, you will not be eligible for assistance from the cruise line if
you arranged your own airline tickets. However, if we secure your tickets
through the cruise line's AIR/SEA program, the cruise line's help desk will
assist you in working with the airline to make alternate flight plans, help
you catch up with your ship at the next port, or apply for a refund.
SUGGESTION: Unless
you are a sophisticated traveler who can plan to arrive in the port of
embarkation a day early, you're probably better off letting the booking
agent book your airline tickets through the AIR/SEA program.
