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What's an air/sea cruise?
If you don't live near the port of embarkation, the air-sea package is
the easiest, most popular and least expensive way to purchase your cruise.
A fly/cruise or air/sea cruise vacation package includes either free or
much reduced airfare along with your cruise ticket. These money-saving
options are available from most major North American cities and include
transfers between the airport and ship, as well as baggage handling.
The choice of airline, routing and flight times are at the discretion
of the cruise line. No changes or deviations are permitted once the tickets
have been issued.
Airline schedules are generally not available from the cruise line until
30 days prior to sailing.
Cruise lines may use space aboard chartered flights or regular scheduled
airlines at their discretion.
If you are sailing from Florida and live west of the Rockies, you may
have to fly a day prior to your cruise. This is a result of airline schedules
and the difference in time zones, which make it difficult to ensure your
arrival in time to board the ship. If this is the case, you will generally
receive a complimentary overnight at a first class hotel for the night
prior to your cruise. The flight schedule and hotel selection is at the
cruise line's discretion. Pack an overnight bag as your luggage may be
transferred to the ship ahead of you.
Do I have to buy the cruise
line's airfare or can I book my own flights?
If you can find better airfare rates on your own or have frequent flyer
points then you can certainly purchase your airfare separately. However,
understand that if you have any flight delays on flights arranged apart
from the cruise line, then it will be your responsibility (and cost) to
meet the ship in the next port of call if necessary. Be aware that insurance
would protect a missed connection or travel delay claim. If you book with
the cruise line, transfers to and from the ship will be provided.
If I purchase my own airfare, will the cruise line
provide transfers to and from the ship?
If you book your own flights, you are generally also responsible for your
transportation between the airport and ship. However, most cruise lines
are now offering one way and roundtrip transfers to their cruise-only
passengers who book their own airfare. Some lines will offer them on a
complimentary basis, but most charge about the same as a taxi ride to
and from the ship. These transfers include baggage handling to the ship.
Your CMEatSEA coordinator can make arrangements to add your transfers once you give us your confirmed flight schedule and add the cost to your passenger invoice.
Are seat assignments available
in advance?
The Cruise Lines and your CMEatSEA Coordinator do not arrange seat selection.
Once we receive your air schedule, we will send you a detailed copy of
the itinerary, along with the contact numbers for the airlines for you
to arrange your seat assignments.
What is an air deviation?
The cruise line will always do its very best to get you to and from your
port of embarkation on the most direct and convenient flights out of your
airport gateway. However scheduling is at the cruise line's discretion
and can be on any airline on any flight schedule that will affordably
get you to your port of embarkation before the ship sails. This means
that if you're from Calgary, and the main carrier, Air Canada, has a flight
from Calgary, through Toronto to Miami - this is probably what you will
get booked on. However, if the cruise line can't get affordable space
on that flight they could fly you on a US carrier through one or two US
cities before reaching Miami.
Some cruise lines offer special custom air programs - Air Deviations -
that allow you to request a specific airline and routing for a nominal
fee.
If you are travelling during a peak holiday period such as Christmas,
New Year's or Spring Break, we highly recommend this option. We also recommend
Air Deviations for those passengers travelling with young children or
for those people who may have physical or mental challenges.
The deadline for these requests is usually 60 - 75 days prior to the sailing
date or within three days of your cruise reservation if you booked less
than 60 - 75 days prior to the sailing date.
Deviations give you a lot of flexibility. You can arrive early, stay extra
days at the end of a cruise, or maybe build in a stopover. You can also
fly business class or first class. Advance seat selection may also be
available - assuming the airline assigns seat at that time. This alone
is worth it at times, especially on long flights.
What if I decline an air deviation
and then get flights I don't like? Can I cancel my cruise?
If you choose to cancel your cruise you will be subjected to the penalties
imposed by the cruise line. These penalties are outlined in their brochures.
Unfortunately, being unhappy with your flight arrangements is not covered
under cancellation insurance.
Can I change my flights to arrive
earlier or leave later?
Sure, if you purchase an air deviation. This is just another example of
the flexibility of an air deviation. You may come in up to 2 weeks prior
to your cruise departure or stay up to 2 weeks after your cruise. This
depends on your cruise line. These requests must be made in writing prior
to your final payment and the cruise line will add an air deviation charge.
If you have booked your own flights, or did not book an air deviation,
it may not be possible to change your flight arrangements after the fact.
Discuss this with your CMEatSEA Coordinator.
Will I get frequent flyer points
if I book the cruise line's air?
If you are a Frequent Flyer member of the airline chosen for your cruise,
mileage points may be credited to you. Advise the ticket agent at the
check-in counter of your frequent flyer number. Remember, mileage credit
is subject to the rules and regulations of the air carrier.
Can I use my frequent flyer points
to upgrade to First or Business Class?
This may only be possible if you elect to make your own air arrangements.
The cruise lines usually book what they call "bulk rate" tickets.
These are fares that are not available to the general public and are sold
to the cruise lines at a volume discount. Because these fares are usually
lower than public fares, the airlines will generally decline frequent
flyer or mileage upgrades, but it never hurts to ask. Check with your
airline once you have your flight details. Passengers electing to take
advantage of air deviation will have their flights within days of their
air deviation requests. Non-deviating passengers will have their flight
schedules 29 days prior to travel.
Can I use a frequent flyer ticket
for one ticket and buy the other from the cruise line and get the same
flights for both?
Yes, this may be possible. Book and confirm the flight you are getting
with your frequent flyer points.
Advise your CMEatSEA Coordinator of the flight details including flight numbers and times and we will submit an air deviation request for those same flights.
Remember, there will
be an air deviation charge, but it's a small price to pay considering
the money you're saving on the free ticket. Our passengers do it all the
time.
What if I miss the ship because
of a weather related or mechanical delay?
If you booked your airfare with the cruise line, the cruise line should
make the arrangements to get you to the ship, even if it means flying
you to the next port of call and putting you up in a hotel for a night
or two. They may or may not choose to reimburse you for the unused portion
of the cruise, depending on what you negotiate upon your return. If you
booked your own airfare, then it will be your own responsibility in every
respect to get to the next port of call. The cruise line will not reimburse
you for any expenses you may incur. Fortunately, insurance bought separately
from the cruise line includes travel delay and missed connection features.
Read the fine print though; sometimes there are weather related disclaimers.
Check with your agent when booking your airfare separately on what your
insurance will cover for you.
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