Cruise scheduling, itineraries, porting
How do I get to the departing port from my city?
If you have purchased an air/sea package, a cruise-line representative will meet you at the airport of the port city, and shuttle you directly to the ship in a bus or minivan. Some cruise lines arrange to transport your luggage between the airport and the ship, so you don’t have to struggle onto the bus with all of your bags. If you decide not to buy the air/sea package, but still plan to fly, ask your travel agent if you can use the ship’s transfer bus anyway, although you may be required to purchase a round-trip transfer voucher.
If you are arriving by car, you will find parking (charged at a daily or weekly rate) conveniently located near the cruise terminal. Check with your cruise line for embarkation times—if you’re late, you may not be allowed to board.
What if I arrive at the departing port a day or so before my cruise?
If you purchased a pre-cruise package from the cruise line, you will have accommodations and transportation to the ship. If not, you will need to find a hotel and transportation to the ship on your own.
How do I get to the ship?
If you purchased a transfer package from the cruise line, you will be advised on the time to meet your ride to the terminal. If you did not purchase a transfer package from the cruise line, you are responsible for getting to the terminal by whatever means necessary.
What time do I board the ship?
Your cruise documents will advise you what time you should arrive at the terminal and when the embarkation process begins.
What if I miss the ship?
If you booked an air/sea package through the cruise line, you have more protection than if you book your airfare separately. Cruise lines are more likely to make accommodations for you and work with the airline if it was their booking that did not get you to the ship on time. Also, they will be better able to track your late flight, and might even delay the ship if they know you will only be a little late. If they can’t hold the ship, they might pay for you to stay in a hotel, or pay for flights so you can catch up with the ship at the next port. Depending on the circumstances, they might even rebate some of your cruise or give you a discount toward your next cruise with them.
However, remember that airlines are independent contractors. Most cruise conditions of carriage state that since airlines are independent contractors, the cruise line makes no warranty, and assumes no responsibility, for any failures or delays in their contractor’s (the airline’s) services. Therefore, purchasing a trip insurance package is strongly recommended.
If you booked the flight separately or used frequent flyer miles to pay for your airfare, the best thing to do is to arrive a day or more before the sailing date. Otherwise, if you miss the ship, it will be very expensive for you to catch the ship at the next port.