I’ve done this before but it is worth doing once more, I believe.
This will probably not interest those whose cruise starts and ends in the UK, it might not interest those whose cruise is with P & O and sometimes Princess as they use charter aircraft unless, of course, you are unhappy with the quality and standards set by the charter airlines and wish to make your own way to the port of embarkation using a cruise only fare for that cruise.
There are some major advantages in using the cruise line’s package when buying a cruise :
a) Transfers are generally included to and from the ship overseas. This could include transfers to and from a hotel if you have booked one with that package.
b) If your cruise starts or ends in the UK and you therefore need a one way flight, the cruise line will generally get a much better offer from scheduled airlines than the one you will be able to get. One way flights particularly long-haul can be extremely expensive when comparing it with a return flight. This also applies to flights to one continent and back from another. The cruise line can arrange this at a very good price
c) You are guaranteed to be transported to the ship should there be any hold up and or late flights. The cruise line is obliged to fulfill their obligation and get you onboard. This is not the case when you make your own arrangements and why many of us go a day or three early.
d) You will be looked after from the time you board the aircraft, often earlier and directed to coaches sometimes not seeing your luggage again until it is in your cabin.
e) Normally you will be able to take a flight days earlier and also you can often fly to airports other than the one used for the port. This allows you to have extra time before sailing and this can be spent in another area than the one from which you will embark. I will add that sometimes transfers, when you make this alteration, are not available.
There are disadvantages as well:
a) The aircraft used are often full and you are one of many on the aircraft and on the buses.
b) The routes taken by the air line are not necessarily direct to the port of embarkation or your overnight hotel. There can one or even two changes at various en route airports making the journey to the ship or hotel a much longer and far more tedious affair at the start of a holiday. Some people treat this as an experience but many more find it irritating and unnecessary.
c) Many people like the idea of being looked after all the way but others of us prefer to have our own freedom to do what we like and dislike being “herded”. That can well be the feeling when you use the cruise line’s package all the way.
d) It can be cheaper, even when the cost of a hotel is included, and more convenient to work out your own itinerary and allows you to enjoy the freedom and enterprise that come with doing your own thing.
So, what about buying a cruise only fare and doing the rest yourself?
The disadvantages are fairly obvious:
a) You probably will not have the camaraderie of meeting fellow passengers from the word go and all that goes with that.
b) You will not have the “fail-safe” mechanisms so if you are late or delayed you have to make your own way to the ship.
c) You will be subject to all the problems which can arise from today’s transport systems; unexpected strikes, volcano eruptions, late flights or simply a cancelled flight.
But the advantages are:
a) You are in charge
b) You choose the time, the destination and search for a good price. You can use an airport suitable to you.
c) It can work out economically more advantageous or you can use your savings on a better hotel or a longer stay because when you use this way of going it is often better to travel early and start your holiday earlier. Going early allows you to relax and lose any jet-lag prior to the cruise and takes away the worry of being late and or catching up with delayed luggage. You can often add onto the end of a cruise as well.
d) You can really save if you are willing to use “Budget” airlines and if you are willing to put up with some of the “restrictions” they levy. Many people swear by their services, some however swear at them.
e) All of the advantages in each section above can normally be applicable to you and you can avoid most if not all the disadvantages.
I think what I am saying is that when arranging your cruise you have options and although making your own arrangements is extra work there can be real benefits attached. I find that it adds so much to a holiday; the fact that I have arranged what I want to do and how I want to do it.
Whatever you choose I wish you happiness with it. ….Neil
This will probably not interest those whose cruise starts and ends in the UK, it might not interest those whose cruise is with P & O and sometimes Princess as they use charter aircraft unless, of course, you are unhappy with the quality and standards set by the charter airlines and wish to make your own way to the port of embarkation using a cruise only fare for that cruise.
There are some major advantages in using the cruise line’s package when buying a cruise :
a) Transfers are generally included to and from the ship overseas. This could include transfers to and from a hotel if you have booked one with that package.
b) If your cruise starts or ends in the UK and you therefore need a one way flight, the cruise line will generally get a much better offer from scheduled airlines than the one you will be able to get. One way flights particularly long-haul can be extremely expensive when comparing it with a return flight. This also applies to flights to one continent and back from another. The cruise line can arrange this at a very good price
c) You are guaranteed to be transported to the ship should there be any hold up and or late flights. The cruise line is obliged to fulfill their obligation and get you onboard. This is not the case when you make your own arrangements and why many of us go a day or three early.
d) You will be looked after from the time you board the aircraft, often earlier and directed to coaches sometimes not seeing your luggage again until it is in your cabin.
e) Normally you will be able to take a flight days earlier and also you can often fly to airports other than the one used for the port. This allows you to have extra time before sailing and this can be spent in another area than the one from which you will embark. I will add that sometimes transfers, when you make this alteration, are not available.
There are disadvantages as well:
a) The aircraft used are often full and you are one of many on the aircraft and on the buses.
b) The routes taken by the air line are not necessarily direct to the port of embarkation or your overnight hotel. There can one or even two changes at various en route airports making the journey to the ship or hotel a much longer and far more tedious affair at the start of a holiday. Some people treat this as an experience but many more find it irritating and unnecessary.
c) Many people like the idea of being looked after all the way but others of us prefer to have our own freedom to do what we like and dislike being “herded”. That can well be the feeling when you use the cruise line’s package all the way.
d) It can be cheaper, even when the cost of a hotel is included, and more convenient to work out your own itinerary and allows you to enjoy the freedom and enterprise that come with doing your own thing.
So, what about buying a cruise only fare and doing the rest yourself?
The disadvantages are fairly obvious:
a) You probably will not have the camaraderie of meeting fellow passengers from the word go and all that goes with that.
b) You will not have the “fail-safe” mechanisms so if you are late or delayed you have to make your own way to the ship.
c) You will be subject to all the problems which can arise from today’s transport systems; unexpected strikes, volcano eruptions, late flights or simply a cancelled flight.
But the advantages are:
a) You are in charge
b) You choose the time, the destination and search for a good price. You can use an airport suitable to you.
c) It can work out economically more advantageous or you can use your savings on a better hotel or a longer stay because when you use this way of going it is often better to travel early and start your holiday earlier. Going early allows you to relax and lose any jet-lag prior to the cruise and takes away the worry of being late and or catching up with delayed luggage. You can often add onto the end of a cruise as well.
d) You can really save if you are willing to use “Budget” airlines and if you are willing to put up with some of the “restrictions” they levy. Many people swear by their services, some however swear at them.
e) All of the advantages in each section above can normally be applicable to you and you can avoid most if not all the disadvantages.
I think what I am saying is that when arranging your cruise you have options and although making your own arrangements is extra work there can be real benefits attached. I find that it adds so much to a holiday; the fact that I have arranged what I want to do and how I want to do it.
Whatever you choose I wish you happiness with it. ….Neil
don't want to work, just want to cruise. 
....Neil
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