Cruise Line Air Programs
What you gain, and what you don’t, when the cruise line books your flights.
Quote My Cruise and FlightsMost large cruise lines sell flights alongside their cruises. The appeal is simple: when the cruise line booked your flight, it has a reason to help you reach the ship if the airline lets you down. The details, though, differ from line to line and change over time.
Examples of Cruise Line Air Programs
| Cruise line | Program name | What the line highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Cruises | EZair | Same-day late arrival protection: if flights booked through the program are delayed or cancelled on the day of travel, Princess says it will get you to the ship. It also says guests pay non-air costs caused by the delay. |
| Royal Caribbean | Flights by Royal (formerly Air2Sea) | An emergency travel team that can rebook flights and, if a same-day connection isn’t possible, route you to the next port where you can join the ship. |
| Celebrity Cruises | Flights by Celebrity | Flights sold with the cruise; the line’s terms note that change rules depend on the fare type you buy. |
| Holland America Line | Flight Ease | Flexible and restricted fare types; late-arrival assistance to help you join at the next port or get home. |
Always read the current terms for your sailing and your country of residence. Program names, fare types and protections change, and they may not apply to every flight or every itinerary.
What a Cruise Line Air Program Can Do for You
- One point of contact. The line knows your flight is tied to its ship.
- Delay help. Depending on the program, rebooking and routing to a later port.
- Transfers. Many lines sell airport-to-pier transfers that match the flights.
- Simplicity. One booking, one balance, one set of documents.
What It Usually Won’t Do
- Pay for hotels, meals or other non-air costs caused by a delay, unless the terms say otherwise. That is what travel insurance is for.
- Guarantee your preferred airline, nonstop routing or departure time unless you request (and possibly pay for) a deviation.
- Protect flights you booked somewhere else.
- Waive the airline’s own rules on baggage, seats and check-in deadlines.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy Cruise Line Air
- Is this fare refundable or changeable, and what does it cost to change?
- When will I see my actual flight times and airline?
- Can I choose seats and add my frequent flyer number?
- Does late-arrival help apply on my travel day only, or on earlier days too?
- Are airport transfers included, or extra?
- If I arrive the day before, does the protection still help if that flight is delayed?
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise ask these questions every day and can compare the line’s air offer with independent flights for your exact dates.
Should You Buy Air From the Cruise Line?
Send us your cruise and home airport. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare the cruise line’s air with booking your own and explain the trade-offs.
Quote My Cruise and Flights