Are you disappointed at cruise lines when YOU do the air?

We are.

The price WITH air was $4k, but it was inconvenient. With minor
deviation the cost went through the roof so we took over. We got
far better arrangements, but the cost for plane plus boat ride
is now $5.2k. The cruise line added various fees, reducing its
share from $4k to $3.9k.

$100.


Is this 'ordinary'?

[Rik Brown]

Generally, you are better off pricewise to arrange air on your own. You simply have more options to explore. However, I would always cross-check any price I got on my own with that being offered by the cruise line before making a final decision.

Cheers! -- Rik

The message <f2njq30dfe@news1.newsguy.com>
from "George Leppla" <george@cruisemaster.com> contains these words:

> Other cruise lines play with this from time to time, but NCL is the champ.

... and if trying from the UK all cruise lines do this.. in fact Princess
demanded I pay for the air [from the UK], even when I was already in the
US on business. I could not book cruise only [ex US/Canada] with them
being a UK resident! Nor could I book through a US TA, hence I did not
sail them.

--
Pam

> .. and if trying from the UK all cruise lines do this.. in fact Princess
> demanded I pay for the air [from the UK], even when I was already in the
> US on business. I could not book cruise only [ex US/Canada] with them
> being a UK resident! Nor could I book through a US TA, hence I did not
> sail them.

I am a UK based cruise TA and am able to quote all cruises with or without
flights. I don't understand why Princess would insist on booking a fly
cruise only. Try a TA next time as my system allows me to choose cruise only
or fly cruise for all cruise lines.

As I also have access to various flight providers I will often research the
best options for my clients. It's up to them how they travel but most will
usually book with the cruise line provided the cost difference is low and
the convenience factor high.

Jan

The message <46504368.50803@wilf45728.com>
from Wilf <wilf.wilf@wilf45728.com> contains these words:

> I didn't have a problem with HAL last year. I was going to be in New
> York in any case. I arranged all my own fights (London - NYK - FLL -
> London) and arranged my HAL cruise through a US TA. No problem.

Exactly, I went with HAL instead, no problem.

--
Pam