Flying in the same day as cruise

[ahain]

We always fly in at least the day before the cruise, just because you never know what might happen. (We live in Michigan) For our upcoming cruise that will sail December 31, 2016, we will actually be flying down 2 days before (Dec 29) rather than just 1 day early because 1) it's the middle of winter and it is very common to have weather-related travel issues, especially on non-direct flights; and 2) it's the holiday season, so in my mind, that increases the risk factor. If we absolutely had to, we could grab a car and drive down. I figure that we spend a LOT of money for these cruises, and I'm not going to risk missing the ship because of air or other transportation-related issues that could pop up unexpectedly. I could not take the stress of flying in same day. Yes, we usually purchase travel insurance, but I would much rather NOT have to use it!

 

[WanderLit]

I have arrived the day of for some cruises and the day before for others.

This time, I have a 2 hr direct flight just under 700 miles. My scheduled arrival time is 9 a.m. and there are still 2 later flights (and a third on a different carrier) I can potentially catch as a back up should my flight be canceled. In this scenario, I feel perfectly comfortable arriving the day of embarkation.

In the past, I've had different scenarios where I've made different choices. Connecting flights, only one (or none) alternate flights, or later arrival times all change the risk analysis. So does how you book. If you use a booking site like (Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, etc.) you will be among the first bumped. I book direct with airlines where I am a frequent-flyer member. This makes it less likely I'll be bumped (and incidentally, more likely I'll be upgraded!)

 

[DLM1980]

If you bought air through Disney- they will get you to the boat.

I've read this before, especially with Disney transport. I get that if the bus breaks down they will wait for you, but really, if you book a air travel with disney, something happens with the flight, you end up arriving late to MCO, are they really holding the ship at the dock till you arrive?

Whats the latest they hold the boat for? or do they fly you out to the next port of call and you pickup your cruise there?

 

[RedSox68]

Another option if you fly in the day before but don't want the hassle of running around and transportation, etc. is fly in the afternoon and stay overnight at the Hyatt in the airport. We loved doing this because it was so convenient -- you never have to go outside. They had a nice place for dinner -- or you can use the airport food court for dinner. It is incredibly soundproof and when you check in they give you the envelope with all the instructions for putting your luggage out the next morning, etc. It was so relaxing to go down to the lobby, check in and be given a bus number and then just be escorted out the airport and to the waiting buses. Your luggage is transported in a separate truck (but you can take your carryons with you). They had pastries, coffee, juice in the lobby while we waited. We were to the port by 10 a.m. And we got a great AAA rate. I do believe they may have a pool -- but we didn't use it.

 

[TrySomethingNew]

I've read this before, especially with Disney transport. I get that if the bus breaks down they will wait for you, but really, if you book a air travel with disney, something happens with the flight, you end up arriving late to MCO, are they really holding the ship at the dock till you arrive?

Whats the latest they hold the boat for? or do they fly you out to the next port of call and you pickup your cruise there?

They might hold the boat - but if flights are such that the delay would be too much, they get you to the next port stop (their cost as I recall). Also, they do the legwork if this type of issue arises. We used DCL air for a European cruise Bc their price was only slightly higher than I could get on my own, and the added assistance for potential problems was worth that small amount given 5 air legs to and from. DCL air includes transport to/from cruise I recall and that also closed the cost gap.
In the US, to/from a US port, might not be the first choice to use DCL air.

 

[OKW Lover]

My family and I are going on the fantasy on April 2. We will be flying into Orlando the day of the cruise. We have done this before but I've been reading so much about people flying in the night before that I'm getting a little freaked out about our cruise.

Opinions?
Do a lot of people fly in the night before?
Anybody else fly in on the day of your cruise?
Are we crazy???

In reverse order:

• No, you aren't crazy. (well, at least in respect to this question)
• Yes, many, many people fly in on the day of their cruise.
• Yes, some people fly in the night before (or even more days before)

As many folks have posted up-thread, it somewhat depends on your level of risk aversion for flight issues. Other factors to be considered;

• How long a day it becomes when you have to get up early to get to your home airport in time for a flight that gets you to MCO by about noon.
• How much vacation time you have. Can you spare the extra day?
• What your personal schedule is. Do you have commitments that must be accomplished on the day before you leave?
• Your budget. Will paying for a night's lodging, and a couple of meals out, be an issue?
• Do you want to extend your vacation with some park time?

Most of those questions are something that only you can answer.

 

[Adreyer]

Flying in the day of scares me way too much. We fly fairly often and have been delayed for everything from lightening to fog to mechanical issues to hurricanes and snow. I've had delayed/lost bags and traffic issues.

We fly in on Saturday morning for a Monday Dream departure. That still allows us time to drive down in case there are flight issues.

We always schedule flights with enough time to drive from Detroit if necessary.

 

[MUN]

My family and I are going on the fantasy on April 2. We will be flying into Orlando the day of the cruise. We have done this before but I've been reading so much about people flying in the night before that I'm getting a little freaked out about our cruise.

Opinions?
Do a lot of people fly in the night before?
Anybody else fly in on the day of your cruise?
Are we crazy???

I will answer your questions: Yes, Yes, I don't know

 

[CamColt]

I'm another fan of flying in at least a day earlier. I have flown the day of (years ago, before I did much traveling) and it was fine. It certainly can be done. However now, 20 years later and after many delayed and cancelled flights, I would be way to nervous to chance it.

 

[bgula]

Friends of my wife missed the Fantasy a couple of weeks ago as their flight was delayed by a mechanical problem. They spent 30 hours trying to catch up to the ship and finally got on board in Tortola. We drove down (as we always do) and arrived the night before. Relaxing morning drive to the port. Don't risk it!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My family and I are going on the fantasy on April 2. We will be flying into Orlando the day of the cruise. We have done this before but I've been reading so much about people flying in the night before that I'm getting a little freaked out about our cruise.

Opinions?
Do a lot of people fly in the night before?
Anybody else fly in on the day of your cruise?
Are we crazy???

You're not crazy.

While it's not a bad idea to fly in a day or two before (for various reason - weather, plane issues, whatever), it's certainly not a requirement.

We've flown in the day of the cruise 4 times, flew in early 3 times, and didn't have to take flights for the others due to being able to drive, or already there because we were doing a B2B.

As noted, it's best to be aware of time year (if there may be weather issues), and direct flights (no stop-overs or changing planes) are good and plan accordingly.

 

[asunutgirl]

We are on the west coast so flying the day of is not an option. We always fly the day before and stay at the Hyatt. Easy, peasy.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

I have flown at least a day in advance. Delays are so prevalent these days that it's not worth the risk for me. And I have had luggage delayed since I live in a small area and always have a layover. I always put a few extra clothing items in a carry on but it would seriously stink to be stuck on a cruise with very little extra clothing.

 

[GeneMachine]

I'm not sure I have anything new to add to the discussion at this point, but this past cruise (leaving 3/20, back today; can you tell I still want to be on the ship?!) was the first time we flew in the morning of. I prefer it to flying in the night before. However, the we had the following things in place:

1. carryons, no checked luggage (this is easy on a 5 nighter, less so with longer cruises)
2. trip insurance for the cruise and tickets
3. back-up plans B and C (getting a later flight, flying to a different airport and driving)
4. took the first flight out of the day (7am)


Everything went fine. Depends on your comfort zone and contingencies. I think booking with Disney travel is the way to go if you want to fly in the morning of, or purchasing insurance through the airline on your tickets (and having cruise insurance). I buy cruise insurance anyway--teens and sports injuries have made me expect the unexpected at this point in my life!

 

[c todd]

1. carryons, no checked luggage (this is easy on a 5 nighter, less so with longer cruises)

This for sure if you are flying in the same day. I've had a number of non stop flights were I checked my bag in plenty of time and it was still a no show. They've been delivered by 8pm until the next morning but none of those help if the ship has sailed. That bag is not going to catch up with you.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

If you bought air through Disney- they will get you to the boat. But, it is risky otherwise since a delay could cause you to miss the ship. Direct flight is generally better to reduce your risk, as is leaving earlier in the morning. Really it depends on what you are comfortable with. Good luck!

That is not quite totally correct. If you buy your flights though DCL, they will hold the vessel as long as they can, but at some point they will have to sail or for other reasons will sail. Their responsibility to catch you up to the vessel, by flying you to the 1st/next port.

We always fly in 1 or 2 days early, spend 1 or 2 days at WDW or near the port.

Enjoy your cruise!

AKK

 

[cedricandsophie]

Just another vote for at least one day before. However, due to certain circumstances, for a cruise we took in November out of Miami we had to fly in that morning. I usually fly only United but their flights were limited, so we flew American, even though it cost a little more, because we could get a 5 am flight knowing that if something happened, there were three flights after that would get us in time. We arrived without a hitch and got to the port early. But my stomach was in knots the whole time. We have a cruise schdled for next November already and we will go in two days early and spend two nights at Vero Beach resort beforehand. It's an easy drive from Vero to the port in the morning. I'm retired now but flew a million miles on United while I was working. There are just too many things that can go wrong for me to be comfortable flying in the same day.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

What are thoughts about being on the west coast and taking a direct red eye the night before? We're doing an Alaskan cruise this August and don't have a big trip planned until next December. So to hold us over until then I was thinking of doing a 3 or 4 day cruise so my boys miss minimal amount of school. I wish there were more San Diego itineraries

 

[PrincessShmoo]

What are thoughts about being on the west coast and taking a direct red eye the night before? We're doing an Alaskan cruise this August and don't have a big trip planned until next December. So to hold us over until then I was thinking of doing a 3 or 4 day cruise so my boys miss minimal amount of school. I wish there were more San Diego itineraries

We've taken the red eye flight twice to catch a DCL cruise, as well as once to catch a cruise in Boston. It's great, the plane is at 11:00 pacific time (not terribly late), we fly 5 hours and arrive at 6:00 am. Time for a little breakfast and head for the DCL transfer desk.

But, I wouldn't fly from the west coast for just a 3 or 4 night cruise.

 

[Billinaz]

We live on the west coast as well. There is no way I would fly in the day of the cruise. There are way too many things that can (an do) happen.

Our first cruise there was not a direct flight to MCO. We went to DFW and had a delay waiting on the ground to get to the gate. Then we had to RUN (with 3 small kids) to get across the airport to the connecting flight to MCO. Luckily they held the gate a little while for us and we got there and the door closed behind us.

No way I would want any stress like that again. We only fly direct flights now.

With that being said, weather (here or at MCO), mechanical delays, plane swaps, crew issues, etc would really make it a mess for you the day of the cruise.

We typically spend a day or two at WDW and the night before the cruise near the port.