Traveling day of...

[travelgalNYC]

I know, I know, I am breaking the cardinal rule of cruising, I am flying in day of the cruise. Unfortunately my husband is unable to take the day before off. We are flying in early am. First flight out of NYC. We land at 10 and there are a few flights after ours that would get us there by noon. Any advice to make this as smooth as possible? For example, take DCL transfers or private? Not looking for "How can you do this to your family" comments. We do have insurance. thanks all!

 

[sunshinemelody]

I know, I know, I am breaking the cardinal rule of cruising, I am flying in day of the cruise. Unfortunately my husband is unable to take the day before off. We are flying in early am. First flight out of NYC. We land at 10 and there are a few flights after ours that would get us there by noon. Any advice to make this as smooth as possible? For example, take DCL transfers or private? Not looking for "How can you do this to your family" comments. We do have insurance. thanks all!

Was there no way to travel the night before and do a hotel stay? I'd be terrified that the plane gets delayed and you end up missing the cruise. If anything, I'd definitely call up the cruise line beforehand to let them know of your flight and the possible delay. They might hold the boat for you (I've heard it happening), but I wouldn't guarantee it. Hope your trip is awesome!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I know, I know, I am breaking the cardinal rule of cruising, I am flying in day of the cruise. Unfortunately my husband is unable to take the day before off. We are flying in early am. First flight out of NYC. We land at 10 and there are a few flights after ours that would get us there by noon. Any advice to make this as smooth as possible? For example, take DCL transfers or private? Not looking for "How can you do this to your family" comments. We do have insurance. thanks all!

We've flown in the day of before. Like you taking an early flight, with a couple of flight options after our initial flight "just in case". I would go for DCL transfers. That way, if there is a delay, DCL is aware that you haven't gotten on the bus yet.

 

[travelgalNYC]

also time frame is November.

 

[3Down1Up]

Can you take a red-eye so you arrive even earlier than 10am?

I believe (but don't know for sure) that if you book your travel through Disney (and therefore they have all your records), they will be more likely to be informed of any delays with your flight. I don't think the transfer factor is as much of an issue - the issue is making sure Disney is as aware as possible of any delays in your flight.

 

[jahber]

I don't suppose there really is anything you can do, other than what PrincessShmoo said. I would know exactly which flights are leaving after yours and be ready to jump in line AND on the phone if something happens to your flight. It's unlikely that you won't make it at all, let's just be honest, but I always feel better when I have a plan in place. And then i almost never have to use it. Plus, you have insurance. I'd say you've done all you can.

 

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

We were on a cruise once that actually delayed the departure from PC in order to wait for another DCL bus. So yes, booking DCL transfers will make it safer that you'll catch the ship.

 

[ldo]

we flew to Europe overnight, arriving day of 2X--using FF miles and that we all we could get. We took the ships transfers and got GOOD trip insurance (be careful to get the missed connection of 3 hours--some are as high as 12 hours--which won't help you). 99% you'll be fine, and that 1% will be covered by good trip ins and you'll have to regroup and do something else. A family missed their ship and was at AK lodge in Jan with us. Interestingly, those going on DCL with transfers made their sailing (don't know if the ship waited, etc.). They were on another cruiseline.

 

[dcassetta]

We have flown in morning of, and although it is not my favorite idea there have been no issues. I agree with taking Disney transport.

 

[mylittlebuttercup]

-Don't book a connecting flight, non-stop only. More chances of delays with connections.
-Fly on earliest possible flight.
-Book Disney transfers.
-Get trip insurance (which you already have), and be prepared to accept missing the cruise if something goes wrong. Have a plan B.
-Watch weather reports, and consider switching to another airport within driving distance (2-3 hours can sometimes make a difference) if things look bad at your home airport but not at another.

We have flown in twice on the morning of cruises and had no problems, but we only do it if other options don't make sense for us.

 

[PackYourPixieDust]

For 30 years I've flown in the day of the cruise, except once when we had family from Denver coming as well and they wouldn't be able to do a same day flight so we all flew in. There was never any issues. We would try and always get in the first flight as well and direct flights. I now have a toddler (I can cruise for 30 years because I started cruising at 7 ) and we fly in the night before just to make it easier on him. We can't be getting up at 3:30 to make 7 am flights with a little guy. Good luck. It should all work out!

 

[PackYourPixieDust]

Btw I also like my own private car because they go faster- but there's something to be said maybe for the fact that Disney might keep that door open 5 more minutes if they know you're coming in their bus!

 

[panda123]

I agree with the idea of booking Disney transfers.

Another suggestion, that probably wouldn't work for my family since we're overpackers, is to try to fit everything in carry on so that if there are any issues with your flight it'll be easier to switch to a later flight. I once had a major flight delay due to mechanical trouble, was able to find an alternative flight but wasn't able to switch because I had checked luggage and having them find my luggage took hours. If I only had carry on, switching flights wouldn't have been a problem.

 

[ldo]

yes. carry ons saved us! our flight to JFK to connect to Rome was canx, but another was leaving in 35 minutes on a affiliate via a different city. we said we had carryons and could run. We made it by 5 minutes!