How to Book a Cruise Including Flights

Save time by booking your cruise and airfare together. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images )

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When you book a cruise, whether a short weekend trip to the Caribbean or an extended voyage across the Mediterranean, chances are you're going to have to travel to the cruise port. Unless you live within a few hours drive of a major port, that usually means flying to the nearest city. Many cruise lines allow passengers to book airfare at the same time as the cruise. This not only gives you the benefit of choosing from flights that ensure you'll arrive at the port on time, but when you book directly, the cruise line will assist you in the event that you have a travel delay or problem.

Step 1

Visit the website for the cruise line you wish you travel on, or an online travel booking site. Click on the link to book a cruise.

Step 2

Indicate the cruise you want to take by choosing from the option menu; in most cases, you'll need to choose a cruise destination, the month you want to travel and your departure port. Click search to find cruises.

Step 3

Choose the cruise you want to take from the list of available options. Review the cruise details, and click on the link to book to cruise.

Step 4

Enter the required information to book the cruise, including your name, address and any special requests you may have. Depending on the cruise line and the booking method you're using, you may also choose your stateroom when you book.

Step 5

Click on the link to add air transportation to your cruise. Enter the departure and arrival cities. In most cases, the cruise line will pre-populate the date section with the dates of your cruise, but you'll have the option of adding days on either end of the cruise.

Step 6

Choose the flights you wish to take from the available options, and follow the prompts to add them to your cruise reservation. Enter the required information for each traveler; the Transportation Security Administration requires all air passengers to provide their full name, birth date and sex when purchasing airline tickets.

Step 7

Confirm that all of the information for your cruise and the airfare is accurate. Double-check that there is adequate time to travel between the cruise port and the airport; in most cases, you'll need at least four hours to ensure that you make it to your cruise on time.

Add any additional excursions or extras on to your cruise, if desired. Some cruise lines allow you to reserve and pre-pay for shore excursions, or pre-pay gratuities.