Another example of why new cruisers shouldn't try it on their own

[Dave]

Read this article and you'll see another story which shows why 1) you should use a cruise specialist if you've never done this before, and 2) why you should arrive at the port at least a day early. I'd also add "why you shouldn't rely on port security guards for guidance" but that would be piling on.

[Luv2Cruise2007]

I disagree that you should always us a TA. I have never used a TA and have always had good vacations. The main thing is to use common sense when planning a cruise or any vacation for that matter. I would never fly in to a port the same day the cruise is scheduled to leave...too many thinks could go wrong. Like I said..use common sense and you'll be fine.

[Dave]

I disagree that you should always us a TA. I have never used a TA and have always had good vacations.

I don't want to start another of the endless arguments about whether to use an agent or not. The important thing to take away from this is that an agent could have helped these people avoid their disappointments.

[papa60]

Dave, I have booked my next cruise with my TA as I always do. I am flying to Ft. Lauderdale in February from Maine. My TA booked the flight and cruise through Carnival. The flight leaves the same day as my cruise. My question is: Am I covered somehow if my flight is late? I have travel insurance, but I was wondering if Carnival covers me anyway.
Thanks, papa55

[Dave]

Did you take your insurance with Carnival or a private carrier? There are many variables here. We need more information.

[papa60]

The flight and cruise are a package deal offered by Carnival. My TA just made the contact with Carnival. My insurance is Access America.I got the insurance through my TA. I could call them and ask. I just thought you may have had this question before.

[Dave]

All I can say is read this. Beyond that, it would be up to Access America. Carnival will only work with you up to a point, but they take no responsibility for getting you to the ship if you miss it because your flights were late. As I said before - flying in on the day of the cruise is usually not a good idea. Ironically, I had to do the opposite last summer and flying into Orlando on the day of my cruise ended up being a better choice - because of a tropical storm. However that was an anomaly. Doing your own air and flying down a day early is the wise choice.

[macmom111]

I always book thru Carnival, and book our own airfare.
Last year due to a wedding that was planned after we had paid for our cruise we had to fly and sail on the same day. We had to go to the wedding to keep peace in the family.
I was miserable the whole plane ride until we landed in Tampa. Never again will I fly and cruise the same day. There are just so meny things that can go wrong and I live too far away to grab a rental and drive down before they sail.
I now make my plans, if someone surprises us with a must do situation they will just have to understand.

[Dwayne]

My TA booked the flight and cruise through Carnival. The flight leaves the same day as my cruise. My question is: Am I covered somehow if my flight is late? I have travel insurance, but I was wondering if Carnival covers me anyway.

Somewhat yes. If it is booked through Carnival's Fly Aweigh program. They are supposed to "guarantee" to get you to the port, or next port of call as long as it is not in violation of the Jones Act. They will arrange for accommodations, flights, and ground transfers if needed.

I strongly suggest that you contact your TA for all the details. I would also recommend that you keep Carnival's Travel Hotline number handy should a problem arise.

Dwayne

[papa60]

Thank you, Dwayne,
I contacted Carnival, and they told me the same thing you did. By booking the flight with Carnival, I am guaranteed to catch the ship even if they have to fly me out the day before.
Papa