Flight - delays and meeting your party

[roxysmom]

A group of us are cruising together next April on the Enchantment. We are all booking seperate flights. Two questions.....Two couples are on a Delta direct flight and the other couple is on an American with a transfer. I'm nervous about flying in the same day. Has anyone experienced any delays on Delta and if so what suggestions can you offer. My second question is when arriving seperately what suggestions does anyone have on where to meet up?

[oppis]

I would always recommend, to arrive at least one day before the cruise started.
Even when the flight is on time, your luggage maybe lost and you can get not until the next day.
In february, we lost all our 3 pieces of luggage, coming from germany. But in our hotel were at least 6 couples from the US missing their luggage and getting it in the night our some hours before the ship left the harbor.
So start your cruise relaxing with a pre-stay in an nice hotel, where you can meet the other members of your group.
By the way, it was Delta, who had many problems with the last transportation from our luggage from Chicago to Jacksonville. Thank god, we decided to go back from the overnight hotel to the airport to get the luggage. Otherwise we had missed the ship, because it takes hours to bring the luggage to your hotel.

Best regards, Marita

[NancyN]

I have experienced delays and complications on all air carriers. I agree with Marita, flying in the same day of the cruise is a real gamble - particularly if any connecting flights are involved.

If you are both lucky enough to make it to your destination as scheduled - the best place to meet is somewhere in the baggage claim area. We always plan to meet whichever party arrives last where their baggage is being claimed.

Good luck,
Nancy

[kclvt]

We have never experienced any problems and have flown all different airlines...we have never arrived a day early either - even though I would suggest it to anyone taking an Alaskan cruise that is from the east coast - that was a real long day and we just barely made the boat! I would arrange to meetmy party in the Schooner bar (my favorite place)!