Getting to the Ship: Costs to Compare
Flights, hotels, transfers and parking can outweigh the fare.
Compare Cruise Prices FreeThe Costs That Decide Many Cruise Comparisons
The cruise fare is one part of the trip. Getting to the ship, and home again, can change which cruise is cheaper. A drive-to sailing from a nearby port can beat a cheaper-looking fly-to cruise once flights, a hotel night and transfers are added. When you compare cruise prices, add these before you decide.
| Cost | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Flights | Round trip or open jaw? Arriving the day before? Fares in peak season? |
| Pre-cruise hotel | Do you need one to avoid missing the ship if a flight is delayed? |
| Transfers | Line transfer, taxi, rideshare or shuttle between airport, hotel and pier? |
| Parking | Port parking or an off-site lot, for how many nights? |
| Post-cruise | Can you fly home on disembarkation day, or will you need another night? |
Flights
Flights are often the biggest variable. Lines sell air packages on some sailings, and you can also book flights yourself. Compare both on the total, and on what happens if the flight is delayed: a line-booked flight may come with help reaching the ship, while independent flights put the risk on you. Most advisors suggest arriving the day before an ocean cruise. Cruise Airfare covers flying to your cruise in depth, and Airfares for Less searches flights.
Hotels, Transfers and Parking
Pre- and post-cruise hotels
A night near the port protects against delays. Compare hotel-and-shuttle packages on Rooms Cheap.
Transfers
Line transfers are simple; taxis or rideshares can be cheaper for groups. Price both for your party size.
Parking
For drive-to cruises, compare port parking with nearby lots that run shuttles. Free Cruise Parking explains the options.
Once you have these numbers, put them into the comparison worksheet. Very often the result surprises people: the closer port wins.
Let Us Price the Whole Trip
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can quote the cruise with flights, a hotel night and transfers, so you can compare complete trips rather than fares. If you are choosing between two departure ports, tell us both.
Cruise Price Shopper is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a quote, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — and book everything for you. Meet Mister Cruise →
An Example of How the Gap Opens Up
Imagine two similar seven-night Caribbean cruises. One leaves from a port you can drive to in a couple of hours; the other has a lower cruise fare but needs flights for everyone, a hotel the night before and taxis to and from the pier. Once those costs are on the worksheet, the drive-to cruise may well be the cheaper holiday, and the less tiring one. The opposite can also be true: a family living near a big airport may find a fly-to cruise on a better-suited ship worth the extra. The only way to know is to add it all up for your own party and dates.
If you are driving, think about the night before as well. Leaving home on the morning of the cruise saves a hotel but adds the risk of traffic or a breakdown; many cruisers decide that the peace of mind is worth one night near the port.
Compare Complete Trips
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will price the cruise plus flights, hotel and transfers for each option.
Price My Whole Trip