Do Any Cruise Lines Include Airfare in Their Packages

Yes, several major cruise lines—including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess—routinely include airfare in their cruise packages, especially for promotions or all-inclusive deals. These bundled options often cover round-trip flights, transfers, and sometimes even hotel stays, making vacation planning seamless and cost-effective. Always compare total prices and check for restrictions, as air-inclusive deals can offer significant savings without sacrificing convenience.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, some cruise lines include airfare in packages—always verify before booking.
• Premium lines like Regent and Silversea often bundle flights with luxury cruises.
• Check for “air-inclusive” deals to simplify travel planning and reduce costs.
• Airfare terms vary widely; review baggage, timing, and flexibility restrictions carefully.
• Third-party sites may offer airfare add-ons even if the line doesn’t include it.
• Book early for better air options and avoid last-minute flight markups.

Do Any Cruise Lines Include Airfare in Their Packages

Planning a cruise vacation often brings up a common question: Do any cruise lines include airfare in their packages? For many travelers, the idea of a seamless, stress-free vacation where flights, accommodations, dining, and entertainment are all wrapped into one convenient package is highly appealing. While the traditional model of booking a cruise involved separate arrangements for flights and ground transportation, the industry has evolved to meet growing demand for all-inclusive experiences. Today, several major cruise lines offer packages that include airfare, helping travelers save time, reduce logistical headaches, and often even lower overall costs. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler looking to simplify your next getaway, understanding which cruise lines include airfare—and under what conditions—can make a significant difference in your planning process.

The inclusion of airfare in cruise packages has become increasingly popular, especially as cruise companies aim to compete in a crowded travel market. Airlines and cruise lines have formed strategic partnerships, enabling bundled deals that cover everything from round-trip airfare and airport transfers to onboard credits and shore excursions. This shift reflects broader consumer trends toward convenience-driven travel and value-focused pricing. However, not all “air-inclusive” deals are created equal. Some are limited to specific destinations, departure cities, or booking windows, while others may involve trade-offs such as longer flight times or less flexible flight schedules. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore which cruise lines offer air-inclusive packages, how these deals work, the pros and cons, and how to maximize savings without sacrificing quality.

Which Major Cruise Lines Include Airfare in Their Packages

Royal Caribbean International: Fly & Cruise Packages

Royal Caribbean is one of the most prominent cruise lines offering air-inclusive packages. Their Fly & Cruise program allows guests to book round-trip airfare directly through Royal Caribbean, often with the option to customize flight times and airlines. Available for most of their global itineraries—from the Caribbean and Alaska to Europe and Asia—this package includes airfare, airport transfers to and from the cruise terminal, and sometimes even baggage handling. Royal Caribbean partners with major carriers like Delta, American Airlines, and United, ensuring a wide range of departure cities across the U.S. and Canada.

One of the standout features of Royal Caribbean’s air-inclusive deals is their Air Price Match Guarantee. If you find a lower publicly available airfare for the same flight within 24 hours of booking, Royal Caribbean will match it. This provides peace of mind and ensures you’re getting competitive pricing. However, travelers should note that air-inclusive options are typically only available when booking through Royal Caribbean’s official website or authorized travel agents. Third-party booking sites may not include airfare, even if the cruise is the same.

Carnival Cruise Line: Fly2Fun and Fly2Cruise

Carnival offers two air-inclusive programs: Fly2Fun and Fly2Cruise. Fly2Fun is a fully managed air program where Carnival books your flights, arranges transfers, and handles all logistics. It’s ideal for travelers who want a hands-off approach. Fly2Cruise, on the other hand, gives more flexibility—passengers book their own flights through Carnival’s air portal but receive a $100 onboard credit per person as an incentive. Both options are available for select sailings, especially on longer voyages and international cruises.

Carnival’s air packages are particularly popular for Alaska cruises, where airfare from the U.S. West Coast to Seattle or Vancouver can be expensive. By bundling air and cruise, travelers can often save 10–15% compared to booking separately. Carnival also offers “Fly Now, Pay Later” plans, allowing guests to lock in airfare with a deposit and pay the remainder closer to departure. This can be a game-changer for budget-conscious families.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Free Airfare Promotions

NCL is known for its “Free Airfare” promotions, which are often tied to specific sailings, destinations, or booking periods. For example, during seasonal sales (like Black Friday or Wave Season in January–March), NCL may offer complimentary airfare from select U.S. gateways for cruises to the Caribbean, Europe, or South America. These deals are typically available for balcony and above staterooms and may include round-trip air, airport transfers, and even a pre-cruise hotel night in certain cases.

It’s important to understand that “free airfare” doesn’t always mean unlimited flexibility. The included flights are usually economy class with set departure and return times. If you want to upgrade to business class or choose specific flight times, additional fees apply. Still, for travelers who don’t mind standard flight schedules, NCL’s air promotions can represent significant savings—especially on transatlantic cruises where airfare alone can cost $1,200+ per person.

Princess Cruises: Princess EZair and Air-Inclusive Voyages

Princess Cruises offers Princess EZair, a service that allows guests to book airfare through Princess, often with added benefits like priority boarding, baggage handling, and 24/7 support during travel disruptions. The air-inclusive option is available on most of their global itineraries, including Alaska, the Panama Canal, and the Mediterranean. Princess partners with over 25 airlines, giving passengers access to hundreds of departure cities.

One unique feature of Princess EZair is the “Air Flex” option, which allows travelers to book airfare with a $50 deposit and pay the balance 60 days before departure. This is ideal for those who want to secure flights early but manage cash flow. Princess also offers “Air + Cruise” packages with pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, making it a strong choice for first-time cruisers or those visiting unfamiliar embarkation ports.

Holland America Line: Air/Sea Programs

Holland America Line’s Air/Sea program is designed for travelers seeking a premium, hassle-free experience. The package includes round-trip airfare, airport transfers, baggage handling, and sometimes even a pre-cruise hotel stay. Available on select voyages—especially longer cruises and world cruises—Air/Sea is often marketed as part of Holland America’s “Have It All” premium package, which also includes drinks, specialty dining, and shore excursions.

While the Air/Sea program is more expensive upfront, it can offer better value for those who plan to use all the included amenities. Holland America also provides “Air Savings”—a credit toward airfare if you book your own flights—giving flexibility to passengers who prefer specific airlines or flight times. This hybrid model makes it easier to tailor the package to individual needs.

How Air-Inclusive Cruise Packages Work: The Logistics Explained

Booking Process and Coordination

When you book an air-inclusive cruise package, the cruise line acts as a travel agent for your flights. This means they coordinate with airlines to secure seats, manage connections, and handle rebooking in case of delays or cancellations. The process typically begins when you select an “air-inclusive” option during the online booking process or inform your travel agent of your preference. You’ll provide your departure city, preferred travel dates, and any special requests (e.g., wheelchair assistance, dietary needs).

Once confirmed, the cruise line will email you a detailed itinerary that includes flight numbers, departure and arrival times, terminal information, and transfer details. Most air-inclusive packages include a “cruise line transfer” from the airport to the pier, eliminating the need to arrange a taxi or shuttle. This is especially valuable in foreign countries where language barriers or unfamiliar transit systems can be daunting.

What’s Included (and What’s Not)

While air-inclusive packages cover the basics—round-trip airfare, transfers, and sometimes baggage—there are limitations. Here’s what you can typically expect:

• Round-trip economy airfare from select U.S. or Canadian gateways
• Airport-to-pier transfers (usually by coach or shuttle)
• Baggage handling between the airport and ship
• 24/7 travel support during your journey

However, the following are usually not included:

• Upgrades to premium economy, business, or first class
• Custom flight times outside the cruise line’s schedule
• Flights from non-participating cities (e.g., smaller regional airports)
• Excess baggage fees or in-flight meals (unless part of a premium package)

For example, if you’re flying from Boise, Idaho, to meet a cruise in Miami, the cruise line may only cover airfare from Seattle or Los Angeles—you’d need to book the connecting flight yourself. Always verify which cities are included in the “free airfare” offer before booking.

Flight Scheduling and Flexibility

One of the biggest trade-offs with air-inclusive packages is flight scheduling. Cruise lines often use bulk-buy agreements with airlines, which means flights may depart early in the morning or arrive late at night. For instance, a cruise line might book a 6:00 AM flight from Chicago to Miami, even if a 9:00 AM option is available. This can lead to longer layovers or early wake-up calls.

Additionally, if you need to change your flight due to a delay or personal reason, rebooking fees may apply. While cruise lines offer some flexibility, they’re not as accommodating as booking directly with an airline. Some lines, like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, offer a “flexible air” add-on for an extra fee, allowing changes without penalties up to 48 hours before departure.

Pros and Cons of Air-Inclusive Cruise Packages

The Pros: Convenience, Cost, and Peace of Mind

Air-inclusive packages offer several compelling advantages:

• Simplified planning: One-stop booking for flights, transfers, and cruise.
• Cost savings: Bundling can reduce total vacation expenses by 10–20%, especially on long-haul flights.
• Reduced stress: No need to worry about missing your ship due to flight delays—cruise lines often hold the ship if your flight is late.
• Added perks: Many packages include onboard credits, free Wi-Fi, or drink packages.
• Travel protection: Cruise lines often include trip interruption insurance for air-related issues.

For example, a family of four booking a 7-day Alaska cruise with airfare from Denver might save $1,200 by choosing a bundled package over booking flights and cruise separately. The peace of mind from knowing transfers are arranged and the cruise line will assist with delays is invaluable, especially when traveling with children or elderly relatives.

The Cons: Limited Flexibility and Potential Hidden Costs

Despite the benefits, air-inclusive packages aren’t perfect:

• Restricted flight options: You may not be able to choose your preferred airline, flight time, or seat.
• Long layovers or inconvenient connections: To save costs, cruise lines may book flights with extended layovers.
• Upgrade fees: Want business class or extra legroom? Expect to pay $200–$600 per person.
• Non-refundable air portions: If you cancel your cruise, the airfare portion may be non-refundable or subject to hefty change fees.
• Less control over loyalty programs: If you’re a frequent flyer, you might miss out on miles or status benefits.

For instance, a traveler who prefers United Airlines and wants to earn Premier Qualifying Miles (PQMs) might be better off booking flights separately to maintain loyalty program benefits. Similarly, business travelers who need early-morning departures may find cruise line flight times impractical.

Tips for Getting the Best Air-Inclusive Cruise Deals

Book During Wave Season (January–March)

The most significant air-inclusive deals are typically released during Wave Season, the period from January to March when cruise lines offer aggressive promotions to boost early bookings. During this time, you’ll find “Free Airfare,” “Buy One, Get One 50% Off,” and “Air Credit” offers across multiple lines. For example, in 2023, Princess Cruises offered free airfare from 30 U.S. cities on select Alaska voyages booked by March 31.

Use a Travel Agent with Cruise Expertise

While booking online is convenient, a certified cruise travel agent can often access exclusive air-inclusive deals not available to the public. These agents have relationships with cruise lines and may be able to negotiate upgrades, add onboard credits, or secure flights from cities not listed on the cruise line’s website. They can also help you compare bundled vs. unbundled pricing to ensure you’re getting the best value.

Compare Total Costs (Not Just the Headline)

Always calculate the total cost of an air-inclusive package versus booking separately. For example:

• Air-inclusive cruise: $2,500 per person (includes airfare)
• Separate airfare: $700 (from Skyscanner)
• Separate cruise: $1,600
• Total unbundled: $2,300 — $200 less than the bundled deal

In this case, the unbundled option is cheaper, but the bundled package might include transfers, insurance, or onboard perks that justify the extra cost. Use comparison tools like CruiseSheet, CruiseCompete, or Google Flights to analyze all options.

Consider “Air Credit” Instead of Free Airfare

Some cruise lines, like Holland America and Celebrity Cruises, offer an “air credit” instead of free airfare. This gives you a fixed amount (e.g., $500 per person) toward your flight, which you book independently. This option is ideal if you want to use airline miles, book a specific flight, or depart from a non-participating city. Just ensure the credit covers most of your airfare cost.

Check for Pre- and Post-Cruise Hotel Inclusions

Some air-inclusive packages include a free hotel night before or after the cruise. This is especially common for international voyages (e.g., Europe cruises departing from Barcelona or Rome). A free hotel stay can save $200–$400 per room and reduce stress on embarkation day. Always verify if breakfast, taxes, and resort fees are included.

Data Table: Air-Inclusive Cruise Packages Comparison (2024)

Cruise Line	Air-Inclusive Program	Available Gateways	Typical Savings	Key Perks	Best For
Royal Caribbean	Fly & Cruise	50+ U.S./Canada	10–15%	Air Price Match, Transfers	First-time cruisers, families
Carnival	Fly2Fun / Fly2Cruise	40+ U.S. cities	10–12%	$100 onboard credit, Pay Later	Budget travelers, Alaska cruises
NCL	Free Airfare Promotions	30+ U.S. gateways	15–20% (promo periods)	Free air on balcony+ cabins	Europe, Caribbean, transatlantic
Princess	Princess EZair	25+ airlines, 100+ cities	8–12%	Air Flex, 24/7 support	Longer cruises, world cruises
Holland America	Air/Sea	Major U.S./Canada	10–15% (with Have It All)	Hotel stays, premium transfers	Luxury travelers, retirees
Celebrity	Go Air	45+ U.S./Canada	12–18%	Air credit option, Wi-Fi	Europe, South America

Final Thoughts: Is an Air-Inclusive Cruise Package Right for You?

So, do any cruise lines include airfare in their packages? Absolutely—and the options are more robust than ever. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL, Princess, Holland America, and Celebrity Cruises all offer air-inclusive deals that can simplify your vacation planning and potentially save you hundreds of dollars. These packages are especially valuable for international cruises, long-haul flights, and travelers who prioritize convenience over absolute control.

However, the key to success is understanding the fine print. Not all “free airfare” offers are truly free, and not all bundled packages deliver the best value. By comparing total costs, leveraging Wave Season promotions, and using the expertise of a travel agent, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your travel style, budget, and preferences. Whether you’re chasing glaciers in Alaska, exploring the Mediterranean, or island-hopping in the Caribbean, an air-inclusive cruise package could be the smartest way to set sail—without the stress of juggling separate bookings. The sea awaits, and with the right package, your journey starts the moment you leave home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any cruise lines include airfare in their packages?

Yes, several major cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival often bundle airfare into their vacation packages. These deals are typically offered as “cruise and air” promotions, especially during seasonal sales or for specific destinations.

Which cruise lines include airfare for free?

Cruise lines such as Princess Cruises and Holland America Line sometimes offer complimentary airfare on select sailings, particularly for Alaska or European itineraries. These promotions usually apply to specific cabin categories and departure cities.

Are airfare-inclusive cruise packages worth it?

Airfare-inclusive packages can save you time and stress by handling flight logistics, and they’re often competitively priced compared to booking separately. However, always compare the bundled price with individual bookings to ensure the best value.

Can I choose my airline when a cruise line includes airfare?

Most cruise lines partner with major carriers and assign flights automatically, limiting your ability to pick a specific airline. If airline choice matters, check the terms or opt to book airfare independently.

Do luxury cruise lines include airfare in their packages?

Yes, luxury brands like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises frequently include airfare as part of their all-inclusive fares. These packages often feature business-class upgrades or flexible air schedules for an added premium.

What should I look for in a cruise line with airfare deals?

When evaluating cruise lines that include airfare, confirm whether the deal covers all taxes, allows flight changes, and includes transfers between the airport and ship. Reading the fine print ensures no unexpected costs.