Which Cruise Lines Include Flights in Their Packages

Several major cruise lines—including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival—offer flight-inclusive packages to simplify travel planning and provide added value. These bundled deals often feature discounted airfare, coordinated transfers, and flexible booking options, making them ideal for stress-free vacations. Always compare total costs and airline choices to ensure the best fit for your travel needs.

Key Takeaways

• Celebrity Cruises: Bundles airfare on select global sailings—check promotions.
• Royal Caribbean: Offers air-inclusive deals, especially for fly-cruise itineraries.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Includes flights in some European and exotic packages.
• Princess Cruises: Air add-ons available; compare costs before booking.
• Holland America: Partners with airlines for seamless flight-inclusive voyages.
• Always verify inclusions: Not all destinations or dates include flights.
• Book early: Air-inclusive packages often have limited availability.

Which Cruise Lines Include Flights in Their Packages

Planning a cruise vacation is an exciting endeavor, but the logistics of getting to your departure port can often add stress and unexpected costs. For many travelers, the dream of a seamless vacation begins the moment they leave their front door—not after navigating airports, layovers, or last-minute flight bookings. That’s where all-inclusive cruise packages that include flights come into play. These bundled deals simplify the travel experience, offering peace of mind, cost savings, and a more luxurious journey from start to finish.

With cruise lines increasingly recognizing the demand for hassle-free travel, many now offer packages that bundle airfare with accommodations, meals, onboard activities, and even shore excursions. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler looking to minimize travel friction, understanding which cruise lines include flights—and how they structure these offerings—can make a significant difference in your overall vacation experience. From luxury brands to mass-market favorites, the options are more diverse than ever. This guide dives deep into the cruise lines that include flights in their packages, what you can expect, and how to make the most of these inclusive deals.

Why Choose a Cruise Package That Includes Flights?

When booking a cruise, the decision to include flights isn’t just about convenience—it’s a strategic choice that can enhance your entire travel experience. Let’s explore the key benefits and considerations that make flight-inclusive cruise packages a smart option for many travelers.

Cost Savings and Predictable Budgeting

One of the most compelling reasons to choose a cruise that includes flights is the potential for significant cost savings. Airlines frequently adjust prices based on demand, season, and booking windows, making it difficult to predict airfare costs. By bundling flights with your cruise, you lock in a fixed price, avoiding last-minute airfare spikes. For example, a round-trip flight from New York to Barcelona might cost $800–$1,200 during peak season, but a bundled package could include it for $500 or less as part of a total cruise fare. This predictability helps travelers budget more accurately and reduces financial stress.

Additionally, cruise lines often negotiate bulk airfares with airlines, passing the savings on to passengers. These deals are especially advantageous for international itineraries, where long-haul flights can be a major portion of the overall expense.

Stress-Free Logistics and Seamless Transfers

Traveling to a cruise departure port—especially an international one—can be a logistical nightmare. Missed connections, lost luggage, and tight transfer windows can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. Cruise lines that include flights typically coordinate with trusted airline partners and provide guaranteed transfers between the airport and the ship. This means you won’t have to worry about arranging a taxi, shuttle, or navigating public transit with your luggage.

For instance, Royal Caribbean’s “Cruise with Confidence” program includes complimentary airport transfers in major embarkation cities like Miami, Barcelona, and Vancouver. Similarly, Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Air2Sea” program offers seamless ground transportation, baggage handling, and even re-accommodation if a flight delay causes you to miss embarkation.

Protection Against Flight Delays and Cancellations

Flight disruptions are a common concern, especially with global air travel experiencing increasing volatility. When flights are booked separately, a missed connection due to a delay or cancellation can jeopardize your cruise—and you may be on the hook for rebooking fees or even losing your cruise fare. However, cruise lines that include flights often offer flight protection and re-accommodation guarantees.

For example, Carnival Cruise Line’s “Fly Aweigh” program includes a “No Worries Guarantee,” which ensures that if your flight is delayed or canceled and you miss your cruise departure, the line will cover the cost of a new flight and rebook you on the next available sailing—at no extra charge. This level of protection is rare when booking flights independently.

Top Cruise Lines That Include Flights in Their Packages

Not all cruise lines offer flight-inclusive packages, and the structure of these offerings varies widely. Below are some of the leading cruise lines that include airfare in their vacation packages, along with key details about their programs, pricing, and flexibility.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – “Air2Sea” Program

NCL’s Air2Sea is one of the most comprehensive flight-inclusive programs in the industry. Available for most sailings—especially international and exotic itineraries—Air2Sea allows passengers to book flights directly through NCL at competitive rates. The program includes:

• Round-trip airfare from over 150 U.S. and Canadian cities
• Complimentary airport-to-ship transfers
• Baggage handling from airport to cabin
• Flexible flight options (economy, premium economy, business)
• Flight protection and re-accommodation guarantees

For example, a 14-day Mediterranean cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia) can include flights from Chicago, Atlanta, or Toronto for as little as $399 round-trip. NCL partners with major carriers like United, Delta, and Air Canada, ensuring reliable service and frequent flyer benefits.

Pro Tip: Book Air2Sea at least 60–90 days before departure to secure the best rates and preferred flight times.

Royal Caribbean International – “Cruise with Confidence” and “Air & Cruise”

Royal Caribbean offers multiple ways to include flights, depending on your itinerary and departure city. The “Air & Cruise” program is available for most international voyages, including transatlantic, Alaska, and European sailings. Key features include:

• Flights from over 100 U.S. gateways
• Complimentary transfers in major ports (Miami, Barcelona, Venice, etc.)
• Flight rebooking assistance if delays affect embarkation
• Option to earn airline miles on select carriers

Royal Caribbean also partners with third-party air booking platforms like Expedia and Travelocity for U.S. domestic cruises, giving passengers flexibility in flight selection. Their “Cruise with Confidence” policy (launched during the pandemic) now includes flight protection for international sailings, allowing free changes or cancellations up to 48 hours before departure.

Example: A 7-night Alaska cruise from Seattle can include round-trip flights from Denver or Dallas for $449, including transfers and baggage handling.

Carnival Cruise Line – “Fly Aweigh”

Carnival’s Fly Aweigh program is designed for travelers flying to embarkation ports in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. It includes:

• Flights from over 100 U.S. cities
• No-fee flight changes up to 45 days before sailing
• “No Worries Guarantee” – re-accommodation if flight issues cause missed embarkation
• Complimentary transfers in key ports (e.g., Miami, San Juan, Barcelona)

Fly Aweigh is particularly popular for repositioning cruises (e.g., transatlantic crossings), where flights to and from the departure/arrival cities are essential. Carnival partners with American Airlines, Delta, and United, and passengers can earn frequent flyer miles on most flights.

Tip: Fly Aweigh fares are typically 10–15% lower than booking flights separately, especially for last-minute bookings.

Princess Cruises – “Princess EZair”

Princess Cruises offers EZair, a streamlined flight-booking service that integrates directly with cruise reservations. It’s available for most international itineraries, including Alaska, Europe, and South America. Benefits include:

• Flights from over 80 U.S. and Canadian cities
• Guaranteed same-day embarkation if flights arrive by 12:00 PM
• Complimentary transfers in 20+ ports worldwide
• Option to upgrade to business class or select specific airlines

Princess also offers a “Flight Protection Plan” for an additional fee, which covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections. EZair is ideal for travelers who want a balance of flexibility and peace of mind.

Example: A 12-day Baltic cruise from Copenhagen can include flights from Boston or Los Angeles for $699, with transfers included.

Holland America Line – “Air & Sea”

Holland America’s Air & Sea program is tailored for premium and luxury travelers seeking a seamless experience. It includes:

• Flights from over 60 U.S. and Canadian cities
• Complimentary transfers in all major embarkation ports
• Baggage handling from airport to cabin
• Flight rebooking assistance and missed embarkation protection

Holland America partners with Delta, American, and United, and offers options for premium economy and business class. The program is especially popular for world cruises and extended voyages, where flight logistics are complex.

Pro Tip: Book Air & Sea at least 90 days in advance to secure preferred flight times and lower fares.

How to Choose the Right Flight-Inclusive Cruise Package

With so many options, selecting the right flight-inclusive cruise package requires careful consideration. Here are key factors to evaluate to ensure you get the best value and experience.

Compare Total Cost vs. Separate Bookings

Before booking, calculate the total cost of the bundled package versus booking flights and cruise separately. Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to compare airfares. For example:

• Bundle: $3,200 (cruise + flights from Chicago to Barcelona)
• Separate: $2,600 (cruise) + $900 (round-trip flight) = $3,500

In this case, the bundle saves $300. However, if you’re flexible with dates, you might find a cheaper flight deal—so weigh the savings against the convenience and protection offered by the bundle.

Check Flight Flexibility and Change Policies

Not all flight-inclusive packages allow changes. Some lines (like Carnival’s Fly Aweigh) permit free changes up to 45 days before sailing, while others may charge fees. Ask:

• Can I change my flight date or time?
• What if I need to cancel my entire trip?
• Are there blackout dates or peak-season surcharges?

For maximum flexibility, look for lines with no-fee change policies or generous cancellation windows.

Evaluate Transfer and Baggage Services

Seamless transfers are a major perk of flight-inclusive packages. Confirm:

• Are transfers included in all ports?
• Does the line handle luggage from the airport to the cabin?
• Is there a waiting time if flights arrive early or late?

Lines like NCL and Princess Cruises offer dedicated transfer desks at major airports, reducing wait times and confusion.

Consider Airline Partners and Frequent Flyer Benefits

If you’re a frequent flyer, check which airlines the cruise line partners with. Can you earn miles? Use elite status for upgrades? For example, Royal Caribbean allows passengers to earn United MileagePlus miles on most flights. This can be a valuable perk for loyalty program members.

Special Considerations for International and Exotic Cruises

Flight-inclusive packages are especially valuable for international and exotic cruises, where air travel is more complex and expensive. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Long-Haul and Multi-City Flights

For cruises in Asia, Australia, or South America, flights often involve long-haul segments or multi-city itineraries (e.g., fly to Sydney, cruise to Auckland, fly home from Christchurch). Cruise lines like Princess and Holland America offer multi-city flight options, which can be difficult to book independently.

Example: A 16-day South Pacific cruise from Papeete (Tahiti) to Auckland can include a flight from Los Angeles to Papeete and a return from Auckland to LAX—saving hundreds compared to separate bookings.

Time Zone and Jet Lag Management

Long flights across time zones can lead to jet lag, which may affect your first few days on board. Some cruise lines offer flight timing recommendations to minimize fatigue. For instance, Royal Caribbean may suggest arriving a day early to adjust to local time. Consider booking a pre-cruise hotel stay (sometimes offered at a discount with flight-inclusive packages) to ease the transition.

Visa and Documentation Support

International travel requires visas, ESTA (for U.S. citizens to Europe), or other documentation. While cruise lines don’t provide visas, their travel agents often offer documentation checklists and guidance. Some lines (like Norwegian) partner with visa services to streamline the process. Always verify entry requirements well in advance.

Data Table: Cruise Lines with Flight-Inclusive Programs (2024)

Cruise Line	Program Name	Number of Departure Cities	Transfer Included?	Flight Protection?	Average Airfare (Round-Trip)
Norwegian Cruise Line	Air2Sea	150+	Yes	Yes	$399–$799
Royal Caribbean	Air & Cruise	100+	Yes (select ports)	Yes	$449–$899
Carnival Cruise Line	Fly Aweigh	100+	Yes (major ports)	Yes	$349–$699
Princess Cruises	EZair	80+	Yes (20+ ports)	Optional	$499–$799
Holland America Line	Air & Sea	60+	Yes	Yes	$549–$999
Celebrity Cruises	Air & Cruise	70+	Yes (select ports)	Yes	$499–$849

Conclusion: Maximizing Value with Flight-Inclusive Cruise Packages

Choosing a cruise line that includes flights in its packages can transform your vacation from a logistical challenge into a truly stress-free experience. From cost savings and predictable budgeting to seamless transfers and robust flight protection, the benefits are clear—especially for international and long-haul itineraries. Lines like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises have set the standard with comprehensive, flexible, and traveler-friendly programs that prioritize convenience and peace of mind.

To get the most out of these packages, do your research: compare bundled vs. separate costs, evaluate transfer and baggage services, and consider the flexibility of change policies. Whether you’re sailing the Caribbean, exploring the Mediterranean, or embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime world cruise, a flight-inclusive deal ensures that your journey begins the moment you leave home—not when you finally step aboard the ship.

As the cruise industry continues to innovate, expect even more integration between air and sea travel. With options for premium seating, multi-city flights, and enhanced digital booking tools, the future of cruise vacations is not just all-inclusive—it’s effortless. So, the next time you plan a cruise, ask: “Does this package include flights?” The answer could make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines include flights in their packages?

Several major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises, offer flight-inclusive packages, especially for international sailings. These bundles often cover round-trip airfare from major hubs and are marketed as “cruise + flight” deals.

Are flights included in all cruise line packages?

No, not all cruise lines or itineraries include flights. While some, like Celebrity Cruises and Holland America, offer air-inclusive options for select destinations, others require guests to book flights separately. Always check the package details before booking.

Do budget cruise lines include flights in their deals?

Some budget-friendly lines, like Carnival Cruise Line, occasionally include flights in promotional packages, but these are often limited-time offers or for specific sailings. For the best value, compare bundled deals with booking flights separately.

Can I customize my flights when booking a cruise line package?

Many cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, allow limited customization of flight times or airlines, though flexibility varies by carrier and package. Additional fees may apply for upgrades or preferred flights.

Which cruise lines include flights from regional airports?

Azamara and Regent Seven Seas Cruises often include flights from smaller regional airports in their luxury packages. Mainstream lines like Princess Cruises may offer this feature for certain international voyages, but availability depends on the departure city.

Are taxes and fees included in cruise lines’ flight-inclusive packages?

Most cruise lines include airfare taxes and fees in their advertised package prices, but some may add surcharges later. Always review the breakdown of costs to avoid unexpected expenses.