Gary Bembridge author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" provides another 60-Second Cruise Tip. For more visit 60SecondCruiseTips.com and subscribe free to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn Radio


Getting To And From Your Ship: Flight Times

If you are making your own flight arrangements to get to and from your ship, there are a few key guidelines that I recommend you follow.

If you can, aim to get to the embarkation port the day before your cruise leaves and stay overnight. This means that if there are any flight delays, cancellations or other issues you should have time to make other arrangements. If you miss departure and are travelling independently, the cruise line will not assist you if you get to the ship too late.

If travelling in on the day, double check what the latest time you can embark. Ensure your flight arrives in plenty of time and allow generous amounts of time for collecting your bags, clearing immigration and customs if required, and ensure you know how and how long it will take to get to the port - even in bad traffic. Booking a transfer is a good idea.

On disembarkation day make sure you know what time the ship is due in and only book flights that leave from lunchtime and onwards. The ship may arrive late, there may be delays in clearing the ship and then you have to wait for your allocated time to leave the ship. Leave yourself time to make your flight.