I've booked most of my cruises online either with expedia or travelocity. I did pretty well on the airfare booking through them as well. Twice I used a travel agent. It didn't cost me more, but what I liked about booking myself online was that I could choose the cabin and see it online before booking.
Also, if I could offer my two cents on getting to the port city a day before. There was a problem with my flight on the last cruise and I came literally within minutes of missing the ship. A friend of mine was flying from NYC to Miami and due to delays he missed the ship and had to catch up with them in Puerto Rico. In his case, he booked a flight out of NYC at 10:00am and the ship wasn't scheduled to leave until 5pm. Even with the many flights going from NYC to Miami, he still didn't make it. My point, don't be penny wise and pound foolish. This is your vacation. Treat yourself and spend a few bucks on a hotel in Miami.
AAA is a darn good travel agent and it will not cost you any more by using them or booking it directly with the cruise company. Sometimes you can save some by booking it with a on line travel agent like vacations to go, but AAA is just fine. Also I often book my airline with the cruise company too, especially if it is a one way ticket. The cruise lines buy these up in bulk and therefore save you money. I always use the cruise companies ground transportation as it is very convenient and hassle free. My next cruise, I booked the air myself only because I live far from an international big airport, but close to a smaller one and I wanted to fly from the close one. So my suggestion for you is to book it all through AAA. This way it is the least hassle and they can get you great prices on the whole package.
I always book through a travel agent i use redhotescapes.com and I am also a past guest so I get past guest rates. Never book air through the cruise line its always more. I have my travel agent do that separately. As for flying if its the winter time I would go the day before if you are late because of weather and miss the boat its your expense to catch it at the next island. If you use AAA book the air separately And fly in the day before thats my advice. Vacations to go is about the same as anyone else after all the taxes etc. they advertise a low price and then once the fuel and surcharges are all added up there no different.
i would come in the day before the cruise and stay in the area of the port. My reasoning is that things may happen the flights may be late, other unforseen circumstances, and that could adversely affect your cruise.
AAA is a good travel agency. I would book airfare thru AAA and not the cruise line. I would have AAA book your transfers from airport to cruise terminal and back.
have a great cruise
(cc)
The cheapest way is by becoming a travel agent or by getting a group together and getting a group rate.
For more information visit:
http://www.vgsims.traverustravelnetwork.com/travel_member_trips.asp?CO_LA=
Try to browse as many sites as you could to get the best deals,
cruising should be fun, especially if you could pay less for it.
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