Booking air through the cruise line protects you if your flight is delayed and you either miss your cruise or are running late. If you are running late for your cruise, cruise line representatives will make every effort to get you to the ship before departure. If you miss your cruise altogether, the cruise line will reimburse you up to $500 in costs incurred while catching up with your ship at its next port of call.

In addition, air rates offered by the cruise lines are often less expensive than those available to the general public--especially on holidays and during high seasons--and the departure times and dates ensure that you will reach your departure port on time, barring any prolonged delays.