Booking a cruise through United?

[librarygirl]

Hi ladies,

I was wondering if anyone has ever booked a cruise through an airline? I'm specifically interested in United (just trying to build up more miles with them) but I assume it would be a similar experience with other airlines. It would be for a Disney cruise. I've cruised with them before and always booked right through Disney's site but if I could get some extra air miles out of the same process I'm more apt to do that. Just wondering if there are any disadvantages...I'm also curious that if I don't book through Disney, can I still arrange for their transfers from Orlando airport to the port (I know that's a step when you book your cruise fare).

Thanks in advance!

[GilliC]

I booked a cruise through Northwest - back when they existed. It was basically like booking a cruise through any other large online travel agency (I think they may have even piggy-backed on some of Expedia's systems).

The biggest disadvantage was that we didn't get as many extras as we typically do when booking through one of the cruise-only travel agencies like CruCon or VacationsToGo. We got miles, but I'd much rather get prepaid gratuities, a drink package, etc. Of course if the other agencies aren't offering anything and you can't wait for a special when they offer perks for any new booking, then miles are definitely better than nothing!

The other disadvantage was that I had to call the agency to change anything with my booking (dinner assignments, etc) or make inquiries (our itinerary visited a few countries that required visas that the cruiseline was actually taking care of, but they didn't make that very clear). We tried calling the cruiseline, but they redirected us back to the agency, and since it was a large organization that didn't really specialize in cruises specifically, it was a little frustrating.

No idea about the transfer. For end-of-trip transfers the cruiselines we've sailed let you book them as you would an excursion. But we've never done a beginning transfer.

[librarygirl]

Thanks, exactly what I was looking for!