Long seen as one of the most romantic and relaxing ways to travel, a cruise offers everything you would want; great food, lots of like-minded travellers and endless entertainment whether you’re a solo traveller or with a large family. There are many great cruise routes to choose from too and whilst in the past you would have been limited to those starting here in the UK, the option of a fly-cruise means you can start from any destination in the world.
Fly-cruises appeal to a wide range of travellers, helping you to explore far-flung locations without too many long days at sea. Providing the best of both forms of travel, a fly-cruise can make cruising in a dream location that much easier.
So, if you’ve never had the pleasure of a fly-cruise, or perhaps you’re a first-time cruiser, below you will find all you need to know about this way to travel. We’ll explore top destinations and share essential planning tips, so get ready to discover how fly-cruises can offer you a seamless and expansive travel experience.
What is a Fly-Cruise?
A fly-cruise combines the speed of a flight with the leisurely pace of a cruise. Instead of starting your journey at a cruise terminal here in the UK, you can fly directly to a city where your chosen cruise ship is docked. This allows you to reach farther destinations that might be impractical with a traditional cruise that could take days or weeks to reach your starting destination. So, if you fancy a Caribbean cruise, for example, but want to start from a closer location, a fly-cruise can make that happen.
You can choose to book specific fly-cruise packages that include your flights and cruise booking, or create your own itinerary by staying in a location for a few days first before joining your booked cruise – the choice is yours and there are many destinations to start from. You could even join part of a world cruise and stay aboard for a few days and nights before flying home from one stop on the way. This flexibility can be attractive for many travellers and make a cruise more affordable. With 1.7 million cruises taken by British and Irish holidaymakers in 2022 alone, the appetite for cruising is very much alive, with 85% of passengers planning another cruise in the near future according to research from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
So, whether it’s cruising the Mediterranean right after spending a day or so in Rome or exploring the Caribbean islands shortly after a flight to Miami, fly-cruises offer a practical solution that brings the world closer.
Planning Your Fly-Cruise – Tips To Help
Whether you choose a package deal or prefer to create your own adventure, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind when planning your fly-cruise to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect fly-cruise adventure:
1 – Choosing the Right Package
Research fly-cruise packages based on your budget and seek out deals that include both airfare and cruise fares together. This is what makes fly-cruises unique and can often be cheaper to book in this way than separate flights and cruise options. Think about how long you want the duration of the cruise to be, and which ports and destinations align with your interests. If a cruise route doesn’t offer everything you want, seek out alternatives.
2 – Timing Your Booking
Just like any other type of holiday, you’ll want to book your fly-cruise as early as possible and also look to avoid peak seasons. You’ll find fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, so if you have the flexibility and don’t have to go away during the summer holidays, this can be more enjoyable, and less expensive.
3 – Managing Flights and Transfers
When choosing the flights, look to arrive well before your cruise departs to account for any delays. Some cruise lines offer fly-cruise packages that include a transfer service from the airport to the ship, providing peace of mind and convenience. Even better, if you fly in a few days before your cruise date, you can take your time and explore the port city first.
4 – Preparing for the Journey
Pack wisely, considering both the airline’s baggage restrictions and the cruise’s dress codes. You want to have appropriate attire for both the destinations you will visit and any onboard activities. Also, it’s essential to research any visa requirements or travel advisories for your destination to avoid any travel hiccups, and book comprehensive travel insurance for your time away that will fully cover you just in case anything happens. You’ll hopefully won’t need to claim, but it will provide peace of mind during your cruise.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can streamline your fly-cruise planning and focus on the exciting adventures ahead.
Top Destinations for Fly-Cruises
With many remote and exotic locations available without the extensive sea voyage, a fly cruise brings many of the best cruise destinations within easy reach. Here are some of the top destinations that are perfect for fly-cruises, each offering a unique experience you won’t forget.
#1 – Mediterranean
The Mediterranean region is famed for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and bustling markets, and is the number one destination for both UK and Irish holidaymakers. You can choose to start your adventure by flying into a vibrant European city like Barcelona, Rome, or Athens before embarking on a cruise to explore the rich history, stunning architecture, and culinary delights of coastal Spain, Italy, and Greece. With an equivalent cruise taking 14 nights and longer if sailing from the UK, you can see why the appeal of a fly-cruise can help you start your holiday and explore the area faster.
#2 – Caribbean
By flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you can set sail for the crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches of the Caribbean without a long transatlantic cruise first. Popular stops include the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Virgin Islands amongst many others, where you can snorkel in coral reefs, relax on sun-soaked beaches, and indulge in island culture. The Caribbean is ideal for those seeking a tropical getaway with plenty of sun, sea, and sand, with a fly-cruise enabling you to fly to your ideal starting position so that you can spend a few days in the port city first.
#3 – Alaska
Whilst it might not be your first choice as a destination, exploring Alaska by cruise is a perfect example of why a fly-cruise is a great idea. With the distance between the UK and Alaska not exactly close by, your best way to explore this breathtaking location is with a fly-cruise, flying to Seattle or Vancouver to enjoy these cities before boarding your chosen cruise. This destination is perfect for nature lovers, offering spectacular views of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife, with more coastline than the rest of the US combined. You can also enjoy excursions such as whale watching, hiking in national parks, exploring port towns and even dog sledging if you so wish. Definitely one for your bucket list.
#4 – Southeast Asia
Landing in Singapore or Hong Kong to start with, you can discover the diverse cultures, foods, and landscapes of Southeast Asia perfectly with a fly-cruise. This region offers a mix of busy city life, serene beaches, and historic temples, providing a rich experience that caters to all tastes. It’s one of the best ways to experience the region as there is so much to see and, just like Alaska, will save plenty of time by flying first, getting to see the best of Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand amongst others.
#5 – Northern Europe
A bit closer to home, you can take a short flight into a major European city like Amsterdam or Copenhagen and start your cruise through the region. For example, sailing the Baltic Sea enables you to explore the historic capitals of Northern Europe, including Stockholm, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg. This route offers a unique blend of medieval history, contemporary culture, and stunning natural beauty where you can enjoy sights like the Northern Lights or stop in multiple stunning port cities.
Feel tempted by a fly-cruise on your next holiday? You’re certainly not alone, as it offers you a unique and efficient way to explore the world. There’s no time like the present, and with multiple different cruise routes and operators available, you’re sure to find the perfect holiday this year.
