These 6 Cruises Have Airfare Included in the Price
One of the best things about cruising is being able to see several different places without having to book flights or trains from one place to the next. But usually, you still have to arrange travel to the cruise itself.
And while getting to the cruise’s departure port should be part of your budget, it can be annoying to have to spend money on a flight when you’ve already set down a chunk of change for the cruise.
Luckily, some cruises come with the flight built right in — and sometimes they’re such luxurious tickets you can start your vacation with a glass of Champagne and toast to the days ahead. From a first-class flight to Alaska to a chartered, private flight in Egypt, your vacation will feel a little easier when there’s one less thing to worry about — and book.
These cruises already have airfare included in the rate so you can sit back, buckle your seatbelt, and enjoy the adventure ahead.
PONANT, Emblematic Antarctica — 11 days
Ship: l'Austral
Flight included: Round trip flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
Price: Starting at $11,500
Why go: The seventh continent beckons on this mega-yacht with 132 staterooms. See humpback whales, leopard seals, and gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins, or watch icebergs float by and go hiking through Antarctica's untouched landscape. And with the flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia included, it’s one less thing to have to think about.
Viking River Cruises, Waterways of the Tsars — 13 days
Ship: Viking Rurik
Flight included: Return flights from London and up to 14 regional airports
Price: Starting at £3,245 (around $4,126)
Why go: Sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg you’ll explore Russia’s rich cultural history and colorful architecture. Sample caviar with blini pancakes, join a local family for tea, and stroll through covered food markets — all without having to worry about the cost of your flight to and from Russia.
Celebrity Cruises, Quito & Galapagos Southern Loop — 10 nights
Ship: Celebrity Xpedition
Flight included: Round trip flight between Quito and the Galapagos
Price: $10,874 on average
Why go: You’ll stand on the equatorial line in Quito, and then go snorkeling and learn about this natural wonderland from certified Galapagos National Park naturalists. The small ship size (it can only accommodate 48 passengers) means you’ll have plenty of time to relax with a glass of complimentary wine and use binoculars to look out at the incredible nature around you.
Paul Gauguin Cruises, Tahiti & the Society Islands — 7 nights
Ship: m/s Paul Gauguin
Flight included: Round trip flights from Los Angeles
Price: Starting at $4,645
Why go: Blue waters await in the South Pacific. At this winter escape you can kick back on a private islet with a floating lagoon bar, go snorkeling and kayaking, or head out to sea on a glass bottom boat in Bora Bora. With only 332 guests, you’ll feel like you have this island paradise to yourself.
Lindblad Expeditions, Passage Through Egypt — 13 days
Ship: Oberoi Philae
Flight included: Charter flights between Cairo and the ship
Price: Starting at $9,320
Why go: From the pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, there’s no shortage of exciting history in Egypt. And with all the logistics taken care of (in luxury, no less), you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself. Sail down the Nile on the 42-passenger river ship where you’ll visit temples, ancient tombs, and enjoy the view from the top deck of the ship over lunch.
Intrepid Travel, Cruising the Turkish Coast — 10 days
Flight included: Round trip, in-country flight between Istanbul and the coast
Price: Starting from $3,245
Why go: Start your tour in Istanbul strolling souks that will delight every sense before heading to the coast for fresh fish, crystal-clear waters, and ancient tombs. The complete tour includes domestic flights, making it easy to enjoy your vacation and leave the logistics to the experts.