I am going to Europe for the first time in August. I am going on a river cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest. I thought the cruise line air was more expensive than making my own arrangements. The cruise line air is about 1900 out of Phoenix. It is very intimidating searching for the flights myself. Am I doing it wrong? What is the real scoop?
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2092 posts
What fun you will have, Pam! What I would do is go to itasoftware.com where you can check the various choices of airlines and connections that are available and the approximate cost. Using "multi-city", flying into Frankfurt and out of Budapest, I found pretty good connections on Air Canada for $1,442. If you find something you like, then you could go to the actual airline's website to purchase or take the flight info to a travel agent who would charge a "bit" more for his/her services. (They have to make their money somehow.)
You didn't say what your actual dates are but I used August 3 (to arrive possibly a couple of days early to get to Nürnberg by train and to get over jet lag) and August 20 for the return to get a possibly better fare. (The days of the week of travel can make a difference in the airfare.) Hope this helps to get you started on your fantastic trip!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
There is an advantage to using the air package from the cruise. If something goes wrong they are totally responsible for getting you on board and you might be paying a premium for that service. We have done a number of European cruises and always do our own air BUT we plan to arrive at least two or three days early and depart at least two or three days after the cruise. That way we have plenty of slack to adjust to delays. August is peak travel so it does not surprise me that the air fare is that high. If you want to do you own, start with one of the search engines - Obitz, Kayak, etc. and plug in dates and cities. Take notes and see what pattern develops. I am guessing you will not get a direct flight from Phoenix. Another option to look at is to consider Frankfurt or Munich as arrival, spend a couple days there and take the train to Nuremberg. And then fly home from Budapest. That is called open jaws or multi city and is no more expensive that a RT ticket somewhere else.
Posted by
Reeds Spring, Missouri, USA
120 posts
As an earlier post mentioned, arrival and departure delays are covered when purchasing cruise line included air fare. Another thing to consider is that the cruise line airfare also includes airport-to-port transfers. Making your own air reservations should definitely include arriving a day earlier and leaving a day later than the cruise dates. Naturally, this will add to your expense and if you're intimidated by searching for air fare, searching for hotel accommodations in unfamiliar cities isn't any easier.