Cruise Only Holidays

Cruise only holidays are exactly as the name implies - booking just the cruise on its own with no added extras such as flights, hotels or transfers.

So why would you book a cruise only over a full cruise package? Well some enjoy the freedom it gives them to plan the rest of thier holidays around the themselves and the entertainment they wish to explore, others may be visiting family or friends abroad and were already have thier travel arrangements sorted - so just need the cruise on it own. Either way these cruise types can give you more freedom & flexiblity to make the most of your holiday.

 A holiday within a holiday

If you're staying with friends or family aboard in countries such as the USA, Australia, Spain or Italy and planning to be there a number of weeks then a cruise only option offers you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a holiday within a holiday!

With no additional cost of flights, transfers, hotels to worry about you can normally pick up a cruise only price as very affordable rate for all the family - all you need to do is get the cruise port on time. A choice of cruise lines sailings to the destinations including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand or the Greek Islands you will be spoilt for options on where you can explore.

 Cruise Only - Cruise from the UK

Cruises from the UK can also be classed as cruise only holidays as they have no added extras such as flights, hotels & transfers. With a wide range of destinations, cruise lines & durations to destinations including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Norway Fjords, Canary Islands & the Baltics you will be spoilt for choice on where to cast of your lines to.

 Create your own arrangements

If you're not looking to book the full cruise package with the cruise lines flights, hotels & transfers, then a cruise only gives you the flexibility & freedom to create your own holiday package. With many cheaper flights & hotels available to across the internet it can be just as easy for you to book it all yourself and to a timeframe that suits you.

However if you are looking to do this we would suggest that you follow these simple rules to ensure that you aren't left missing your cruise as you aren't covered by any ATOL protection if you flight is cancelled or delayed

• If you are planning to fly the day of your cruise enjoy that your flight lands on later than midday (local time). This will then give you enough time to clear local customs/immigration before heading over to your cruise
• When booking your return flight home on the day your cruise docks, ensure your flight departs after midday (local time). As with the same as on arrival it may take some time to clear immigration/customs (especially in USA ports). 
• Connecting flights via the USA to another destinations. As a minimal rule leave at least 3 hrs between your connections if your flying via the USA or Canada as you will need to clear immigration/customs on arrival. For the rest of the world a minium of 1-2 hrs should be sufficent incase of delays.
• Do your research throughly on transfers to/from hotels & to/from the ports - last thing you need is book a hotel so far out that you spend most of the time travelling to get there.
• Last and most important thing to remember, if you aren't protected by ATOL meaning if you're flight is delayed or cancelled the cruise line can and will leave without you! Leaving you stuck in a destination having to make your onward travel arrangement to meet the ship all at your own expense