Fly cruise, no-fly cruise & cruise-only: what are they?
The cruising world is packed with jargon. From deck plans and cabin grades to gratuities and sea days, there’s much to get your head around. And then, there are the booking options. Fly cruise, no-fly cruise, cruise-only... what do they mean?
If you’re considering booking your first cruise or want to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your next one, here’s what each term means – and what the pros and cons are for each type.
What’s a fly cruise?
A fly cruise is a cruise holiday where flights are included in the package. You’ll usually fly to a different country to join your ship and then fly home once the cruise ends.
This type of cruise opens up the world. You can start your cruise in Rome, Miami, Dubai or Singapore – the options are endless. The cruise line or travel agent sorts out the flights, often alongside transfers and sometimes even a hotel stay before or after the cruise.
Pros of a fly cruise
The biggest advantage of a fly cruise is flexibility. You’re not restricted by geography – if you want to cruise the Caribbean, explore Japan or sail through the Norwegian fjords starting in Tromsø, a fly cruise makes that possible.
There’s also the peace of mind that comes with financial protection. If your cruise is booked as part of a package holiday through a UK travel company, it’s usually covered by ATOL. That means if your airline or travel company goes bust before your trip, you’ll get a refund or be brought home safely.
Cons of a fly cruise
That said, fly cruises come with a few drawbacks. Luggage restrictions are one – cruise ships are generous when it comes to bags, but airlines aren’t. If you like to pack plenty (or don’t fancy choosing between evening wear and another pair of shoes), you’ll need to plan carefully.
There’s also the added travel time. Your holiday doesn’t start until you’re on the ship. Flight time, airport waits and transfers can eat into the experience. Delays and cancellations can also cause stress, especially if flights and cruises are booked separately.
What’s a no-fly cruise?
A no-fly cruise is exactly what it sounds like – a cruise that departs from a port in your home country, so there’s no need to fly at all. For UK travellers, that usually means joining the ship in Southampton, although many other ports, including Liverpool, Tilbury, Newcastle and Dover, also have regular departures.
These cruises are popular for travellers who prefer to avoid airports or want a more relaxed start and end to their holiday.
Pros of no-fly cruises
No-fly cruises are often cheaper. Without flights in the mix, you can save hundreds of pounds, especially for family holidays or longer sailings.
They’re also convenient. You can drive to the port, park nearby and board the ship in a matter of hours. No security queues, no luggage limits and no worrying about delays. Some cruise lines even offer luggage collection from your home.
Speaking of luggage, most cruise ships don’t have strict limits on how much you can bring. So if you like the idea of bringing multiple suitcases or packing extra formalwear, this is a huge plus.
Cons of no-fly cruises
One of the main downsides is the limited choice of destinations. Most no-fly cruises are confined to Europe, the Mediterranean, the Canaries and the Norwegian fjords. You won’t find a no-fly cruise to Alaska or Southeast Asia.
You’re also limited to cruise lines that operate from the UK. That means some of the more exotic or niche lines won’t be an option unless you’re prepared to fly.
Finally, if you don’t live near a cruise port, you might end up with a long drive or train journey. In some cases, it might take just as long – or longer – than flying to your cruise departure point.
What’s a cruise-only fare?
A cruise-only fare is a booking that includes just the cruise itself – no flights, no transfers, no extras. While technically a no-fly cruise is also cruise-only, this term is more often used for cruises that start overseas, where you’ll need to arrange your own flights separately.
These fares are common when booking directly with international cruise lines or when using specialist travel agents who offer flexible options.
Pros of cruise-only fares
Cruise-only fares can be a money-saver. If you’re savvy with air miles, credit card rewards or low-cost airlines, you might be able to sort your travel for less than a package deal.
You’ve also got more control. Want to fly out early and spend a few days exploring before the cruise? Prefer to choose your own airline or cabin class? Cruise-only lets you plan your trip exactly the way you want.
Cons of cruise-only fares
The biggest risk is a lack of financial protection. If your flight gets cancelled or delayed and you miss the ship, you’re usually responsible for catching up with it – at your own expense. Unless you’ve booked through a bonded tour operator or added travel insurance that covers missed departures, you’re on your own.
You’ll also need to plan everything yourself. That includes booking the flights, arranging transfers, finding hotels if needed and making sure everything lines up. It’s doable, but it takes time and confidence.
If you want a stress-free holiday where everything’s handled for you, a fly cruise or no-fly cruise might be the best fit. If you’re happy to do the legwork, cruise-only fares can offer better value and more flexibility.
Whichever type of cruise you go for, make sure you understand what’s included and what isn’t – and always check for financial protection. That way, you can focus on the good stuff: sea views, new destinations and days spent doing as much (or as little) as you like.
