Seasoned cruiser experience

I have flown in and out of several domestic and international airports pre cruise. Outside of customs there is really no difference. I have always booked my own flights and fly in prior to cruise embarkation day. I enjoy planning pre cruise and post cruise land adventures-do your research on hotels, distance from airport/cruise port and venues not to miss.

For example, prior to a cruise starting in Venice, we flew into Verona, took a train to Milan, the Bernina rail tour to the Swiss Alps back to Milan rail station ending in Venice via high speed train.

My advice is do your due diligence and you will be fine!

You'll have a great time, you're on a cruise!

I've flown in and out of airports all over the world and never had any issues. Not any different than flying

in and out of different cities in the US.

Always good to fly in day before, make sure you board the ship peacefully!

Enjoy!

Thanks for the advise.

I want to fly to the D.R. one day ahead, and leave one day after.

I've never flown there, so I had some concerns.

I'm confused, are you looking for advice on cruises that don't originate in the US or cruises that visit ports outside the US?

I've done both and have a YouTube channel that might be of assistance, however, I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post it or not.

I've cruised out of Athens pre-Covid on a B2B, returned to US from Barcelona. Flights were DFW to Athens w/layover in Philly; return Barcelona to DFW w/layover in Chicago. To avoid claiming & rechecking luggage, highly recommend non-stop flights; if that's not possible, try to have your layovers in a US city. Due to airport delay, we missed our connection in Chicago and had to stay overnight. I would much prefer being delayed in a US location than foreign city where I may not speak the language or know how to navigate (please, no lectures); I'm too old for unplanned deviations.

Due to my phobia, we didn't stay in a hotel pre or post cruise and used the ship (Princess) airport transfer so I can't comment on hotels, taxis, Uber, etc.

I remember customs and check in being straightforward but lengthy (it is international). I really think the ridiculously long process in Vancouver BC is worse than what we experienced in Athens.

Turnaround day was in Athens. Since we weren't adding any land time but wanting to see what we could of Athens, we got off the ship with the first group and onto a Hop On Hop Off that we were able to pick up in the parking lot. We returned very close to All Aboard, had our In Transit cards & Passports - easy peasy.

At the end of the cruise, we disembarked in Barcelona. We did an excursion w/airport transfer through the ship to allow us to see some of Barcelona and not worry about/hassle with luggage. It was flawless.

I had minimal non-cruise international travel experience (So Africa, Mexico, Canada) and my travel companion had none. She got Global Entry specifically for the cruise flights - it did allow her to move through the airports quicker and gave her peace of mind that was well worth the $100 cost. I have TSA Precheck, but that doesn't help internationally - I was a bit envious and recommend getting Global Entry if you can. We did not have any issues, had ample time to get from the airport to ship and enjoyed the Hop On Hop Off in Athens.

Although we don't do it for US (or Vancouver) cruises, we did book flights through the cruiseline.

Take adapters in your carry-on so you can charge your phone at the airport (and hotel if you stay over).

Interested in reading others thoughts - I'm sure you'll get some good tips.

The only non-USA port we've used is Puerto Rico and that is a US territory. I am interested in the comments you get from the inquiry.