When you book a cruise, you’re usually given the option of having the cruise line book your flights for you, too—often advertised at a discounted rate. For many, cruise and flight packages are an easier option than organizing air travel yourself, though take note: there’s a lot of fine print to read, and policies vary widely by company. At the end of the day, there are distinct advantages and challenges with opting for flight-inclusive cruise deals, and we’re here to break it all down.

Pros to booking flights through cruise lines

It’s less work up front

The long and short of it is that if someone else is booking your airfare, it saves you the hassle of having to find flights that work with your cruise departure and return.

Cruises have access to bulk fares, which can be cheaper than what you can find

Every major cruise line has contracts with airlines for specially negotiated deals called bulk fares, which can be cheaper than the prices you’d see if you booked individually. That said, they’re not always cheaper, so it’s key to do some independent research before you commit. Royal Caribbean, it should be noted, has a policy in its Air2Sea program that guarantees that you’ll pay for the lowest airfare possible, with a 110 percent refund of the difference if you find a lower price—in shipboard credit, though, not cash.

You may score a business class flight

If airfare is wrapped into the price of your cruise cabin, you might really find yourself in great seats on your flight. Regent Seven Seas Cruises, for instance, offers free business-class airfare for certain long-haul flights to all passengers booked in suites, which is particularly important if you’re flying from, say, New York to Sydney for your cruise. Many other cruise lines, including Seabourn, will offer premium economy or other upgraded flights. Just know that the price of your cabin may be higher to compensate for these packages, so you'd be wise to separate research airfare on your own to gauge the value.

You'll have help from the cruise line if your flights get delayed or canceled

Make no bones about it: If you miss your ship’s departure, it will leave without you. Likewise, your plane will not wait if your ship is delayed in reaching its final port. But, cruise lines typically have 24/7 hotlines to assist passengers with these travel issues—including the logistics of catching up to the ship at the next port or staying in a hotel overnight to wait for the next flight home. The catch? The financial burden of those additional travels could fall on you; it's important you read the ship's policy about these situations before you book.

Note that some cruise lines, like Carnival, will absorb the additional travel cost, depending on the reason for the missed departure. But if you really want to ensure you reach your ship on time, arrive a day or more before you set sail; and, on the return, plan to spend an extra night or two in your final port in order to make your flight home. And don't forget: You can also purchase travel insurance to mitigate the risks.

Cons to booking flights through cruise lines

You have far less flexibility

For standard air transportation bookings, the cruise line's agent will pick your flights, and you won’t have a choice when it comes to which airline you’ll fly, when you’ll fly, and whether or not you’ll fly direct or with a layover.