Q. Do any cruise lines offer air-inclusive fares, with the cruise fare and airfare packaged in one price? And if so, are they better prices than buying the cruise and airfare separately?

A. Yes, some cruise lines, such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, do offer air/cruise packages. Some call these deals “free airfare” packages, but it’s always a good idea to price the two elements separately to see if you’re really getting a bargain, and they’re sometimes offered only on the most expensive cabins. I once saw an air/cruise package on Seabourn Cruise Lines for a one-week sailing in Europe during the fall for $2199, and that was indeed a screaming bargain. You might find this discussion on the Cruise Critic website helpful. Whatever you do, I always recommend arriving at your cruise port at least one day (and preferably two days in winter) before sailing so that you won’t miss the boat due to airline delays or cancellations.

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