Travel Deal of the Day (Nov. 27, 2006)

Thinking about going on a cruise? When booking a cruise, many people just book the airfare that is offered by the cruise line without checking airfare rates. The cruise price quoted to you may include an optional air portion that you can find cheaper on your own.

The Deal:
Check airfares before purchasing the airfare offered by your cruise.

How:
Search traditional booking channels for the best available airfare. It sounds obvious, but many people ignore the fact that while the cruise rate may be a deal, the optional airfare offered by the cruise can be more expensive than booking on your own. Always check to see if the cruise line has added in optional airfare at a price that is higher than you can book on your own.

The Inside Scoop:
Remember to get to your cruise port at least 24 hours before your cruise is scheduled to depart. The cruise will not wait for you and airline delays are very frequent.