Flights within Europe

[sunnysask]

We are flying to Paris for a couple of days prior to a Mediterranean cruise next September. Since it is only a 2 hour flight to Rome and we have toured Rome previously for a few days post cruise in the past we opted to fly in the day of the cruise this time. I'm hoping I haven't made mistake by assuming we should be alright flying in the morning of the cruise. We have several options for flights with Air France or Alitalia that would arrive between noon and 2 pm and our cruise departs at 7pm. Just wondering if anyone has done this? :confused:

[Flatbush Flyer]

We are flying to Paris for a couple of days prior to a Mediterranean cruise next September. Since it is only a 2 hour flight to Rome and we have toured Rome previously for a few days post cruise in the past we opted to fly in the day of the cruise this time. I'm hoping I haven't made mistake by assuming we should be alright flying in the morning of the cruise. We have several options for flights with Air France or Alitalia that would arrive between noon and 2 pm and our cruise departs at 7pm. Just wondering if anyone has done this? :confused:

 

 

Flights from A to B anywhere in the world are subject to the same potential issues. I haven't done what you've cited because I would never fly to a embarkation port (anywhere) on day of departure.

[Cruise Junky]

I wouldn't even drive from Positano the same day the cruise left, we came up the night before. Keep in mind that you're still a long way from the port when you land at the airport. How do you plan on getting there? Where is the first port? I'm sure a lot of people will do it, but it's outside my comfort zone. Are there any earlier options? there must be some early morning flights?

[brian1]

I see Easyjet have 3 flights a day to FCO from Orly.That might give more flexibilty and also less cost.

[Colo Cruiser]

We are flying to Paris for a couple of days prior to a Mediterranean cruise next September. Since it is only a 2 hour flight to Rome and we have toured Rome previously for a few days post cruise in the past we opted to fly in the day of the cruise this time. I'm hoping I haven't made mistake by assuming we should be alright flying in the morning of the cruise. We have several options for flights with Air France or Alitalia that would arrive between noon and 2 pm and our cruise departs at 7pm. Just wondering if anyone has done this? :confused:

 

We have done this in the past but only with flights booked through Princess for the next port protection. ;)

[sunnysask]

Alitalia has a 7 am flight that arrives at 9 am also a 10:55 and 12:30 flights. We plan on using RomeinLimo for transfers we used them last time and they were great.

 

I was also considering Princess air, but am not sure if they will do just the one way from Paris. It won't let me choose that option online so I will have to call them. Our transatlantic flight are already booked.

[sunnysask]

I was also considering Princess air, but am not sure if they will do just the one way from Paris. It won't let me choose that option online so I will have to call them. Our transatlantic flight are already booked.

 

I just talked to Princess and they can't do air from Paris.....oh well, lesson learned, I shouldn't have assumed that option. I will have to keep my fingers crossed.

[Corfe Mixture]

We are flying to Paris for a couple of days prior to a Mediterranean cruise next September. Since it is only a 2 hour flight to Rome and we have toured Rome previously for a few days post cruise in the past we opted to fly in the day of the cruise this time. I'm hoping I haven't made mistake by assuming we should be alright flying in the morning of the cruise. We have several options for flights with Air France or Alitalia that would arrive between noon and 2 pm and our cruise departs at 7pm. Just wondering if anyone has done this? :confused:

 

My advice would be not to do it on the day. Industrial unrest in France has been a bit dodgy for a few years now and there are regular strikes on the trains and, more relevant to you, with the air traffic controllers which seem to result in cancellations three or four days a year but so far this year there have been fourteen sets of strikes with the most recent being in September

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37367317

 

Next May there is a French Presidential election and it is expected that the current socialist President, will lose.

 

The last time there was a switch from the socialists to the centre right, this triggered a lot of strikes, including one at the port of La Rochelle which focussed on damaging the tourist economy without inconveniencing the local residents and resulted in the cruise lines removing La Rochelle from their schedules for almost five years.

 

So given the current state of French industrial relations, and the timing of the election, I would be wary of planning flights out of France on the day you have to arrive in Rome.

[Viv0828]

If you fly in the day of your cruise, I would land before noon and have a prearranged ride to the port.

 

If you have extra time, you could check in for your cruise and then stroll around the port city.

 

 

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[iancal]

We do this quite frequently but never fly in the day of. Usually at least one day early. The only exception is when the the ship remains docked for a day as it has on several of our Med cruises commencing in Istanbul.

 

We do not like Princess air. We find it very restrictive. We often want to fly one way, or fly to the destination prior to our cruise destination or similar after the cruise that is not our home airport.. You might want to try Air Transat, Icelandair, Aer Lingus for an open jaw flight and then arrange your own flight within Europe. Try the matrix it, skyscanner, or kayak sights for some routings/prices.

 

There are lots of inexpensive flights in Europe. Often the major carriers are just as, or more competitive than the discount airlines.

[The Wilkies]

As said one thing to consider is the inclination for French air traffic controllers to go on strike which they seem to do regularly. Air France has its moments as well.

 

Only ever flown Air France once. We checked in at Santiago (wouldn't let us do it online!). Change at CDG. It was only luck that I checked my onward boarding card which showed a layover of 27 hours, rather than 3. Turned out Air France were on strike, but no-one bothered to tell us. After much complaining, we "only" spent 10 hours in Paris. Never again.

 

Go the day before. Better for the blood pressure!!

[-Lew-]

We flew from CDG to FCO on October 7th on Alitalia...flight 333 at 12:40pm...in order to board the Royal TA the following day. I booked the flight on the Alitalia well in advance at a cost of $74.60US pp.

 

We left CDG over an hour late, but since we were embarking the following day there were no worries. We would never fly in the day of a cruise.

 

By the way, checkin at the airport is done by Air France and they weigh everything! Checked luggage, of course, is weighed, as-well-as all carryons...including luggage, backpacks, purses, etc...so check the luggage limits and be prepared.

 

Incidentally, in Paris we used Easy Go Shuttle to and from CDG...they were excellent. The charge was €55,00 flat rate.

 

In Rome we used RomeCabs as usual from FCO to our Rome hotel and then to Civitavecchia the next day. They're excellent!

 

[sunnysask]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions.

 

We've decided to fly in the day before. Now we just have to check out hotels in Civitavecchia.

[srpilo]

I don't see a problem flying inter-Europe the same day.. If by chance there a problem and you miss the ship, the "catch up" in the Med to the next port is usually fairly close. Unlike the USA and the Jones act, there no problem in Europe about catching your ship in the next port.

 

But as far airlines, I'd choose Air France over Alitalia every time

Srpilo

[sammiedawg]

Easy Jet has very early AM flights Orly airport to Rome. They fly into one of the secondary Rome airports. We've flown in from Paris the day of, arriving in Rome by 9am.

We've used Rome Cabs, very reliable.

Some people take a transfer bus to Termini, then they pick up the train to Civitivecchia as a less expensive option.

 

We rarely fly in the day of a cruise but in Europe this is like flying from NYC to Atlanta.

Paris is well worth all the time you can muster.

As previously mentioned there are many airlines doing this route. I would find something departing Paris by 7 am to allow a time cushion.

[OzKiwiJJ]

Another option is the overnight train to Rome. Much less hassle than flying. You can book sleeper compartments and you'll be served a light breakfast in the morning (croissant and coffee), also there is a restaurant on board for dinner. It's a lovely way to travel from Paris into Italy. We've done overnights to both Rome and Venice. You can find out more about train travel in Europe here http://www.seat61.com/

Edited November 4, 2016 by OzKiwiJJ

[brian1]

Easy Jet has very early AM flights Orly airport to Rome. They fly into one of the secondary Rome airports. We've flown in from Paris the day of, arriving in Rome by 9am.

We've used Rome Cabs, very reliable.

Some people take a transfer bus to Termini, then they pick up the train to Civitivecchia as a less expensive option.

 

We rarely fly in the day of a cruise but in Europe this is like flying from NYC to Atlanta.

Paris is well worth all the time you can muster.

As previously mentioned there are many airlines doing this route. I would find something departing Paris by 7 am to allow a time cushion.

Easyjet fly into FCO which is the main airport.Having said that the transport links from both airports are good.

[-Lew-]

 

But as far airlines, I'd choose Air France over Alitalia every time

I agree; however, on the date we traveled all Air France flights were operated by Alitalia.

 

[iancal]

We typically avoid carriers like Ryanair or Easyjet.

 

Our experience in Europe is that quite often we get fares on BA, TAP, Air Malta, Aegean, Lufthansa etc. that are less expensive than some of the discount airlines when you take into account the bottom line fare after all charges. Even more so on very crowded and competitive routes. Plus, the airport selections are sometimes better choices for getting to the city.

[travelers07]

The Hilton at the Rome airport was very nice. Good breakfast and then they set us up with a limo to Civi. You can walk to the Hilton but it was a bit of a hike after a long day. Just follow the signs along the side of the parking garage.

 

We even met a very nice couple who were on our cruise. Hung out with them and even changed dinner seating to their available table.

 

 

 

 

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[Cruise Junky]

The Hilton at the Rome airport was very nice. Good breakfast and then they set us up with a limo to Civi. You can walk to the Hilton but it was a bit of a hike after a long day. Just follow the signs along the side of the parking garage.

 

We even met a very nice couple who were on our cruise. Hung out with them and even changed dinner seating to their available table.

 

 

 

 

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We stayed at the Hilton in May before driving down to Positano. It was great.

[sunnysask]

Once again thank all of you for your input....

 

We will have two full days in Paris and will fly out the next morning/early afternoon to Rome.

 

Romecabs is a little cheaper than RomeinLimo and seems to get good reviews here

 

We've decided to just go right to Civitavecchia upon landing in Rome and the Miramare hotel should be ok for the one night prior to the cruise.

 

AirFrance or Alitalia also seem our best option for choices for times etc and will likely book something soon with them. Their baggage is much more restrictive than Air Canada. We travel with carryon only but it appears we will have to check a bag on AF/Alitalia

[cruisequeen4ever]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions.

 

 

 

We've decided to fly in the day before. Now we just have to check out hotels in Civitavecchia.

 

 

So glad you decided to go with the safe option! You'll be so much more relaxed on vaca as a result.

 

 

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[easyboy]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions.

 

We've decided to fly in the day before. Now we just have to check out hotels in Civitavecchia.

That was a smart move. You can now enjoy a stress-free pre-cruise Paris vacation