Flying to a Port ?

Some people have to FLY to get to a cruise port?

I live in the Tampa Bay area in Florida so needless to say, when it comes to cruising we are spoiled.  We have 5 Cruise Ports within 4 hours.  That isn't to say I never fly to a port however.  I have flown into New York for a Canadian cruise, Puerto Rico for a Southern Caribbean cruise, Baltimore for a special Journey cruise to Panama Canal and I am flying to France in two weeks.

It’s never a good situation when you miss a flight when connecting somewhere. It doesn’t matter if you’re leaving or heading back home, delays in flights that cause misconnection are nothing we want to face.There are certain precautions one should make or have their TA make:

1. Check the itinerary to ensure the legal minimum connecting time is met.
2. Check to ensure there is no change of airports, such as getting to Heathrow LHR and getting a connection in LGW London Gatwick.  Sometimes people don't realize how many airports are in one city!
3. Ensure that connections are purchased in the same ticket to allow baggage transfer. Use your own knowledge about the connecting airport, or do some research regarding distance between terminals and how easy it is to go from one to the other. Consider your passengers’ age and any physical limitations. For example, it’s not the same to go from terminal A to F if a passenger is young and athletic versus if a passenger is a mother with two, small children or if the passenger needs wheelchair assistance.
4. If possible avoid tight connections, giving extra time to guarantee the connection will occur.  It is better to sit down and enjoy a meal (or drink!) between flights than to be stressed and rushing.
5. Have alternate flights handy in case the connection is lost, which will shorten your time when dealing with the airline with a last-minute request.  Make sure you check other airlines, not just the one you are scheduled on.  Most times the airline will be able (if willing) to protect them on the next available flight, but the next flight could be the following day so have alternatives, especially for their "partners".
6. Nobody is under control of delays due to weather conditions. When the season is known to be tough, suggest to book longer connection times.  In the winter, allow ample time for snow delays especially for small airports without a lot of de-icing equipment.  In the south you will have tropical storms, rain, etc. during June-October.
7. Prior to any trip, ensure you review details carefully and ensure involuntary schedule changes have not interfered in your original booking and connecting times.
8. Make sure you take all emergency phone numbers for your cruise line, your TA's cell phone, etc.  

Most of all, try not to stress in situations you cannot control.  

Have a great trip and a wonderful cruise!