Deviation

Have reviewed this Thread, and all its nuances as to deviations, charges, doing one's own-air, and so-on. Bottom line is to find way(s) to minimize costs while flying First/Business Class from Home to embarkation port; then similar from debarkation part to Home. Particularly when adding-on stays at the embarkation port.

This was our (spouse and self) experience, which may or may not be replicated again due to continual changes in airline policies regarding contracts with cruise companies. It does dovetail, in part, with portions of others' experiences detailed above. Guess we were fortunate. But, we had the advantage of utilizing a very-savvy TA.

December, 2015. This was a Regent Mariner Cape Town to Rio cruise with lots of nuances. "Deviations" were not a problem. No additional charges were incurred while using Regent's air on all segments. First Class both getting to Cape Town from Seattle; and returning from Rio. Top service with no glitches both coming and going.

Delta N/S to Amsterdam. This was a red-eye, of course. Then, 2 1/2 hours refreshing ourselves in KLM's Lounge. Boarded a N/S KLM flight to Cape Town. Yes, another long haul. It was worth it.

Can confirm the wisdom of arriving very-early at the ultimate embarkation port, particularly if this is Cape Town. Our TA suggested three days on our own at a port-side hotel (Victoria and Alfred). That hotel's limo met us at the airport. Toured the area on our own to the usual spots, and assistance from the hotel's concierge.

Fourth day--transported to Regent's hotel (can't remember the name) in the downtown area. One night there before joining our group of seven other couples for a flight to Port Elizabeth and that safari. Then, back to Cape Town to begin the cruise.

The remainder of our itinerary followed the script--to a point. Our TA suggested another "deviation". This was when to depart Rio at the end of the cruise. Rather than wait for a next-day flight, we were rebooked on a red-eye late on the last evening aboard the ship. Delta N/S to Atlanta. Another opportunity for using Delta's Lounge; then N/S to Seattle. Again, no charge for this change.

We are planning another, similar situation for 2019 or 2020. Probably will not be as fortunate as to deviation charges. One never knows. But certainly, enlist a competent TA in the quest.

GOARMY!

GOARMY, thank you for sharing your experience. I'm curious what the seats were like on your flights as we try to avoid U.S. based airlines whenever possible.

Travelcat: The best I can remember is:

Delta seats SEATAC to Amsterdam were such that everyone had separate access to an aisle--like 1-2-1, or some-such. KLM seats, Amsterdam to Cape Town on a wide body: 2-aisle-4-aisle-2. This was a last-minute change in aircraft at Amsterdam due to some mechanical problem with the original aircraft. Walking aboard--we were a bit disappointed not to see the expected layout, which would have been the same as the above flight. But, still First Class service, and we had two seats on the side. Again, stuff happens. And--all seats reclined 180 degrees. So, managed to get some sleep.

One interesting aspect is that on this 12 1/2 hour flight--no time changes. Almost straight north to south.

Delta First Class from Rio to Atlanta were 2-aisle-2. Pretty much as for a domestic flight. Same from Atlanta to Seattle--2-aisle-2.

GOARMY!