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Quite often, river cruisers would like a few days to adjust to the time zone differences from their home to the port of embarkation of their cruise and to provide a cushion in the event of flight delays or cancellations that could affect their arrival in time for departure of the cruise. Many people don't want to do a long, grueling flight and go directly to the port, get on the ship and start their cruise immediately. They like to take some time to explore the embarkation city and surrounding area to experience the history, culture, shopping and cuisine of the area in a more relaxed and informal way. A pre-cruise package is a perfect way to do this.
Conversely, a post cruise package can allow you to see and do more than the cruise provide. For many people, it may be the only time they will be able to take such an extensive trip and faced with the possibility they may never come back to the area they want to see as much as possible. Also, you may want to visit a distant city or site that would not be any part of the river cruise itinerary and requires additional time to accommodate that.
Pre and post cruise packages can either be done through the river cruise line or done independently. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. One of the major factors that influence this decision is whether you are doing your airfare through the cruise line as part of a package or whether you are booking your air independently.
If you are booking your air through the cruise line, it is more convenient and sometimes more economical to book your pre or post package with the cruise line to avoid air deviation charges and take advantage of group pricing the cruise line might have. It also reduces the hassle of getting transfers, independent tours, hotels and overall, leads to a smoothly coordinated process. Cruise line pre-and post-packages may be limited as far as the options available, but assuming it meets your needs, it is a good way to go.
If you are booking your own flights, it gives you maximum flexibility to create your own custom itinerary that works best for you and allows you to do the things you are most interested in. You can extend your trip by as much or as little as you want and deviate away from places not accessible from the river. For independent travelers who want maximum control of their time and activities, booking pre and post packages independently may be the way to go. We can assist with our preferred independent tour operators if you like or you can do it all on your own.
Pre and post river cruise packages can greatly enhance your overall experience and if your budget allows for it, it is well worth it.
