Royal Caribbean has rebranded how you can book a flight along with your cruise.
For years, the cruise line has offered an option to add a flight to your cruise through the Air2Sea program. Going forward, it will have a new name.
Travel agents were informed of the change on Monday.
Regardless of the name, it's one of the most useful tools for combining cruise and flight together, especially to take advantage of promotional discounts.
Here's what has changed about the program, and why I recommend using it when you're flying internationally.
Introducing Flights by Royal
Without much hoopla, Royal Caribbean confirmed it has changed the name of the Air2Sea program.
"The Royal Caribbean Air2Sea program has recently been renamed to Flights by Royal," a notice read in an update sent to travel agents.
It appears this is purely a name change only, and nothing about Flights by Royal is different from Air2Sea.
Royal Caribbean still advertises three major reasons to book your flight with the cruise line.
First and foremost, it has a Guaranteed Arrival feature. This means if anyone that books a flight with them and has a delayed or cancelled flight, Royal Caribbean has a team available 24/7 to assist in getting you on the ship, even if it means flying you to the next port.
If you booked a flight independently, you wouldn't have that option and would be on the hook for missing the cruise.
In fact, Royal Caribbean advertises if they cannot get you to the ship, you will receive a full flight refund and a future cruise credit
equal to the value of your cruise. Plus, the dedicated support team can also assist with flight rebooking, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation.
Another key benefit is they claim they offer the lowest prices for flights.
"Flights by Royal offers some of the most competitive refundable with fee, or fully non-refundable rates."
Plus, you have the choice of your preferred airlines. Every major global airline is offered on Flights by Royal.
My favorite benefit is the least known perk
While many people are aware you can book a flight with Royal Caribbean and they include the Guaranteed Arrival benefit, less know about the pay later option.
The FLEX Fare is a book now, pay later option.
The way it works is guests can reserve eligible flights with no money down when selecting a refundable (with fee) fare before their cruise final payment date.
By taking this option, you can cancel or change your flight without a cancellation or change fee up to the cruise final payment date for the specified sailing.
These fares also include Guaranteed Arrival protection and continue to deliver strong value in the market.
The majority of flights are eligible for the Flights by Royal FLEX Fare, which will be noted with a "Pay Later" option.
I love this option because it allows you book a cruise and lock in a flight price while still being able to take advantage of a flight price decrease later. Or change your mind without penalty.
Plus, you don't have to pay for your flight up front.
How to book a flight with Flights by Royal
There are three ways to book a flight with this rebranded program.
First, is ask your travel agent. They can do it all for you.
If you prefer, you can book it on your own online from their website.
Once on the website, you'll need your cruise confirmation number and you can view the airline schedules. From there, you can choose the airline, price and flight times that best fit your trip.
You may also book your flight by calling 844-278-9745. Representatives are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you want to look up prices before booking a cruise, you can browse current prices with a ship and sail date in mind. Flight prices are subject to change and you won't be able to book a flight until you have a cruise confirmation number.
Save up to $250 off flights to Europe and Alaska
If you need another incentive to try Flights by Royal, how about free money?
Royal Caribbean will offer up to $250 per person for flights you combine with Europe, Alaska, and select Repos/Trans sailings departing between March 15, 2026 - November 2, 2026
The flights must be booked between now and June 6, 2026.
Here's how the discount works:
- Alaska itineraries
- $50 USD per person for Economy and Premium Economy Class seats
- $100 USD per person for First and Business Class seats
- Europe itineraries
- $100 USD per person for Economy
- $150 USD per person for Premium Economy Class seats
- $250 USD per person for First and Business Class seats
- Alaska Open Jaw itineraries
- $100 USD per person for all Class seat airfares
Guest must be booked outside of 150 days to sailings for Europe, Repos/Trans and Alaska excluding Open Jaw itinerary sailings. Guests on Alaska Open Jaw itinerary sailings may book inside or outside 150 days to sailing. These offers are applicable to all airlines.
