The Bay Area is home to one of the largest communities of airline people in the country. SFO is a United hub, and crews, gate agents, mechanics and retirees from many airlines live from the Peninsula to the East Bay. If that is you, interline cruise rates can be a real perk, and you have a cruise agency right here at home. The Cruise Company is based in Woodside, and we help airline employees, retirees and their families book interline cruises with no booking fees.
1. What interline cruise rates are
Many cruise lines offer special fares to airline employees, retirees and eligible family members. Rules are set by each cruise line: who qualifies, which sailings and cabins are included, and what proof you need. Interline fares can be a great value, but they are not always the lowest price, so we compare them with public fares and current promotions before you book. See interline eligibility by cruise line for the details.
2. Why book interline with a Bay Area agency
- No booking fees. You pay the cruise fare. Our help costs nothing extra.
- One advisor who knows you. The same person handles your quote, your booking and any changes, instead of a different agent every time you call.
- Honest comparisons. We check the interline rate against public fares, past-guest offers and promotions, and tell you which is better.
- Price Drop Promise. If the fare drops before final payment, we rebook you at the lower price when the cruise line allows it. See our Price Drop Promise.
- Local know-how. We sail from Pier 27 ourselves and know the West Coast ports well.
3. Sail from home, no standby needed
The easiest interline cruise is one where you do not have to fly at all. Ships sail from San Francisco to Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii and along the Pacific Coast, so you can skip listing for flights completely. See our guide to no-fly cruises from San Francisco and the Pier 27 terminal guide.
4. Popular ports to fly to from the Bay Area
| Port | Main itineraries | Why it works for airline travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle & Vancouver | Alaska, spring to early fall | Short flights with many daily options from SFO, OAK and SJC |
| Los Angeles, Long Beach & San Diego | Mexican Riviera, Baja, Pacific Coast, some Hawaii | Very short flights, and you can drive if flights look full |
| Miami, Fort Lauderdale & Port Canaveral | Caribbean and Bahamas, year-round | The most sailings anywhere, with lots of flights into Florida airports |
| Galveston (Houston) | Western Caribbean and Mexico | Houston is a United hub, about an hour’s drive from the Galveston terminals |
| Europe | Mediterranean, Northern Europe, river cruises | Fly in two or three days early and enjoy the city before you sail |
Flying standby to the ship? Read our guide to planning a cruise around non-rev flights before you book.
5. How it works
- Request access. Fill in our short interline access form. With an airline work email, you can be approved right away. Otherwise our office confirms your eligibility, usually within one business day.
- Log in and ask for a quote. Members can see interline offers and send a quote request for any line, ship or date.
- We compare and book. Your advisor checks interline availability against public fares, then books the best option and helps you send proof of eligibility to the cruise line.
6. Common questions
Do you charge a booking fee for interline cruises? No. We do not charge booking fees for interline cruises or any other cruise.
Can my family use interline rates? Often, yes, but each cruise line sets its own rules on spouses, parents, children and travel companions. Our eligibility page covers the main lines, and we will confirm for your sailing.
I’m retired. Do I still qualify? Many cruise lines include airline retirees. Choose “Retired employee” when you request access and we will check for you.
Already a member? Log in. New here? Request interline access or call 1-800-988-6444.
