The travel world has expressed concerns about the tie-up between Costa Cruises and the Irish Low Cost Carrier everyone loves to hate -  Ryanair.  The three-year deal will see the Italian cruise line featured exclusively on the airline’s website and more than 50 Ryanair routes connecting to Costa departure points.

The industry appears to be questioning how the deal will impact Costa’s reputation, with some tour agents asking why anyone would want to team up with Ryanair, given the LCC’s reputation for quality and reliability.  The effect of Ryanair flights being cancelled or delayed, as frequently happens, is not an issue when you just end up getting to your hotel a couple of hours late.  But it’s no use getting to the port a couple of hours after the cruise ship has sailed!  Ryanair’s strict baggage allowance and excess luggage charges may also have an impact on cruise passengers who may begin to realise just how difficult it is to “pack light” for a cruise.