[Phinu]

I feel for you, but when flying for a cruise, we always try to fly the day before. Also if we need to drive more than two hours we drive the night before. Too many times especially with connecting flights there can be issues such as yours. You do not specify where you flew from, especially in winter, weather can be an issue because equipment and crews may be unable to get to where you are. I understand that that was not your problem.
The other alternative is to let your cruise line make your air arrangements, they will make sure you get to the ship. Either by another airline or they will fly you to the next port.