Page 14 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – September/October 2019

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Congratulations! You’ve decided to set sail on your first cruise. You got your destination picked out and booked your cruise — but now what? Check out the list below to help prepare you in the months before your adventure begins.
Six or more months prior to your cruise
• Purchase travel insurance. Whether it’s to cover foreseeable issues or protecting your investment from unexpected problems, it’s good to be covered...just in case.
• Make sure your passport is updated. Passports can take up to six weeks to receive in the mail.
Three to four months prior to your cruise
• Book flights and pre- or post-night hotel stays.
• Research shore excursions. Cruise lines feature
a wide variety of on-shore excursions, like
snorkeling or hiking through the rainforest.
• Pay your final bills.
Two months prior to your cruise
• Book shore excursions. Yes, you can book shore excursions on the cruise, however that flightseeing tour you’ve been dreaming of may be sold out once you get onboard.
• Shop for large-ticket items, such as wardrobe and luggage. Peruse your wardrobe for destination appropriate attire — don’t
forget formal nights onboard! Inspect your
luggage and if there are any tears or its in poor condition, plan on purchasing a new set.
One month to two weeks prior to your cruise
• Research your ship and destination ports. Don’t cruise blind or you’ll end up in a large- sized port, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do for the next eight hours.
• Make arrangements for your home while you’re gone. Go online and set dates for the post office to hold your mail and check with your newspaper service, too.
• Create a packing list. Keep in mind that your cruise may have multiple ports, which means multiple weather forecasts, and always consider on-shore excursions (such as hiking boots for a nature walk) when creating your list.
One week prior to your cruise
• Leave your travel information and a copy of your passport with a family member or close friend.
• Call your bank and credit cards to alert them
of your travel plans.
• Print any boarding documents or other
information you will need about your cruise.
The day before your cruise
• Charge all electronics — don’t forget to pack the chargers!
• Double-check everything on your packing list. Throw last items in your suitcase and make sure you have everything you need in your carry-on: passport, cash, credit cards, documents, etc.
• Get a good night’s rest. With the anticipation of your adventure, it may be hard to get a full eight hours of sleep, but getting a good sleep is key to starting your vacation on the right foot.
AAA Travel Agents can assist you in the planning process, taking the stress away from you and making your vacation smooth sailing. Contact your AAA Travel Agent at (800) 222-1469, visit AAA.com/Travel, or stop by your local AAA office.
The Amplified Oasis of the Seas® Sailing from Cape Liberty starting May 2020
Sailing 7 night family adventures to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
AAA VACATIONS® AMENITIES*
Only on Royal Caribbean® • Any Ship, Any Sailing
ÌPriority Check-In on day of boarding
ÌComplimentary Bottle of Wine delivered to your stateroom
ÌSpecialty Dining Experience for Two — Balcony and above
ÌMember Benefit — Complimentary specialty lunch for two onboard any 7 night or longer sailing when you book a Balcony or above.
Contact your AAA Travel Advisor to book today! 1-800-222-1469 or AAA.com/Travel
*See your Travel Advisor for complete offer details. Royal Amplified experiences vary by ship. Images and messaging for Oasis of the Seas® reflect current design concepts and may include artistic renderings and/or images of other Oasis Class and Voyager Class ships. All ship features, experiences and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Royal Amplified and Amplified are trademarks of Royal Caribbean. Features vary by ship. ©2019 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 19069568 • 8/13/2019
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019