Page 12 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – July/August 2017

AAA
A Florida Fling with a Bahamas Breakaway
TM
Aboard a Mid-Holiday Fun Cruise
By Craig Haberle, CTC
Of course you’ll need a break between Thanksgiving and Christmas! Just jump on AAA’s motorcoach to the Baltimore pier to board a holiday celebration cruise from November 26 - December 3, 2017. During two days of sailing south aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s popular Carnival Pride, you’ll quickly switch from too-much-to-do at home to so-much-fun at sea. Your shipboard resort gives you choices of dining from an American steakhouse and a European classic restaurant to a Japanese sushi garden and a Mexican cantina. Entertainment is non-stop, from pool parties and sing-alongs
to a comedy club and colorfully costumed stage shows. For children, there is a host of supervised age-appropriate activities, plus on-deck play spaces and a waterslide, while parents can escape to the adults-only Serenity Retreat or slip away to the spa.
Your first port of call is central Florida’s Port Canaveral, from which you can visit Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center, or even the Everglades.
On Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach has miles
of sand and surf plus unique shops and cafés,
and starred as the home town for astronauts in
the fantasy “I Dream of Jeannie” television series. Nearby is Kennedy Space Center, where NASA’s glorious history is on display; walk through its “Rocket Garden” to be aside massive Apollo and Gemini-era rockets. Imagine adventures as an astronaut when you board a full-size replica of the Space Shuttle Explorer and look inside authentic spacecraft that have actually orbited Earth. The Everglades offer exciting and educational insights while deep in this natural wilderness aboard an airboat tour. While gliding over a sea of grasses, watch for alligators, tropical birds, and other native wildlife in this pristine fresh water eco-system.
The Bahamas beckon you to the turquoise waters, balmy breezes and broad beaches of your next
two cruise ports. Your first stop is Nassau, on the Bahamas’ New Providence Island. This capital of the island group reflects its traditional British heritage
as well as a contemporary vacation vibe. Wander around in this freshly attractive town and then take a walk or taxi ride across the causeway to upscale Paradise Island to arrive at the fantastic Atlantis resort complex. You can enjoy this ocean-themed extravaganza with its a 141-acre waterscape of fresh and salt water lagoons, marine habitats, pools, water slides and river rides, all surrounded by beaches and a select variety of hotels with diverse restaurants and a casino. Explore the resort’s hidden grottos with enormous windows for spectacular underwater views into 14 lagoons that are home to 250 marine
species, including stingrays, sharks and dolphins. During your Nassau port day, countless choices
of activities abound. Swim with dolphins, sea lions and rays. Sail aboard a catamaran; snorkel, snuba or scuba. Climb the Queen’s Staircase; saunter through the Ardastra Gardens, home of pink flamingos. For
a different view of the island, parasail, Segway and ATV rides also are available. Shopping venues span the gamut from upscale international boutiques to local handicraft markets.
Pirate-themed breweries and taverns, casual cafes, and waterfront watering holes will gladly serve you refreshments. If all you really want is a relaxing day in the sun at the beach, there are plenty of options for soft sand and gentle surf.
Your next stop is Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, where your vacation gets into full swing! Sail aboard a yacht, snorkel the reef, swim with dolphins, soak up some sun. Try your luck with deep sea or bottom fishing; or, if you want to be guaranteed to catch some fish (with your camera), go for a glass bottom boat ride. Tour the island by bike, kayak or Jeep. Stroll the
Garden of the Groves, shop for treasures and sip tropical drinks. All this and more lure you ashore
at Freeport. At these two popular ports, you’ll see for yourself why “It’s Better in the Bahamas!” Then, there is a day and a half of cruising north – featuring shipboard fun, food, and frivolity – and you are back in Baltimore, with AAA’s motorcoach waiting to whisk you home to celebrate a merry Christmas and happy New Year.
FLORIDA & BAHAMAS CRUISE
November 26 – December 3, 2017 From $789
per person, double occupancy
CRUISE ITINERARY: Baltimore, Maryland
At Sea (2 days)
Port Canaveral, Florida Nassau, The Bahamas Freeport, The Bahamas At Sea
INCLUDED FEATURES:
• Free parking with round-trip transfers to
the Port of Baltimore
• Seven nights aboard the Carnival Pride
• All onboard meals and entertainment
(specialty restaurants have nominal fees)
• Welcome reception
• Baggage handling
• AAA group leader
For more information or reservations, contact your local AAA Central Penn office.
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JULY/AUGUST 2017 – DISCOVERIES EDITION
Now!