Page 4 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – July/August 2017

AAA
TM
Cruising in a Kaleidoscope of Cultures
Cuba, the Caribbean, Panama Canal and the Pacific
By Craig Haberle, CTC
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JULY/AUGUST 2017 – DISCOVERIES EDITION
When Havana, Cuba, is your first port of call, you know this is no ordinary cruise. Yes, “the times, they are a-changing;” now you can cruise to Cuba for a full one-day visit before sailing south to link two oceans with a complete transit of the Panama Canal and make port calls in countries along the Pacific Coast. All this is featured aboard Oceania Cruises’ luxurious and intimate Regatta in May 2018 on a unique 16-day voyage that displays a kaleidoscope of cultures in seven foreign countries.
Your cruise vacation actually begins right
in Central Pennsylvania with AAA’s included motorcoach transportation to Philadelphia Airport for the flight to Miami to board Oceania Cruises’ remarkable and refined Regatta. Among the maximum of only 684 guests, you receive
the responsive attention of 400 devoted staff. Prepare to be pampered with personalized service and gourmet dining as exceptional as are this ship’s elegant décor, lovely lounges and superbly comfortable staterooms.
Havana, a port forbidden to U.S. citizens for more than 50 years, can now be your first stop following Regatta’s overnight passage from Miami. Said to be “the door to Cuba’s soul,” the city of Havana and
its citizens generously share sultry rhythms and colorful culture with visitors. You can promenade along the waterfront Malecón esplanade and wander down its colonial cobblestone alleyways while surveying buildings representing centuries of architectural styles and eyeing American-made autos from long-past decades. You can observe the hand-rolling of cigars, or sip a daiquiri at El Floridita – a favorite among Hemingway’s haunts.
Your voyage takes you to the northern coast of South America at the port of Cartagena, Colombia.
Havana, Cuba Cartagena, Colombia
The city’s famous hill-top Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fortress was originally built in the 16th century and overlooks the city and its bays. An aquarium on nearby Islas del Rosario presents dolphin shows and features local sealife exhibits.
Fortunate for you, Regatta is scheduled for
the preferred daylight transit of the complete Panama Canal from the Caribbean to the
Pacific, and includes multiple locks and the crossing of Gatun Lake during this impressive
8- to 10-hour navigation. Fascinating on-board presentations about the incredible Panama Canal reveal its extensive multi-faceted history and its contemporary developments.
Now cruising in the Pacific Ocean, you arrive at Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Opportunities abound to visit a mountain rainforest, spectacular waterfalls and butterfly gardens, or perhaps ride horseback through a tropical forest while watching for native species including monkeys and colorful birds. A tour is available to the capital city of
San Jose, where the grand Opera House and National Museum are major attractions.
Regatta continues cruising north along the Pacific Coast for you to arrive at San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua. This country, known as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” can be visited on tours to colonial towns for their markets with locally made crafts and horse-drawn carriage rides. For more adventurous travelers, there is fishing, sailing or a treetop tour, but perhaps relaxing on a beautiful beach is your preference today.
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, gives you access to attractive Antigua, where bountiful bougainvillea bedecks buildings from the Colonial era when this preserved city was the country’s capital. Travel
San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
past verdant volcanoes to Lake Atitlan, where indigenous people maintain their traditional culture and crafts. A flight can transport you to the tall temples at Tikal, the Mayan capital shrouded in jungle foliage.
A day at sea leads to your first port in Mexico – Acapulco, renowned for its cliff divers. Stroll
the beach strands lining the spectacular bay; perhaps visit the Chapel of Peace. Travel to the highland town of Taxco, renowned for its silver jewelry artisans.
Next in Mexico is Cabo San Lucas, whose rugged coastline and desert landscapes belie its marvelous gardens and sophisticated resorts. There are quiet coves for snorkeling, kayaks for paddling, and tequilas for tasting. Step back in time to old world Mexico at nearby San Jose del Cabo.
Round out your cruise with two days at sea to indulge your favorites of the luxury life aboard Oceania. Upon arrival in San Francisco, you share goodbyes and bon voyages with Regatta’s staff, then board the eastbound flight whose arrival is awaited by AAA’s motorcoach to return you to Central Pennsylvania from a wonderful voyage that bridged oceans and cultures.
This new once-a-year voyage with Oceania Cruises has limited availability, so please contact your AAA Travel Agent very soon to select and reserve your stateroom aboard Regatta
for May 6 – 22, 2018.
Now!