Page 8 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – March/April 2018

AAA
By Sandy Fenton
TM
Let’s Talk Travel
Cruising
Overview
Holland America Line Oceania Cruises Regent Seven Seas Royal Caribbean International Seabourn
2I 0 1 8
f this is your year to take that well-deserved cruise
vacation, you are not alone. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), global demand for cruising is expected to reach 27.2 million passengers in 2018 – a two-million increase since 2017.
Due to ongoing popularity and steady growth, 2018 will see 27 new ocean, river and specialty ships being launched around the world.
Below is a list of top cruising trends for 2018:
• Cruisers using experienced travel agents report a higher level of satisfaction.
• River cruising demand (among all ages) continues to increase in Europe, Asia and the U.S.
• Colder climate destinations such as the Baltics, Alaska, Canada and Antarctica are more popular than ever.
• Off-the-beaten-path adventure travel, luxury adventure and expedition ships to Antarctica, Galapagos and Alaska remains popular.
• Skip-gen cruising – Multigenerational cruising will increase, however the “skip-generation” trips with grandparents and grandchildren (without their parents) is on the rise.
• Younger demographics and all-income brackets will continue to cruise, especially in the mass- market, shorter-cruise itineraries.
• Celebrity chefs and specialty dining, particularly in the luxury brands, continue to rival the best restaurants and dining experiences on land.
• Smart (and easy-to-use) travel technology will be on more ships.
• The convenience of driving to ships makes home ports increasingly appealing.
• Mass and premium market cruise lines will include more amenities by offering special packages to be purchased prior to boarding.
Before you book your cruise vacation, sit down and talk with your favorite AAA travel agent. You need to know you are getting on the right ship, at the right price for you and your family. Ask about all special sales, promotions and AAA member discounts. Ask about any 2- for-1 fares; free or discounted air programs (including premium and
business class); what the onboard incentives and complimentary dining choices are; what is “really” included and what is the onboard entertainment/ shore excursions during your specific itinerary.
Cruising is considered the most seamless and overall vacation value for your hard-earned dollar. Compare all the costs – then you decide.
With more choices than ever before, below is a sampling of some of my favorite ocean cruise lines that I have experienced and recommend.
ROYAL CARIBBeAn InteRnAtIOnAL – There’s a reason Royal Caribbean continues to be a family favorite and considered the best in the industry for hard-to-please teens. With more “wow” effects than you can imagine and many itineraries, such as the Caribbean and Bermuda, on sale, Royal Caribbean is easy and convenient, with year-round sailings from Baltimore and New Jersey. If you’re looking for 24/7 entertainment and activities, you’ve found it. AAA has a five-night group cruise to Bermuda (roundtrip Cape Liberty, NJ) in August.
hOLLAnd AMeRICA LIne – For more than 140 years Holland America has been a leader in the premium cruising category with mid-size to large ships with gracious service. Holland America was the first cruise line in Alaska – 70 years longer
than Alaska has been a U.S. state. A terrific multi- generational cruise vacation, Holland America has many sailings on sale, particularly in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. Check out the AAA group cruises to Alaska this June on the m/s Nieuw Amsterdam and July on the m/s Westerdam.
OCeAnIA CRUISeS – With elegant mid-size ships, Oceania is considered a premium-plus category with fine dining offerings under the direction of Master Chef Jacque Pepin. Oceania is an excellent choice for adults wanting a traditional, gracious and upscale sailing. Ask about “O-Life Choices” and special sailings to Alaska, Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. This June, AAA has a group sailing to the Caribbean from Miami to New York, and in August to New England, Canada and Bermuda – roundtrip New York.
ReGent SeVen SeAS – This is the most all-inclusive cruise line in the luxury market. Regent Seven Seas offers spacious suites and an outstanding level of service. Special savings throughout 2018 feature all- inclusive Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Asia cruises with land programs, business-class air, onboard credit, and so much more. Ask about special kids pricing this summer and the new free valet laundry services.
SeABOURn – Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Seabourn is an award-winning, ultra-luxury, all- inclusive small ship cruise line for upscale and sophisticated travelers. The Seabourn fleet has taken onboard dining to a new level with its ongoing partnership with world-renowned American chef and restauranteur Thomas Keller. Seabourn’s 2018 Signature Savings Event features exceptional savings and an array of value-added amenities throughout the year, especially in the Caribbean, Alaska and Asia. Ask about “Spa and Wellness Cruises” with Dr. Andrew Weil and “Ventures by Seabourn” adventure excursions on select voyages.
Let’s Talk Travel with AAA,” hosted by Sandy Fenton, is broadcast Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on iHeartMedia’s WHP580. For more information, go to whp580.com and click on the link to “Let’s Talk Travel.
8
march/april 2018 – Discoveries eDition
Now!