Page 13 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – March/April 2019

TRAVEL AGENCY
It’s a Fact: Cruisers using experienced travel agents report a higher level of satisfaction.
Before you book your cruise vacation, sit down and talk with a AAA cruise expert. 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 added amenities. Ask about AAA member benefits, any 2 for 1 fares, free or discounted air programs (including premium and business class), what is “really” included, and what the onboard entertainments and shore excursions are during your itinerary.
Ask about the onboard attire. Proper dining attire varies from ship to ship, depending on the itinerary and length of the voyage. Most cruise lines have relaxed their dress codes, but no one wants to get dressed up for dinner and find they are sitting next to another couple wearing t-shirts and sweatpants.
I also recommend flying to your embarkation port the day before the cruise and ask about all pre- and post-cruise hotel packages.
With more choices than ever before, below is a sampling of a few of my favorite ocean cruise lines that I have experienced and recommend.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
(mass/contemporary) – 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, Royal Caribbean boasts the biggest ships in the world, including the brand-new Symphony of the Seas. If you’re looking for 24/7 entertainment and activities, you’ve found it – from Broadway shows to ice-skating rinks to thrilling skydiving, Flowrider surfing and the tallest slide at sea, “Ultimate Abyss.” Ask about special AAA group sailings from Baltimore, Maryland and Cape Liberty, New Jersey to Bermuda, Canada, New England and the Caribbean in April, May and September.
CELEBRITY CRUISES
(premium) – Celebrity Cruises recently launched their 13th ship, Celebrity Edge, in addition to a complete refurbishment throughout the fleet called “The Celebrity Revolution.” Celebrity
Cruises’ mantra is “modern luxury” and its hip, cutting edge and very cool atmosphere resonates with travelers wanting upscale accommodations (excellent suite experiences), award-winning dining venues, cocktail lounges and entertainment. The newly remodeled Celebrity Summit sails round trip
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Let’s Talk Travel
Cruising Overview for 2019 By Sandy Fenton
to Bermuda, Canada and New England from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, and AAA has special group savings in May, July and September – plus an Amalfi Coast & Greek Islands cruise in October on the new Celebrity Edge.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
(premium) – For more than
140 years Holland America has been a leader in the premium cruising category. A great value for the money, 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’s fleet of 14 ships has many sailings on sale, particularly in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. Guests can expand their knowledge through an exclusive onboard partnership with O, The Oprah Magazine or “America’s Test Kitchen” show. AAA has several special group Alaska Land & Sea Journeys this June and August.
OCEANIA CRUISES
(premium plus) – With six elegant mid-size ships (684 or 1,250 guests), Oceania is considered a premium-plus category with fine dining offerings under the direction
of Master Chef Jacque Pepin. (The Grand Dining Room is one of my most favorite at sea.) Oceania is an excellent choice for adults wanting a traditional, gracious and upscale sailing. Currently undergoing a $100-million refurbishment, “OceaniaNext” debuts new Owners Suites furnished exclusively with Ralph Lauren décor. Ask about savings and all-inclusive options with “O-Life Choices” and special AAA group voyages to the Caribbean round-trip Miami in March, and beautiful Bermuda round-trip New York City in August.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS
(luxury) – This is the most all-inclusive cruise line in the luxury market, including free unlimited excursions and free intercontinental business class air. Regent Seven Seas offers
spacious suites and an outstanding level of service. Special savings throughout 2019/2020 feature all- inclusive Alaska, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Asia cruises with land programs, business class air, onboard credit and so much more. Ask about round-trip New York City cruises to Canada, New England and Bermuda – and special kids pricing throughout the summer. In August, Seven Seas Mariner will offer four 7-night voyages with up to 44 free shore excursions for unforgettable outdoor adventures in Alaska.
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.
MARCH/APRIL 2019 – DISCOVERIES EDITION 13
Now!