Page 14 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – May/June 2016

AAA
Let’s Talk Travel
All-Inclusive Luxury Cruising ... is it Worth it?
TM
According to
the Cruise Line
International
Association (CLIA),
global demand for
cruising reached
22.4 million
passengers in
2014, up 68% since 2004, and was expected to break all records in 2016. Luxury, all-inclusive cruising has also reached new heights, with many new and over-the-top ships being launched this year and next.
Many upscale travelers have discovered –
and what many savvy cruisers have known for sometime – that if you sit down with your AAA cruise expert and compare the various ships and cruise lines, many times the all-inclusive, luxury cruise is a better overall value.
If this is your year to take that well-deserved cruise vacation, good for you!
I’m often asked if there really is a difference in sailing onboard an all-inclusive, luxury cruise ship versus the majority of the other popular ships. My on-going answer: You bet there is! And then, of course, the follow-up question: Is it worth the extra money? My answer: You decide.
So, what is the difference? Based on my personal experience of cruising several times aboard the all-inclusive luxury lines of Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn and Crystal Cruises, I’ve listed here some of the notable differences:
SIZE – Most are smaller, more intimate (300 to 900 passengers) and club-like, with expansive open decks and beautifully designed and furnished public spaces for lounging or conversations without crowds.
ITINERARIES – They are unique, exotic and off-the- beaten-path. Many ports of call are hidden gems where larger ships cannot go and there are fewer people. There’s less waiting. There are authentic and memorable experiences along the way. There are more overnight stays in highly desirable cities and towns throughout the world.
QUIET – There are no unnecessary ship-wide announcements or pool-side waiters trying to sell you the drink of the day. Nor are there belly-flop contests or constant live (or piped in) loud music. You’ll find few, if any, onboard photographers
Seabourn, docked at Prince Edward Island
By Sandy Fenton
wanting to take your photo every time you step off the ship. Although I have sailed with multiple families (especially during the summer in Alaska or Europe), all-inclusive ships cater mostly to adults and/or older children.
PERSONALIZED ATTENTION AND GRACIOUS, DISCREET SERVICE – The staff knows you. You will be looked after by thoughtful, highly trained professionals and award-winning crew members who care about every aspect of your cruise vacation. Your pleasure really (and I mean really!) is their pleasure. I’m always surprised when most of the staff greets you by name on the very first day – and then all of the staff the following days.
SPACIOUS, ALL-SUITE AND ALL-OCEANVIEW ACCOMMODATIONS – Most have private verandahs, marble-appointed bathrooms, enormous walk-in closets, designer European amenities, and the most comfortable beds (and bedding) on the planet. Suites and staterooms are specifically designed as luxurious homes away from home.
COMPLIMENTARY AND UNLIMITED BEVERAGES –
Premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, beer and fine wines are complimentary and unlimited. There are open bars throughout the ship, plus your private in-suite bar stocked according to
your preference. (When you meet fellow guests for pre-dinner cocktails, no one ever has to reach for the bill or leave a tip.)
TIPPING – There isn’t any. It is neither required nor expected.
DINING – Onboard gourmet dining rivals the finest restaurants anywhere. And it’s your choice. Dine when, where and with whom you wish – at a table for two, or a table for 10. Dining ranges from casual to elegant, indoors or out on deck. All luxury cruise lines have their own style of dining, with their own celebrated and world-renowned chefs, without guests having to pay extra fees.
All-inclusive luxury cruising attracts fascinating and like-minded people who prefer spending
their vacation time taking in memorable experiences and engaging in local and cultural life throughout the journey – without compromising their lifestyle.
Before you book your next vacation (and I can’t stress this enough), sit down and spend some time with your favorite AAA cruise expert. Ask about
the different offers available. Are there any 2 for 1 fares – or free air programs? Ask about any pre- or post-hotel stays and check for complimentary shore excursions. Ask about the onboard entertainment and special highlights for your specific sailing.
Compare all of the costs ... then you decide.
Tune into “Let’s Talk Travel with AAA” every Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on WHP-AM580. For more information, go to www.whp580.com and click on the link to “Let’s Talk Travel.”
14
MAY/JUNE 2016
Now!