Page 26 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – November/December 2022

TRAVEL
The Gift of Travel is Still the Best Gift Ever!
By Sandy Fenton
Ocean cruising continues to be one of the most popular, versatile and cost-efficient ways to travel the world. Luxury, all-inclusive, adventure, space, and longer sailings are leading the trends for 2023,
and of course health and safety continues to be a priority. Below
are a couple of cruise vacations I recommend for memories lasting a lifetime.
CUNARD – Famous for their iconic passenger liners Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and flagship
Queen Mary 2, Cunard has paved the way for traditional and luxury cruising for 180 years. My first ever cruise was round- trip from Philadelphia to the Caribbean in 1985 aboard QE2. I thought I had died and gone to heaven – and I’ve been hooked on cruising ever since, with over 120 cruises under my belt.
One of my favorite Cunard sailings (also their signature sailing) is the transatlantic crossing aboard the QE2 from New York City to Hamburg, Germany. The crossing is all about unplugging, slowing down and existing without stress. You will love the onboard enrichment lectures with the world’s greatest minds, gracious White Star service and award-winning entertainment. You can do as much, or as little as you choose – and if you
only read on vacation, you’re in luck because the library is considered the best in the industry.
New for 2023, Cunard will expand its Alaska program for
a series of 10-night round-trip Vancouver sailings. In 2024, Cunard’s newest ship (and the first new-build in 12 years), Queen Anne, will carry 3,000 passengers. Tip: If you don’t want
to fly, ask your AAA travel advisor about all Cunard itineraries sailing from New York City; if you want to travel with your beloved cat or dog, the QE2 is the only ship in the world to have kennels on board and they sell out quickly.
SEABOURN – Ultra luxurious Seabourn is consistently
ranked among the world’s top travel choices by both guests
and industry experts. Offering ocean and expedition sailings, Seabourn features all-suite, small and intimate ships exploring the world’s most desirable – and rugged, pristine, out-of-the-way destinations – in complete comfort.
I’ve had the pleasure of sailing Seabourn many times, beginning in 1995 aboard the beautiful yacht Seabourn Pride, and just last month aboard sumptuous Seabourn Quest. Two of my favorite Seabourn cruise memories are New England/Canada during stunning fall foliage (round-trip New York City) and Alaska (beginning in Vancouver and ending in Anchorage, with a day spent in Haines), where I experienced Seabourn’s Ventures program.
With a welcoming and inviting club-like onboard atmosphere, Seabourn is never stuffy. You immediately feel so well looked after, and the staff seems to anticipate your every want and need (just like home, right?). New for Seabourn are two ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. While natural beauty, wildlife and culture are at the heart of every expedition itinerary, guests will also be spoiled onboard the world’s most beautiful and luxurious expedition ships ever created. Tip: Dine at The Grill By Thomas Keller with tableside meal prep and a true steakhouse with all the old-world fixings. Reservations are recommended as soon as you book with your AAA travel advisor. (Thomas Keller is the famed Michelin three- star chef from The French Laundry. All Seabourn dining venues are included at no extra cost.)
Talk to your local AAA travel advisor today and ask about all the AAA member benefits, special AAA group sailings, sales and promotions. Happy holidays and happy travels to all of you!
“Let’s Visit PA with Sandy Fenton” is syndicated on iHeartRadio and heard locally every Saturday morning from 11:00AM –12:00PM on WHP580.
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