Page 18 - AAA Northway – AAA Now! – Winter 2018

TRAVE
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STATELY SAILING: TRAVELERS CHOOSING MN ORE LUXURIOUS, HIGH-TECH CRUISES
o matter what your taste or budget, there’s a pools and lounges, and in some cases, even the cruise experience for you. These days, however, dedicated service of a private butler while onboard.
many travelers planning a seagoing getaway are seeking more luxurious, unique journeys.
Many, for example, are
choosing the intimacy of smaller, ultrapremium ocean and river cruises. While AAA Travel’s cruise sales have increased substantially over the last year, bookings of suites on large cruise ships and sailings
on small, luxury cruise lines have exploded, by high double-digit percentages in some cases.
Some of these cruise lines are
tailoring their offerings to appeal
to more niche audiences. For
example, Viking River Cruises has
adopted an adults-only policy,
while AmaWaterways is adding
connecting staterooms to appeal to families and multigenerational groups.
Mass-market cruise lines, meanwhile, have introduced more expansive suites giving guests exclusive access to specialty restaurants, private
“Cruise travelers today are not shying away from paying for premium experiences,” said AAA Travel
Senior Vice President Bill Sutherland. “They are seeking special opportunities to elevate their cruise vacations.”
Ships also are becoming more high-tech, responding to demands of travelers who want to stay connected even at sea. Cruise
lines are adding high-speed Wi-
Fi; high-tech, interactive sign boards throughout the ships; and free smartphone apps that allow passengers to customize their
own daily itineraries, exchange messages with other passengers and keep in touch with friends and
family back home.
The myriad of choices can be overwhelming. AAA
has several tips to ease the planning process:
to added benefits and deals that may not be available elsewhere.
• Book early and be flexible to take advantage of special promotions and secure first choice of ship, itinerary, cabin location and sailing date.
• Consider the full cost of a cruise. Most cruises are not all-inclusive, so travelers should factor in
what they will likely spend on specialty
dining, beverages and spa services. Added-value promotions, such as those that include beverage packages, are popular options to consider.
• Reserve shore excursions directly through a travel agent when booking a cruise, rather than onboard the ship or in the destination, as many popular activities sell out quickly.
• Fly to the embarkation port the day before the cruise, not the morning of departure. Cruise ships have firm departure times and won’t wait for a delayed flight.
• Check in for the cruise online before leaving to save time at the cruise ship terminal.
For more information or to begin planning a cruise vacation, visit AAA.com/cruises.
•
Work with a travel agent. Travel agents work with cruise lines every day and often have access
with Italy
ITALIAN VISTAS
13 Days • 17 meals • Starting at $2,999*
(Small Group Tour – average 16-24 passengers)
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on a pre-booked optional tour
*Rate is land only, per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, and includes AAA Member Benefit savings of $50 per person. †Not valid on group travel. Included in many U.S. cities within a 50 mile radius of more than 90 airport gateways. Service is available between 51 and 75 miles for a small fee. One transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route. Other restrictions may apply; call for details.** AAA Vacations® Complimentary Inclusion: Receive a $50 credit to use toward a pre-booked optional tour of your choice. For departures after May 1, 2019.
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Book with AAA Travel today! Contact your local AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/mcv
18
WINTER 2018
Now!
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