AAA Traveler - Special Edition 2021 (Carolinas) - 29

Ocean voyage or River cruise
Which cruise experience would you like to have? Here's what to expect
Ocean Voyage
CAPACITY: Ships carry as many as
5,000 passengers. Smaller,
200-300 passenger options are
available, offering a more intimate
experience.
CABINS: Available in several
categories-Inside, Oceanview,
Balcony, and Suite-on different
levels, with varied prices. Choose
where on the ship you'd like your
cabin: front, back, or mid-ship.
Mid-ship is best for those affected
by motion.
THINGS TO DO: Ships are full of
activities to keep you entertained
while at sea with Broadway-quality
shows, casinos, children's programs,
luxury spas, and sports activities,
like rock climbing, basketball, mini
golf and more.
DINING: Plenty of options to fit
your schedule, including formal,
casual, specialty restaurants and
buffets with varied cuisine - most of
which are included in your trip.
Beverages usually cost extra.
River Cruise
CAPACITY: Longboat ships are
smaller, more intimate, and hold far
fewer passengers (no more than
200, and usually less). You'll get to
know your fellow passengers and
the crew well.
CABINS: All face out and have
spectacular views, yet are generally
smaller than ocean liners, and
typically hold two to three people.
THINGS TO DO: Most of your time
is spent off-ship exploring beautiful,
bucolic rural areas and small towns
along the way, so there are fewer
activities onboard. River cruises
allow you to have a richer, more
immersive, cultural experience, as
you're mostly traveling off the
beaten path and generally dock in
the center of town.
DINING: Most river cruises are
all-inclusive, offering sightseeing,
shore excursions, exquisite meals of
locally sourced, regional cuisine and
beverages, including alcohol at
meals, in the price.
Before you book your cruise, consider these tips
MEMBER BENEFITS. AAA has
negotiated special benefits and
amenities for members that other
agencies don't receive - fare
savings, cabin upgrades, shipboard
credits and others. Your agent will
let you know which benefits are
available on your sailing.
SHORE EXCURSIONS. Don't be
surprised if there are 8 to 12
excursions for every port of call. The
more popular ones fill up quickly.
TRAVEL INSURANCE. Protect your
trip. A small investment up front, in
case something goes wrong, is
worth the risk of larger expenses
when it does. Your agent will go
through the available options.
TRIP UPDATES. Your travel agent
will keep you informed, letting you
know when your final payment is
due and review travel documents
with you when they arrive.
Travel day
On ship
Getting to your cruise ship might include flying to the embarkation city
to board the ship. Ensure you get the best possible experience by arriving at
least one night prior to the start of your cruise. This gives you a buffer in case
of potential flight delays that could cause you to miss the boat. Your travel
agent can make your hotel arrangements, transportation to/from airport,
hotel and ship, as well as offer sightseeing options and restaurant
recommendations.
Once on board, settle into your stateroom and don't miss the ship's safety
orientation. Afterwards, take some time to explore the ship and get familiar
with your surroundings. Then, relax and enjoy your vacation. Experience
new things, explore the towns and get to know the locals. They're a great
resource for finding lesser-known gems in their city.
Final thoughts
Many people believe they can plan their dream vacation on their own. But travel agents know what to look for, and who to contact, even when
they don't know the answer. With AAA, you'll sleep better at night knowing you chose to travel with a credible company, your upcoming trip was tailored to
meet your goals and you got the best deal.

AAA Traveler - Special Edition 2021 (Carolinas)

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AAA Traveler - Special Edition 2021 (Carolinas)