AAA — The Auto Club Group
Record setting numbers of travelers were observed last holiday season. This trend is projected to continue into 2024, with many travelers preparing to take to the seas.
AAA – The Auto Club Group reports that cruise ships are already selling out of suites and cabins for various spring and summer itineraries. With this, the club is offering advice for those finding their sea legs.
“We were kind of anomaly in our region,” AAA Spokesman Brian told KLIN News, “The numbers we have for travelers taking a cruise exceeded pre-pandemic levels this past year. I think part of it is because we don’t see the water around us a whole lot here in Nebraska. Oceans aren’t the closest thing to us. It’s definitely a popular vacation choice for many in our area.”
The first three months of the year are referred to as “wave season”. AAA says this is the best time to book a cruise, because cruise lines offer a wide range of discounts that can vary from 30-60% discounted pricing, cabin upgrades, BOGOs, on-board credits, pre-paid gratuities, and drink packages.
AAA also offers additional benefits and savings through their travel advisors, who can help travelers set up aspects of their trip including excursions, dining times, and transportation. They can also help identify what documentation you’ll need, like passports, which are required for cruises to international destinations.
U.S. Passport processing times are improving also, according to AAA. Last fall, it took 8-11 weeks for a new passport. Now it takes 6-8 weeks.
Current cruising trends may be something to keep in mind when setting up your trip.
AAA says the most sought-after dates for cruising coincide with spring break, summer, and the holidays—when students are out of school. Choosing to sail in the fall and between spring break and summer could provide for more availability and competitive pricing.
- The Caribbean is popular year-round, but spring and summer are the most popular sailing times.
- Alaska cruise season runs from May to September. Because this is an abbreviated period, there’s more competition for availability.
- Weekend cruises have gained popularity in recent years. Weekend warriors have realized the value an all-inclusive cruise compared to a weekend getaway in a big city resort. Cruise lines have recognized this growing trend and are making weekend cruises more of a priority in 2024, by mobilizing some of their newest ships to accessible ports for weekend excursions.
- European River cruising is now operational year-round. Because European travel is most popular during the summer, travelers can avoid the crowds and find lower priced cruises and airfares in the early and later parts of the year.
For more information from AAA on cruises, visit aaa.com.