Embarking on a cruise is more than just simply taking a vacation. When you step on board a cruise ship, you begin an all-inclusive adventure — one in which the journey is just as good as the destination itself. You will have access to premier amenities, such as resort-style swimming pools with larger-than-life watersides or full-scale theaters that offer Broadway-style performances on a nightly basis. The restaurants are not just places where you enjoy a meal — they are immersive and engaging dining experiences that you are sure to remember for years to come.
For many, cruising has become their preferred way to travel, thanks to the fact that this travel experience effortlessly combines luxury with convenience. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, about 31.5 million passengers set sail on a cruise ship in 2023 and the industry is enjoying an exponential rebound in the aftermath of the global pandemic.
Now may be the best time to book your first — or your 25th — cruise, but you don't want to go on this adventure alone. By planning your cruise with an experienced and knowledgeable AAA travel agent, you will be able to enjoy a seamless booking experience as well as a picture-perfect vacation.
These are just a few of the advantages of booking a cruise with a travel agent from AAA.
Professionals at Cruise Travel Agencies Can Introduce You to the Cruising Experience
Going on a cruise is an incredible opportunity — and it's one of the best ways to see some of the most breathtaking places around the world. However, if you have never been on a cruise before, the process of booking your first cruise may be a bit overwhelming. Rather than attempting to research your options and choose a cruise package on your own, you should rely on the experience and advice of a cruise travel agent. A cruise travel agent, especially at AAA, can introduce you to the cruising experience, providing you with information about:
- What to expect on board the ship
- What is included in your package
- Cruising etiquette
- The types of excursions that may be available
- The atmosphere and culture on board a specific ship
Travel Agents for Cruises Can Match You with the Perfect Ship
Cruising is an all-encompassing term for any trip on board a cruise ship, but no two cruises are alike. Without the guidance of a reputable cruise travel agent, you may end up on a ship that doesn't align with your vision for the trip.
These are some of the most common types of cruise ships:
- Mainstream Cruise Ship — This is the most common type of cruise ship and it appeals to the broadest range of passengers. A mainstream cruise ship includes many of the features that you would find at a typical vacation resort.
- Mega Cruise Ship — Becoming increasingly popular among luxury travelers, mega cruise ships are massive vessels with seemingly endless features. With room for up to 5,000 passengers, these ships are truly like floating cities.
- Ocean Cruise Ship — Ocean cruise ships are special ships that are made to withstand a voyage across the ocean. They are sophisticated ships that may have luxury touches, depending on the cruise that you book.
- River Cruise Ship — Smaller than their ocean-voyaging counterparts, river cruise ships are designed to navigate the smaller waterways that run through small towns and countryside areas. River cruises are increasing in popularity worldwide, but they are most common in Europe.
When you first meet with a travel agent, you can talk to them about your wants and needs for your cruise vacation. Then, they can begin matching you with the ship and itinerary that will best meet your needs. You are already investing your time and resources into this vacation — it's important that you get the experience that you have been dreaming about. Whether you are looking to book the best cruises for teens, a couples cruise or a luxury cruise, a AAA travel agent can help you choose the best cruise line and get you the best deal.
A Cruise Travel Agent Can Assist with Cabin Selection
Once you have decided on the type of cruise that you want to book, you will then have to decide on your cabin. Making your cabin selection is a major decision and highly impacts your overall experience.
Your travel agent will walk you through the main factors to consider when choosing a cabin. First, you will want to think about the size of your travel party and your personal needs on board the ship. For example, a couple who is booking a cruise for their honeymoon may be interested in a different type of cabin than a family of four. Your travel agent can help you understand the configurations of each cabin and help determine which arrangements will be best for your party.
After you have thought about the size of the cabin in relation to your travel party, you will then want to consider the location. Travel agents for cruises have significant experience evaluating the deck plans of cruise ships and they can help ensure that you get a cabin in a place that will be convenient and comfortable for you. For instance, if you love to spend your evenings being entertained, then you may want to be within close walking distance of the best ballrooms and restaurants on the ship. However, if you are looking for a quieter experience, you may want to book a cabin that is further away from the commotion.
A Cruise Travel Agent Can Secure You the Best Possible Price
Cruising is a valuable vacation experience, but you may find that your trip costs more if you book it on your own. Cruise travel agents are well-versed in the best promotions that are available from each individual cruise line and they can ensure that you have access to the most enticing deals for your next trip. AAA members receive exclusive cruise travel benefits and promotions when they book with a AAA travel agent.
The Best Travel Agent for Cruises Can Help You Build Your Dream Itinerary
Many cruise lines offer unique itineraries that take you to both well-known destinations and hidden gems. When you work with a cruise travel agency, you can talk with your agent about your personal interests and the types of activities that you enjoy while you are on vacation. For example, if you are looking to enjoy a cruise that takes you to exotic, beachfront locales that offer plenty of time for romance, yet you are also hoping for a bit of adventure, then your cruise travel agent may recommend an Eastern Caribbean cruise that takes you to idyllic island destinations.
An Agent at the Best Cruise Travel Agency Can Extend Your Adventure With Excursions
You might be surprised to find out that your cruise journey doesn't have to begin — or end — on the high seas. Many cruise lines offer pre- and post-cruise tours that allow you to spend more time in your chosen destination. These extended excursions are particularly popular on European river cruises, as travelers often want to immerse themselves in the local culture and atmosphere. While these extended itineraries are available to anyone who is booking a cruise, a cruise travel agent will be able to provide you with personalized recommendations about the best options for your circumstances.
The Best Cruise Travel Agent Can Accommodate Special Arrangements
Perhaps the biggest advantage of working with a cruise travel agent is knowing that they will take care of the details for you — and it's these details that sometimes make a trip truly magnificent.
Some of the special arrangements that travel agents for cruises can coordinate include:
- Decorations in your cabin for special events, such as a birthday or anniversary celebration.
- Premier dining experiences to coincide with special occasions that you may be celebrating on board, such as an engagement or wedding.
- Menus that accommodate your dietary needs.
- Arrangements that accommodate any additional needs that you may have, such as mobility restrictions.
Cruise Travel Agents Make the Process of Planning Your Cruise Fun and Stress-Free
When you book with an agent from the best cruise travel agency, the stress and frustration that can sometimes come along with booking a vacation will magically disappear. In its place, you will find joy and excitement — and for many, that anticipation is just as fun as the cruise itself. Eliminate the worry and simply bask in the joy of knowing that the best cruise travel agent secured you an amazing price on a cruise voyage that will surely be unforgettable.
Plan Your Cruise with a AAA Agent
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your cruise today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.