(BPT) - It's Wave Season, or the time of year when cruise lines offer a range of promotions for travelers eager to shake the cold weather blues. Whether looking to book a solo trip, romantic couple's getaway or a voyage for the whole family, there are many ways to secure good deals when hitting the high seas. For AARP members, a wide range of benefits and discounts can help you plan a cruise of a lifetime to a new or favorite travel destination.
'Recent research from Expedia Group shows that Americans' desire to travel continues to increase in 2023, and going on a cruise is a great option for folks who want to visit multiple destinations without having to unpack every time. When booking during Wave Season, you can find special deals and offerings that may not be available during other times of the year,' said AARP Director of Travel Matthew Phillips.
There are many factors to consider when booking a cruise, including type, trip length, destination(s), and more. Regardless of your preferences, here are four ways you can keep your finances afloat as you plan to set sail:
Book a Multi-Stop Journey in One Place. When outside transportation is required to reach a preferred departure port, consider building your trip through a verified third-party site. Using a travel website to book your trip can make planning simpler by making multiple reservations at the same time, with the same travel company. When members book their trip through the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, a one-stop shop where you can book the best cruise for your budget, they can also add any additional flights, hotels or rental cars you need. AARP members can earn a $50 Visa® Prepaid Card when they book a flight vacation package and receive up to $100 in extra onboard credits on select cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and more.
A River Cruise to See More for Less. In the mood for a different type of voyage? A leisurely river cruise allows travelers to see a variety of sites and even multiple countries through one guided route. When AARP members book a trip to see some of the world's most famous rivers through Collette Cruise Tours, they can save $50 per person. AARP members can always save $100 per member with Grand European Travel when booking a luxury, all-inclusive voyage to over 30 spectacular destinations in Europe, Egypt and Asia. And for a limited time, that savings goes up to an amazing $1,500 per person on a wide selection of river cruises.
A Land and Water Combo. For adventurers interested in traversing both the land and sea, a combined railway and cruise tour to a national park or historic city may be just the ticket. AARP Members can save 5% when booking a trip through Vacations By Rail, which offers more than 40 rail and cruise vacations ranging from the Rhine and Danube Rivers, France's famous waterways, Alaska's Inside Passage and trans-Atlantic crossings.
Stay Connected While Traveling. While one of the benefits of going on a cruise is to disconnect from life on land, it is important to still have access to those in your network back at home. When traveling abroad it's important to choose a cell phone plan that is available in a variety of destinations without all the fees that might come with it. Members who sign up for the AT&T Unlimited PremiumSM Plan enjoy unlimited talk, text and data in and between the U.S., Mexico and Canada; as well as unlimited talk, text and high-speed data in 19 Latin American countries at no extra cost. Plus, with the Unlimited Premium plan, you can save $10 per line per month as well as receive up to $50 in waived activation and upgrade fees.
Regardless of where you go on vacation and how you get there, don't forget to optimize your next trip by taking advantage of the benefits and savings available to AARP members. And if you're ready to book that cruise getaway, learn more about discounts available to members by visiting aarp.org/membership/benefits/campaigns/cruise/.
