Travel
AAA And AMA Waterways Host Free River Cruise Preview Events This Week
READY TO SAIL? RIVER CRUISES BUST COMMON CRUISING MYTHS
February 20, 2023 – Cruise lines are experiencing a strong year with travel demand rising and Americans eager to set sail. A new AAA survey finds 52% of U.S. adults are just as likely or more likely to consider taking a cruise vacation than they were before the pandemic. That number is up from 45% one year ago. Smaller, more intimate ships, like river cruises, are also gaining popularity, as they offer personalized itineraries and port-centric experiences.
To learn all about river cruises, AAA and AMA Waterways are hosting several free, interactive events in the region this week. AAA members and non-members alike are invited to attend. Links to register and RSVP to attend are below.
Location
Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
AAA Fairfax
4100 Monument Corner Drive
Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Fairfax, VA 22030
Tuesday, February 21
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
AAA Laurel Car Care Insurance Travel Center
8499 Cherry Lane
Laurel, MD 20707
Wednesday, February 22
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
AAA Annapolis Car Care Insurance Travel Center
2054 Somerville Road
“With river cruising, you unpack once and dock in the heart of each destination you visit in ways you can’t on an ocean cruise,” says Ragina Ali, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “With more time to explore, river cruising allows travelers to delve deeper into local culture in Europe, Asia, Egypt and beyond.”
5 Biggest Myths About Cruising
I will be bored. A cruise can be as active or as relaxing as you want it to be. Expedition cruises are all about the destination and focus on the great outdoors. For travelers looking to take in the sights and sounds of a breathtaking city, European river cruises, for example, offer port-centric activities that immerse passengers in the local culture.
I will get seasick. Travelers who are extra sensitive can take medications like Dramamine, use acupressure bracelets, or wear seasickness patches behind the ear. Cruising on a river is always smooth and breezy, so you never have to worry about seasickness.
I will have to wear formal clothes. The days of wearing a tuxedo or cocktail dress in the evening are over unless you just want to go all out! Most cruise lines have adopted a resort casual dress code. Compared to an ocean cruise, river cruises are much more low-key and never feel crowded, so don’t expect any fancy clubs or casinos, just pure relaxation.
The only activities on a cruise are eating and drinking. It's no secret that cruises are known for buffets and drinks by the pool. But there are plenty of other things to do. River ships make sightseeing incredibly convenient by dropping off guests near the top things to see at each port and often remaining docked late into the evening, allowing guests more time to explore. Included in the price are shore excursions at every port of call.
Cruise ships are crowded and only for older folks. Today's cruises are popular with people of all ages and offer a fantastic vacation for families, groups of friends, and honeymooners. River cruise vessels rarely accommodate more than 200 people at a time, treating you to an exclusive and intimate travel experience that is unlike any other.
Ali says travel agents can help clarify cruising misconceptions and identify a ship that fits each traveler’s needs. "There is something for everyone when selecting a cruise vacation. AAA travel agents are skilled at finding the cruise that meets your budget and expectations," adds Ali. "Cruise lines have undertaken extensive measures to promote health and safety onboard, so you can expect attention to detail and cleanliness."
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted December 2-4, 2022, using a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population overall. The panel provides sample coverage of approximately 97% of the U.S. household population. Most surveys were completed online. Consumers without internet access were surveyed over the phone.
A total of 1,070 interviews were completed among U.S. adults 18 years of age or older. The margin of error for the study overall is 4% at the 95% confidence level. Smaller subgroups have larger error margins.
