AAA Travel says cruising is making a strong comeback after the pandemic temporarily put a hold on sailings. The Auto Club Group’s travel agency reports that cruise bookings during the past four weeks are twice as strong as this time last year and expects that positive momentum to continue through the travel season.

“We are seeing a resurgence in travelers who are eager to vacation again and that includes cruising,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Cruising is more available now than it ever was during the pandemic. Destinations are loosening travel restrictions and cruise lines hope to reach full capacity in the second half of the year. As a result, our travel agency is seeing a wide mix of bookings that include everything from short weekend excursions to worldwide voyages.”

CDC Lowers Cruise Travel Warning

AAA has noted an increase in traveler confidence as COVID-19 cases trend lower. Another positive indicator came last week, when the Centers for Disease Control lowered its cruise travel warning to a level 2. That’s the lowest level since the CDC began tracking coronavirus statistics. In the downgraded travel warning, the CDC encourages travelers to be up-to-date on their COVID vaccinations when cruising.

According to new AAA research:

• 58.3 million (23%) Americans are considering a cruise in the next two years.
• Millennials are even more eager, as over half (52%) say they are ready to return to the open seas.
• Of those Americans who say they are likely to cruise again, 41% cite a better understanding of the risks presented by COVID-19 as influencing their decision.

Safer Sailing

AAA found that Americans view cruising as safe as resort vacations and safer than exploring large cities. In fact, 43% of Americans who plan to cruise in the future are satisfied with the cruise industry’s overall response to the pandemic.

Cruise lines have implemented numerous safety protocols onboard, which are often reviewed and can vary by provider:

• Vaccination and testing requirements for passengers and crew
• Enhanced medical facilities
• Upgraded ventilation systems
• Hand washing and hand sanitizer dispensers in high traffic areas
• Contactless room service
• Use of medical-grade cleaning supplies
• Virtual safety briefings.

“Not only are travelers more eager to cruise, but they’re extremely happy with the experience,” Haas continued. “Unlike some other service industries, cruise ships are 100% staffed. So, the service level is very good. As a result, cruise satisfaction levels are even higher than before the pandemic.”

Popular Destinations

Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe are among the most popular cruise destinations.  While some of these cruises require an international flight to reach the first port of call, Americans may be surprised to learn there are growing options to sail out of the U.S. to exotic destinations like Africa, Australia, Iceland and Tahiti.

“In one sailing, you can visit new corners of the world,” Haas continued. “One of the best things about cruising is that it offers so many options, from the range of experiences, to size of ships and ambiance.  Travel Advisors help match vacationers with the cruise that best fits their interests, since each cruise line has unique character and programs.  Also, ship-type creates another range of choices from large ocean-going ships with great entertainment options for multi-generational vacations, to river cruises that offer intimate experiences taking travelers deep inside destinations.”

When to Book

Demand for all things travel – including cruising – is increasing by the day. Global fuel prices are also much higher than a month ago, which can influence pricing for airfares, cruising and more.

“If you plan to travel anytime soon, now is the time to book,” Haas said. “With strong demand and volatile oil prices, booking early will ensure you get the vacation you want at the optimal price. That’s especially true for cruise lines. They open up reservations as early as two years ahead of sailing and sometimes offer better rates for booking early.”

Let the Experts be Your Guide

Whether you are new to cruising or an avid sailor, an experienced and trusted travel agent can help.

Seasoned agents:

• Help plan and organize a trip that fits a traveler’s specific interests, needs and budget.
• Have access to added benefits and offers that may not be available directly to consumers.
• Travel agents can also take the stress out of making travel arrangements, especially when traveling as a group.
• Can help prepare for and navigate challenges related to itinerary changes due to things like weather delays, natural disasters, flight cancellations, lost luggage and much more that can quickly derail a vacation.

“The travel landscape is quickly changing as pandemic-related restrictions are lifted and more people look to get out and see the world again,” Haas continued. “A travel agent is an invaluable resource who will serve as your advocate who will help you be informed, prepared and protected, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.”

These individuals can explore available options for cruising plus provide counsel on:

• What to expect while onboard and while visiting ports or participating in offshore excursions
• Vaccine/testing requirements and safety protocols for individual cruise lines
• Cancellation policies
• Travel insurance options
• How positive COVID-19 cases are handled (for yourself, other passengers and crew)
• Travelers can learn more at AAA.com/Cruises
• Check travel requirements for specific destinations at AAA.com/Travel-With-Confidence

Uncertainty Drives the Importance of Travel Insurance

While policies and coverages vary, travel insurance can provide reimbursement for:

• Nonrefundable payments if you must cancel your trip due to illness (including COVID-19)
• Medical emergencies or treatment (most U.S. health care policies do not cover you abroad)
• Lodging, transportation and food expenses incurred due to flight cancellations
• Flight delays of as little as three hours
• Lost, delayed or damaged luggage

AAA’s travel survey shows that 50% of Floridians are more likely to purchase travel insurance than before the pandemic.  However, only 31% feel very well informed about travel insurance.

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Survey Methodology

The survey questions were administered as part of NORC’s biweekly AmeriSpeak® survey of 1,101 US adults, between December 16 to December 20, 2021. Funded and operated by NORC at the University of Chicago, AmeriSpeak is a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population. Randomly selected US households are sampled using area probability and address-based sampling, with a known, non-zero probability of selection from the NORC National Sample Frame. The panel provides sample coverage of approximately 97% of the U.S. household population. While most AmeriSpeak households participate in surveys by web, non-internet households can participate in AmeriSpeak surveys by telephone.

About the AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey

The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among residents living in Florida from January 26 – 31, 2022.  A total of 400 residents completed the survey.  Survey results asked of all respondents have a maximum margin of error of ± 4.9% points.  Responses are weighted by age and gender to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Florida.

About AAA – The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states, the province of Quebec and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 62 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.