AAA Travel cruise experts say cruising remains a popular choice for North American vacationers. More than 16 million cruise passengers sailed the world’s waterways last year, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and a passenger total in excess of 17 million is forecast for 2012.

While most AAA Travel cruise passengers remain loyal to cruising, the Costa Concordia tragedy has sparked debate about cruise safety in some industry and public sectors. ... Read More

This story was written by Kendra Strey and originally appeared in AAA's Westways magazine, the member publication of the Automobile Club of Southern California.

Any good decorator will tell you that your foyer makes your household’s statement. Or that it should. It tells guests whether you’re bold, sophisticated, classic, inviting or that you don’t follow tradition. ... Read More

Read Part Three
I've been remiss in my posts up until now in only telling you about the incredible ports of call I've visited. This one is about life onboard--and what a life it is.

Following a short walking tour of Tain L'Hermitage on the left bank and Tournon on the right of the River Rhône, we enjoyed a visit to the local wine cellars and tasting. Then it was back onboard for a day of sailing.... Read More

  Read Part Two

Ooh la la Lyon! I awakened this morning to find my current home, the River Royale, moored on the River Roane in the city of Lyon. At 7:30 the city known as 'little Paris' is wide awake and readying for the workday. After another delicious buffet breakfast, I load up my backpack, grab my jacket, sunglasses and my vox box. It's a ... Read More

  Read Part One.

After a much needed nights sleep aboard Uniword's River Royale on the River Saône, and a yummy buffet breakfast (made-to-order omelet and French baguette), it was time to join the other 90 passengers and depart for our land excursion to Beaune. We boarded buses for a scenic 40-minute drive through Burgundy. ... Read More

 
Have you heard about the newest trend in cruising and wondered just what it is? I admit that while I've seen and heard lots about river cruising and work with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, I still couldn't wrap my head around what exactly the experience is. How does it compare to the more traditional ocean liners? Well, I'm off to discover all this for myself. ... Read More

As I look back on my time aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship last week, there are many experiences that stand out in my mind. The Christening cruise was an abbreviated one (two nights), so I wasn't able to do everything I wanted. But based on what I WAS able to personally sample, here are a three things, in no particular order, that shouldn't be missed when sailing on the Disney Dream: ... Read More

While relaxing on board the Disney Dream this morning, I found myself noticing some of the special features Disney 'Imagineers' thoughtfully included in the ship's staterooms.

- An HDTV on an extendable swivel arm
- A nicely-equipped desk area, equipped with AC outlets and push-button light switches, including one for an overhead night light
- Comparable room space to most other cruise lines (don't worry, it's more than sufficient... Read More

 
With my face enthusiastically pressed against the bus window yesterday morning, I must have resembled a young boy (minus the male pattern baldness, of course) as I first caught glimpse of the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream upon our arrival at Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship was actually visible from quite a distance thanks in part to its impressive length—1,115 feet—and two red smokestacks with the Disney Cruise Line logo and white “Mickey Ears” shadow. As if on cue, the morning sun shone brightly on the ship. ... Read More

This week, I’ll be living a dream…or perhaps it would be more appropriate to say, sailing a Dream!
As an overly-zealous Disney fanatic who just happens to write for AAATravelViews in addition to my AAA day job, I’m fortunate to have been invited to be part of a truly magical adventure.  This week I’ll be part of a sneak-preview, three-day voyage of the Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship. Please don’t hate me! After all, technically, I’ll be conducting research during my excursion ... Read More