It’s been an unpredictable time for travel during the last few years, with evolving restrictions and cancellations that forced vacation planning to the back burner for too long. But the coast is finally clear, and travelers are rushing back to their favorite destinations by land, sea, and air.
And there’s more good news: Air and cruise partners are responding to the demand with new, unprecedented routes, destinations, accommodations, and onboard amenities for 2023. If you’re one of the millions of global travelers who are ready for a much-needed getaway, here’s everything you need to know about booking 2023 flights and cruises while they last.
AAA TRAVEL ADVISORS GIVE MEMBERS A COMPETITIVE EDGE
At least one aspect of travel remains constant: Savvy travelers are quick to snatch up deals as soon as they hit the marketplace. Fortunately, booking has never been easier—or safer—with help from the expert Travel Advisors at AAA.
Like you and your family, the travel experts at AAA have been waiting patiently to get back to exploring the world by sea and air. But their wait hasn’t been an anxious or idle one. Their teams have been hard at work behind the scenes, deepening relationships with airline and cruise partners to monitor much more than the trends and destinations.
“We stay on top of the latest health, safety, and border regulations for our customers as well,” says Amy Short, Director of Sales and Travel Technology at AAA. “That part of travel is getting much easier, but there will always be unexpected challenges, especially when traveling internationally. It’s really an honor to help our customers plan luxury vacations again, but our job is really to give them the peace of mind they need to do so confidently and safely.”
AIRLINES RAMP UP ROUTES AND AMENITIES IN AN EPIC RETURN TO THE SKIES
Spending a long weekend abroad was once a travel fantasy. But it’s now well within reach for U.S. travelers, thanks to the largest-ever transatlantic expansion by United Airlines, featuring direct flights to top cities in Spain, Portugal, Jordan, France, and Italy.
United isn’t the only major carrier responding to our reawakened urge to travel. In its long-awaited summer schedule, American Airlines announces a revamped, first-class experience and 20 new supersonic jets to accommodate a relaunch of popular long-haul routes to Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo, and other international hotspots.
Meanwhile, promising low-cost carriers in the U.S., like Breeze Airways, have been busy adding routes to more than a dozen cities nationwide. Starting February 2023, passengers can jet nonstop between 33 cities across 19 states and in some cases, for as little as $39.
RECORD DEMAND SPAWNS DAZZLING NEW CRUISE SHIPS AND DESTINATIONS
In case you need more evidence that travel is back: April 2022 saw Royal Caribbean break its own record for the most bookings in a single week, as passengers flocked to experience new ships like the luxurious Icon of the Seas. The first-ever fleet to feature eight distinctive neighborhoods will unveil even more in 2023, plus new routes to more than 270 destinations.
The wait is over for Carnival fans, as the brand-new Jubilee sets sail from Galveston, Texas, in 2023. This party-at-sea, next in line after the famed Mardi Gras and Celebration ships, builds on Carnival's tiki vibes and family game-night favorites with a host of new “fun zones” to explore.
Unforgettable experiences have always been the goal for Princess, and now the popular cruise line is kicking things up a notch with all-new itineraries for the 2023 season. Witness the world’s most dramatic coastlines and timeless cities via California, Hawaii, Japan, Australia, and more. But book soon—Princess’ short- and long-haul itineraries are booking quickly.
Celebrity cruise fans know comfort and style, but the line’s newly released itineraries are taking luxury to a whole new level. You can rediscover any of 70+ destinations aboard the Celebrity Beyond in 2023, and you’ll be relaxed and connected every step of your journey with drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, as all are included on every cruise.
