Make It Your Own: 5 Reasons AAA Members Choose Princess Cruises
Leisure Travel exec Krista Whorton shares how AAA partners with Princess to make every journey as memorable as the destination
There are many reasons to book your next vacation with Princess Cruises, but there’s one that keeps AAA members coming back year after year—and it’s personal. With award-winning service, a distinctive 17-ship fleet, and routes to more than 330 destinations worldwide, Princess provides an array of customizable options for every travel style and preference.
As a longtime AAA partner, Princess goes even further to personalize the experience for members with special rates, onboard credits, and other exclusive perks. In this article, AAA Vice President of Leisure Travel Krista Whorton shares more about this dynamic partnership and the top five features that make Princess an exceptional choice for cruisers.
1. Award-Winning Food + Drink
From innovative Main Dining fare to globe-spanning specialty restaurants like Italian Trattoria and O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Princess takes cruise guests on a culinary adventure that consistently earns awards from travel’s top tastemakers.
“Hands down, it’s the food,” Whorton says, when asked about her favorite aspect of sailing with Princess. “On my most recent cruise, I got to experience Butcher’s Block, a true carnivore’s paradise. Every time we finished a course, I would think, ‘There’s no way I can eat another thing,’ and then they would bring another extraordinary creation too delicious to resist. Across the board, the food is just exceptional on Princess.”
2. Personalized Luxury on Demand
Princess harnesses the power of technology to further personalize the experience for MedallionClass® guests via a wearable device that doubles as a mini concierge. Much more than a keycard, the aptly named Medallion enables staff to learn each guest’s preferences and provide seamless service wherever they are on the ship.
“When you walk up to a restaurant or lounge, they already know your name and recognize you from this wonderful piece of tech,” says Whorton. “After a day or two, they're bringing your drink of choice before you even ask. It’s a simple thing, but it goes a long way to making guests feel welcome and valued.”
3. World-Class Entertainment for All Ages
Broadway-caliber productions, live game shows, and high-energy dance classes are just some examples of the onboard entertainment that’s made Princess a household name. Whether you reserve tickets ahead of time on the cruise line’s app or stumble upon a spontaneous dance party, prepared to be wowed.
“There’s so much to see and do every night of the cruise,” says Whorton. “My personal favorite is kicking back on the Piazza to watch the various performances. The atmosphere is just electric. You never know what you’re going to see, but you know it will be entertaining for everyone in your group.”
4. VIP Treatment for AAA Members
Booking through AAA Travel makes the journey on Princess Cruises even more rewarding, with exclusive member perks like reduced deposits, complimentary Medallion clips, onboard and shore excursion credits, and other onboard freebies.
“These built-in benefits can also be combined with promotions we offer throughout the year,” Whorton says. “It’s incredibly satisfying to help our members save money, and we love hearing when it enables them to splurge on extras that make the trip even more special.”
5. Expert Support to Sail with Confidence
As part of their ongoing training, AAA Travel Advisors attend the rigorous Princess Academy to learn the ins and outs of each ship and onboard experience. Equipped with this deep expertise, they can help members craft detailed itineraries with recommendations tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
“Our job is to give members the full Princess experience, so we make it our business to learn everything there is to know,” says Whorton. “That means when you book with AAA Travel, you won’t miss out on a single opportunity to have an amazing trip.”