WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -AARP Services, Inc. announced today its first Cruise Collection Catalogue which provides an exclusive selection of special cruise vacations to AARP's 35 million members. There are 44 sailings featured in the 2006 collection. Each cruise featured includes a specially trained AARP Passport representative that assists with special needs of AARP members as well as other exclusive member benefits and services designed to make cruise vacations hassle free. For reservations made by December 31, 2005, members are guaranteed the lowest available AARP rate and they will receive a special onboard bonus. The catalogue is available in print or online at http://www.aarp.org/CruiseCollection .
"We have negotiated a range of special values with our cruise partners that include shipboard credits, special dining options and exclusive onboard gifts and amenities for AARP members. We are confident that these cruises will deliver an exceptional cruise experience," said Barbara Hvasta, Vice President Passport and Privileges for AARP Services.
A recent travel study conducted by AARP shows that cruise vacations are one of the most popular vacation choices for 50+ Americans.
Exclusive Benefits for AARP Members Booking a Cruise Collection Vacation:
-- Specially Trained AARP Passport Representatives - Cruise with members
on each sailing making sure that the trip is as smooth and enjoyable as
possible.
-- AARP Hospitality Desk - Operates daily on each sailing to assist with
any special needs.
-- Welcome aboard party - Mingle with fellow AARP members while enjoying
cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
-- Special amenities, shipboard credits and extras - Included in many
packages.
Sample Cruise Packages From AARP's Cruise Collection:
-- Holland America Line 10-night Mediterranean Cruise - This 10-night
cruise begins on July 20, 2006 in Rome and includes stops in Monte
Carlo, Monaco; Florence, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Carthage; Palmero,
Italy and Naples. The AARP member bonus includes a complimentary
Pinnacle Grill dining experience including two bottles of wine per
stateroom. Prices are $1,949 for an interior room; $2,379 for an ocean
view room and $2,699 for a verandah room.
-- Celebrity Cruises 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise - This 7-night
cruise begins on November 20, 2006 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and
includes stops in Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman;
Costa Maya, Mexico; and Cozumel Mexico. The AARP member bonus includes
a complimentary bottle of wine and Celebrity logo terrycloth robe.
Prices are $690 for an interior room; $850 for an ocean view room,
$1000 for a room with a verandah and $2,880 for a suite.
-- Holland America Line 7-night Alaska Cruise - This 7-night cruise begins
on June 4, 2006 in Vancouver, British Columbia and includes stops in
Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay Cruising, and Anchorage Alaska.
The Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska offer up unimaginable natural
wonders - breaching whales, soaring eagles, massive mountains,
shimmering glaciers, fascinating coastal towns and native villages. The
AARP member bonus includes a complimentary Pinnacle Grill dining
experience including two bottles of wine per stateroom. Prices are
$999 for an interior room; $1,229 for an ocean view room.
-- Crystal Cruises 12-night Panama Canal Cruise - This twelve night cruise
begins on November. 12, 2006 in Miami and includes stops in Grand Turk,
Turks & Caicos; St. Barthelemy, French West Indies, Anguilla/Blowing
Point, British West Indies; Antigua/St. Johns, West Indies;
Aruba/Oranjestad, Dutch West Indies and Caldera, Costa Rica. The Panama
Canal is an engineering feat joining two oceans and infinite wonders.
Discover the ruins of the Maya, explore a Dutch colonial fort or
snorkel off a barrier reef. And that's just in the Pacific, the warmth
and history of Costa Rica and Mexico beckon. Prices are $2,380 for an
ocean view room; $4,115 for a verandah room and $7,930 for a penthouse
suite.
To reserve a cruise collection vacation or to view descriptions about all 44 Cruise Collection offerings, visit http://www.aarp.org/CruiseCollection or call toll-free at 1-888-291-1762. The website provides detailed information about each cruise line, the ships in each cruise lines' fleet as well as cruise reviews from fellow travelers. AARP is committed to provide honest, straight forward information and supports a "no hidden costs" policy. Should any problems arise, the toll-free line is staffed 24 hours a day - seven days a week. Members can also make airline and pre/post hotel accommodations on the website or via the 800 number.
In addition to the featured Cruise Collection sailings, AARP members also receive select offers and amenities on hundreds of other sailings through the new AARP Passport powered by Travelocity program. AARP members receive a number of unique offerings in particular the first-ever Health and Wellness cruise that sold out almost immediately and is now offering a second Health and Wellness cruise in January. The special offerings on the Health and Wellness cruises include a trainer from Reebok who leads fitness classes, lectures on how to get the most from your work out, wise use of prescription drugs, healthy cooking demonstrations and wine tastings.
AARP Services, Inc., founded in 1999, is a wholly owned subsidiary of AARP. AARP Services manages the wide range of products and services that are offered as benefits to AARP's 35 million members. The offers span health and financial products, travel and leisure products, and life event services. Specific products include Medicare supplemental insurance; automobile and homeowners insurance; member discounts on rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special offers on technology and gifts; life insurance; a credit card; pharmacy services; alternative health services; legal services; and long-term care insurance. AARP Services' responsibilities include developing new products, managing products and services, marketing, creating and maintaining partnership and sponsorship relationships, and developing and managing AARP's award-winning website, AARP.org.
