America's 250th Celebration: 7 Night Stars and Stripes Cruise

Included Features

• Roundtrip motorcoach transfers to and from a local airport
• Roundtrip airfare to Boston, Massachusetts
• Roundtrip airport/hotel/pier transfers
• One night pre-cruise hotel accommodations at Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston (or similar)
• Seven nights aboard the ZUIDERDAM®
• All onboard meals and entertainment (specialty restaurants may have nominal fees)
• Onboard gratuities
• AAA Onboard Cocktail Reception
• $25 Onboard credit per stateroom
• Baggage handling (1 bag per person)
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Have It All Package:

• $100 Shore Excursion Credit per person
• Signature Beverage Package
• 1 Night Specialty Dining
• WiFi Surf Package (1st & 2nd guest in a stateroom only)

Highlights

Boston, MA

Boston is a tapestry of historic grandeur and modern charm. Cruising into this port, guests can explore the Freedom Trail or relish the cosmopolitan air of this city's bustling streets. With every step on the cobblestone paths, the echoes of America's past blend with the vibrant rhythms of contemporary city life.

Fun Things to Do:

• Enjoy the highlights of Boston from both land and sea on this unique panoramic sightseeing tour of the city's most important and scenic sites via a replica World War II amphibious vehicle called the Boston Duck.
• Visit one of the city's most attractive spots, Copley Square, bordered by the architectural wonders of Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.
• Walk the Freedom Trail to see many highlights of Boston -- the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, and the Granary Burying Ground, the final resting place of many famous Americans, including John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere.

St John, New Brunswick

Saint John, on the southern coast of New Brunswick, is Canada’s oldest incorporated city as well as the only city on the Bay of Fundy.

Fun Things to Do:

• Stroll through uptown Saint John which visits historic attractions like the 1784 Burial Grounds, the 1876 Old City Market, a general store and the Jewish Historical Museum.
• View the point at which the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River collide: the Reversing Falls Rapids.
• Visit the beach, where time and tides have carved echoing caves in the sandstone cliffs. Enjoy a walk along the sand and some seafood chowder at the beach restaurant.

Norfolk, VA

Norfolk is a 400-year-old seaport that is home to one of the best maritime schools in the country and one of the most extensive naval bases in the world. Maritime enthusiasts will have plenty to explore.

Fun Things to Do:

• Tour USS Wisconsin and get to know this impressive battleship that earned five battle stars during WW II.
• Visit Nauticus, a nearby maritime discovery center that tells the story of the industry and military with interactive exhibits.
• Enjoy the Norfolk Botanical Garden that offers a respite for nature-lovers with walking paths and trams that wind through various types of lavish gardens.

New York, NY

New York, a city of dazzling contrasts and vibrant diversity, promises an unparalleled experience. Explore iconic art museums, historic buildings, and sweeping parks, and indulge in legendary shopping and dining. Whether you're taking in the skyline from an observation deck, catching a Broadway show, or crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, the NYC cruise port is your gateway to endless exploration.

Fun Things to Do:

• Enjoy a scenic drive through Manhattan. You'll view the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Theatre District, the Empire State Building and St Patrick's Cathedral.
• Visit Ellis Island, where more than 40 percent of Americans can trace some part of their ancestry back to this gateway to America. The island and the famous Statue of Liberty you together symbolize New York and encapsulate the ethos of American society.
• Do some shopping, enjoy a bite to eat or find a bench to take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant area.

Activity Level: 2

Comfortable - This trip may include walking tours of up to two hours in length typically on level terrains.  May include early morning departures or late-night returns.  Climbing multiple flights of stairs, standing for short periods of time, along with moderate altitudes may be necessary.

*Please see your Travel Advisor to reserve your choice of shore excursions.

Itinerary

Friday, July 3, 2026 - Depart for Boston, MA

Transfer by motorcoach from Central PA to a local airport for a flight to Boston, MA. Transfer from the airport to the hotel for a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay at Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston (or similar).

Group air schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time of the initial deposit.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 - Embarkation

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the pier to board the ship, ZUIDERDAM for your 7-night cruise.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 - DISEMBARKATION

Transfer from the pier to the airport for your flight and transportation back to Central, PA.

Group air schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time of the initial deposit.

Hotel and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation. 

General Information

Travel Documents

U.S. citizens on homeport cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are currently able to enter or depart the country with a state issued birth certificate with a raised seal and government-issued photo ID. A government issued photo ID that is REAL ID compliant is required for airport security. AAA recommends traveling with an original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s).

As travel policies are rapidly changing, the final travel requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your travel advisor for additional information.

*Canada reserves the right to deny entry to anyone with a felony conviction including a DUI record.  AAA is not responsible if you are denied entry to Canada and no refund will be provided.

Payment

Deposit of $350 per person/$700 per cabin will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by  March 23, 2026.

Cancellation/Penalties

From April 6 - 12, 2026              $350 per person/$700 per stateroom, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
From April 13 - May 19, 2026   50% of gross fare per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
After May 19, 2026                    100% NON-REFUNDABLE

*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment

Insurance

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 day of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz Insurance.

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airlines(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Clothing/Climate

Average temperatures in the region are in the 80s. Pack for a variety of temperatures; layers are suggested. Daytime, casual clothes that are designed for warmer climates and breezy higher temperatures, as well as comfortable walking shoes are recommended.  

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a small carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by the airline or airport.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP5626

Consumer Disclosure Notice - Part of Contract of Service.

Please read this notice, it constitutes part of your contract for travel-related services. 
AAA TRAVEL is acting as a mere agent for SUPPLIERS in selling travel-related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this travel agency (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). This agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects. Travel agent shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agent’s control. Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases the agent from any duty of, checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department. For medical information, call the Public Health Service. By embarking upon his/her travel, the traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby warned of such risks, and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. Traveler’s acceptance and retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent of the above, and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members.