
Event Details
This summer, soccer fans from around the globe will gather in the United States for an unforgettable international tournament. With top clubs from different continents competing, this isn’t just a series of matches—it’s a cultural celebration. If you're gearing up to follow your favorite team across multiple cities, strategically planning your travel is key to making the most of the experience.
This guide provides essential travel tips for attending the tournament, including locations of matches, transportation ideas, must-visit attractions, safety advice, and why RV travel is one of the best ways to enjoy the journey.
What is the Club World Soccer Event & Who is Playing?
The FIFA Club World Soccer Event is an international men's association football competition organized by FIFA, the sport's global governing body. Established in 2000, the tournament brings together champion clubs from each of FIFA's six continental confederations, along with the host nation's national champion, to compete for the title of world club champion. Historically, the competition featured seven teams, but it has undergone various format changes over the years.
In 2025, the Club World Soccer Event will adopt a new, expanded format featuring 32 teams and will be hosted in the United States from June 15 to July 13. This revamped tournament will include clubs from around the world, divided into eight groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, culminating in the final match to determine the world club champion.
Participating Teams:
The 32 participating teams have qualified through various pathways, including winning their respective continental championships or based on club rankings.
Clubs competing in the 2025 tournament include:
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Al Hilal
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Urawa Red Diamonds
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Al Ain
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Ulsan HD
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Al Ahly
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Wydad AC
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Espérance de Tunis
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Mamelodi Sundowns
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Monterrey
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Seattle Sounders FC
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Pachuca
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Club Leon
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Palmeiras
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Flamengo
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Fluminense
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Botafogo
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River Plate
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Boca Juniors
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Auckland City
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Chelsea
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Real Madrid
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Manchester City
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Bayern Munich
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Paris Saint-Germain
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Inter Milan
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Porto
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Benfica
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Borussia Dortmund
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Juventus
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Atlético Madrid
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Red Bull Salzburg
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Inter Miami CF
These teams represent the pinnacle of club football across their respective continents and will compete for the prestigious title of world club champion in the 2025 FIFA Club World Soccer Event, with a grand prize of $125 million.
Where Matches Will Be Played: Stadiums & Cities to Know
The tournament will be held across various U.S. cities over the course of a month this summer. The final stadium list is set to include:
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Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
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Charlotte, NC – Bank of America Stadium
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Cincinnati, OH – TQL Stadium
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Orlando, FL – Inter&Co Stadium
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Orlando, FL – Camping World Stadium
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Philadelphia, PA - Lincoln Financial Stadium
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Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium
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Nashville, TN – GEODIS Park
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Seattle, WA – Lumen Field
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Los Angeles, CA – Rose Bowl
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New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium
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Washington, D.C. – Audi Field
Each city offers its own unique flair, culture, and set of attractions. Depending on your favorite team’s group, you might find yourself road-tripping from coast to coast or exploring one state for an extended stay.
Travel Day Stadium Tips
1. Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, GA
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Public Transportation: Utilize MARTA, Atlanta's rail and bus system, which offers two stops adjacent to the stadium. A one-way fare is $2.50, providing a cost-effective alternative to driving.
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Driving and Parking: If driving, plan to arrive early to secure parking and avoid congestion in downtown Atlanta, as bumper to bumper traffic can significantly delay ETAs.
2. Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC
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Parking: Over 30,000 parking spaces are available within a 10-15 minute walk of the stadium. Spaces can be leased on a match-by-match or seasonal basis.
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Traffic Tips: Expect heavy traffic around Graham Street, Mint Street, and I-277 on game days.
3. TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
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Road Closures: Be aware of game-day road closures, including Odeon Street and Wade Street. These typically begin one hour before game time and last around 15 minutes. Plan your route accordingly.
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Parking: Plan ahead with parking passes and be mindful of designated drop-off zones and event road closures.
4. Inter&Co Stadium – Orlando, FL
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Transportation Options: The downtown location offers access to public parking and transportation. Options include driving, public transit, walking, or biking.
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Construction Advisory: Due to ongoing I-4 Ultimate construction, allow extra time for travel as it may impact traffic flow around the stadium.
5. Camping World Stadium – Orlando, FL
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Parking: Additional parking is available in downtown garages for a fee. Specific shuttle information can be found in event-specific guides.
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Safety Considerations: If unfamiliar with the area, consider using shuttles or rideshares, especially for nighttime events, as walking from downtown lots may not be advisable.
6. Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA
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Public Transportation: The SEPTA Broad Street Subway Line provides direct access; exit at NRG Station, the last southbound stop, for a short walk to the stadium.
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Parking: Parking is available, but utilizing public transit can alleviate congestion and parking challenges.
7. Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, FL
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Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft are viable options. A ride from central Miami typically takes 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Driving Tips: Plan your route in advance and consider traffic patterns to ensure timely arrival, as downtown Miami can feature aggressive downtown traffic.
8. GEODIS Park – Nashville, TN
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Parking Challenges: Parking is limited, and traffic congestion is common. Arriving early or parking a mile away and walking can be effective strategies.
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Alternative Parking: The lot across from Fort Negley at 1204 Fort Negley Blvd is free and reserved for Nashville SC fans, offering a manageable walk to the stadium.
9. Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
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Public Transportation: To avoid traffic delays, consider using public transportation options.
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Parking: Two parking lots are connected to Lumen Field: Lumen Field Parking Garage and the North Lot. Both are open daily, with event-specific pricing and pre-purchase availability.
10. Rose Bowl – Los Angeles, CA
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Traffic Advisory: Expect significant congestion, especially around game time. Arriving early and planning your route is crucial.
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Parking Tips: Utilize official parking areas and be prepared for delays when exiting post-event.
11. MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ
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Public Transportation: NJ Transit offers rail service to and from MetLife for all major sporting events.
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Parking Tips: The nearby American Dream complex offers parking options with a pedestrian walkway to the stadium. This can be a convenient alternative, especially during high-traffic events.
12. Audi Field – Washington, D.C.
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Public Transit: Accessible via Metro; the nearest stations are Waterfront and Navy Yard, each about a 15-minute walk from the stadium.
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Parking: Limited parking is available; using public transit or rideshare services is recommended to avoid congestion.
By considering these location-specific tips, you can enhance your game-day experience and minimize transportation-related challenges.
Best Ways to Travel Between Matches
There are several transportation options for getting between matches, but not all are created equal. Knowing how many matches you want to attend, what you’d like to explore in the city, and how long you want to stay are factors to include for your travel plans.
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By Plane: The fastest way to travel long distances, but during peak summer and with match-day traffic, delays and high prices are common.
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By Train or Bus: Amtrak can offer scenic routes between some cities (like Seattle to LA or NYC to Philadelphia), but it doesn’t reach every destination efficiently.
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By Car: Renting a car works for shorter distances, but hotel stays, gas, tolls, and parking fees can add up quickly.
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By RV: RV travel is the most flexible and cost-effective method for multi-city travel.
RV travel offers unmatched convenience:
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Avoid inflated hotel prices near stadiums.
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Keep your luggage and essentials in one place.
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Cook your own meals and enjoy rest stops along the way.
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Make the journey just as exciting as the destination.
Why RV Travel is the Ultimate Game Plan
Choosing an RV for your soccer adventure is more than just a way to save money—it's a lifestyle. Here’s why it works so well for fans traveling to the tournament:
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Budget-Friendly: Skip pricey hotels and nightly restaurant bills. You can cook, sleep, and relax in your RV.
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Flexible Schedule: If your team advances, just adjust your route accordingly.
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Tailgating Heaven: Bring the grill, flags, and team gear. Stadium parking lots turn into massive tailgates.
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Group Travel: Great for families or friend groups. Everyone stays together, and no need to split up across hotels.
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Scenic Detours: Visit national parks, beaches, and roadside attractions between games.
Most host cities have RV parks within an hour of stadiums, many with shuttle access or easy public transportation. Plan ahead to reserve your spots early, especially in popular cities like Miami, LA, or NYC.
Safety Tips and Areas to Avoid
While the U.S. is generally safe for travelers, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in large, unfamiliar cities.
General safety tips:
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Stick to well-lit, busy areas at night.
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Avoid walking alone after games in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
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Keep valuables hidden or locked away in your RV or locker.
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Use official transportation and stadium-approved parking areas.
Using an RV? Choose secure, well-reviewed parks and avoid boondocking (camping without hookups) in urban areas unless you’re experienced.
How to Get the Most Out of the World Soccer Event?
Attending an international soccer tournament like the Club World Soccer Event isn’t just about the match—it’s about the energy, the camaraderie, and immersing yourself in a new place. Here are some top tips to help you get the most out of your match-day experience, connect with fellow fans, and explore host cities like a local:
Maximize Your Match-Day Experience
1. Get There Early—Soak It All In
Arriving at the stadium 90–120 minutes before kickoff gives you time to enjoy the pre-game buzz. From fan zones to live music and merch shops, many stadiums offer entertainment outside the gates.
2. Wear Your Team Colors Proudly
Whether it’s a jersey, scarf, or face paint, repping your club shows your pride and helps fans of the same team connect. It also makes for awesome photos!
3. Learn the Chants & Songs
Every team has chants—learn a few ahead of time to join in and get swept up in the energy. Even neutral fans can get in on the fun by backing the underdog or joining the crowd rhythm.
4. Bring a Portable Flag or Banner
It’s a great way to stand out and rep your country or club—and perfect for waving during key moments.
5. Don’t Watch Through Your Phone
Take a few photos, record the kickoff or goal, then put your phone away. Being present during live play is part of what makes these events unforgettable.
Connect with Fellow Fans
1. Embrace the Shared Experience
Whether you're seated next to someone from your own country or the other side of the globe, strike up a conversation. Soccer brings people together—share stories, predictions, or celebrate a goal together.
2. Visit Fan Zones & Local Pubs
Many cities create designated fan areas with games, music, food, and drinks. It’s the easiest place to meet fellow fans, trade scarves or pins, and catch live coverage of other matches.
3. Use Hashtags or Local Apps
Social media hashtags and apps like Meetup or Eventbrite can help you find watch parties, team-specific events, or post-match celebrations.
4. Tailgate If You Can
Traveling by RV? Stadium lots are often full of fan tailgates—bring your grill, music, and jerseys, and invite others over.
Experience the Host Cities
1. Explore Beyond the Stadium
Every host city has its own character. Try a local walking tour, museum, park, or food tour the day before or after a match. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation of where you are.
2. Eat Like a Local
Skip fast food chains and ask a local (or look on Google Maps/Yelp) for nearby gems. BBQ in Texas, seafood in Seattle, Cuban food in Miami—there’s something unforgettable in every region.
3. Visit Cultural Sites
From the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to live jazz in New Orleans or Broadway shows in NYC, balance your soccer itinerary with local culture.
4. Support Small Businesses
Pick up souvenirs, snacks, or drinks from local vendors and shops. It’s a great way to give back to the host city and find one-of-a-kind memorabilia.
How to Buy Tickets for the Club World Soccer Event (Without Getting Scammed)
Planning to attend the 2025 Club World Soccer Event? You’re not alone—fans from all over the world will be competing for tickets to see their favorite clubs in action across the U.S. With high demand, it’s important to purchase your tickets from reputable sources to avoid scams, inflated prices, or invalid entries.
The safest and most reliable way to get tickets is through FIFA.com, the official source for ticket sales. FIFA typically releases tickets in stages—starting with a random draw (lottery), followed by first-come-first-served windows, and general public sales. You’ll need to create a FIFA ticketing account to participate, but this ensures direct access to verified tickets at face value.
FIFA often partners with Ticketmaster for events hosted in the U.S., so you may also see tickets sold through their platform. Ticketmaster offers mobile ticketing, verified resale options (if enabled), and is easy to use.
In some cases, you might also find tickets listed on SeatGeek—just be sure any listings are clearly marked as “Verified” and are coming from FIFA’s official partnership.
If you miss out on the official sales, StubHub can be a backup plan. As a major resale marketplace, StubHub does offer buyer protection, but resale prices can be steep, especially as the event approaches.
Reputable Ticket Sources:
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FIFA.com – Official source; secure and direct access to tickets
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Ticketmaster – Frequently used for U.S. events; look for FIFA branding
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SeatGeek – Use only if officially partnered; choose “Verified” listings
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StubHub – Resale option; use caution and expect higher prices
Sites to Avoid or Use With Caution:
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Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace – High risk of scams or counterfeit tickets
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Unfamiliar third-party ticket sites – If it’s not mentioned on FIFA.com or lacks verified reviews, steer clear
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Websites with no refund policy or limited support – Always read the fine print
Safe Ticket-Buying Tips:
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Sign up on FIFA.com early for ticket release alerts
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Use a credit card with fraud protection—not debit cards or wire transfers
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Choose mobile or physical tickets with official verification
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Be aware of ticket transfer restrictions—some may be non-transferable
Whether you're watching your team in one city or following them across the country in an RV, securing your tickets early through trusted platforms ensures your trip is stress-free and focused on the soccer, not the logistics.
Ticketing and Match-Day Logistics
To ensure a smooth experience:
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Buy tickets early from verified vendors to avoid scams.
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Understand stadium policies on bags, bottles, and prohibited items.
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Arrive early for security checks and to find good parking.
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Pack match-day essentials: sunscreen, refillable water bottle, hats, and ID.
If traveling by RV:
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Some stadiums offer RV parking, but spots are limited. Reserve well in advance.
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Consider parking at a nearby RV park and using a scooter, bike, or rideshare for the final leg.
Tips for International Travelers
Fans from around the world will be arriving to support their teams. Here are a few extra steps for international attendees:
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Apply for a visa or ESTA (depending on your country) well before your travel dates.
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Book flights early to avoid high summer pricing.
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Get a U.S. SIM card or international data plan for navigation and communication.
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Travel insurance is highly recommended.
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Keep a copy of your passport and travel docs stored securely.
If you're flying into major cities, RV rental depots are typically located within reach of airports. Some even offer airport pickups.
Final Thoughts: Make Travel Easy With Cruise America
Whether you're chasing every match or just soaking in the vibe from one city, the Club World Soccer Event promises to be an unforgettable experience. Travel smart, stay flexible, and consider the benefits of RV travel for comfort, convenience, and community. Pack your jersey, grab your crew, and hit the road with Cruise America. Book your RV now!