Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

I am proud to be certified by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) as an Elite Cruise Counselor. The Cruise Counselor Certification Program is CLIA's most comprehensive training which requires agents to successfully complete a number of compulsory training courses and exams, attend cruise conferences, and conduct ship inspections. Anita Thompson, Attheta Travel, dba Cruise Holidays.

Monday, October 30, 2017

What’s a “Ship-Within-a-Ship?”


If you and your family are looking for a family-friendly cruise experience on a big ship, but want the amenities of a luxury ship, you can have both.

Most luxury cruise ships are small – less than 2,000 passengers, and sometimes no more than 200 – and while they have top-notch everything, they don’t always suit the needs of cruising families. They don’t offer special facilities or activities for children, nor do they have space for the number of dining spots or entertainment venues found on ships that accommodate 4,000 passengers or more.

The good news is that the “ship within a ship” option offered by some cruise lines will give you a luxury experience on a ship that also has lots of features to please family members of all ages and tastes.

Examples include:

The Haven, featured on nine Norwegian Cruise Line ships, is a collection of suites and other spaces for the exclusive use of Haven guests. Staterooms in The Haven are the most luxurious and spacious on the ship, and they come with a dedicated concierge and 24-hour butler service. There’s no crowding at the serene private sundeck, whirlpool, or fitness area; or in the lounge and restaurant reserved just for Haven guests. Of course, you can enjoy the rest of the ship’s amenities, too, including the Splash Academy program for kids up to age 12 and the Entourage program for teens. Haven guests also receive priority service when embarking and disembarking, priority seating at shows and in specialty restaurants, and other nice perks.

The Yacht Club is popping up on more MSC Cruises ships as the cruise line goes through a growth spurt. This ship-within-a-ship is currently available on six MSC ships. Like The Haven, the Yacht Club offers concierge and butler service, plus exclusive facilities that are generally more tranquil than those open to all passengers. It’s Yacht Club guests only at the Top Sail lounge, where the views are panoramic. There’s also a dedicated restaurant and a pool deck with a private swimming pool, whirlpools, sun deck and bar. Plus, a dedicated elevator can whisk Yacht Club guests directly to the ship’s spa for pampering treatments.

Other lines that don’t have actual luxury enclaves on their ships (at least, not yet) are experimenting with offering special amenities to passengers who book certain classes of suites. Watch for this trend to continue, giving you more opportunities to satisfy your taste for luxury cruising without sacrificing the innovative and family-friendly amenities of today’s large cruise ships. Ask Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert, to steer you toward the ship-within-a-ship concept.

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