Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

As river cruising becomes more popular, river cruise lines are enhancing their ships and itineraries to provide more of what their passengers are asking for. That includes more opportunities to maintain or improve fitness and wellness, both on board and on shore. River cruises are active vacations in general; daily port calls mean there’s an opportunity each day to get off the ship and walk to see the sights on shore. And, many river cruise ships have small but well-equipped fitness centers, plus spas where you can get relaxing, rejuvenating massages and other treatments. Some ships have walking tracks and swimming pools for more gentle exercise. Still, many passengers are looking for more so that they can match – or even step up – the intensity of their regular exercise routines. Some river cruise lines offer shore excursions with tiered activity levels to suit all tastes. For example, passengers on Tauck’s “Danube Reflections” cruise can enjoy an easy walking tour of the vil...

When the Cook Islands began to form in the South Pacific about 65 million years ago, the island now known as Rarotonga was a large and very active volcano. Time has transformed the island into an idyllic tropical retreat, but you can still see the intensity of the volcano in Rarotonga’s dramatically jagged central peaks. Now, they are covered with deep green jungle instead of lava flows. Ringed with narrow, sandy beaches, Rarotonga is surrounded by a blue lagoon and a coral reef, making it a wonderful destination for swimming, snorkeling and diving. It’s a hiker’s paradise, too: there are no snakes, wild animals or poisonous insects (though there are a few mosquitoes) to interfere with your enjoyment of the trails. So, what can you look forward to on the 26 square miles of Rarotonga? Muri Beach is considered to be the island’s most beautiful, and is a favorite of visiting water lovers. The underwater life just off the beach is spectacular, too: take a tour of Muri Lagoon on a glass-bo...

Cruise lines love to impress both first-time and returning passengers. When they order new cruise ships, they try to up their game every time, whether that means new-to-cruising features or simply more of what their passengers love. Here’s a look at some ships that are scheduled to debut in 2018. Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge -  Celebrity Cruises’ new ship will sail the Eastern and Western Caribbean out of Port Everglades beginning in December. The ship will have several new-to-cruising features, including the Magic Carpet, a movable deck that glides up and down between decks 2 and 16. The bifold doors of Infinite Verandah cabins will bring the outdoors in, as will a solarium with 3D wall art that represents the colors and movement of the ocean. To sail in high style, check out the 5,000-square foot Iconic Suite or the two-level Edge Villa. Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam – The sister ship to the Koningsdam, this second Pinnacle Class ship will launch in December. A wra...

Everyone warns you that storage space is limited in a cruise ship cabin, and it’s true. It’s important to pack thoughtfully so that you’ll have the things that you really need with you. Aside from clothing that’s appropriate for the ship and the destination, what are the most important things to bring along? Here’s our list. Sun protection. This is true wherever you sail, even if it’s not a tropical location. Out at sea, the sun can be strong even when the temperature is cool. You’ll want sunglasses, some sunscreen and lip balm, a comfortable hat to shade your scalp, and some post-sun lotion just in case you do pick up a burn. To save space in your luggage, buy small or travel-sized containers of lotion; as with any liquids you pack, seal them in a plastic bag to prevent spillage. First-aid kit. Bring a kit that contains small quantities of bandages, gauze, cotton balls and swabs, antibiotic ointment, and over-the-counter pain reliever, cold symptom reliever, and seasickness remedy (...

Where can you cruise from the city of Seattle? Most people think of it as a starting point for cruises of Alaska’s coastline, and that’s certainly true. Seattle is a busy port of embarkation for one- or two-week cruises of Alaska’s Inside Passage and the charming towns along the majestic Southeastern Coast. Longer cruises can venture as far north as Anchorage, pausing to view glaciers and wildlife along the way. From Seattle, you can sail to Alaska on a mainstream, family oriented cruise ship; on a luxury ship; or, on an expedition ship that can maneuver into small, scenic bays and sail closer to the shore. But, that’s not the extent of cruises out of Seattle. In fact, you may be surprised by how diverse your choices are. For a quick getaway into the breathtaking scenery of the Pacific Northwest, cruise from Seattle to Victoria, on the southern tip of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island. It’s a like a little slice of Europe transported to Western Canada. Sail on to the city of...