Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

  Norwegian Cruise Line’s second Prima Plus Class ship, the Norwegian Luna , is now on the waves. Christened in March, Luna has a maximum capacity of about 4,200 passengers and a modern, boutique-hotel vibe. While Luna has a lot in common with the Norwegian Aqua , the ship also has some unique features, beginning with the hull art: a sophisticated dreamscape by muralist ELLE, who is Luna ’s godparent. Luna ’s cabins are another design highlight, with sleek furnishings that contribute to a spacious feel. There’s good storage, including full-length closets, wire basket drawers, deep shelves and convenient wall hooks. And while the thoughtfully designed bathrooms are still compact, they are a little more spacious than on other Norwegian ships. For solo cruisers, Luna has more than 70 studio staterooms specifically designed for one. They come with keycard access to the Studio Lounge, which offers beverages, snacks, and the opportunity to chat with other solo travelers. Luna a...

Hubbard Glacier   Lots of cruise passengers look forward to dining at the ship’s bountiful buffet, and at specialty restaurants that serve elevated cuisine. But there’s another choice that passengers sometimes overlook: the main dining room, or MDR. MDRs are often quite large but also cozy, with soft carpeting, padded chairs, and tablecloths. Usually open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, MDR menus change daily (though some favorite dishes may be repeated). On some cruises, the MDR will feature specialties from the region you’re sailing in. MDRs may offer a choice of set dining times, come-when-you-like dining, or both. You may love the flexibility of dining whenever you’re ready, but a set dining time might be the best choice if you’d like to eat with the same people each day. The dress code in the MDR may be less formal than you think. On many ships, the only real requirement is to change out of very casual attire (such as swimsuits, shorts, very ripped jeans, graphic tees a...

Delali National Park In just a few weeks, we’ll be heading back to Alaska, and this time the adventure includes several ports we’ve never visited before. We’re especially excited because this voyage will be a one-way cruise, sailing southbound from Anchorage to Vancouver. When it comes to seeing Alaska by sea, there are a few different ways to do it: Round-trip cruises , where the ship returns to the original port One-way cruises , which begin or end in Vancouver, BC, and travel either northbound or southbound Cruise-tours , which combine a seven-day cruise with a few additional days exploring Alaska’s parks and wildlife inland Our sailing will be a seven-day southbound cruise, and along the way we’ll visit a mix of familiar favorites and brand-new ports. For us, several of these stops will be firsts, which makes the trip even more exciting. Ports We’ll Be Visiting Valdez, Alaska Haines, Alaska Icy Strait Point, Alaska Wr...

Azamara Quest Every cruise must come to an end, even though we don’t like to think about it. But, a little planning can make the inevitable last morning of your cruise – disembarkation day – go smoothly. Here are some ways to prepare. Before you sail: Make reservations for your trip home, with careful attention to timing. Disembarkation is usually early in the morning, but may be delayed due to port procedures, customs requirements, or other situations. So, don’t schedule your departure from the port city too early. Some passengers even stay in the port city for a night and travel the following day. Have a plan for the time after you leave the ship and before you start for home. You could take a tour of the port city, have a relaxed lunch, or do a little shopping. The day before you disembark: Carefully pack your bags. Then, set them outside your cabin door by the requested time – often before midnight – for pick-up by the crew. But, be sure to keep clothes and shoes to wear ...

Galapagos Islands They are immersive, adventurous, and educational; expedition cruises have all the ingredients of a thrilling and memorable vacation. That’s why expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments of the cruise industry. But, is it for you? Expedition cruises are very different from ocean and river cruises. They sail to remote places that are beautiful, rugged, and undeveloped, with little to no tourism or infrastructure. Destinations include parts of the Arctic, such as Greenland and far northern Scandinavia; the Amazon River; the Galapagos Islands; parts of Southeast Asia; southern Chile and Tierra del Fuego; and Antarctica. Some mainstream cruise destinations, such as Alaska, are expedition cruise destinations, too – but the expedition ships go to more isolated places. Expedition ships are different from ocean and river cruise ships, too. They are smaller and often tougher – their hulls may be reinforced with steel to handle icy waters. Their size makes t...

Total eclipses of the sun are awesome events. And there’s good news for eclipse chasers (a.k.a. “umbraphiles”) who also love cruising: 2026 and 2027 will each bring a total eclipse of the sun that you can experience from a cruise ship. Total eclipses take place when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting an impressive shadow. Within the shadow is a narrow “path of totality,” where the light of the sun is completely blocked for a few minutes (a bit of the sun’s corona may still be visible). By the way, always be safe when viewing a solar eclipse, whether from land or sea: be sure to wear special solar eclipse viewing glasses to enjoy the show. If you’d like to experience a total eclipse at sea, one is coming soon. On August 12, 2026, the path of totality will begin in the early afternoon in the North Atlantic, and then will move across parts of southern Europe. Here are some cruise lines that will celebrate this spectacular natural phenomenon by navigating in the pat...

Because cruise fares must be paid in full before you get on board, you can set sail knowing that you’ve already paid for all the essentials you’ll need during your voyage. But many of us are tempted to make some additional purchases on the ship. So, here are a few tips for saving money while on board. First, make sure you’re taking advantage of the cruise line’s loyalty program (many cruise lines sign you up automatically). Visit the guest services desk to ask if there are any loyalty program benefits you can use. These vary by cruise line, but may include things like discounted WiFi access, complimentary laundry services, or savings on photo packages. You may know that beverages like soda, wine, cocktails, and specialty coffee and tea are often not included in a cruise fare. Instead of purchasing a beverage package from the cruise line or paying for drinks as you go, you could save money by bringing your own drinks. Be sure to check the cruise line’s rules for the type and quantit...

Distinctive Voyages Tour in South Africa   A unique cruise experience offered by a travel agent who belongs to the Travel Leaders Network, a travel consortium.  A member agent can offer a cruise in the Distinctive Voyages program on 14 premium and luxury cruise lines. Each year, the network offers more than 500 Distinctive Voyage cruises. A distinctive Voyages vacation can be the trip of a lifetime with exclusive vacation packages created by Travel Leaders Network, sold only through our members. Each Distinctive Voyages sailing includes: Services of a Distinctive Voyages Host An invitation to a Private Welcome Reception An Exclusive Shore Event Along with special group pricing, each Distinctive Voyage cruise has an onboard agent who serves as host for the duration of the cruise. The host will be available to assist travelers with their questions and any issues that may arise during the cruise. Ask your travel agent to book your next cruise on a Distinctive Voyage! ...

Most cruise ship bathrooms are designed to be functional and efficient – giving you all of the essentials, even though they’re contained in a small space. And that’s fine with lots of cruise fans. After all, many don’t spend much time in their cabins or their bathrooms, because they spend as much time as they can on shore and enjoying spaces all around the ship. But if you enjoy luxuriating in a bath with ample space and high-end amenities, you can find one on a cruise ship (usually attached to a suite). Here’s a look at some of the truly opulent bathrooms at sea. The heated floors in Viking Cruises’ Explorer Suite bathrooms will keep your toes cozy; the towel racks are heated, too. There are beautiful dual sinks and large shower enclosures that include full-size bathtubs. Explorer Suites are on all of Viking’s ships, both river-going and ocean-going. If you and your cruise companion are used to having your own bathroom spaces at home, check out the Grand Duplex Suites on Cunard ...

Cruise vacations are for relaxation, and perhaps a bit of letting loose, amid the comfort and convenience of a cruise ship. Cruise vacations are also for exploring parts of the world that are new to you, and while you’re on shore, a few common-sense safety tips will help ensure a fun and memorable vacation. These tips are not meant to alarm you; touring on shore may be no riskier than taking a walk in your neighborhood, and the shore excursions offered by your cruise line are led by experienced drivers and guides. Still, while in vacation mode, anyone can be a little more vulnerable to pickpockets and other petty thieves, so here are some things to keep in mind. Leave your wallet, and most of its contents, in your cabin safe. Go ashore with just one or two credit cards and a small amount of cash, stored in a front pocket. Don’t take your passport off the ship unless you absolutely have to; take a photocopy of your passport’s identification page instead. No bling in port. It’s u...

If you would like to explore intricate Moorish architecture, bustling spice markets, or waterfront promenades, consider a cruise that includes port calls in Morocco. This North African kingdom has a Mediterranean and Atlantic shoreline, as well as majestic mountains, broad coastal plains, sparkling cities, and fascinating culture. Some cruises of coastal Portugal and Spain include port calls in Morocco’s Tangier, Casablanca, or Agadir, as do some broader itineraries that pass through the Strait of Gibraltar. Some transatlantic crossings to or from the Mediterranean also call on Morocco, as do some world cruises. Tangier is on Africa’s northernmost tip, just west of the Strait of Gibraltar. The Tanger Ville cruise dock is right in the city, so it’s just a short walk from the pier to the historic medina (old town), surrounded by ancient stone walls and bastions. You can visit the Kasbah Palace, the Grand Mosque, and the Petit Socco, once a crossroads for foreign agents and internatio...

  This spring, we attended the annual Travel Leaders Network conference, held at the Gaylord Resort in Chula Vista, California. The resort, located just a quarter of a mile from San Diego Bay, provided an impressive setting for the event, with a large convention center attached to the property. The conference brought together 2,200 attendees, along with numerous travel partners from across the industry. One afternoon was dedicated to a trade show, where we had the opportunity to meet with key suppliers and learn more about the products, services, and experiences they offer for our clients. Over four days, we participated in presentations and held productive meetings with travel partners, peers, and colleagues. The conference provided valuable insight into current developments in the travel industry, including cruises, river cruises, land packages, and all-inclusive resorts. It was also encouraging to see how our travel partners continue to enhance their offerings and strength...

  Unpredictable weather, civil unrest, and military actions can disrupt a cruise vacation. And, these disruptors have become more widespread at a time when more people than ever before are planning cruise vacations. If you’re planning to cruise in a region where there may be conflict, here are some things you can do to be aware and prepared. Begin by talking with Anita, your professional travel advisor, about your plans. Adding their expertise to your own knowledge can help you decide whether to proceed with a planned cruise or look at other destinations. And, talk about more than the ports on the cruise itinerary; check on what’s happening in areas you’ll need to travel through to get to the ship and back home again. Regularly check your email for any updates from your cruise line, as well as airlines and hotels involved in your plans. Better yet, download the apps for each of these travel providers on your mobile device. This will help ensure you receive all updates they issu...

Treating yourself to a vacation feels fantastic, and it’s even better when you know you’re getting good value for your vacation dollars. When you consider all that’s included, cruise vacations deliver terrific value. And, there are ways to further increase that value – here are a few tips. Use a nearby homeport. There are cruise ship ports all along the U.S. coastline, some seasonal and some busy all year. Take a look at the ships and itineraries that sail from the port closest to your home; if you can get there by car, bus, or train, you may save on flight costs. Even if you fly to meet the ship, a shorter flight may keep more money in your pocket. Get expert help. Even if you narrow down your choice of cruise ship and itinerary on your own, working with your professional travel advisor is especially important when it’s time to select a fare and make your reservation. Cruise fares are based on cabin type and many other factors; they can change quickly, and they do change often. ...

Looking for an island cruise that’s off the usual path? The Republic of Seychelles, Africa’s smallest nation, is an archipelago of 115 beautiful, rustic, unspoiled islands in the Indian Ocean. Lying about 950 miles off the east coast of Africa, visitors tend to describe the islands with one word: paradise. The islands may have been visited by ancient peoples and certainly by long-ago pirates, but were uninhabited by humans until they were settled by the French in the mid-1700s. Seychelles became a British colony in 1814 and remained so until declaring independence in 1976. Since then, the islands have been thriving with a culture that melds French, British, Indian, and African traditions. Most of the population lives on the three largest islands: Mahé, La Digue, and Praslin. The islands are made of granite or coral, surrounded by water in gorgeous shades of blue. The granite islands have central mountains draped in lush green forests and beaches of soft white sand, sometimes dotted...

When you’re having a wonderful time on a cruise, it can be a good idea to reserve your next cruise before you even leave the ship. Many cruise lines offer special incentives for booking a cruise while you’re still on board, such as reduced deposits, onboard credits, special discounts, and other benefits. How do you book a cruise while on a cruise? Many ships have a “future cruise” desk just for this purpose. Remember to ask for any onboard booking you make to be transferred to your own professional travel advisor, who can manage it with you. Future cruise reservations made while on board are often quite flexible. You may have a window of time in which you can change ships or sail dates at no charge. You may also be able to defer your choice of destination, ship and sailing date for a period of time. The specific benefits of booking a cruise while you’re onboard vary by cruise line, and may be aligned with the cabin category you reserve (a suite may deliver greater rewards than a ...

It used to be that every night was “formal night” on a cruise ship; passengers routinely changed from their daytime clothes into elegant dresses, gowns, suits, and tuxedos for dinner. Many cruise fans welcomed the modern shift to more casual dressing for dinner, but some still love the opportunity to really glam up for an onboard formal night. So, which cruise lines still have official  formal nights (or “elegant,” “dressy,” “glam” or “gala” nights)? If you love to dress up in elegant evening wear, look to lines like Cunard, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, and Silversea. Their ships usually have at least one formal night on their itineraries. Note that on formal nights, formal attire may be required only in the main dining venue, while other areas of the ship accept “elegant casual” attire (generally defined as tailored slacks or skirts with collared shirts, sweaters or jackets, as well as dresses and pantsuits). And on some ships, formal attire may be encouraged for eveni...

Whenever we do something new, it can be hard to know how to prepare; that’s natural when we lack experience. So, what are the best questions for a first-time cruiser to ask while planning their first voyage? Here are a few we think are essential. Where should I go? Cruise ships travel the globe, so it’s likely you can visit one or more of your most desired destinations. But the answer may depend on the amount of time you have available to cruise. If it’s a few days, try a short cruise to the Caribbean, or along the West Coast or Mexican Riviera. With more time, the ports of Europe, Asia, or South America may call to you. And if you have even more time, a World Cruise can literally take you around the globe. What is covered by the cruise fare, and what costs extra? The answer varies by cruise line, and knowing exactly what’s included will help you manage your vacation budget. Fares usually include a lot: accommodations, most onboard dining options, and entertainment, and the use o...

Like hotels, restaurants, and airlines, many cruise lines operate customer loyalty programs. All a passenger has to do is sign up, earn points with each cruise taken on that line, and enjoy the benefits. The benefits vary by cruise line, but can range from a complimentary onboard beverage to members-only events, dinner with the ship’s officers, or even a free future cruise. And, some cruise lines automatically sign new passengers up so they start gaining points or status right away. You’ll earn the most loyalty points and benefits if you sail regularly on the same cruise line. That works well when there’s a cruise line you love so much you wouldn’t consider any other. But if you don’t want to be limited to one cruise line, note that some will match loyalty program status from other lines, or even from other travel operators. With some cruise lines, status matching and point sharing are especially easy because they have the same ownership. For example, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cru...

  Cruise ship activities like contests and tournaments, talent shows, and trivia challenges keep things lively and help passengers mix and mingle. But if you value quiet time, can you find it on a cruise ship? Yes, absolutely! Some ships – especially small ships and those from luxury lines – offer a calmer vibe to begin with. But quiet can be found even on the biggest, boldest ships; here are some places to look for it. Your own cabin. Your cabin can be a respite from the activity around the ship. To make it cozier, ask your steward for extra pillows and blankets; you can also bring a battery-operated tea light or two from home (remember, no real-flame candles are allowed). A love of quiet is a good reason to treat yourself to an outside cabin with a private balcony, where you can take in the views on your own. On most ships, you can also dine in your cabin; just order from room service and a server will deliver breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The library. Many ships have a li...

Beach at the Hilton Resort Last month, we had the pleasure of guiding a wonderful group of forty-eight travelers on a memorable 16-day cruise from Port Louis, Mauritius, all the way to Cape Town, South Africa. Since this was our agency’s first time visiting Mauritius, we chose to arrive a few days early to explore the island and get over the jet lag from the long journey—it’s quite a trek with a ten-hour time difference, and our total travel time, including layovers, was about thirty hours. Mauritius is a beautiful island located roughly 700 miles east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. We stayed for three nights at the Hilton Resort, right on the beach. If you ever find yourself visiting Mauritius, we recommend the Hilton—it provides a comfortable, relaxing spot to unwind and enjoy the scenery. What struck me most about Mauritius was its economy, which compares favorably to many other African destinations we’ve visited. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the island tends to attract...

Florida’s cruise ports – Port Canaveral, Port Miami, and Port Everglades – are the busiest in the world, but they are not the only places to get on board a cruise ship. From Boston to Seattle, cruise ship homeports dot the U.S. coastline, and another major American city is ready to join in. This April, Norwegian Cruise Line will begin sailing from a brand-new cruise terminal in Philadelphia, near the Philadelphia International Airport. This will give the Mid-Atlantic region a gateway to cruising for the first time since 2011, when Philadelphia’s previous cruise terminal ceased operations. So, where can you sail from Philadelphia? To begin, the Norwegian Jewel and the Norwegian Pearl are offering voyages to Bermuda; to New England and Canada; and to the Caribbean, with itineraries that feature port calls in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. As these ships sail away from Philadelphia and down the Delaware River, passengers will have a view of the city’s impressive skyline. ...

Last summer, before embarking on our cruise, we spent three nights in Reykjavík to deepen our appreciation of Iceland’s unique allure. Having visited the country before, we had yet to fully explore the remarkable natural features that define this extraordinary island. This time, we made the deliberate choice to venture beyond the city through thoughtfully selected tours. Our accommodation at the Hilton Curio Collection was ideally located near the historic heart of Old Town, adjacent to Reykjavík’s famed hotdog stand—a local institution known well beyond Iceland’s shores. Over our stay, it was apparent just how beloved this spot is, with tour groups regularly pausing for a quick bite and a dedicated queue forming at all hours. Remarkably, the stand remains open until 5 a.m., closing only after the city’s bars do—testament to its iconic status. A highlight was the “Golden Circle” tour, an eight-hour excursion that offered an immersive experience of Iceland’s captivating countryside—feat...

  There’s a fantastic option for close-to-home cruising along the U.S.-Canadian border: the Great Lakes, five massive lakes that touch eight states and one province. The lakes are so wide and deep they would be classified as inland seas if they were filled with saltwater – instead, they are the world’s largest group of freshwater lakes. You’ll find natural beauty, fascinating history and sparkling cities along their shores. Cruise lines that sail lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior include Viking, Ponant, and American Cruise Lines. They use smaller ships for this summer cruise region, because they need to fit through the narrow locks and canals that connect some of the lakes. So while you’ll sail in great style and comfort, don’t expect waterparks, dozens of dining options or big performance spaces on board. A variety of Great Lakes itineraries are available; as you explore them, consider length, the number of lakes and ports visited, and the number of “lake days...