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, January 23, 2012

Wonderful Days at Sea

Some cruise itineraries focus on visiting a different port every day, with lots of onshore activities to choose from. Still, most cruises have at least one day at sea, with no scheduled port call. And, some cruises – particularly cruises that reposition ships from one body of water to another, world cruises that cross wide swaths of water between continents, and cruises that depart from the west coast for Hawaii – offer a string of days at sea.

The great thing about days at sea is that they give you time to fully explore and enjoy the comforts and amenities of your ship. And, you can be as active or as relaxed as you choose. You can nap in the comfort of your stateroom or stretch out in a deck chair; or, find a book in the ship’s library and curl up in a corner for a good read.

To maximize your relaxation, book a luxurious treatment in the ship’s spa, or enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the onboard dining spots you haven’t tried yet.

If you want to be a bit more active, try your hand at shuffleboard or join a game of miniature golf on deck. You can check out the equipment in the fitness center, join an exercise class, or schedule an hour with a personal trainer to learn some new techniques for keeping fit. When you’re through, soak in one of the ship’s hot tubs with a cool drink nearby.

Many ships offer interesting educational programs on days at sea. You may be able to attend a presentation on the next port of call, a cooking class or a seminar on fine wine. Ask the social staff if you can take behind-the-scenes tour of the galley, the bridge or the ship’s entertainment venues.

Keep in mind that like you, the rest of the ship’s passengers are also excited to take advantage of the ship’s amenities on sea days. So, book your spa appointments or special dining well in advance. Also, it is widely considered poor cruise etiquette to reserve lounge chairs in the coveted pool area. A good rule of thumb of is this: if you’re not going to be using the chair for at least 30 minutes, then you should probably remove your towel and let someone else enjoy it.

Before you book your next cruise, think about your ideal balance of days in port and days at sea. Anita, Your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert, can help you find an itinerary that will give you the time you want to simply enjoy the ship.