Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

On your next cruise, consider dining at the “Chef’s Table” – it’s a delightful, delicious experience. What is the chef’s table? It usually takes place at an evening meal, with a small group of guests seated at an exclusive table. Expect to enjoy multiple courses of gourmet dishes that aren’t available on the ship’s usual menus; thoughtful wine pairings with each course; a visit from the chef; and, perhaps, a tour of the galley. Guests at the chef’s table on a Princess Cruises’ ship enjoy a Champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception with the executive chef, followed by a galley tour at the height of dinner preparations. After being seated at an exclusive table in the ship’s dining room, the group (limited to 10 guests) enjoys a multi-course menu that may include the creative use of fresh ingredients from the day’s port of call. The chef rejoins the group during dessert to discuss the fine points of the meal.       On Carnival ships, the chef’s table is limited to ...

Panels for collecting solar energy, collection bins for recyclable materials, compact fluorescent lighting in the staterooms – all are visible signs of the cruise lines’ commitment to green initiatives. Many more environmentally conscious practices, including some that are not as visible to cruise passengers, have become common on cruise ships. For example, new ships have hull designs and coatings that help them move more smoothly through the water, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. In staterooms and common areas, window coatings help keep the sun’s heat outside. More efficient fixtures and appliances, ranging from toilets and showerheads to ice-making machines, help reduce water and energy use. Greater energy efficiency is also achieved through ship operations. Some cruise lines carefully schedule port arrival and departure times so ships can travel at the most fuel-efficient speeds. Cruise lines also reduce their waste streams by purchasing in bulk, reusing packaging when p...

Cruises that include ports in the Middle East provide an exotic and memorable experience. The Middle East includes some of the world’s most intriguing ancient treasures and modern wonders as well. Dubai, one of the seven United Arab Emirates, is a sleek and quickly developing city on the Persian Gulf. Its spectacular skyscrapers provide a backdrop for sparkling beaches. Venture on shore and you’ll find terrific shopping, from traditional spice markets to huge malls. If you golf, play a round on one of Dubai’s very fine courses. Or, take a desert safari: an exciting ride up and over sand dunes, with lunch at a desert oasis. The impressive skyline of Abu Dhabi, another Emirate, earned it the nickname “Manhattan of the Middle East.” Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi has fabulous twenty-first century buildings. The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, opened in 2007, uses building materials and furnishings from around the world, including gorgeous gold-plated chandeliers, and is large enough to hold 40,000 ...

When packing for a cruise, it’s not unusual to want to pack most of your closet. After all, what if it’s warmer or cooler than expected? What if something gets spilled all over your favorite shirt, and your second-favorite shirt? What if you’re invited to dine with the captain and you have only casual clothing? To avoid over packing, remind yourself of these truths: ·        No one will care if you wear the same clothes more than once, or the same sweater against the evening chill every single night. ·        There will be laundry services on board. ·        If there’s a need for formal clothing, there will probably be a formalwear rental service on board. ·        Even the most spacious cabins and suites have limited storage space for clothing and luggage. Your destination, itinerary and the dress code of your ship will have a lot to do with the actual...