Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

Cruise Holidays recently conducted a survey of its agencies across North America, asking its cruise experts to use actual client booking data to help identify trends in cruise travel. We previously looked at the most popular destinations nationally and internationally; now, let’s look at the most popular ships, based on bookings for 2015. 1.      Independence of the Seas , Royal Caribbean. This ship’s recent $7 million refurbishment added digital signage that makes it easier to find your way around the 3,600-passenger ship; a cupcake shop; an Italian restaurant; and a nursery for the youngest guests. Royal Caribbean’s signature entertainment features, including a surfing simulator and ice skating rink, make the ship a great choice for families. 2.      Oasis of the Seas , Royal Caribbean. First launched in 2009 with an innovative “neighborhoods” concept, this 5,400-passenger ship had a recent overhaul to add some of the dining and technol...

There’s a new cruise destination in the Western Caribbean: the Banana Coast of Honduras. Until now, cruise ships could call at the island of Roatan, a world-class snorkeling and diving destination just off the coast, but there was no option for visiting the country’s mainland. Now, the port of Trujillo offers a gateway to the rest of Honduras. Trujillo’s natural deep-water harbor is fringed by miles of beautiful white sand beach. It’s historic too, being the place where Christopher Columbus first made landfall on the mainland of the Americas in 1502. Trujillo is also the historical center of banana production on the north coast of Honduras. The Banana Coast has a spectacular natural setting between the sparkling Bay of Trujillo and a pair of jungle-covered mountains, Mount Capiro and Mount Calentura. Although the Banana Coast is a new stop for cruise ships, there are already more than a dozen options for excursions on shore. To provide a few examples, you can explore the e...

Cruise vacations are all about breaking away from your normal routine to relax and indulge in new places, tastes and activities. That can include breaking the mold of your usual exercise routine and trying some new ways of staying fit and healthy. Most sizable cruise ships have impressively equipped gyms; plus, your onboard workout can feature an ocean view! Following are some of the most intriguing fitness opportunities at sea. Holland America Line’s Cardio Ki-Bo Circuit classes . These classes combine aerobic conditioning, kickboxing and other moves to help release chi, the Chinese term for essential life energy. If KI-Bo sounds a bit too intense, try an aquaerobics or yoga class. Cunard Line’s Pilates Institute at Sea . Pilates is a form of yoga that focuses on improving strength and flexibility, and the Queen Mary 2 has staff from the famed Pilates Institute who present lectures and lead personal and group sessions. You can learn to use Pilates to release tension, imp...

The increasing variety of river cruise itineraries is making the non-coastal capitals of Europe more accessible to cruise travelers. Paris, France, is a perfect example: it’s 150 miles from the English Channel, and ocean-going ships must dock at the port of Le Havre or at Rouen. River cruise ships, however, can travel up the winding Seine river right into Paris, docking near the Eiffel Tower and other incredible sights in the City of Lights. From the river, you’ll see some of the dozens of bridges that cross the Seine, including Pont Neuf, which connects both banks of the Seine to Île de la Cité, where Paris began. The island is home to the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris; climb the stairs inside the towers for a wonderful view of the city. There’s also Sainte-Chapelle, a royal chapel in the Gothic style; and the sobering history of the Conciergerie prison, where thousands of prisoners awaited execution during the French Revolution. In addition to the Eiffel Tower, be sure to...

Traversed by sailors since ancient times, the Adriatic Sea sparkles between the Italian and Balkan Peninsulas. Today, the Adriatic welcomes cruise ships and passengers who appreciate this relaxed, scenic part of the world. A northern arm of the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic has something of a split personality. The western shore – essentially, the long eastern coast of Italy – is known for gentle water and sandy beaches. The eastern shore, shared by Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania, has dramatic, with rocky islands and cliffs that rise from the water, backed by inland mountains covered with deep green forest. Many cruises of the Adriatic begin or end in Venice, the dreamy city that occupies a series of islands in the delta of the River Po. Ornate bridges and romantic canals link the islands and the landmarks they hold, such as the famous Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) and its imposing cathedral. Venice is full of historic buildings that appear to float on the...

Rome, Italy, sits on the banks of the Tiber River but depends on Civitavecchia, a small city 50 miles to the northwest, to serve as its port on the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Mediterranean. Civitavecchia, a commercial port since the second century, boasts a massive fort – part of it was designed by Michelangelo. Still, you won’t want to spend too much time there when all of Rome is waiting for you. It’s a 20-minute walk from the port into Civitavecchia, but most cruise lines will have shuttles waiting to take you into town. There, you can board a bus or hire a taxi to get to Rome; the ride will take 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic. There is also train service, which is a bit faster, delivering you to Rome in just over an hour. A knowledgeable travel consultant will also be able to assist with private transportation options. There’s a lot to see in Rome, and there are a variety of shore excursions to help you make the most of your time there. If you’d like to see...

Travelers who are concerned that simply being on a plane or cruise ship with someone who has been exposed to the Ebola virus could lead to infection should be reassured by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, chief medical correspondent for CNN, who reports that, Ebola is not highly contagious; and, the virus does not travel through the air. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that the Ebola virus spreads only through contact with blood or other body fluids from an infected person who is actively displaying the symptoms of the disease. Ebola virus disease is a certainly a serious health concern, especially in West Africa, where the largest outbreak ever continues to claim victims. In an abundance of caution, the travel industry is taking steps to further reduce the extremely low risk of contracting Ebola from a fellow traveler. For example, the Cruise Lines International Association worked with public health authorities to develop guidelines for its member cruise line...

Los Cabos, the delightful Mexican resort area and cruise ship port at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, is rebounding quickly from the effects of Hurricane Odile. The storm came ashore September 14, 2014, as a powerful category 3 hurricane; it was the strongest storm to make landfall on the peninsula in more than 45 years. While Odile temporarily left nearly the entire state of Baja California Sur without power or water, cleanup in Los Cabos began immediately. The small Cabo San Lucas airport had no damage to its runways and was back in operation as soon as the storm passed; the larger San Jose del Cabo International Airport reopened to domestic and international flights on October 3. Most year-round flights from U.S. airports have resumed, and seasonal service from the U.S. is expected to operate as usual beginning this month. Essential services, including power, water, phone, Internet, sanitation and public transportation have all been restored in Los Cabos. Some h...

For a winter cruise vacation, who can resist the warm breezes, soft sand and swaying palms of the Caribbean? The Caribbean lies close to North America, but offers a completely different world of tranquil lagoons, coral reefs alive with colorful sea life, festive music and spicy flavors. Now is the perfect time to explore your options for a winter Caribbean cruise getaway. The Eastern Caribbean includes the American and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and St. Maarten/St. Martin. Many Eastern Caribbean cruises also include islands that technically lie north of the Caribbean, such as the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. This is a well-developed cruise region with lots of welcoming ports and activities for visitors, including beaches, watersports, boat tours, fishing, tours of historic sites, hiking and duty-free shopping. You can embark from home ports stretching from Miami to as far north as New York City; some cruises, especially those that include Southern Caribbean ports, depart...

The critics have spoken, and in 2014, Cruise Holidays International has won three prestigious Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly . The awards were bestowed in the categories of Marketing as well as Agent Innovation. Specifically, Cruise Holidays brought home the highest honor, Gold, for its Compass magazine. Compass is a glossy, full-color magazine delivered to Cruise Holidays clients, filled with interesting destinations and offerings from some of the most luxurious cruise lines. Cruise Holidays won a Silver Magellan Award for www.cruiseholidays.com , the website that is constantly being updated with valuable offers for clients. The website received a facelift in 2014, with new descriptions of destinations around the world, plus more information about exciting resort vacations.  All this information is available on our local website, www.attheta.com . Finally, Cruise Holidays received a Silver Magellan Award in the Agency Innovation category for AgentMate. AgentMate i...

As the days grow shorter and cooler, the cruise industry has a tempting offer for you: a cruise to celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or whatever winter holiday you most like to celebrate. If your immediate reaction is that you can’t imagine being away from home, family and friends during the holidays, take just a moment to think about this: You can take your family and friends with you . You can be together with the fun of celebrating the holidays in a new way. Cruise ships can accommodate groups of all sizes, and your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert can make everyone’s flight and cruise reservations. Depending on the size of your group, you may qualify for special discounts. It could be the start of a new tradition! You can relax as never before . Holidays at home are lovely, but they can also involve a lot of work: cooking, cleaning, more cooking, more cleaning...on a cruise ship, those tasks are done for you: you can simply enjoy time wit...

In some wonderful ways, many cruise vacations are the same: they take nearly an all-inclusive approach to pricing, they appeal to all ages (depending on the cruise line), they accommodate groups of many sizes, and they offer a mix of relaxation, activity and adventure. Still, each cruise passenger is unique, and there are lots of ways to personalize the cruise experience. Personalization begins with your choice of ship and itinerary. Are you looking for simple elegance or family-oriented fun? Would you like an onboard cultural education program, or do you yearn to relax on warm, sandy beaches? All of these options – and more – are available, and your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert can help you select your ideal ship and itinerary. After you select a cruise, consider the shore excursions. This is an area where you can truly personalize your cruise. Depending on your destination, you could take a helicopter ride up a mountain and ski down, snorkel along a coral reef, or ...

Finding a Cruise Holidays expert, seeing the latest on special offers, learning about destinations that interest you: it’s all easy to do on our convenient website, www.attheta.com . Recently, the site was expanded to provide you with more vacation ideas and information, available at a click of your mouse. Because Cruise Holidays can do even more for you than arrange your next cruise, check out the new Resorts/Tours section. Cruise Holidays can arrange land-based vacation packages as an alternative or an addition to a cruise vacation. Close relationships with dozens of respected hotel and resort operators mean that Cruise Holidays can arrange a land-based vacation just about anywhere you’d like to go. And, your Cruise Holidays expert’s ability to package a hotel or resort stay with air travel, ground transportation – like rental cars or a limo to the port – will be a great value and save you time. If you dream of a land-based vacation with multiple destinations, Cruise Holiday...

Zip lines – gravity-propelled, off-the-ground pulley and cable systems – are booming in popularity and are in high demand as cruise shore excursions. The cruise lines meet their guests’ desire to zip through the air, offering zip line adventures in many ports around the globe. It’s a great way to see scenery – forest canopies, mountains, remote waterfalls – that would be difficult to see from a lower vantage point. Zip lines had humble beginnings, serving as practical transportation down mountains or across river valleys. Today, most zip lines are used for entertainment and adventure: riders say the feeling is something like flying. Reputable zip line operators follow careful procedures; steel cables and strong harnesses assure comfort and safety, along with an exhilarating experience. Since 2007, more than 40,000 cruise ship guests have ridden the zip line at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, where the adventure begins with a scenic ride up the mountain (keep an eye out for...

There’s a growing demand for cruise vacations in Asia, and the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated new Quantum Class, the Quantum of the Seas , will make Shanghai, China, its home port beginning in summer 2015. The new ship will join two other Royal Caribbean ships in Asia, the Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas . The Quantum’s 2,090 staterooms will increase the cruise line’s capacity in the region by 66 percent.                           Before heading to China, the new ship will make its inaugural sailing from the Cape Liberty cruise port in Bayonne, NJ, this November. Through April 2015, the Quantum of the Seas will sail a variety of itineraries to the Bahamas, including a “Holidays in The Bahamas” cruise December 20-27; and to the Caribbean, calling on islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, and Barbados. In May, the Quant...

Lying 650 miles off the east coast of the U.S., the island nation of Bermuda is a terrific option for a relaxing cruise: the most common itinerary is five to seven nights, with Bermuda as the sole destination. The turquoise water, pink sand beaches, pastel-colored buildings and distinctly British traditions will enchant you. The main cruise ship port is King’s Wharf, which can accommodate mid-size and larger ships. Located on Bermuda’s west end, it’s adjacent to the Royal Naval Dockyard, originally established in 1795 to keep an eye on French privateers and the United States. Now a museum, there are historical exhibits and treasures recovered from wrecked. Nearby sights include the Bermuda Arts Centre and a lighthouse that features 185 steps to a panoramic view. When you’re ready to explore more of Bermuda – just 22 miles long and 2 miles wide – reliable bus and ferry systems can take you just about anywhere, including beaches, golf courses, and two other ports, Hamilton and S...

If you’re looking for great value in a cruise that will sail across a wide swath of the globe, consider a trans-Atlantic cruise. And, if the description “trans-Atlantic” brings to mind ships that require a big travel budget and formal attire every night, be assured that we’re talking about different kind of experience. Twice a year, cruise lines reposition some of their ships – including some of the newest and most sought-after – between North America and Europe. For example, in the fall, ships that have been sailing fall color itineraries in New England and Maritime Canada might reposition to the Mediterranean for the winter; ships that have been calling on the ports that ring the Baltic Sea might reposition to the Caribbean. In the spring, the trans-Atlantic pattern is reversed. Rather than let their ships cross the Atlantic empty, cruise lines sell “repositioning” cruises to vacationers who are eager to try a different kind of cruise experience. Trans-Atlantic crossings u...

Warm-weather cruising is terrific, especially in the depths of winter, when a cruise to the sunny Mediterranean, Caribbean or South Pacific brings welcome warmth. But, during a hot summer, it’s also nice to cruise to a destination where the days are long and pleasantly cool. Alaska’s summer high temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, great for outdoor activities and sightseeing. After a day of salmon fishing, panning for gold, kayaking or zip-lining, snuggle up in a deck chair to watch the scenery of forests, mountain peaks and glaciers. The Alaska cruise season runs from mid-May to mid-September, which is also when the northern sky stays light well past 10 p.m. Cruise ships call on Reykjavik, Iceland, from late spring through September, taking advantage of the long daylight hours and pleasant temperatures in the 50s. Cruise ship visitors love to tour the city’s quirky and often colorful architecture; take boat tours to islands inhabited by cute Puffin birds; and shop for the ...

While London is on one of Britain’s most important waterways, the River Thames is about 40 miles from the nearest seaport. Still, London is a feature of many ocean cruise itineraries, including cruises of the British Isles, Baltic Sea and North Sea. If you can add a few days in London to the beginning or end of a cruise, you’ll have a wonderful land and sea experience. Only a few small (and often luxurious) ships are able to dock in or close to London, either at Tower Bridge, in the historic suburb of Greenwich, or at a small cruise terminal at Tilbury. From any of those locations, it’s a quick ride via cab, Underground or train into the city. It’s more likely that your ship will dock at Dover or Southampton on the English Channel, or Harwich on the North Sea. All three are just an hour or two from London via train. Harwich is a quiet port, but at Dover, you may want to walk atop the famed white cliffs and tour Dover Castle. At Southampton, be sure to look around the historic ...

Social media is a great way to connect with the cruise experts at Cruise Holidays – now, it’s also a great way to win a cruise for two! Cruise Holidays has kicked off its third annual Facebook Cruise Giveaway. Through August 31, visit www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel and enter to win a 7-night cruise for two in a balcony-equipped cabin aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. If you’re the lucky winner, your Cruise Holidays expert will help you select a ship and itinerary. They can also answer all of your questions and provide ideas for shore excursions, advice on what to pack, ideas for extending your vacation with a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay, and much more. Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its casual and fun approach to cruising. The dress code is relaxed and flexible: many passengers enjoy dressing up in the evening, but there’s no requirement to do so. All Norwegian ships have multiple dining venues, so it’s possible to find everything from a juicy steak to sushi. Top-...

Windstar Cruises, which recently renovated its three masted cruise ships, is adding to its fleet. The first of three new “power yachts” (no sails) is the Star Pride , which carries 212 guests and makes each one feel that they are on their own private yacht. Two more power yachts, Star Breeze and Star Legend , will join the fleet in May 2015. The small ships maintain the Windstar tradition of visiting secluded coves and other places that large ships can’t go. Star Pride is an all-suite ship, and every suite has ocean views. Some have picture windows, some have French-style balconies, and some have private verandas. Each elegant suite also features Internet access, fresh flowers and fruit, and a private bath with granite countertops and a full-sized tub. Like the accommodations, the dining choices are sumptuous. Amphora, the main restaurant, serves Continental cuisine in a relaxed, open-seating venue. Veranda combines buffet-style service with made-to-order grilled items durin...

Venice, Italy, is a truly unique port of call on cruises of the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Serene and elegant, with an air of genteel decay, the structures of Venice float just above the water of the Laguna Veneta . It’s a truly pedestrian city, as there are no cars: instead, water buses ( vaporetti ), water taxis and gondolas glide along the canals, taking visitors from one lovely sight to another. The first stop for many visitors is the Saint Mark’s Square, a massive and gorgeous plaza surrounded by some of the most famous places in Venice, including opulent Saint Mark’s Basilica, which is beautiful inside and out. Next door is the impressive Doge’s Palace, another treasure trove of art and history: the palace’s prisons were difficult to escape, but the legendary romantic hero Casanova found a way. The plaza also has a bell tower that you can climb for a wonderful view. After touring, refresh yourself with a cappuccino at one of the plaza’s cafes, where the people-watching...

From north to south, the Irrawaddy River flows nearly straight through the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). It’s been a vital commercial waterway for centuries; now, the mighty river is the main reason Myanmar is emerging as a river cruise destination. Since a 50-year military dictatorship ended in 2011, Myanmar has been slowly opening up to the rest of the world. However, it’s one of the least-developed countries in Southeast Asia and lacks infrastructure for land-based tourism, which makes river cruising an excellent way to see some of the country’s incredible sights. Most itineraries begin in the former capital of Yangon (formerly Rangoon), still the country’s largest city. There’s lovely architecture left over from British colonial days – check out the restored Strand Hotel. And, don’t miss Shwedagon Pagoda, considered the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar. The gold and diamond-encrusted pagoda contains relics of four Buddhas and many colo...

The vibrant city of New York is a capital of serious business, fine dining, top entertainment and great shopping. It’s also a major cruise port. From the cruise ship docks in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Cape Liberty (New Jersey), you can sail a dozen cruise lines to destinations like the British Isles, Europe, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, New England and Maritime Canada. Some destinations, including the Bahamas and the Caribbean, are available all year. At the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, Piers 88 and 90 accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise ships. The terminal is on the Hudson River on the west side of Manhattan, walking distance from Central Park, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Plaza, the Broadway theater district and Times Square. Or, head downriver to Chelsea Piers, which have been redeveloped as an entertainment complex where you can bowl, ice skate, practice your baseball swing or rent a kayak. The Brooklyn Cruise terminal is in the historic and revitalized Red H...

With Europe’s 2014 river cruising season well underway, and a record number of river cruise ships traversing the historic waterways, Cruise Holidays International is sharing data indicating Amsterdam and Budapest are now the most popular river cruise destinations its agencies have booked across Europe this year. In addition, Southeast Asia has the most booked river cruise destinations outside of Europe. The information shared by Cruise Holidays is based on actual bookings by its network of cruise travel agencies for river cruises departing in 2014. “Amsterdam is Cruise Holidays’ top river cruise destination for 2014, thanks to its role as the hub for most ‘Tulip Time’ cruises, along with many Rhine river cruises,” stated Kevin Weisner, Senior Vice President, Cruise Holidays International. “In culling the data on our river cruise bookings for 2014, Budapest, Hungary, follows closely behind. Its prime position straddling the Danube makes it a top choice for travelers who want to v...