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 20, 2014

Resolve to Stay Fit on a Cruise

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get fit or stay fit, there’s no need to worry about maintaining your fitness routine while on a cruise vacation. Most ships have a fitness center and opportunities to be active on deck, so you can maintain your usual routine and even try some new ways of keeping fit.
 

Many cruise ship fitness centers are well beyond basic: you’re likely to find state-of-the-art cardio, weight-training and circuit training equipment, as well as specialty machines like abdominal crunchers. You may also find spinning cycles, yoga and Pilates studios, and space for classes in step aerobics, stretching, tai chi or high-energy Zumba. Some ships are offering fitness boot camp-style classes, which combine cardiovascular, strength and flexibility elements.
 

Some shipboard fitness centers have equipment that may not have hit your local gym yet, such as gravity machines that make use of your body weight for resistance training; and Kinesis walls that use a series of cable pulleys to give you a full range of motion, plus consistent resistance.
 

Ships that are equipped with sports decks offer lots of opportunities to enjoy outdoor fitness activities, complete with fresh air and ocean views. Sports decks are usually ringed by a running/walking track and offer activities like basketball or volleyball, shuffleboard, miniature golf, ping pong and perhaps a lap pool. Some new ships are adding zip lines and ropes courses.

 
Don’t forget that shore excursions present fitness opportunities, too. Many ports offer excursions that involve walking, hiking or swimming; or, more strenuous activities like kayaking, climbing or biking.

 
After a workout, relax and rejuvenate your muscles in the ship’s spa. You might luxuriate in an aromatherapy sauna, a hydro-therapy pool, or a deep-tissue massage.

 
Then, seek out the healthy dining options on board. These can range from fresh salad ingredients on the Lido deck buffet to onboard restaurants that specialize in spa cuisine. In addition, cruise ship chefs are accustomed to special requests; don’t hesitate to ask for your fish to be broiled or for rich sauces to be served on the side.

 
For a cruise vacation that’s all about fitness, ask Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert, about themed cruises specifically for runners, golfers, yoga enthusiasts, ballroom dancers and more. Then, get ready to set sail and return even more fit than when you left!

 
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Monday, January 13, 2014

Cruise Holidays Celebrates 30 Years!

Cruise Holidays was formed in 1984 to provide specialized cruise travel services, and a lot has changed in the 30 years since. Today, there are more cruise lines, ships, home ports and destinations to choose from, not to mention options for cruisetours, world cruises, themed cruises, and much more. Throughout the past 30 years, Cruise Holidays has been on top of it all, helping clients to understand their options and choose the ideal cruise vacation.

 
In fact, Cruise Holidays is the oldest and largest cruise-specialty travel agency. There are now more than 200 Cruise Holidays franchise owners throughout North America, the United Kingdom and Australia. Because of the size of its network and the proven expertise of its owners and agents, Cruise Holidays can offer clients an amazing array of cruise vacations that suit any budget. Strong relationships with multiple cruise lines means that Cruise Holidays can also provide clients with information about emerging destinations, new ships, and special discount programs that are not available to the public. And, while Cruise Holidays agents specialize in cruises, they can also arrange land tours, hotel stays, special shore excursions and other elements of your vacation.

 
The expertise of Cruise Holidays’ agents becomes extra valuable when you’re traveling with a group, such as family, friends, club members, or colleagues. Your Cruise Holidays expert can coordinate everyone’s travel to and from the ship, answer questions, work with the ship’s crew to arrange group activities on board, and search out all available group discounts!

 
If you’d like to know more about cruising in general, explore destinations and ships or get tips from experienced cruise vacationers, Cruise Holidays has resources for you that were only dreamed of 30 years ago: our Cruise Holidays website,www.attheta.com and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel. Check out the Cruise Holidays Resource Center on the website for articles on lots of cruise topics and information about current promotions. The Cruise Holidays Facebook page has the latest cruise updates and tips, as well as special limited-time offers. It’s also a place to network with and get advice from other people who enjoy cruising.

 
For assistance selecting and planning your next cruise, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.

 
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Resolve to Stay Fit on a Cruise

Monday, January 6, 2014

Ships to Watch For in 2014

For first-time cruisers or long-time fans, the cruise industry always has something new to offer, including exotic new destinations, new features aboard favorite ships – and, entirely new ships. At least a dozen new ships will take to the seas in 2014.

 
One of the most highly anticipated ships is Quantum of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International. When the ship launches in November, its 4,180 passengers will be able to ride bumper cars in the ship’s “Seaplex” entertainment area; take a thrilling turn in a skydiving simulator; and get an expansive, sky-high view in the North Star, a glass capsule that extends up and over the ship. Another amazing feature will be the “virtual balconies” in windowless interior cabins: large LCD screens will display the image from an on-deck camera. Quantum of the Seas will sail from Cape Liberty, NJ, to the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean.

 
There’s also lots of buzz about Norwegian Cruise Line’s 4,028-passenger Norwegian Getaway, sister to last year’s New York-based debutante, Norwegian Breakaway. Launching in February from Miami, the Getaway will offer 27 dining venues and lots of entertainment, including a magic show-themed dinner theater; the popular Broadway show “Legally Blond;” a Grammy Award museum; and a pirate-themed water park for the kids. The ship’s fun and fresh vibe will begin with distinctive hull art by pop artist David “LEBO” LeBatard. The Getaway will cruise the islands of the Eastern Caribbean.

 
Beyond 2014, early 2015 will bring a brand-new ocean cruise experience from Viking, known for its river cruises. The 930-passenger Viking Star, the first to sail under the new Viking Ocean Cruises brand, will bring popular features of Viking’s river cruise ships to the open sea. These include verandas for every stateroom; a pool with a retractable roof; and the Aquavit Terrace lounge, where floor-to-ceiling windows open to create an al fresco experience. The intimate, 930-passenger ship will also have a sumptuous spa and multiple dining venues.

 
Cruises on each of these ships, as well as others debuting in the next two years, are already accepting bookings: to make yours, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.

 
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