Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

Most cruise lines offer some form of customer loyalty program – do the luxury and specialty lines offer truly luxurious benefits to their members? Like the resort-style cruise lines, most luxury line loyalty clubs offer rewards like special “welcome back” gifts, discounts for onboard services and onboard cocktail receptions. One difference is that more luxury lines go beyond discounted fares to offer complimentary cruises to their most loyal customers. Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Society offers savings on every voyage, up to and including free voyages. Members also earn shipboard credits, discounts on onboard services, and a preview of itinerary and fare announcements before they are released to the general public. Members of the Oceania Club get advance notice of new Oceania Cruises itineraries. They can also receive shipboard credits ranging from $200 to $1,000, pre-paid gratuities, complimentary spa treatments, and – at the very top levels of membership – complimentary cruises. ...

While a cruise vacation assures fun, comfort and incredible value, everyone loves some extra perks and treats. Belonging to a cruise line loyalty club is a good way to qualify for some enjoyable extras.   Becoming a member of a cruise line loyalty club also makes sense if you have a favorite cruise line that you choose again and again. The more often you sail, the more special benefits you’ll earn: and, you may receive exclusive offers just for club members.   We’ll take a look at what the cruise lines offer for your loyalty in a two-part series. First up: resort-style cruise lines. These loyalty clubs frequently offer rewards like special “welcome back” gifts, discounts for onboard services, onboard cocktail receptions, and even discounts on cruise fares.   Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club program has five levels of rewards for loyal customers. The top level offers luxuries such as access to an exclusive onboard lounge as well as complimentary bever...

Of all the places you can catch a ride on a Caribbean cruise ship, New Orleans is one of the most magical. Famous for its Mardi Gras celebration, there’s much more to this unique city near the delta of the Mississippi River.   An important port since the early 1700s, New Orleans was ruled by the French and Spanish before Napoleon sold it to the U.S. as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The city has welcomed influxes of Creoles, Africans, Haitians and other immigrants, all of whom contributed to the distinctive art, culture and cuisine of the city.   The first stop for many visitors is Bourbon Street, which stretches the length of the historic French Quarter. There are lots of drinking establishments, live music venues and a non-stop party atmosphere – enjoy it, but be sure to explore the rest of the Quarter, too.   Ironically, most of the Quarter’s historic structures were built by the Spanish after the French colonial buildings had been destroyed by f...

The summer cruise season is here, and that means lots of choices for cruise vacations – but, you’ll need to act fast to get the itinerary, ship and dates you want.   Summer is prime time for cruising the southeastern coast of Alaska, as daytime temperatures can rise into the 60s and 70s. If you delay just a bit and sail in September, you’re likely to see some fresh snow decorating the mountains and perhaps some stunning Northern Lights: however, snow may also limit the number of available shore excursions.   New England and Maritime Canada used to be popular for cruising only in autumn, when turning leaves create stunning panoramas of color. Now, this region’s cruise ports begin to hum with activity in early summer. The fine weather and warmer temperatures make it a great time to explore historic ports and enjoy the beaches, fishing and other water-based activities along the Atlantic coast.   The beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and the ports that ring it are ...