Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

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...

Knowing that some cruise passengers want to use their vacation time not only to relax and play but to learn something new, many cruise lines offer enrichment programs with expert lecturers on art, history, the sciences, local culture and other topics. Sometimes, these special guests have so much star power that their presence alone is enough to make you choose a specific cruise. For example, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, recently lectured on a segment of Holland America Line’s 2014 Grand World Voyage aboard  ms Amsterdam . As the ship sailed from Durban to Cape Town, Tutu spoke about his role as the first black African to serve as archbishop of Cape Town and about his work on behalf of racial equality throughout the world. Cunard Line’s flagship, the Queen Mary 2 , is welcoming special musical guests during 2014, the ship’s 10th anniversary year. When the grand ship sails from New York on August 27, James Taylor and Band will be on board to ser...

Excitement about Rio de Janeiro – as well as development all around the city – has been on the rise since Brazil was announced as host of the 2014 World Cup soccer tournament, June 12-July 13. Matches will be played in stadiums all around Brazil, from Manaus in the north to Porto Alegre in the south. But, the honor of hosting the final match belongs to Rio and the Estadio do Maracana, one of the world’s largest soccer stadiums. Rio is also set to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, bringing even more attention to this lively and romantic city of sun and samba. To prepare for an expected 300,000 visitors during the World Cup, the city and its residents (known as Cariocas ) have been in a whirlwind of preparation. Cruise passengers who make a port call in Rio this summer and beyond will find new and revitalized transportation options around the scenic city; restaurants and sidewalk cafes ready to serve; and shops brimming with popular souvenirs like Brazilian coffee, Havaianas san...

In the midst of 2014’s summer vacation season, cruise lines are planning voyages and putting finishing touches on ships that will delight passengers during 2015 and beyond. And, it’s not too early to consider your options – reservations for many 2015 cruises are being accepted now! For summer 2015, Royal Caribbean will move one of its Oasis Class ships from the Caribbean to Europe. Beginning in May, the Allure of the Seas will sail from Barcelona, Spain, to ports in Majorca, France and Italy. In addition to wonderful port calls, passengers will enjoy the features of Allure of the Seas’ seven themed neighborhoods. Celebrity Cruises will unveil a new “Suite Class” of accommodations in April 2015. Suite Class will be a luxurious experience, with priority check-in, butler service, and a restaurant just for Suite Class passengers; plus, privileges in the ship’s specialty restaurants, unlimited premium beverage service and complimentary Internet access. That’s in addition to sum...