Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

Until now, equipping ships with high-speed wireless Internet access hasn’t been a top priority for most cruise lines: after all, a cruise is an opportunity to unplug from daily life and put away your laptops, smart phones and other devices, right? Actually, it’s not surprising that cruise travelers are demanding better Wi-Fi: some really can’t get away for a cruise without the ability to check in with work (hopefully, not too often) or with loved ones at home. Many ships already offer some wireless Internet access, but the connections are often much slower than what you’re used to. But, some cruise lines have announced plans to meet the demand for fast, stronger Wi-Fi. For example, Royal Caribbean has equipped its Oasis and Quantum Class ships with a high-speed Internet service that it calls Voom. The service uses satellite internet technology that provides high-speed connections, even in the middle of the ocean. Royal Caribbean doesn’t sayexactly how fast Voom is, but p...

The Rhine is a storied river that begins high in the Swiss Alps and travels more than 750 miles to the Netherlands and the North Sea. As one of Europe’s main waterways, it’s a hardworking river that serves historic port cities like Basel, Strasbourg, Rudesheim and Cologne; but, it’s also a fairytale river that flows below majestic castles, past charming villages, and through forests and vineyards. Here are some highlights of the ports you can visit on a cruise of the Rhine: Basel, Switzerland, is located on the border with France and Germany; a literal crossroads of Europe. The cathedral is beautiful, and the alleyways of the MarketPlatz are lined with quirky craft shops. Strasbourg, France, has picture-perfect cobbled streets and timbered houses. Top sights include the cathedral, one of the tallest medieval buildings in Europe, and the Rohan Palace, which hosted Marie Antoinette and now houses multiple museums. Rudesheim, Germany, is at the southern end of the Rhine...

A cruise can be a time to indulge in the luxury of delicious food available 24 hours a day, sleeping in comfortable lounge chairs on deck, and tasting new wines and cocktails without a thought to your usual workout routine. But, it’s possible to come home from a cruise feeling better and fitter than when you left. Most cruise ships have fitness facilities, and many are comparable to the finest facilities on land; so, you can indulge, but also keep up your fitness routine. Some cruises take it a step further and make the entire experience about health and wellness, offering lectures, classes, workshops, activities and dining choices that improve your wellness as you sail. Here are just a couple of the many options available: Vegans and others interested in the vegan lifestyle will love the seven-night “Holistic Holiday at Sea” cruise, which will depart from Miami on the MSC Divina February 27, 2016, bound for the Eastern Caribbean and wellness in body, mind and spirit. Th...

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, has a long and colorful history as well as amazing natural beauty. Once an important source of tin and rubber, Phuket Island was a frequent stop for Portuguese, French, Dutch and British traders. Today, people from around the world visit the island via cruise ship. Most of the island is covered by mountains and forest, which still produce rubber and palm oil. For a rare experience, visit Khao Phra Taew National Park, the last virgin rainforest in Thailand. You can take a guided hike through the lush jungle, watching for wildlife and stopping for photos at crystal-clear waterfalls. The island has lovely beaches, too, especially the sandy beaches along the western coast. Some of the most popular are Patong Beach, which offers watersport rentals and seasonal surfing; Karon Beach, a wide beach with a coral reef to explore; and Kamala Beach, where you can swim, sun and shop at a local market if you are there on a Saturday. If you’re interest...

The Galapagos Islands are like no place else on earth. This archipelago of small, volcanic islands are a World Heritage Site, a biological marine reserve, a national park and a province of Ecuador, which lies about 550 miles to the east. A cruise is an ideal way to visit these special islands. The islands have two small airports, some small hotels, and a few opportunities for camping; but, a luxurious cruise ship provides easy movement between islands, along with comfortable accommodations and exceptional dining. The cruise lines that can take you to the Galapagos Islands include Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. The Celebrity Xpedition carries 98 passengers at a time, while the Silver Galapagos accommodates 100 passengers. While both ships are great, the focus of a Galapagos cruise is always on the islands and their incredible flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else on earth. The noteworthy island residents include: ·      ...

For those of us who live in North America, cruises of the Caribbean are fantastic vacations. The water, islands and beaches are beautiful; and the weather is almost always welcoming. But as much as people love the Caribbean, remember that there’s a whole world waiting out there; and, you can see a lot of it via the cruise ship. In recent years, cruise lines have vastly expanded their itineraries to include amazing destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the South Pacific and beyond. You can visit truly exotic destinations like the Amazon, India, Africa, Greenland and Antarctica via cruise ship, too. Given the opportunity to sail to so many destinations, cruising is the very best way that you can see the world. Why? First, cruising is about as worry-free as a vacation can be . Just pick an itinerary that visits a series of ports that interest you, and you’re set. The cruise fare includes your onboard accommodations, dining, entertainment, and sometimes even your airf...

Statistics show that a significant number of first-time cruisers become repeat cruisers, because of the overall satisfaction with their vacation experience. If you are thinking of taking your first cruise, what if you could get onboard knowing the things that veteran cruisers already know? We can help with that! Here are some tips that should help you feel less like a cruise newbie: ·        Study the ship’s deck plans, which most cruise lines publish on their websites. See where the pools, spa, fitness center, dining rooms and restaurants, lounges and shops are located in relation to your stateroom. When you get onboard, you’ll be better able to orient yourself. ·        Read up on the ports you’ll visit. The cruise line will offer pre-arranged shore excursions. However, those excursions don’t always cover the entire time in port or allow for the experience you might like.  Do a little research, but also enlist t...

Cruising during the holidays is absolutely delightful. Onboard, you won’t miss out on any of the festivities, music, food or fellowship that you look forward to at the holidays. In fact, you can expect to enjoy all the fun of a Christmas at home, and then some. Throughout the holiday season, ships are decorated from bow to stern with glittering ornaments, twinkling lights, Santa, snowmen and more. Photo opportunities abound! The sounds of the season will be heard around the ship: some even invite passengers to form choirs and go caroling. Most ships offer special holiday dinners on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, featuring roast turkey with savory stuffing and all of the traditional holiday favorites. It will be all the more delicious because you don’t have to shop for it, cook it or clean it up. On a holiday season cruise, Santa is likely to make an appearance or two. Many cruise lines equip him with special gifts for each of the children onboard, one reaso...

Whitewashed buildings, deep blue waters, dramatic cliffs, ancient wonders and modern attractions: these are some of the highlights of a cruise of the Greek Isles. The mainland of Greece lies at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula and includes the city of Athens and its port, Piraeus. If your cruise begins or ends in Athens, you may want to spend an extra day or two there, visiting spectacular historical sites like the Parthenon and the Acropolis. Sprinkled in the waters around the Greek mainland (which include the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean Seas) are thousands of islands, as many as 6,000 by some counts. Cruise ships most often call on the islands of Santorini, Mykonos and Crete, although some luxury lines and their small to mid-size ships visit other, less-traveled islands, too. You’ll want to be on deck when your ship reaches Santorini. You’ll sail right into the caldera of an ancient volcano, a stunning sight. Santorini is one of the most visually dramatic of...

What could be more delightful than the Caribbean island of Saint Martin? The 34-square-mile island is two islands in one: the northern 60 percent is the French Collectivity of Saint-Martin; the southern 40 percent is Sint Maarten, one of four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The French and the Dutch divided the island between them in 1648, living happily, side-by-side, ever since. Both sides of the island have hills and mountains cloaked in greenery, traced with hiking trails and edged with lovely beaches. Both have lots of charm, too. And yet, they are surprisingly different. ·        If you want to party, Sint Maarten is waiting for you. The cruise ship port is in the capital of Philipsburg, which bustles with activity. There are lots of restaurants and clubs, casinos, and great duty-free shopping. At the south end of Princess Juliana International Airport, watching the planes is a very popular pastime: they fly a...

If you haven’t cruised before – or if you have, but you brought the wrong clothes – here are some pointers on cruise packing. Weather can change, even before you get to the cruise ship First, a very important point: you can do laundry, or have it done for you, on the ship. That may help you pack lightly, which makes it easier for you to get your luggage through the airport and avoid paying more than you need to in baggage fees. Second, before you pack, check your ship’s dress code (Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert can give you a hand). Following the dress code is good form, a part of basic cruise courtesy. And, dress codes have become more casual, even on luxury ships. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with “resort casual” which is typically polo shirts, khaki pants and loafers for men and slacks or skirts, nice tops, and casual dresses for women. Swim suits, athletic shorts and tank tops are appropriate only around the pool and fitness center. Most o...

  If you’ve never been on a cruise, you’re missing out on a relaxing vacation! Everything you need is on the ship: comfortable lodging, delicious food, daytime activities and evening entertainment. Moving between ports is as easy as it gets (the ship and crew do it all, mostly while you sleep). So, what’s holding you back? Princess cruise ship arriving in Ushuaia Argentina (Patagonia) ·        If it’s cost, be assured that cruising is one of the best values in vacation travel. All the features mentioned above are included in the basic fare. And, you only pay for the extras – such as beverages, spa treatments and shore excursions – that you want. ·        If you worry that you’ll get seasick, today’s ships have excellent stabilizers that minimize rolling; most passengers adjust to the slight movement of the ship very quickly. For peace of mind, you can bring along a seasickness remedy, or get some from ...

Select a Caribbean cruise that departs from and/or returns to New Orleans and you’ll get an automatic bonus: some time in one of the most distinctive and historic cities in the U.S. There’s so much to take in that you could plan to spend a few days there before your cruise, after your cruise, or both. The French Quarter is the oldest and most-visited neighborhood in New Orleans, and it’s a gem. The narrow streets are lined with Spanish-style buildings, many with ornate ironwork balconies (most were constructed during a time of Spanish rule in the late 18 th century, after a fire destroyed the old French colonial buildings). Jackson Square is the heart of the Quarter, always busy with horse-drawn carriage rides, street performers and sidewalk artists; at night, palm readers will tell your fortune in front of the Cathedral of New Orleans. Some of New Orleans finest restaurants are in the quarter, serving up savory Creole and Cajun cuisine. The French Quarter’s Bourbon Street tur...

The United States and Cuba, which lies just 93 miles south of the Florida Keys, recently resumed diplomatic relations; and, the U.S. is slowly lifting decades-old travel restrictions between the two countries. As a result, several cruise operators are planning new Caribbean itineraries that include port calls in Cuba. The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba lies at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Tropical warmth is moderated by constant trade winds, and the dry season – November to April – is an ideal time to visit. Cuba has lovely rolling plains, rugged mountains and beautiful white sand beaches along its coastline. There are also more than 4,000 offshore islands and cays, adding to the beauty of the surrounding water. Cuban ports are fascinating because life there is still much as it was before the Cuban Revolution of 1959. The media is state-owned, as are most businesses, and Internet connectivity is available only in some large resorts spec...

If you appreciate wine and cruising, why not combine the two? Many cruise itineraries include wine appreciation lectures, tastings, and even shore excursions to local wineries; but, some cruises truly immerse you in wine from beginning to end. Here are a few cruises designed for wine lovers: Celebrate National Drink Wine Day, February 18, 2016, by raising your glass on Princess Cruises 5-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale, departing February 15 on the Emerald Princess . You’ll enjoy an exclusive wine-tasting event; wines by the glass and flight in Vines Wine Bar; complimentary champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries; and discounted shore excursions. You can also bring a bottle of your favorite wine on board with you. A wonderful choice for singles who enjoy meeting fellow wine lovers, the Mediterranean Wine Lovers Singles Cruise aboard Norwegian Epic will depart June 19, 2016, from Barcelona. You’ll enjoy a wine tasting experience in every port you visit, including Nap...

Full of history and trend-setting culture, the British Isles are a wonderful destination for small and mid-size cruise ships. In addition to the main islands of Great Britain (which contains England, Wales and Scotland) and Ireland, there are more than 6,000 offshore islands, including the Hebrides, Orkneys, Shetlands and Channel Islands. The major islands offer more than 19,000 miles of coastline, much of it accessible to smaller ships; the islands themselves are wonderfully scenic, offering everything from rolling green countryside, historic ports, dramatic cliffs and craggy mountain peaks. Cruises of the British Isles range from 3- to 14-nights, and the relatively compact size of the islands means you’ll have a port call almost every day. What can you expect to see? London, England, isn’t a sea port; it’s on the River Thames, and only the smallest cruise ships can actually dock in London. It’s more common for London to be a pre-cruise, post-cruise or shore excursion des...

The mighty Amazon River – portions of it so broad and deep that it’s more of a slim inland ocean that a river – is most closely associated with Brazil. However, the world’s largest river originates high in the Peruvian Andes, and takes the name “Amazon” at the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers in Peru. The incredible biodiversity of the Amazon region can be enjoyed on a cruise of its Upper Basin. You’ll start by flying from Lima to the remote city of Iquitos, Peru; then, you’ll travel by bus to Natua, where you’ll board a comfortable river boat equipped to tour the intricate web of waterways, bordered by thick jungle, that flow into the storied river. Most of the cruise will be within the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, 8,000 square miles of protected, flooded rainforest bursting with animal and plant life. Each day, you’ll hike or ride a skiff on a jungle safari. Monkeys, macaws, caiman, heron, butterflies, iguanas, enormous lily pads, towering ceiba trees, piranh...

A European cruise is an adventure for families who want to experience a different part of the world, explore centuries worth of art and architecture, and check out the latest trends in European cuisine and fashion. Family-friendly options for European cruises have increased in recent years, with popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line positioning more ships there, especially in summer. The family-oriented Disney Cruise Line sails Europe, too. A wonderful thing about cruising Europe with the kids is that both ship and shore hold so much interest. At every stop, there are wonderful things to see: Gothic castles, medieval city walls, museums and galleries, street markets, and so much more. If the kids get tired of sightseeing, you can go back to the ship, get a bite to eat, and let the kids play. On a European cruise you’re likely to meet families from around the world, giving your kids a new, international set of friends. Some cruise lines run their k...

The kids are heading back to school and you have their schedules for the academic year – why not plan a family cruise during one of their breaks? It’s a wonderful way to spend time together and share the adventure of visiting new places, with the assurance that everyone will find an activity (or several) to enjoy on the ship. The first thing to do is decide where to go and when, so you can book your cruise as soon as possible. Book as early as you can to have the best chance of reserving a stateroom or suite that can accommodate the entire family. Your destination options depend on when you’ll be sailing. The Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas are open for cruising all year long, and there’s a fantastic variety of itineraries that depart from the East, Gulf and West Coasts. Kids from toddlers to teens love the beaches, making the region a perfect choice for Christmas, New Year’s and Spring Break getaways. Hawaii is another beautiful, year-round destination. But, if you’re d...

If you love music and you love cruising, there may be a music-themed cruise just made for you. All year long, ships sail with special musical guests from a wide array of genres, from old-school country to electronica. A music-themed cruise lets you immerse yourself in your favorite sounds while enjoying all the features of the ship and visiting great ports, too. Here are a few that are coming up soon – some are currently sold out, but it can’t hurt to join the waiting list – plus some that you can book now for 2016. The mellow sounds of Crosby, Stills & Nash will float from Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 Sept. 4-11 on a cruise from Southampton to New York. In addition to concerts, guests can attend autograph and Q&A sessions with the folk rock icons. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl will be very busy this fall with a series of four-day, music-themed cruises. The ship will rock to the sounds of KISS on an Oct. 30-Nov. 3 cruise from Miami to Jamaica: that includes...