Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

In the excitement of preparing to cruise, remember that a little preparation will help embarkation day – the first day of your cruise, when you board the ship – go smoothly. Here are some top tips. Be sure to complete any requirements the cruise line has for health vaccinations, screenings, and tests, including any related to COVID-19. These are subject to change, so ask your professional travel advisor to keep you updated about the current requirements for your cruise line and ship. If you can, check in early. Many cruise lines encourage passengers to complete an online check-in process a few days before embarkation. Completing required forms in advance, as well as printing your boarding pass and luggage tags can save lots of time when you arrive at the ship. Before you leave home, double-check that you have all the documents you need. These may include your passport or other photo ID, cruise boarding pass, COVID-19 vaccination records, and test results, as well as a visa if you...

On cruise ships with multiple dining venues, they often fall into two broad categories: free and specialty. Let’s take a closer look at each, which may help you navigate the dining scene on your next cruise. In free onboard restaurants, everything on the menu is included in your fare (although a very high-end entrée, such as surf and turf, may have a small upcharge). This category usually includes the main dining room, the buffet, and a few other options. Main dining rooms are usually big, elegant spaces with attentive service. Some ships assign passengers to specific seating times and tables, while others let you choose when and with whom to dine. Dinner menus usually offer at least three courses with a nice variety of dishes, all beautifully prepared. The buffet is often located near the pool and is open most of the day, with a variety of salads, sandwiches, side dishes, pasta, main courses, and desserts. Everything is ready when you arrive, so the buffet is a smart choice when...

If the words “cruise vacation” make you think of a tropical getaway, remember that cruise ships can also take you to cooler climes. If you would love to enjoy a cool breeze as you stroll the deck and admire the view, these cruise destination ideas are for you. Alaska . The coastline of the 49 th state is gorgeous, with glaciers, northern rainforests, diverse wildlife, and vibrant local cultures. Explore the historic ports or go hiking, fishing, or dog sledding. Antarctica . A cruise is really the only way to become one of the few who have seen the amazing White Continent. You can view polar wildlife, icy peaks, impressive glaciers, and jagged icebergs. Baltic Sea . Cruise ports on the Baltic Sea include the Scandinavian capitals of Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki, as well as historic Tallinn, Estonia, which looks like the backdrop for a fairy tale. Chile . A cruise of Southwestern Chile’s Lake District will take you to majestic fjords, snow-capped volcanos, and crystal-cle...

If you’re thinking ahead about a romantic winter getaway, a cruise is a terrific way to go. It’s such an easy way to travel; just get on board, settle into your cabin and start having fun. You and your companion won’t have to stress about finding a restaurant, bar, theater, pool, spa, or gym – all that and more is right there on the ship. And let’s be honest – most cruise ship cabins are cozy to begin with, and if you bring a few battery-operated tealights to scatter around, the atmosphere can be quite romantic. Plus, the activities, entertainment, and dining on board and in port will give you and your companion lots of opportunities to share new experiences. As for where to cruise, there’s a world of options, but here are some island destinations we think are especially well-suited to couples. The Bahamas provides a close-to-home destination – just 80 miles off Florida’s Atlantic coast – in a beautiful setting of turquoise water, sandy beaches, and balmy breezes. The islands are...

Planning your next cruise involves making some important choices, including whether to choose a cabin with a window or without a window. Here are some considerations that can help you decide. Cabins without windows (called interior or inside cabins) don’t have exterior walls, so there’s no opportunity for a sea view. But that doesn’t mean these cabins are always dark; cruise ship designers use lighting to make the inside cabins bright and welcoming. If you expect to use it just for sleeping and showering, an inside cabin can be a good choice: they are usually the lowest-priced cabins on the ship. Amazingly, some ships use technology to equip inside cabins with exterior views. Inside cabins on some Disney Cruise Line ships have “magic portholes,” which are small screens built into the walls and linked to exterior cameras. Inside cabins on some Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ships have “virtual balconies,” which are floor-to-ceiling LED screens that also show real-time views from outsi...

For thousands of years, most ships were propelled across the water solely by the wind that filled their sails. But when steam engines were developed in the 1800s, steam-powered vehicles quickly became the preferred way to travel on land and water. Today, most cruise ships move through the water with the help of fuel-powered engines, while most ships that have sails are small craft used for recreation or racing. Still, it’s possible to cruise on a ship powered by sails that harness the wind (these ships are equipped with engines, too, so there’s no chance of becoming becalmed in the middle of the ocean). Along with the timeless thrill of skimming over the water under billowing sails, these smaller ships can visit lovely ports that are inaccessible to big, engine-driven ships. Plus, you can feel good about traveling in a more sustainable way. Let’s look at some options for cruising under sails. Ponant Cruises’ Le Ponant is a three-masted luxury yacht. With just 16 staterooms and su...

If you’re excited about visiting faraway ports on a cruise but aren’t sure what there is to do on the ship, don’t worry. Cruise ships are loaded with ways to keep yourself busy and entertained while you’re sailing between ports or spending an entire day at sea. Start with the pool area, where you can play in the water and relax on a chaise lounge. This is also a venue for activities like trivia games, card tournaments, and dance contests. Plus, some ships have enhanced their pool decks with water slides and other fun attractions. Visit the fitness center to maintain your workout routine or start a new one, get advice from a trainer or join a yoga class. Many ships also have open-air sport courts, outdoor tracks for walking and running, minigolf courses, ping-pong tables and shuffleboard courts. Depending on the ship, you might also be able to try out bumper cars, laser tag, a ropes course or a climbing wall. For some pampering, make a reservation at the onboard spa and select a m...

  Holiday Gifts for Cruise Travelers The holiday shopping season is underway, and a cruise is a fantastic gift for someone you care about. But if your budget doesn’t stretch quite that far, here are some ideas for smaller gifts that will be appreciated by the cruise fan in your life (even if that cruise fan is you). Battery operated fan. A breeze from a small fan can be refreshing in a cruise ship cabin, especially if it has no window or the window doesn’t open. Make sure the fan is battery operated; on most ships, outlets are not plentiful and power strips are not allowed. Battery operated tealight candle. The glow of small faux candles can serve as a nightlight, or help set a serene or romantic mood. Dry bag. Dry bags help keep electronics and other valuables dry during beach visits, waterfall hikes, kayaking adventures, and other activities near or on the water. Fitness tracker. It’s fun to track steps taken while exploring a cruise ship or a port. Be sure to selec...

For any cruise passenger, onboard credits (or OBCs) are wonderful things. In simplest terms, they are currency you can use to pay for a variety of goods and services onboard. How can you get OBCs? There are several ways, which include: Cruise promotions. Some cruise lines offer OBCs instead of, or along with, fare discounts. And, cruise lines often give professional travel advisors onboard credits to pass on to their clients. Loyalty and referrals. A cruise line you’ve sailed with before may offer OBCs as an incentive for a future cruise, or as a reward when a friend books a cruise on your recommendation. Credit cards. You may receive OBCs when you sign up for your favorite cruise line’s branded credit card. Shareholder benefits. If you own enough shares of a cruise line’s stock, you may receive OBCs whenever you take a cruise on that line. Complaint compensation. It’s not a very fun way to get OBCs, but if you have a complaint, OBCs may be part of any compensation the c...

Any cruise can be a wonderful and carefree vacation, but not all cruises are alike. There’s a wide variety of cruise experiences available to you; and, much of what you experience on a cruise depends on the size of the ship. Today’s largest cruise ships have lots of incredible features. Along with room for thousands of passengers, they have space for an amazing variety of dining and entertainment venues. Plus, they sail to some of the world’s most popular ports. Butthere are advantages to cruising on a smaller ship – say, up to 1,500 passengers – as well. One is the ability to visit smaller ports that are a little off the usual cruise routes because they can’t accommodate larger ships. Here are a few examples. Quepos, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a stop for some smaller cruise ships that pass through the Panama Canal. It’s near Manuel Antonio National Park, which is known for wildlife –iguanas, capuchin, and howler monkeys, and two types of sloth – and beautiful beaches...

Now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ended its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters, the U.S. doesn’t have any federal requirements for cruise passenger vaccination, testing or masking. But, that doesn’t mean that all such requirements have disappeared. Because COVID and its variants can spread between people in close quarters, including cruise ships, cruise lines have their own requirements and protocols, which continue to evolve. So, what does this mean for you the next time you cruise? First, keep in mind that cruise lines’ COVID-related requirements for vaccination, testing, and masking can change at any time in response to COVID developments. And, the CDC still provides COVID management guidance and recommendations to cruise lines. Regarding vaccination, some cruise lines continue to require all passengers to be fully vaccinated (although some of them make exceptions for children). Some cruise lines accept a limited number o...

Why Use a Travel Advisor Relationships with suppliers – you know when you’re visiting your neighborhood restaurant where the servers are familiar and give you a new dessert to try with your meal sometimes? Companies and people love to reward loyalty and the same is true about travel providers. Travel advisors have relationships with these companies and their staff and want to keep that relationship mutually beneficial! The suppliers know that if they can keep their travel advisors’ clients happy, they’ll be more likely to send more people their way. Sometimes this can translate into extra attention, free upgrades, or even things like chocolate-covered strawberries in your room! Knowledge about products – what’s the best travel insurance and should you get it? If something were to go wrong or there were any last-minute changes, which suppliers have the best cancellation policies? Ask your advisor! They treat knowledge about travel like it’s their job (because it is!) Bett...

Must-Try Foods in Paris Paris is known for many things, like the Eiffel Tower, romance, and cafes. But it’s also known for its food. Here are a few bites you shouldn’t pass up on your trip to Paris. Macarons Macarons (also called French macaroons, not to be confused with coconut macaroons) are a convection created with meringue cookies that sandwich a flavored filling. These cookie sandwiches showed up in Paris in the 1830s from Parisian confectioners and were made popular by Laduree, a famous French bakery. It wasn’t long until the macaron became famous world-wide. It even has its very own day to celebrate! But even though these tasty treats are accessible just about everywhere these days, there’s something about trying them in the country they originated. Croissants These are a staple in Paris. They are convenient, easy to eat on the go, and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways, including on their own or as part of a sandwich. The croissant became popular in Fra...

Travel Solo - Know Before You Go Traveling solo can be a thrilling experience that pushes the boundaries of your comfort zone. However, you want to make sure you prepare before venturing off! Here are some “know before you go” on solo travel. Leave Your Contact Info with Someone at Home When traveling, especially overseas where communication might be trickier, it’s important to let someone know your travel plans. Let them know where you’re going, where you’ll be staying, and the travel dates. This will keep your loved ones at home in the loop just in case they need to get ahold of you. Keep Copies of Important Documents Always keep copies of your important documents, such as your passport, social security card, and other necessary paperwork. These copies can come in handy in case you misplace one during your travels! Network Talk to your contacts about where you’ll be traveling to, they may have connections in those places and could connect you with other people in their n...

Engaging entertainment abounds on cruise ships. The exact mix of entertainment varies by cruise line and ship, but you may find anything from parties and games to first-run movies, magic shows, musical revues, intimate cabarets, cooking demonstrations, comedy workshops, and dancing to live music. Some ships also stage big-time shows in state-of-the-art theaters, with production values and talent that rival New York’s Broadway and London’s West End.    Cruise lines do change their entertainment offerings over time, sometimes with little notice; but, here are some of the biggest, best-known stage productions you can enjoy at sea now.  Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss features “Jersey Boys,” a musical that tells the behind-the-scenes story of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. It’s full of real-life joy and drama, not to mention hits like “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Sherry” and “Working My Way Back to You.” On the Norwegian Encor...

Cruises can take you to just about any place on the planet that’s accessible by water, and that includes Antarctica, sometimes known simply as “The Ice.” This vast continent, home to the South Pole and almost completely covered by ice and snow is remote and harsh, fascinating and beautiful.    If you want to cruise to Antarctica, you need to ask yourself an important question: do you want to see the White Continent only from the comfort of the ship, or do you want to set foot on it? The answer will guide your selection of a ship and itinerary.    There are “viewing only” cruises that sail close to the Antarctic Peninsula, the part of Antarctica closest to the southern tip of South America. On this type of cruise, you can marvel at the spectacular scenery, including glacier-draped peaks and ice floes that glow blue and green. You may also see wildlife in and over the water – whales, seals, penguins, albatross, and more.    There are also cruises that s...

For some people, cruising is more than a wonderful way to vacation; it’s a wonderful way to live. Living aboard a cruise ship is a chance to explore more of the world while enjoying a high level of service.    There are a couple of ways to live on a cruise ship, and one option is to purchase an apartment on a residential ship. Currently, The World is the only residential cruise ship afloat, but more are being planned and built. At least three companies – Blue World Voyages, Storylines, and Somnio – plan to launch residential cruise ships in the next year or two. Depending on the ship, starting prices for apartments range from about $700,000 to $15 million. Terms of ownership vary, too; some are for the life of the ship, for the life of the owner, or for a certain span of years.    Another other option is to sail on back-to-back cruises that keep you at sea most of the time. With some careful planning, it’s possible to spend just a few nights a year on land. You ...

When you fly to the port to board a cruise ship, a flight delay or cancellation is always possible. But right now, a combination of factors – high demand for flights, some airline and airport staff shortages, plus the perpetual unpredictability of weather – is increasing the chances of a flight delay or cancellation.    As you know, cruise ships wait for no one; if you don’t get to the ship on time, it will sail without you. So, here are some tips to help ensure you arrive at your ship on time and ready to cruise.  Plan to arrive in port at least two days before your cruise begins. For years, travel professionals have advised arriving a day early for your peace of mind; right now, a two-day cushion provides greater comfort. If all goes well, you’ll have time to enjoy the port city and buy anything you forgot to pack.    Pick the earliest flight of the day to your port. If it’s canceled, you may have a better chance of catching a later flight the same day....

If relaxation is your reason for taking a cruise, raise that relaxation to a new level by planning a visit to the onboard spa.     Most cruise ships have a spa, and they rival the very best on land. The treatment menus are extensive, with massages, facials, body wraps, and scrubs that can revive and refresh you. Many onboard spas also offer facilities like steam rooms, therapeutic pools, snow and salt grottos, aromatherapy zones, and solariums; cosmetic treatments like Botox and teeth whitening; and salon services like hair styling, waxing, manicures, and pedicures.      Here are some tips to help you plan your cruise ship spa experience:     If you aren’t sure what type of treatment you’ll like, visit the spa on embarkation day, when you may be able to take a quick tour and ask questions. Some spas offer special treatments and discounts only on embarkation day; discounts may be available on days in port, too.     If you haven’t...

    How far in advance should you book your next cruise to get the lowest fare? Sadly, there’s no magic formula for snagging the best price every time. But, we do have some advice for you to consider: book early or book late.     Many cruise fans like to book as soon as a sailing opens for reservations, which can be as long as 18 months before embarkation (your professional travel advisor can alert you). At that time, fares may be the lowest they will ever be because they tend to rise as the ship fills.     There are some other significant advantages to booking a cruise as early as possible. You’ll have access to the best choice of cabins and you might receive early booking incentives, such as discounted airfare or onboard credits. Early booking also gives you plenty of time to look forward to your cruise and plan what you want to do on board and on shore.     Still, keep in mind that a lot can happen in 18 months. Cruise lines have the ...

  If you dream of a quick break that will really take you away from it all, take a look at short cruises. Two or three days on a cruise ship isn’t a lot of time, but it can provide lots of fun and relaxation. Plus, a short cruise is a great option if you have a small vacation budget, limited vacation time, or you haven’t cruised before and want to find out how much you like it. You can also combine a short cruise with some extra time in a port city, giving you two vacation experiences in one.     Several cruise lines offer two- or three-day cruises from a variety of ports. Let’s look at some of the places you can go.     From Florida ports like Cape Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami, you can board a ship for a short cruise to Key West; Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas; or, a visit to a cruise line’s private island (there are several in The Bahamas). A day on a cruise line’s private island is delightful and much like a visit to an exclusive beach clu...

Can you bring your baby on a cruise? Yes, parents do it all the time, but there are some things to understand and think through.     First, there’s an age requirement for babies at sea. Many cruises welcome babies who are at least six months old, though some longer itineraries have a 12-month minimum age. But a few cruise lines don’t accept any passengers under age 18, including babies.     Some cruise lines offer discounted fares for babies (and other children) who share your cabin; you should also ask your professional travel advisor to alert you to “kids sail free” promotions. Still, you may have to pay a regular fare for your baby.      When you plan to bring a baby on board, it’s important to request a crib when you make your cruise reservation. And, as very few cabins have a bathtub or a sink large enough for bathing a baby, you may want to bring a small inflatable bathtub with you.     Bring all the food and supplies (dia...

When choosing a ship for your next cruise, look for spaces where you can enjoy open sky and fresh air as you sail across the water. Some ships have especially appealing outdoor spaces; here are a few that we really like.     Celebrity Cruises Edge Class ships – the Edge , Apex and Beyond – have an incredible outdoor space called The Garden, decorated with beautiful live plants, metal sculptures, and comfortable seating. These ships also feature the Magic Carpet, a large, open-air platform off one side of the ship that moves up and down to serve different al fresco purposes. It can be a specialty restaurant, a music venue, an extension of the pool area or even an elegant way to disembark.     Celebrity’s Solstice Class ships, first introduced in 2008, have an outdoor space that’s still unique in the cruise world. On the top deck, there’s a half-acre of real, growing grass, called the Lawn Club. Guests are welcome to remove their shoes, walk across the soft gr...

On a cruise, you sail away from your daily routine to a very different kind of experience. Every passenger – even those who stay in the smallest inside cabins – can enjoy a high level of service, comfort, and cuisine.     Of course, if you’d like a little more space, you can book a suite; and on some ships, you can book a really extravagant suite. The most luxurious suites at sea may not fit within your budget, at least not yet…but we can all dream. Let’s take a quick look at a few suites to aspire to.     The Garden Villa Suite on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Star Class and Jewel Class ships is enormous: nearly 7,000 square feet, or about three times the size of the average U.S. home. There are three bedrooms, three and a half baths, and a spacious living room with a baby grand piano. Walls of windows overlook outdoor spaces that offer amenities like a private hot tub, sun deck, and dining area. This suite is part of The Haven ship-within-a-ship complex, so it come...