Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

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...