Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

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...