Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

“Tenders” are part of cruising – but we’re not talking about the delicious chicken variety. A “tender port” is one where your ship won’t be able to pull right up to a dock, but will drop anchor off shore. The small boats that will ferry you from ship to shore and back again are called “tenders.” Some cruises don’t include any tender ports, and some include several. Tender ports are usually indicated on the cruise itinerary. Some tender ports simply don’t have dock facilities; others do, but the dock area may be too small or the water too shallow to accommodate your ship. Some ports that require tenders are in appealingly remote destinations, but some are in popular vacation spots like Bar Harbor, Cabo San Lucas, and the Greek Isles. Tender boat style varies from one ship to another. Some ships use their lifeboats, while others carry boats dedicated to tendering. Some cruise lines hire local tender boat operators; their boats may be basic or equipped with roofs to provide shade, cus...

If you use a cane, walker, wheelchair, or other equipment to support your mobility, cruising can be a good way to see the world. Cruise ships must abide by international standards for accessibility, and cruise ships that dock in U.S. ports must meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Even older cruise ships have accessible cabins, bathrooms, restaurants, and common spaces. Newer ships are designed to make even more features easily accessible to passengers who have limited mobility or other disabilities. To help ensure an enjoyable and happy cruise, here are a few tips: Bigger and newer may be better . Bigger, newer ships usually have more space to work with when maximizing accessibility. However, some older ships – especially those that have been renovated – may fit your needs just as well. Ask your professional travel advisor to help you look at deck plans for ships you’re interested in; it’s important to be sure that your top choice will meet your needs. ...

The continuing popularity of cruising means more beautiful places at the water’s edge are becoming new ports of call or adding to their cruise ship capacity, providing new experiences even for seasoned cruisers. Port Cabo Rojo in the Dominican Republic is the newest cruise ship port in the Caribbean. The port welcomed its very first cruise ship, Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Pearl , to the dock on January 4, 2024. When development is complete, the port can accommodate up to four ships simultaneously. It’s a gateway to the Pedernales Province, the Dominican Republic’s southernmost province. There are plans to develop resorts and attractions here, but for now, there’s untouched beauty and a laid-back vibe. Cabo Rojo is close to pristine beaches of white sand, including Bahia de las Aguilas. This gorgeous, remote beach with clear turquoise water and coral reefs that makes it lovely for swimming and snorkeling. But, you can spend an entire day just relaxing in the sun and watching ...

When selecting a cruise, consider the homeport – the port city your ship calls home, where you’ll embark on your cruise. Many passengers plan to arrive at their ship’s homeport a day or two before the cruise begins so that if there’s any travel delay, they can still reach the ship on time; but if all goes well, they’ll have a day or two to enjoy the port city. This isn’t a complete list, but here are some homeports that are great destinations in themselves: Boston, for cruises of New England or the Eastern Caribbean. Stroll the Freedom Trail, which starts in Boston Common and links 16 of the city’s historic sites, including Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, and Old North Church. Visit the North End neighborhood for a delicious Italian meal before catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, home to home runs for more than 100 years. New York, for cruises of Bermuda, New England, Maritime Canada, or the Eastern Caribbean. You can’t go wrong visiting iconic attractions like Central Park, t...

If you’re looking for an island-focused cruise outside the Caribbean, look toward the South Pacific. This vast area of ocean is dotted with beautiful islands, calm blue lagoons, and coral reefs teeming with sea life. Several cruise lines sail there, sometimes as a segment of a world cruise or during a repositioning cruise. At least two cruise lines – Paul Gauguin Cruises and Windstar Cruises – sail the South Pacific year-round. Others include Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn. Given the time it takes to get there, South Pacific cruises tend to be at least seven to 14 days. If your cruise departs from a North American port, it’s likely to be an adventure of a month or more. With a cruise of any length, you could consider extending your vacation with a stay at a South Pacific resort (just think of relaxing in one of the charming bungalows perched over the water of Bora Bora’s lagoon). The three main regions ...