Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

Situated along both sides of the equator in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are an enchanting place where endemic species – including some found nowhere else on Earth – live in unspoiled settings. These beautiful, volcanic islands are part of Ecuador, which is about 550 miles to the east. Cruising is a wonderful way to explore this bucket-list destination. The amazing animals that inhabit the islands include giant Galapagos tortoises; marine iguanas, the only iguanas known to feed in water; flightless cormorants; Galapagos penguins, the world’s only tropical penguins; several species of tanagers, also called Darwin’s finches, whose characteristics vary from island to island; and blue-footed boobies, named for their bright blue, webbed feet. There’s also magnificent sea life, from hammerhead sharks to frigatebirds and albatrosses; and unusual plants, including lava cactus. Most cruises sail with experienced guides who help you prepare for and understand what you’ll se...

This is a truism for any type of travel, and especially for cruise travel: the less luggage you bring along, the better. Less luggage is easier for you to handle and keep track of; airline baggage fees can add up if you have too many or overweight bags; and, you’ll want to have some extra luggage space for gifts and mementos you acquire while cruising. So, here are some tips for packing small. Start by making a list of what to pack, because an hour or two of wardrobe planning can help prevent overpacking. Make a list of things that are right for the climate where you’ll cruise; add any special items for theme parties or shore excursions, as well as essentials like a swimsuit, pajamas and underwear. Then, take a deep breath and pare the list down, keeping only items that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits. Be sure to ask your professional travel advisor about your ship’s laundry and dry-cleaning services; using them may help you pack even less. Special note for cool-c...

If you’re a frequent cruiser, you may have noticed that some cruise ship traditions are making way for more modern versions of themselves. If you haven’t cruised for a few years, or you’re planning your first cruise, here are some cruise ship features that are entering a new era: Formal nights are fading. Just as dress codes in schools and workplaces have become more relaxed, some cruise lines are relaxing or completely doing away with “formal night” dress codes. Still, if you love dressing up for dinner, you certainly can! Paper newsletters are going digital. Lots of passengers look forward to receiving their daily onboard newsletter and schedule of events, but it’s now more likely to appear on your mobile device than under your cabin door. Cruise lines are also using their apps to provide personalized recommendations for onboard and onshore activities, reminders of upcoming spa appointments or specialty restaurant reservations, and more. Buffets are going full-service. For a ti...

You can cruise on ships big or small – anything from a megaship that accommodates more than 7,000 passengers to a yacht-style ship that carries less than 100. So, before you make a cruise reservation, think about the size of the ship you’d like to sail on based on what you’re looking for from a cruise vacation. In general, big ships offer more of everything: more cabin categories, pools, dining spots, entertainment, activities, shore excursions, and more. But, a big ship’s common spaces can be somewhat busy and noisy; or, threaded with lines waiting to enter a restaurant or theater, claim a poolside lounger, or disembark in a port of call. Small ships don’t have the space to offer as many choices, but they often provide a higher level of service and a more personalized cruise experience. Seeing the same people every day makes it easier to get to know your fellow passengers, too. Here are a few more things to think about before you answer the “big or small” question for yourself: ...