Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

Spectacular Halong Bay is a highlight of cruising in Vietnam, the Southeast Asian country with more than 2,000 miles of coastline along the South China Sea. Halong Bay’s emerald-green water is dotted with thousands of limestone karsts that form small islands. Some are low and adorned with tiny lakes and beaches; others rise to an impressive height, with fantastical shapes and nearly hollow insides. But the picturesque bay is just one reason to cruise in Vietnam. After a prolonged series of wars that finally ended in 1991, some of the scars have healed, and Vietnam has emerged as a destination with natural beauty, flavorful cuisine, and deep cultural traditions. A port call at Halong also gives cruise passengers access to Hanoi, Vietnam’s buzzing capital city. There’s a lot to see, including ancient temples, French colonial architecture, water puppet theaters, and streets lined with the best work of local artisans and food vendors. On Vietnam’s central coast, the port of Da Nang b...

The last day of August saw the start of the inaugural voyage of an exciting new cruise ship: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas , sister ship to Icon of the Seas . These sisters share the title of “World’s Largest Cruise Ship” and have much in common, including the number of cabins, neighborhoods, and Chief Dog Officers on board (there’s one delightful Golden Retriever on each ship). Still, Star of the Seas isn’t a complete duplicate of her 18-month-old sister. Both ships offer seven-night cruises of the Eastern or Western Caribbean. But while the Icon departs from Miami, the Star sails from Port Canaveral, less than an hour’s drive from Orlando. Also, the Icon ’s seven-day cruises sail Saturday to Saturday, while the Star’s run Sunday to Sunday. Both ships’ seven-day itineraries include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas. But the Star usually visits this idyllic spot early in the cruise, while the Icon tends to visit toward the...

 There’s a new option for sailing the Caribbean from Miami, and it’s a big one. Europe-based MSC Cruises launched its first ship specifically designed for U.S. passengers, MSC World America , in April. The cruise line says this 6,762-passenger ship is where European style meets American comfort. The second ship in MSC’s World Class, World America, boasts seven unique districts. They include Family Aventura, with thrills for everyone; Aqua Deck, home to pools, whirlpools and other water features; World Promenade, where sea views give way to light shows at night; World Galleria, with live music, shopping and nightlife; The Terraces, lined with specialty dining and entertainment options; the Zen Area, an adults-only oasis; and MSC Yacht Club, MSC’s ship-within-a-ship concept. Innovations on this new ship include the only Eataly at sea, serving authentic Italian classics. The ship also has MSC’s largest-ever water park, as well as cruising’s longest dry slide – the Jaw Drop – a sp...

When it comes to selecting the best cruise line, itinerary, stateroom, and shore excursions for you, your number one resource is your professional travel advisor. They have the knowledge, expertise, and industry contacts to set you up for a wonderful cruise vacation. But if you would like to combine your travel advisor’s guidance with some research of your own, there’s a lot of cruise information available via social media. Just keep in mind that while social media posts can offer helpful cruise insights, they can also reflect personal preferences, be influenced by sponsorships, or consist of purely promotional content. Whether you’re a seasoned user or a stranger to social media, where should you begin to look for cruise information? Cruise line websites are a good place to start. They are packed with information about ships, itineraries, destinations, and much more. There are also independent websites and blogs dedicated to cruising, which can provide helpful background informa...

Arriving at a cruise ship only to be told you can’t get on board is the stuff of bad dreams – but it can and does happen. Cruise lines may deny boarding for a number of reasons, but many of them are easily avoided. Here are some of the most common reasons for denial of boarding: Lack of documentation. When you make your cruise reservation, ask your professional travel advisor what documents you will need to bring with you. Then, make sure you have all the right documents, which may include a passport or other government-issued identification, a birth certificate, and any required visas. Note that the cruise line may require your passport or ID to be valid for at least six months from the day you return to your home country. Being ill. Health screening practices vary between cruise lines, but you may be asked to complete a health questionnaire, have your temperature taken, or be tested for contagious diseases before or when you arrive for boarding. Anyone who shows signs and symptom...

If you love the relaxed pace and big views of a “no port” day, you can take a type of cruise that features plenty of days at sea. Repositioning cruises are one-way voyages that move ships from one region of the world to another. Because they sail with seasonal changes, most repositioning cruises take place in spring and fall. Repositioning cruises are special in several ways. A string of sea days means plenty of time to enjoy all the ship’s dining options, entertainment spaces, and other amenities. The fares can be very budget-friendly. And while there will be few ports of call, repositioning cruises often visit places that are hard to find on other cruise itineraries. So, where do repositioning cruises go? Transatlantic cruises sail between North America and Europe, such as from Miami to Barcelona. Some of these cruises call on the Azores Islands, an Atlantic archipelago about 900 miles west of Portugal. These islands are prized for their dramatic landscapes, geothermal springs,...

On the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Ensenada has long been a convenient port of call for ships that must call on a foreign port before returning to the U.S. (as required by the Passenger Vessel Services Act, also known as the Jones Act). But, Ensenada – located on the Baja California peninsula – is more than a convenient stop. It has a lot to offer cruise passengers, especially those who enjoy wine. That’s because the Ensenada area has several Mediterranean-style microclimates. Warm daytime temperatures moderate when breezes come inland from the Pacific, creating temperature swings that are ideal for growing robust, flavorful grapes. Winemaking in the area began at least 200 years ago, when Dominican priests grew grapes at the old Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe del Norte mission. Today, several valleys around Ensenada are known for their wines, include Valle de Guadalupe, the Calafia Valley, the San Vicente Valley and the Santo Tomás Valley. Valle de Guadalupe alone accounts for more than...

  It’s always a good idea to arrive at your ship’s homeport a day or two in advance of your cruise. In addition to easing worries about potential travel delays, arriving early will give you a little time to unwind and settle into vacation mode. But an early arrival also means you’ll need to secure a hotel room. Here are a few tips: Make your hotel reservation as early as you can. Your fellow passengers may also be looking for hotel accommodations, along with those who will board other ships in the same port. An early reservation may deliver some early-bird savings, too. And while you’re making your pre-cruise reservation, consider whether you’d also like to stay for a night or two after the cruise, before you return home. Keep things simple. If you’re staying for just a night or two, you may not need all the amenities of a resort hotel (or to pay resort fees). What you’ll need most is a good night’s sleep, so you’ll be ready to enjoy all the amenities of your cruise ship, as ...

It’s never too early to think about your next cruise; so, as you bask in the warmth of summer, think about cruise options for winter 2026. Here are some warm and sunny winter destinations for you to consider. The Bahamas and the Caribbean . The archipelago of the Bahamas begins less than 100 miles east of Miami, making the islands a perfect winter destination, especially if you only have time for a brief getaway. Daytime air and water temperatures are usually in the mid-70s; just bring a light sweater for evening. The Caribbean lies a bit farther south, so daytime temperatures will be in the mid to high 80s, with balmy breezes. The Canary Islands . Part of Spain, the Canary Islands are off the northwest coast of Africa. Warm and sunny all year, the islands offer a surprising array of landscapes, including volcanic peaks, colorful towns, green forests, stretches of desert, sprawling vineyards, and pretty beaches of white or black sand. The Mediterranean . Winter days are often ver...

If you’ve been on a river cruise, you know it’s a very different experience from an ocean cruise. The shoreline is always in sight, providing changing views and a panorama of life along the river. The smaller, more intimate ships can often dock right in the heart of a port city. And, the focus isn’t so much on the ship’s amenities, but the places you’ll visit; days without a port call are rare. If you haven’t cruised on a river yet, take a look at this brief summary of some well-known river cruise lines and their styles. AmaWaterways takes pride in its airy, elegant ships. Innovations include twin-balcony staterooms equipped with both Juliet and sittable balconies. This was the first river cruise line to offer a full-size, onboard pickleball court; bicycles that passengers can use on shore; and a complimentary Chef’s Table restaurant for a special dining experience. AmaWaterways sails in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Avalon Waterways’ ships feature spacious suites designed ...

When a ship departs for a cruise, passengers are often encouraged to be up on deck for a sail-away celebration. As you cruise, there are other times you may want to be up on a view deck (or at least near a window), such as when the ship approaches or departs from your ports of call. Not only is it interesting to watch the crew at work, but the surroundings can be spectacular. Here are a few of the ports where the views are exceptional. Sailing in or out of New York City provides views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn and Verrazano Narrows Bridges, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and more. Note that ships that use the Manhattan or Brooklyn Cruise Terminals sail closer to these landmarks than ships that use New Jersey’s Cape Liberty Cruise Port. Many cruise ships that call on London actually dock in Tilbury, on the eastern edge of the metro area. However, some smaller ships can sail further up the Thames River, offering views of the beautiful Tower Bridge and other London ...

Expedition cruises are exciting because they explore some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the planet. You’ve probably heard about voyages that visit Antarctica or the Artic; if you like that kind of exploration but in warmer conditions, there are wonderful expedition cruise destinations in temperate zones, too. An expedition river cruise is a terrific way to see the amazing Amazon River Basin, which spreads across a wide swath of northern South America. The rainforest canopy shelters a fantastic array of wildlife, from jaguars and macaws to pink dolphins and piranhas. Itineraries often include visits to small villages, biological reserves, and islands brimming with indigenous plants and animals. Some journeys can be combined with a pre- or post-cruise land tour to places like Machu Picchu, Peru’s 15 th -century Inca citadel. Another balmy destination for expedition cruising is the Galapagos Islands, about 600 miles off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. Some of the animals the...

If you enjoy purchasing mementos when you travel, most cruises present plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs and gifts in shops and boutiques both onboard and onshore. If you would like ideas for souvenirs that will provide memories of your voyage, here are some popular choices. Local artwork and crafts are wonderful keepsakes that can tell a story about the ports you visit. Paintings, drawings, carvings, and jewelry made by local artisans are all lovely options. It can help to do a little pre-cruise research into the places you’ll visit – for example, are they known for things like weaving or pottery, or for certain fabrics or decorations? Note that any crafts made with straw must be declared and presented for inspection when you return home; this guards against the possibility of unintentionally importing a pest. Locally made food and beverages can make great souvenirs. Pop into a grocery store or market to look for local specialties like jams, sauces, candy, wine, spirits or ...

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Just as you learn a few phrases in the language of a destination you plan to visit, you can learn (or brush up on) cruise lingo before you get on a cruise ship. Once you’re on board, the crew will be happy to explain any terms or procedures you don’t understand, but wouldn’t it be nice to set sail feeling familiar with the vernacular? Here are some of the basic terms to know: Onboard Places Ship. This one is important: when you cruise, you’re on a ship, not a boat (boats are much smaller than ships). Gangway: A set of stairs or a ramp that connects the ship to a pier. Cabin: A sleeping compartment, also called a “stateroom.” Bridge: An upper deck where the captain and other officers navigate and steer the ship. Atrium: The central area of the ship, similar to a hotel lobby. Galley: A ship’s kitchen. Lido Deck: The pool deck (often the location of a casual buffet or restaurant, too). Onboard Directions Bow: The front of the ship, also called the “fore.” Aft: The back of the shi...

In early June, our team at Cruise Holidays - OKC had the incredible opportunity to attend the five-day Travel Leaders Network (TLN) annual conference held in the vibrant heart of Las Vegas at Caesars Palace. This prestigious gathering brought together over 2,000 travel professionals—including agents and suppliers—all eager to connect, learn, and prepare for the future of travel. Inspiring Conversations and Industry Insights One of the highlights was a special fireside chat with TLN President John Levell and the legendary Sir Richard Branson. Their conversation provided a unique behind-the-scenes look at Sir Richard’s ventures and vision for his travel companies, inspiring us with ideas that will certainly enrich the experiences we offer our clients. Deep Dives into Travel Trends & Partnerships Throughout the conference, we engaged in lively discussions and educational sessions both in the bustling convention hall and intimate classroom settings. These sessions focused on ev...

When packing for a cruise, be sure to put these items in your carry-on bag – the one that stays with you when the rest of your luggage is checked in for the cargo hold. It’s important to keep these items with you as you travel to meet your ship, just in case your checked luggage needs some extra time to catch up with you. Government-issued identification. The cruise line will ask you to present your passport, or a driver’s license and birth certificate, so keep these essential documents with you. Boarding documents. This includes copies of documents provided by the cruise line, along with other travel tickets and reservations. It’s a good idea to store them in a plastic sleeve or folder to keep them organized and clean. Prescription medications. It’s easier to replace over-the-counter medications, but it can be very difficult to replace prescription medications while cruising. Wallet. Bring a credit card or two and a small amount of cash in your wallet. You can charge onboa...

Is a “ship within a ship” for you? Usually found on larger cruise ships, a ship-within-a-ship provides a higher level of service and dedicated spaces for passengers who sail in designated cabins. The spaces might include a luxury pool, lounge, and restaurant that are separated from the bustle of the rest of the ship. While ship-within-a-ship guests are welcome all around the vessel, only they can use the exclusive spaces. They may also qualify for special amenities like complimentary or discounted beverages, Wi-Fi access, spa treatments, concierge services, and more. Cunard Line was the very first to offer a ship-within-a-ship concept for suite guests. On all of Cunard’s ships, suite guests have exclusive access to either the Queen’s Grill or Princess Grill restaurants. They also enjoy concierge services and exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and Grills Terrace. Norwegian Cruise Line’s The Haven occupies a defined zone on some of the line’s ships, with cabins ranging from delu...

If you’re interested in exploring some of the remote reaches of our planet, consider taking an expedition cruise. These active, adventurous cruises focus on the wonders of the destination; regional experts are often on board to talk with passengers about local history and culture. Shore excursion options usually include active pursuits like hiking, biking, kayaking, or climbing, as well as immersive, hands-on cultural experiences. Expedition cruise ships are small, carrying as few as a dozen and no more than a few hundred passengers. They can sail close to shore, pass through narrow channels, and dock in remote areas. They don’t have multiple dining options or big entertainment venues, but they are built for both safety and comfort. Like cruising in general, expedition cruises are available for both cool-weather and warm-weather destinations. Here are some of the cool-weather options, including voyages to both polar regions. Antarctica is a major bucket-list destination, and an e...

A cruise ship needs a glow-up occasionally, and Cunard Line’s elegant Queen Elizabeth just received one during a three-week makeover. The ship is ready for new adventures, including more Alaskan voyages and a debut season in the Caribbean. Cabins have been refurbished with new soft furnishings and balcony furniture, plus more USB ports for powering your devices. Also, Oceanview TV (satellite TV with movie and music channels) is now available in every cabin. The popular Commodore Club bar, high up on deck 10, has new seating that’s as colorful as it is cozy. It’s a great place to settle into a chair and sip a beverage while watching the changing sea views. The two-deck high Queen’s Room also has new, comfortable chairs for relaxing with shipmates over afternoon tea, or catching your breath after taking a spin on the spacious dance floor. There’s also new carpeting with a pattern of garden shrubbery; it’s a subtle homage to a mulberry plantation, established in 1608 by King James ...

Norwegian Cruise Line is celebrating the launch of its newest ship, the Norwegian Aqua , the first in the line’s Prima Plus Class. Constructed at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, the Aqua can accommodate up to 3,571 passengers and is about 10% larger than Prima Class ships. Norwegian allocated a share of the additional square footage to outdoor areas: for example, the pool deck has space for 50% more lounge chairs than Prima Class ships, and the adults-only Vibe Beach Club will be about 40% larger on the Aqua . “Firsts” on the Aqua include: The most spacious accommodations in Norwegian’s fleet. In The Haven, Norwegian’s ship-within-a-ship complex, two-level Duplex Suites boast three bedrooms, three bathrooms, separate living and dining areas, and large balconies. The ship will also have the cruise line’s first ocean-view and balcony cabins for solo cruisers. New dining spots, including Thai specialty restaurant Sukhothai and Planterie, a vegetable-forward eatery in the Indulge F...

If you’re interested in cruising on your own but not in sharing a cabin, good news: there is a growing number of cruise ship cabins designed for one. And, these single-occupancy cabins come at single-occupancy prices. If you cruise on your own in a cabin intended for two, you’ll probably have to pay what’s known as a “single supplement,” which can be as much as another cruise fare. So, you could pay up to double to have your own cabin, or you could consider sailing with a cruise line that provides solo accommodations, like these: Norwegian Cruise Line has been a leader in accommodating solo cruisers with cabins that are thoughtfully designed for one. You can find them on most of the line’s newer ships: the Epic , with 128 “studio” cabins, has the most. Most of the NCL studios are inside cabins, but some have windows to the corridor or virtual portholes that stream a view of the water. And when you sail in a studio cabin, you’ll have access to the Studio Complex and Lounge, a social s...

Your cruise fare pays for so much, including accommodations and housekeeping, lots of onboard dining and entertainment, port fees, and great service. But when you get on board, you’ll encounter some tempting extras that carry separate fees. Understanding and planning for these optional extra costs before you sail can help you stay comfortably within your vacation budget. Here are some popular items for which most mainstream cruise lines charge extra: Beverages. Most cruise lines offer at least a few complimentary beverages, but the majority of them, from bottled water to cocktails, are available at a per-drink price. You can save by purchasing a beverage package before you board the ship. Ask your professional travel advisor for more information. Specialty restaurants. The dining venues included in your fare will serve delicious food, but it’s fun to try the elevated cuisine at an onboard specialty restaurant; and the extra charge is often less than you would pay for a similar dining...

 To explore some of the loveliest and most historic places in Europe, consider a cruise in the Western Mediterranean. A wide range of itineraries is available from various cruise lines. Your professional travel advisor can help you find the cruise ship, schedule, and style that suits you best. While the Western Med is a fine destination for cruising all year long, the summer months can be hot, with the largest crowds on shore. Also, many Europeans take all of August off for their own vacations, so some shoreside attractions may be closed during that month. In spring or fall, cruise passengers often enjoy smaller crowds and cooler temperatures in the Western Mediterranean. Winter can be a little chilly in some areas, but holiday celebrations make it a lovely time to sail. Many voyages focus on popular ports along the southern coasts of Spain and France, as well as the west coast of Italy. Here are just a few of the wonderful Western Med ports you may wish to visit: Barcelona, ...

When you approach the end of a cruise feeling relaxed and carefree, you know that your floating vacation has done its job. But, remember that there are some things you should do to prepare for leaving the ship and heading home. If you have onboard credits, use them up . Onboard credits, which passengers can purchase or receive as a booking incentive, are the same as money on board. If you have any left on the last full day of the cruise, treat yourself to something in a shop or at the spa. Pack your bags . It’s not as much fun as packing before the cruise, but it’s necessary during your last full day on board. Take a careful look around so you don’t leave any belongings behind, but don’t pack anything that belongs to the ship – you’re likely to be charged for it. If the crew will take your luggage off the ship for you, be sure to attach the color-coded tags you’ll receive and put your luggage in the hall by the appointed time (but, put the things you’ll need in the morning in a car...

One part of cruising that everyone looks forward to is onboard dining. But if you’re cruising with children, you may wonder how well the ship will meet their gastronomic needs. In short, don’t worry. Cruise ship chefs and servers know how to work with diners who might be a bit fussy, a little messy, and always hungry. One aspect of cruise ship dining that’s great for kids is the variety of dining spots and food available. Most ships have at least two dining options – a main dining room and a buffet – as well as themed or specialty dining venues (some ships have dozens of these). The main dining room offers sit-down, multicourse breakfasts, lunches and dinners for all ages. Some offer special children’s menus, but kids are welcome to order from the regular menu, too. If your child doesn’t find the menu appealing, get creative. Ask for a side dish as main plate; for a different preparation, such as chicken that’s fried instead of grilled; or for an unfamiliar sauce or despised vegeta...

The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas , recently marked its first anniversary. After a year of sailing in the Caribbean, which features of this spectacular ship are pleasing passengers the most? The AquaDome, an aquatic entertainment venue enclosed by a big glass dome, has proven to be a favorite. During the day, it’s a place to relax and take in the views; at night, it’s a shimmering showplace for cascading fountains, high dives and aerial acrobatics. Royal Caribbean is planning to have an Aqua Dome on all of its Icon Class ships (more are in development, with the Star of the Seas scheduled to launch this year). The Pearl, a walk-through kinetic sculpture, is second only to the AquaDome in passengers’ hearts. Lined with thousands of kinetic tiles that can capture human movement to create energy, the Pearl simulates natural sensations like rolling waves, gentle breezes and shooting stars. In addition to beauty and enjoyment, the Pearl provides the str...

Like the Caribbean, the Mediterranean is a cruise destination that offers distinctly different experiences depending on which portion you sail. Let’s take a look at the Eastern Mediterranean. You can cruise the Eastern Med any time of year, with summer being the busiest – and warmest – time to go. If you like cooler weather and smaller crowds on shore, cruising this region in spring, fall or winter may be best for you. Your professional travel advisor can help you select from the wide range of cruise lines, ship sizes, and cruise styles available. There are also a lot of different itineraries to choose from. Some will introduce you to the lovely Adriatic Sea, which lies between the east coast of Italy and the west coast of the Balkan Peninsula; some focus on Greece and the gorgeous Greek Isles; and some venture even farther east, to Türkiye and Egypt. If you choose an Adriatic-centered cruise, port calls are likely to include Venice in Italy and Dubrovnik in Croatia. Venice is a ...