Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

Set to make its public debut on November 16 in Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Cruises’ new Celebrity Xcel will be the fifth ship in the line’s Edge Class. If you’ve sailed on another Edge Class ship, the Xcel will feel familiar, but there are some exciting new features as well. For example, the 3,260-passenger ship is the first in the Celebrity fleet to be capable of running on methanol, an alternative fuel that reduces engine emissions. A more noticeable change is at the aft of the Xcel , where other Edge Class ships have Eden – a multi-use lounge, dining, and entertainment space. Instead of Eden, the Xce l has The Bazaar, a triple-deck space that features destination-inspired dining and entertainment in a festival atmosphere. The Bazaar will also offer workshops focused on local traditions and crafts, too. It’s a way to bring what’s on shore onto the ship, and it’s a response to passenger requests for more immersive cruise experiences. The Bazaar will also house two new dining ve...

  When a cruise itinerary includes a visit to a private destination, it’s usually one of the most popular ports of call. After all, when a cruise line owns a property, it can make it the stuff of passengers’ dreams. Royal Caribbean is adding to its collection of private destinations, which already includes Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Labadee on the north shore of Haiti. This December, the cruise line will open Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, near Nassau in The Bahamas. And, late 2027 will see the debut of Perfect Day Mexico on the Costa Maya. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island occupies a barrier island just outside Nassau. Five custom-built water taxis will be on hand to transfer passengers from the ship to the club. A day pass purchase is required, which includes just about everything you’ll need while enjoying the club – unlimited food and beverages, Wi-Fi access, and amenities like beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas. The club has three neighborhoods, all wit...

  Cruising is such an easy way to travel, but making reservations and preparations involves a fair amount of decision-making. That can be a bit intimidating if you haven’t cruised before, so here are some top tips for first-time cruisers. To make cruise reservations, work with a professional travel advisor. He or she will ask questions about what you want from a cruise, then guide you to your best choices for a cruise line, ship, cabin, and more. Your travel advisor can explain the fare, what it includes, any available extras, and why travel insurance is a good idea. They may have access to special offers, discounts, and onboard credits, too. Your travel advisor can help you arrange to get to the ship, whether you’ll go by plane, train, bus, or car. And however you get there, plan to arrive the day before the ship departs. If you’re delayed – even through no fault of your own – the ship will not wait. Your travel advisor will know about any special deals on hotels in the ship’s...

  Silversea Cruises is preparing something new for its guests who journey to the Antarctic. The cruise line is putting finishing touches on The Cormorant at 55 South, soon to be the world’s southernmost hotel. Located at the 55 ◦ south parallel in Puerto Williams, Chile, the Cormorant will be exclusively for guests on Silversea’s Antarctica Fly Cruises. Here’s a little background on how the hotel came to be. A few years ago, Silversea began to offer Antarctic cruises that depart from Puerto Williams not by ship, but by chartered plane. Instead of spending two days sailing across the Drake Passage, guests take a two-hour flight from Puerto Williams to King George Island, a research station just 75 miles off the Antarctic coast. Once on the island, guests board their Silversea expedition cruise ship, then sail on to the wonders of the Antarctic continent. The Cormorant at 55 South, scheduled to open in January 2026, will give Silversea’s guests a comfortable place to prepare for...

 To elevate your next cruise experience, consider reserving a suite that comes with a luxurious amenity: a butler. Several cruise lines offer butler service with some higher-end suites. These include luxury lines like Silversea Cruises and Cunard Line, as well as family-friendly lines like Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. So, what can a cruise ship butler do for you? Here’s a quick look at how butlers make a wonderful cruise even better. Unpacking and repacking. While you’re relaxing, enjoying a sail-away party, or exploring the ship, your butler can unpack and neatly stow your belongings. If you need laundry services, a loose button sewn on, or some creases steamed out while you’re sailing, your butler can help with that, too. Plus, he or she can repack your bags while you enjoy yourself on the last night of the cruise. Arranging your suite. If you would like to have furniture moved, a different pillow, a board game to play, or other adjustments, just ask your butler...

Although a cruise ship cabin might serve as your landing pad for just a few days, you should think through your choice of cabin as you would when choosing a place to live. When you choose a home, you consider location, size, and surroundings; think about them when choosing a cruise ship cabin , too. Most ships have a few different categories of cabins, and larger ships may have dozens. Anita, your professional travel advisor, can help you sort through it all, but here are some tips to help you get started. Check the size of the cabins you’re interested in, as well as the number of passengers it can accommodate. Some smaller cabins can accommodate four people efficiently, but without much extra space (and with one small bathroom). Knowing a cabin’s square footage can help you decide if the space will be comfortable or if you should consider a larger cabin or suite. If you’re okay without a view to the outside, an inside cabin can be an excellent and economical choice. Some even ...

If you love cruising but sometimes wish you could stay longer in port, talk with your professional travel advisor – he or she can help you find cruises with late-night departures, or even overnight stays, in selected ports. A late-night departure means you can spend more time on shore, with less of a rush to get back to the ship. You can enjoy the sunset, relax over a dinner of local cuisine, and even get a taste of the port’s nightlife. An overnight stay might even give you the chance to enjoy a morning stroll or bike ride on shore before departure. To find itineraries with late departures or overnights, look to cruise lines that emphasize on-shore experiences – including, but not limited to, those mentioned here. Azamara Cruises ’ Destination Immersion program includes late departures and overnight stays in a variety of ports. Some itineraries feature double-overnight stays in ports like Seville, Spain ; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ; or Hamilton, Bermuda . Azamara also offers special n...

In July, a strong earthquake in eastern Russia caused tsunami warnings to be issued across the Pacific, including popular cruise destinations like Japan, Alaska, Hawaii and New Zealand. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries to cruise passengers or crew. And, the event put a spotlight on what cruise ships do to maintain safety during tsunami warnings. Here’s what you should know. A tsunami is a series of powerful ocean waves that most often result from earthquakes and can be strong enough to travel across an entire ocean basin. You may be surprised that the open sea is actually the safest place for a cruise ship to be during a tsunami; passengers may not even notice the waves, because they don’t have much impact in deeper water. Tsunamis become much more dangerous in shallower water, where they can compress and increase in height and power. That’s why ships that are docked when a tsunami warning is issued often move out to sea. If a ship remains in port, anyone who is on boa...

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...