Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

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 ...