Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

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, ...