Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

 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...