Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

Cruise vacations are for relaxation, and perhaps a bit of letting loose, amid the comfort and convenience of a cruise ship. Cruise vacations are also for exploring parts of the world that are new to you, and while you’re on shore, a few common-sense safety tips will help ensure a fun and memorable vacation. These tips are not meant to alarm you; touring on shore may be no riskier than taking a walk in your neighborhood, and the shore excursions offered by your cruise line are led by experienced drivers and guides. Still, while in vacation mode, anyone can be a little more vulnerable to pickpockets and other petty thieves, so here are some things to keep in mind. Leave your wallet, and most of its contents, in your cabin safe. Go ashore with just one or two credit cards and a small amount of cash, stored in a front pocket. Don’t take your passport off the ship unless you absolutely have to; take a photocopy of your passport’s identification page instead. No bling in port. It’s u...

If you would like to explore intricate Moorish architecture, bustling spice markets, or waterfront promenades, consider a cruise that includes port calls in Morocco. This North African kingdom has a Mediterranean and Atlantic shoreline, as well as majestic mountains, broad coastal plains, sparkling cities, and fascinating culture. Some cruises of coastal Portugal and Spain include port calls in Morocco’s Tangier, Casablanca, or Agadir, as do some broader itineraries that pass through the Strait of Gibraltar. Some transatlantic crossings to or from the Mediterranean also call on Morocco, as do some world cruises. Tangier is on Africa’s northernmost tip, just west of the Strait of Gibraltar. The Tanger Ville cruise dock is right in the city, so it’s just a short walk from the pier to the historic medina (old town), surrounded by ancient stone walls and bastions. You can visit the Kasbah Palace, the Grand Mosque, and the Petit Socco, once a crossroads for foreign agents and internatio...

  This spring, we attended the annual Travel Leaders Network conference, held at the Gaylord Resort in Chula Vista, California. The resort, located just a quarter of a mile from San Diego Bay, provided an impressive setting for the event, with a large convention center attached to the property. The conference brought together 2,200 attendees, along with numerous travel partners from across the industry. One afternoon was dedicated to a trade show, where we had the opportunity to meet with key suppliers and learn more about the products, services, and experiences they offer for our clients. Over four days, we participated in presentations and held productive meetings with travel partners, peers, and colleagues. The conference provided valuable insight into current developments in the travel industry, including cruises, river cruises, land packages, and all-inclusive resorts. It was also encouraging to see how our travel partners continue to enhance their offerings and strength...

  Unpredictable weather, civil unrest, and military actions can disrupt a cruise vacation. And, these disruptors have become more widespread at a time when more people than ever before are planning cruise vacations. If you’re planning to cruise in a region where there may be conflict, here are some things you can do to be aware and prepared. Begin by talking with Anita, your professional travel advisor, about your plans. Adding their expertise to your own knowledge can help you decide whether to proceed with a planned cruise or look at other destinations. And, talk about more than the ports on the cruise itinerary; check on what’s happening in areas you’ll need to travel through to get to the ship and back home again. Regularly check your email for any updates from your cruise line, as well as airlines and hotels involved in your plans. Better yet, download the apps for each of these travel providers on your mobile device. This will help ensure you receive all updates they issu...

Treating yourself to a vacation feels fantastic, and it’s even better when you know you’re getting good value for your vacation dollars. When you consider all that’s included, cruise vacations deliver terrific value. And, there are ways to further increase that value – here are a few tips. Use a nearby homeport. There are cruise ship ports all along the U.S. coastline, some seasonal and some busy all year. Take a look at the ships and itineraries that sail from the port closest to your home; if you can get there by car, bus, or train, you may save on flight costs. Even if you fly to meet the ship, a shorter flight may keep more money in your pocket. Get expert help. Even if you narrow down your choice of cruise ship and itinerary on your own, working with your professional travel advisor is especially important when it’s time to select a fare and make your reservation. Cruise fares are based on cabin type and many other factors; they can change quickly, and they do change often. ...

Looking for an island cruise that’s off the usual path? The Republic of Seychelles, Africa’s smallest nation, is an archipelago of 115 beautiful, rustic, unspoiled islands in the Indian Ocean. Lying about 950 miles off the east coast of Africa, visitors tend to describe the islands with one word: paradise. The islands may have been visited by ancient peoples and certainly by long-ago pirates, but were uninhabited by humans until they were settled by the French in the mid-1700s. Seychelles became a British colony in 1814 and remained so until declaring independence in 1976. Since then, the islands have been thriving with a culture that melds French, British, Indian, and African traditions. Most of the population lives on the three largest islands: Mahé, La Digue, and Praslin. The islands are made of granite or coral, surrounded by water in gorgeous shades of blue. The granite islands have central mountains draped in lush green forests and beaches of soft white sand, sometimes dotted...

When you’re having a wonderful time on a cruise, it can be a good idea to reserve your next cruise before you even leave the ship. Many cruise lines offer special incentives for booking a cruise while you’re still on board, such as reduced deposits, onboard credits, special discounts, and other benefits. How do you book a cruise while on a cruise? Many ships have a “future cruise” desk just for this purpose. Remember to ask for any onboard booking you make to be transferred to your own professional travel advisor, who can manage it with you. Future cruise reservations made while on board are often quite flexible. You may have a window of time in which you can change ships or sail dates at no charge. You may also be able to defer your choice of destination, ship and sailing date for a period of time. The specific benefits of booking a cruise while you’re onboard vary by cruise line, and may be aligned with the cabin category you reserve (a suite may deliver greater rewards than a ...

It used to be that every night was “formal night” on a cruise ship; passengers routinely changed from their daytime clothes into elegant dresses, gowns, suits, and tuxedos for dinner. Many cruise fans welcomed the modern shift to more casual dressing for dinner, but some still love the opportunity to really glam up for an onboard formal night. So, which cruise lines still have official  formal nights (or “elegant,” “dressy,” “glam” or “gala” nights)? If you love to dress up in elegant evening wear, look to lines like Cunard, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, and Silversea. Their ships usually have at least one formal night on their itineraries. Note that on formal nights, formal attire may be required only in the main dining venue, while other areas of the ship accept “elegant casual” attire (generally defined as tailored slacks or skirts with collared shirts, sweaters or jackets, as well as dresses and pantsuits). And on some ships, formal attire may be encouraged for eveni...

Whenever we do something new, it can be hard to know how to prepare; that’s natural when we lack experience. So, what are the best questions for a first-time cruiser to ask while planning their first voyage? Here are a few we think are essential. Where should I go? Cruise ships travel the globe, so it’s likely you can visit one or more of your most desired destinations. But the answer may depend on the amount of time you have available to cruise. If it’s a few days, try a short cruise to the Caribbean, or along the West Coast or Mexican Riviera. With more time, the ports of Europe, Asia, or South America may call to you. And if you have even more time, a World Cruise can literally take you around the globe. What is covered by the cruise fare, and what costs extra? The answer varies by cruise line, and knowing exactly what’s included will help you manage your vacation budget. Fares usually include a lot: accommodations, most onboard dining options, and entertainment, and the use o...

Like hotels, restaurants, and airlines, many cruise lines operate customer loyalty programs. All a passenger has to do is sign up, earn points with each cruise taken on that line, and enjoy the benefits. The benefits vary by cruise line, but can range from a complimentary onboard beverage to members-only events, dinner with the ship’s officers, or even a free future cruise. And, some cruise lines automatically sign new passengers up so they start gaining points or status right away. You’ll earn the most loyalty points and benefits if you sail regularly on the same cruise line. That works well when there’s a cruise line you love so much you wouldn’t consider any other. But if you don’t want to be limited to one cruise line, note that some will match loyalty program status from other lines, or even from other travel operators. With some cruise lines, status matching and point sharing are especially easy because they have the same ownership. For example, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cru...

  Cruise ship activities like contests and tournaments, talent shows, and trivia challenges keep things lively and help passengers mix and mingle. But if you value quiet time, can you find it on a cruise ship? Yes, absolutely! Some ships – especially small ships and those from luxury lines – offer a calmer vibe to begin with. But quiet can be found even on the biggest, boldest ships; here are some places to look for it. Your own cabin. Your cabin can be a respite from the activity around the ship. To make it cozier, ask your steward for extra pillows and blankets; you can also bring a battery-operated tea light or two from home (remember, no real-flame candles are allowed). A love of quiet is a good reason to treat yourself to an outside cabin with a private balcony, where you can take in the views on your own. On most ships, you can also dine in your cabin; just order from room service and a server will deliver breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The library. Many ships have a li...

Beach at the Hilton Resort Last month, we had the pleasure of guiding a wonderful group of forty-eight travelers on a memorable 16-day cruise from Port Louis, Mauritius, all the way to Cape Town, South Africa. Since this was our agency’s first time visiting Mauritius, we chose to arrive a few days early to explore the island and get over the jet lag from the long journey—it’s quite a trek with a ten-hour time difference, and our total travel time, including layovers, was about thirty hours. Mauritius is a beautiful island located roughly 700 miles east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. We stayed for three nights at the Hilton Resort, right on the beach. If you ever find yourself visiting Mauritius, we recommend the Hilton—it provides a comfortable, relaxing spot to unwind and enjoy the scenery. What struck me most about Mauritius was its economy, which compares favorably to many other African destinations we’ve visited. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the island tends to attract...

Florida’s cruise ports – Port Canaveral, Port Miami, and Port Everglades – are the busiest in the world, but they are not the only places to get on board a cruise ship. From Boston to Seattle, cruise ship homeports dot the U.S. coastline, and another major American city is ready to join in. This April, Norwegian Cruise Line will begin sailing from a brand-new cruise terminal in Philadelphia, near the Philadelphia International Airport. This will give the Mid-Atlantic region a gateway to cruising for the first time since 2011, when Philadelphia’s previous cruise terminal ceased operations. So, where can you sail from Philadelphia? To begin, the Norwegian Jewel and the Norwegian Pearl are offering voyages to Bermuda; to New England and Canada; and to the Caribbean, with itineraries that feature port calls in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. As these ships sail away from Philadelphia and down the Delaware River, passengers will have a view of the city’s impressive skyline. ...

Last summer, before embarking on our cruise, we spent three nights in Reykjavík to deepen our appreciation of Iceland’s unique allure. Having visited the country before, we had yet to fully explore the remarkable natural features that define this extraordinary island. This time, we made the deliberate choice to venture beyond the city through thoughtfully selected tours. Our accommodation at the Hilton Curio Collection was ideally located near the historic heart of Old Town, adjacent to Reykjavík’s famed hotdog stand—a local institution known well beyond Iceland’s shores. Over our stay, it was apparent just how beloved this spot is, with tour groups regularly pausing for a quick bite and a dedicated queue forming at all hours. Remarkably, the stand remains open until 5 a.m., closing only after the city’s bars do—testament to its iconic status. A highlight was the “Golden Circle” tour, an eight-hour excursion that offered an immersive experience of Iceland’s captivating countryside—feat...

  There’s a fantastic option for close-to-home cruising along the U.S.-Canadian border: the Great Lakes, five massive lakes that touch eight states and one province. The lakes are so wide and deep they would be classified as inland seas if they were filled with saltwater – instead, they are the world’s largest group of freshwater lakes. You’ll find natural beauty, fascinating history and sparkling cities along their shores. Cruise lines that sail lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior include Viking, Ponant, and American Cruise Lines. They use smaller ships for this summer cruise region, because they need to fit through the narrow locks and canals that connect some of the lakes. So while you’ll sail in great style and comfort, don’t expect waterparks, dozens of dining options or big performance spaces on board. A variety of Great Lakes itineraries are available; as you explore them, consider length, the number of lakes and ports visited, and the number of “lake days...

For the first time in more than 30 years, Windstar has welcomed a newly built ship to its fleet: the Star Seeker. This 224-passenger ship, the first in the cruise line’s Star Class, has some terrific features you can expect to see again (such as on Windstar’s upcoming Star Explorer , scheduled to debut in late 2026). Star Seeker made its debut in December 2025, with a voyage from Málaga, Spain, to Miami. After a naming ceremony, Star Seeker embarked on a series of Caribbean itineraries. The ship is scheduled to sail in Alaska this summer, and then move on to Asia. Some of Windstar’s yacht-like ships have sails, but Star Seeker is a motor yacht, equipped with two Rolls Royce engines. The ship has 112 cabins, each with a private veranda or floor-to-ceiling windows. Some of these windows can be opened halfway, from the top, to create a balcony effect that lets the breeze in. Every cabin is equipped with a large, walk-in shower with a rainfall shower head and body jets. There are...

Cruising is a great family vacation, but it’s also a lovely adults-only getaway. And, there are now more options for no-kids cruising, because Oceania Cruises just announced that it’s transitioning to an adults-only cruise line. Here’s a quick Q&A: When it comes to cruises, what does adults-only mean? It means that passengers must be 18 years or older at the time of sailing. In addition, there are no special clubs, menus or facilities for children on board; all of the spaces, dining venues, and amenities are geared to adults. Why did Oceania Cruises decide to become an adults-only cruise line? While the change is a shift in the cruise line’s policy, there won’t be much change to the passenger experience, as Oceania has never catered to children. Their research showed that its passengers value a serene, sophisticated and unhurried atmosphere, and that a considerable number of them thought the line was already adults-only. “This change isn’t about making a 180-degree shift,” ...

The World Cup, soccer’s premiere quadrennial championship, will take the world stage June 11 to July 19. The tournament will be bigger than ever, with 48 teams, three host nations (the U.S., Canada and Mexico), 16 host cities, and 104 matches. And because no one wants to choose between cruising and World Cup viewing, several cruise lines have already announced that their ships will broadcast some or all matches. The specifics of onboard World Cup viewing – such as which matches will be broadcast and where passengers can watch – vary by cruise line, and possibly between ships in the same fleet. Time zone changes and scheduled port calls may affect viewing schedules, too. So, ask Anita, your professional travel advisor, to help you check World Cup broadcast details for a cruise you’ve already reserved or are considering. Here’s what we know about cruise lines that have promised to show World Cup matches on board; others may join this list before the tournament begins. Celebrity Cru...

In addition to exploring a different part of the world, a cruise can be an opportunity to try new things – like a spa treatment. Many cruise ships have lovely onboard spas; if you’ve never enjoyed a spa treatment before, why not try one? Here’s a quick look at what to expect. Spas are peaceful and luxurious spaces designed to support relaxation and wellness. Treatments are usually in four categories: massages, facials, body treatments, and hair/nail services. On a cruise, the size and scope of the spa may reflect the overall size of the ship. On a smaller ship, the spa may have a small (but still luxurious) treatment menu, while spas on larger ships may have numerous treatment options and special features like heated loungers, hydrotherapy pools, or a café serving healthy cuisine. As a first step, ask for a spa tour; some offer regular tours while passengers are boarding the ship and throughout embarkation day. The tour will familiarize you with the facility, staff, and treatment...

A cruise vacation promises a break from daily life, and many passengers take advantage of the opportunity to rest, relax, and catch up on sleep. Breathing sea air, dining on delicious food, exploring ports, and doing some laps in the pool or on the Promenade Deck can all contribute to a good sleep – but, the most important contributor may be the comfort of the bed in your cabin. Of course, what’s comfortable is a little different for everyone, but the quality of the mattress usually plays a role. Cruise lines, like high-end hotels, install mattresses they hope will be pleasing to most of their guests. And, you may be absolutely delighted with the bed in your cabin, just as it is. But if you’re not, there may be ways to adjust. First – even before you make your cruise reservation – ask your professional travel advisor about cruise lines with special bedding programs. For example, Princess Cruises has its own Princess Luxury Beds. They have individually wrapped coils, which help mini...

The high seas will welcome several new cruise ships during 2026; here are just some of the vessels that are preparing to give you a new cruise experience. March will bring the launch of the eighth ship in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, the Disney Adventure . The new ship will homeport in Asia, offering three- and four-night cruises from Singapore. Up to 6,700 passengers will enjoy new spaces like the Disney Imagination Garden, an open-air performance venue. The second ship in Norwegian’s Prima Plus Class, the Norwegian Luna , will set sail from Miami in early April, cruising the Caribbean with up to 4,224 passengers. Like its sister ship, the Norwegian Aqua , the Luna will have lovely open-air spaces; unique features include a rocking Elton John tribute show. June will see the debut of a new ship from Viking Ocean Cruises. The Viking Mira will accommodate up to 998 guests and will sail itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Viking also plans to introduce another shi...

Embarking on a cruise that stops at one or more of India’s vibrant ocean ports offers an unforgettable introduction to this vast and captivating country. Renowned cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Oceania, and Celebrity regularly call at iconic Indian ports like Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, and Chennai. Whether as part of a broader regional itinerary or a dedicated India-focused voyage, these port visits open the door to a world of unique experiences. 🏙️ Mumbai: A City of Contrasts Home to over 20 million people, Mumbai perfectly blends glamor and grit. This dynamic metropolis juxtaposes sprawling slums with glittering high-rises, creating a cityscape like no other. Dive into the bustling spice markets, marvel at ornate temples, and explore colonial-era monuments. Don’t miss the Gandhi Museum to learn about India’s independence movement. For something truly unique, visit Dhobi Ghat—an enormous open-air laundry where hundreds manually wash clothes for hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and hom...