Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

Lying 650 miles off the east coast of the U.S., the island nation of Bermuda is a terrific option for a relaxing cruise: the most common itinerary is five to seven nights, with Bermuda as the sole destination. The turquoise water, pink sand beaches, pastel-colored buildings and distinctly British traditions will enchant you. The main cruise ship port is King’s Wharf, which can accommodate mid-size and larger ships. Located on Bermuda’s west end, it’s adjacent to the Royal Naval Dockyard, originally established in 1795 to keep an eye on French privateers and the United States. Now a museum, there are historical exhibits and treasures recovered from wrecked. Nearby sights include the Bermuda Arts Centre and a lighthouse that features 185 steps to a panoramic view. When you’re ready to explore more of Bermuda – just 22 miles long and 2 miles wide – reliable bus and ferry systems can take you just about anywhere, including beaches, golf courses, and two other ports, Hamilton and S...

If you’re looking for great value in a cruise that will sail across a wide swath of the globe, consider a trans-Atlantic cruise. And, if the description “trans-Atlantic” brings to mind ships that require a big travel budget and formal attire every night, be assured that we’re talking about different kind of experience. Twice a year, cruise lines reposition some of their ships – including some of the newest and most sought-after – between North America and Europe. For example, in the fall, ships that have been sailing fall color itineraries in New England and Maritime Canada might reposition to the Mediterranean for the winter; ships that have been calling on the ports that ring the Baltic Sea might reposition to the Caribbean. In the spring, the trans-Atlantic pattern is reversed. Rather than let their ships cross the Atlantic empty, cruise lines sell “repositioning” cruises to vacationers who are eager to try a different kind of cruise experience. Trans-Atlantic crossings u...

Warm-weather cruising is terrific, especially in the depths of winter, when a cruise to the sunny Mediterranean, Caribbean or South Pacific brings welcome warmth. But, during a hot summer, it’s also nice to cruise to a destination where the days are long and pleasantly cool. Alaska’s summer high temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, great for outdoor activities and sightseeing. After a day of salmon fishing, panning for gold, kayaking or zip-lining, snuggle up in a deck chair to watch the scenery of forests, mountain peaks and glaciers. The Alaska cruise season runs from mid-May to mid-September, which is also when the northern sky stays light well past 10 p.m. Cruise ships call on Reykjavik, Iceland, from late spring through September, taking advantage of the long daylight hours and pleasant temperatures in the 50s. Cruise ship visitors love to tour the city’s quirky and often colorful architecture; take boat tours to islands inhabited by cute Puffin birds; and shop for the ...

While London is on one of Britain’s most important waterways, the River Thames is about 40 miles from the nearest seaport. Still, London is a feature of many ocean cruise itineraries, including cruises of the British Isles, Baltic Sea and North Sea. If you can add a few days in London to the beginning or end of a cruise, you’ll have a wonderful land and sea experience. Only a few small (and often luxurious) ships are able to dock in or close to London, either at Tower Bridge, in the historic suburb of Greenwich, or at a small cruise terminal at Tilbury. From any of those locations, it’s a quick ride via cab, Underground or train into the city. It’s more likely that your ship will dock at Dover or Southampton on the English Channel, or Harwich on the North Sea. All three are just an hour or two from London via train. Harwich is a quiet port, but at Dover, you may want to walk atop the famed white cliffs and tour Dover Castle. At Southampton, be sure to look around the historic ...

Social media is a great way to connect with the cruise experts at Cruise Holidays – now, it’s also a great way to win a cruise for two! Cruise Holidays has kicked off its third annual Facebook Cruise Giveaway. Through August 31, visit www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel and enter to win a 7-night cruise for two in a balcony-equipped cabin aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. If you’re the lucky winner, your Cruise Holidays expert will help you select a ship and itinerary. They can also answer all of your questions and provide ideas for shore excursions, advice on what to pack, ideas for extending your vacation with a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay, and much more. Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its casual and fun approach to cruising. The dress code is relaxed and flexible: many passengers enjoy dressing up in the evening, but there’s no requirement to do so. All Norwegian ships have multiple dining venues, so it’s possible to find everything from a juicy steak to sushi. Top-...

Windstar Cruises, which recently renovated its three masted cruise ships, is adding to its fleet. The first of three new “power yachts” (no sails) is the Star Pride , which carries 212 guests and makes each one feel that they are on their own private yacht. Two more power yachts, Star Breeze and Star Legend , will join the fleet in May 2015. The small ships maintain the Windstar tradition of visiting secluded coves and other places that large ships can’t go. Star Pride is an all-suite ship, and every suite has ocean views. Some have picture windows, some have French-style balconies, and some have private verandas. Each elegant suite also features Internet access, fresh flowers and fruit, and a private bath with granite countertops and a full-sized tub. Like the accommodations, the dining choices are sumptuous. Amphora, the main restaurant, serves Continental cuisine in a relaxed, open-seating venue. Veranda combines buffet-style service with made-to-order grilled items durin...

Venice, Italy, is a truly unique port of call on cruises of the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Serene and elegant, with an air of genteel decay, the structures of Venice float just above the water of the Laguna Veneta . It’s a truly pedestrian city, as there are no cars: instead, water buses ( vaporetti ), water taxis and gondolas glide along the canals, taking visitors from one lovely sight to another. The first stop for many visitors is the Saint Mark’s Square, a massive and gorgeous plaza surrounded by some of the most famous places in Venice, including opulent Saint Mark’s Basilica, which is beautiful inside and out. Next door is the impressive Doge’s Palace, another treasure trove of art and history: the palace’s prisons were difficult to escape, but the legendary romantic hero Casanova found a way. The plaza also has a bell tower that you can climb for a wonderful view. After touring, refresh yourself with a cappuccino at one of the plaza’s cafes, where the people-watching...