Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

Bermuda’s high repeat visitor rates prove that it’s a cruise destination that passengers fall in love with. The pink sand beaches and authentic Bermuda shorts help draw first-time visitors, but many return to re-experience this tiny nation’s unique vibe: a blend of sophisticated and simple. On the sophisticated side, there’s afternoon English tea and high-end shopping in Hamilton, the island’s capital. Browse the stores along Front Street, Queen Street and Church Street for upscale clothing, jewelry, leather, linen and more. Explore the alleys, too, where boutiques and galleries sell items made from Bermuda cedar, banana-leaf dolls, and locally made glass and perfume. Bermuda has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world, so you can have a memorable day on the links. There are beautiful art galleries and museums, too, including the Bermuda National Trust Museum and a number of older homes maintained as examples of Bermudian architecture through the cen...

Shore excursions are a big part of what makes cruising such a special vacation experience. City tours, beach days, and drives to see natural wonders that lie inland are common, but some ports also offer excursions that are out of the ordinary. Here are a few: Koper, Slovenia. If you love a bit of truffle oil on your french fries or pizza, you can learn how these rare “underground mushrooms” are found. Itineraries that call on Koper, Slovenia, may offer an excursion led by a local “truffle hunter” who will give you an inside look at how the delicacy is harvested. You can visit a local winery, too, and enjoy a lunch that features both truffles and wine. Reykjavik, Iceland. This is a land of fire as well as ice, with active volcanos and bubbling geothermal features. You can take a volcano tour, which will provide the safety gear needed for trekking across steamy lava fields and exploring a lava-tube cave. After that, you may be ready for a dip in the geothermally heated water of the famed...

If you struggle to stay in shape in your daily life, you may find that it’s easier to do while you’re on a cruise. After all, you’ll have time to exercise, facilities and classes are right there on the ship, and there are lots of ways to be active on shore, too. You’ll be able to start, maintain or enhance your usual workout routine in the ship’s fitness center. Onboard fitness centers have become more sophisticated in recent years, with state-of-the-art equipment and machines that may not have made it to your neighborhood gym yet. You can join classes, too, for boot-camp style workouts, spinning, yoga and more. If you love running, you’re likely to find a track on an upper deck, and perhaps basketball and volleyball courts. More ways to be active on a cruise include calorie-burning leisure activities like dancing, swimming, and strolling the streets of the ports you visit. For a higher level of activity, look for shore excursions that get physical, from zip-lining and horseback r...

The Danube is one of the great rivers of Europe, and you can see it all from the stylish comfort of a river cruise ship. Most river cruise lines offer Danube itineraries on small, elegant ships that are purpose-built for river cruising. These ships don’t have the expansive dining and entertainment spaces of larger ocean-going ships; instead, they have an intimate feel and staterooms that are downright luxurious, plus highly personalized service. You’ll feel pampered as you sail effortlessly from one charming European village to another. In addition to a lovely ship, breathtaking scenery and a close-up look at European culture, a nice thing about a Danube cruise is that a wide variety of itineraries is available. If you have limited time to cruise, you can get a taste of the Danube on a three-night cruise between two great European cities: Budapest and Vienna. A typical seven or eight-night cruise would take you from Passau on the Germany/Austria Border, to Vienna and on to Budapest; so...

Nutmeg trees and rainforest cover the mountainous landscape of Grenada, a Southern Caribbean island known for its aromatic spices. After a devastating hit by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, this island nation has emerged stronger and perhaps even more beautiful than before. Your cruise ship will dock in the historic capital of St. George, where the colorful buildings reflect a blend of colonial British, French and West Indian culture. Some consider it to be the prettiest harbor town in the Caribbean. Market Square bustles every morning with a variety of vendors who sell local produce, spices and crafts. For beautiful views of the city and harbor, visit Fort George; for an even more expansive view, venture up to Fort Frederick. In addition to nutmeg, the enticing spices of Grenada include cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, allspice, and citrus peel. The island has been rebuilding its nutmeg production ever since about 85% of the nutmeg trees were destroyed by hurricane Ivan – the replacement ...

Cruising is a great choice for older travelers who want to explore new places without the uncertainty that can come with traveling on your own. Shore excursions, as well as cruising itself, are group activities, and there is  greater safety and security venturing out in a group than exploring a new place alone. Of course, you also want to good care of yourself while you’re cruising. Here are our top three tips for mature cruisers: Mind Your Health . If you have physical limitations or special dietary needs, let your cruise line know; your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert can help with this. The crew will do whatever they can to accommodate your needs. While you’re packing, double-check that you have all the medications you may need. Bring a little extra just in case your flight home is delayed. Pack them in the bag you’ll carry with you, not in the luggage you plan to check. While you’re on the ship, don’t leave your medications out on your desk or bathroom count...

The term “expedition cruising” carries a promise of adventure. These cruises provide an exciting experience and a sense of exploring off the beaten track of tourism. Interested? Here are a few tips about preparing for an expedition cruise: Have realistic expectations. Expedition ships are small and purpose-built, with limited onboard amenities; the focus the cruise will be the onshore experience. Your stateroom will be well-equipped and comfortable, perhaps even luxurious. But, don’t look for multiple restaurants, big theaters or a social director. Onboard programs are usually led by naturalists or scientists who help immerse you in the environment, history and culture of your destination. Get in shape. You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete, but most expedition cruises require a certain level of agility. Often, you’ll need to step from the ship into a Zodiac craft – a type of small, inflatable boat – to reach the shore (this may also involve getting a bit wet). In addition...