Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

If you would love a chance to cruise on a spectacular luxury yacht, but don’t happen to know someone who owns one, take heart. Two providers of “superyacht” cruises – Atlas Ocean Voyages and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – are preparing to launch this year. Both are expected to provide new options for those who enjoy ultraluxury, all-inclusive cruises. Ritz-Carlton, the operator of luxury hotels and resorts, is planning to bring its high standards for style and individualized service to the sea through the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The line’s first superyacht, the Evrima , will have 149 sumptuous suites with all-glass exterior walls. Each suite will have its own terrace as well. The plans for the Evrima include a full-service spa and several dining venues. Passengers will be able to call on a personal concierge for help with anything from dinner and spa reservations to arranging immersive experiences onshore. And the ship’s sleek design will allow port calls that may not ...

More than 100 years ago, the White Star Line introduced the Olympic, the largest passenger ship in the world at the time. The Olympic, almost 883 feet long, had nine decks and could carry 2,435 passengers. In contrast, the largest cruise ship afloat today – Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas – measures 1,188 feet long, has 18 decks, and can carry up to 6,680 passengers. As cruise ships have become larger, much of the additional square footage has been devoted to interior spaces, including larger staterooms, restaurants and theaters. But some provide guests with amazing open-air, on-deck attractions, like these: Since it first debuted in 2004, Movies Under the Stars has become a signature feature on the Princess Cruises fleet. Spacious pool decks include giant screens that show movies in the evening. Passengers can watch from poolside loungers equipped with extra cushions, while the crew serves popcorn, movie-themed cocktails and other beverages. While it was originally an evening-o...

If you loved days spent out at sea on past cruises – or if the idea of having lots of time to enjoy all the amenities of a modern cruise ship appeals to you – look into repositioning cruises. Repositioning cruises happen when ships need to move from one part of the world to another, in line with cruise seasons. For example, some ships move from Northern Europe to the Caribbean in fall, or from Australia to the Pacific Northwest in late spring. Crossing a vast expanse of water gives passengers plenty of time to explore everything on board, which can be hard to do on a port-intensive cruise. Repositioning cruises often provide great value, as well. Just remember that you’ll have to travel to one port to board the ship, then return home from a different port (that might be on a different continent). Most repositioning cruises are at least 10 days long, and many are longer. And most of those days will be spent at sea, without a port in sight. So, how would you spend your time? Here a...

A long cruise is delightful, but if you have limited time to sail, take a look at quick, three- or four-night cruises that venture from several different U.S. homeports to a variety of great destinations. A short cruise can give you a relaxing break while using just a little of your precious time off from work. Because some sail over a weekend, if you have a flexible work schedule, you may not need to use up any vacation days at all. Short cruises are affordable, but you won’t miss out on any onboard features or activities. You’ll have access to all the same dining, spa, workout and entertainment venues as if you were sailing for a week or more. A short cruise is also a brilliant way to try a new cruise line without making a big investment. If you like the style and service, you can book a longer cruise for the future. Just keep in mind that most short cruises use midsized ships; if you book a longer cruise with the same line, but on a larger ship, you can expect to have more act...

For centuries, the naming of a new ship has been an occasion for special rituals. Ancient civilizations poured water and wine, installed onboard shrines, and even performed blood sacrifices to ask their gods to protect new ships and those who sailed them. Today, all that gets sacrificed upon the naming of a new cruise ship is a bottle of champagne, wine or even whiskey, which is ceremoniously smashed against the ship’s hull as cameras capture the moment. The honor of christening the ship goes to the ship’s godmother or godfather – most often, a celebrity or other well-known person who brings attention and excitement to the occasion. Current cruise ship godparents are a diverse and accomplished group. They include singer and actress Jennifer Hudson (Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream ), Olympic Figure Skating Champion Katarina Witt (Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas ), movie star Sophia Loren (godmother to 14 ships over the years, including MSC Cruises’ Bellissima ), rapper Pitbu...

There’s an easy way to be assured of a higher level of fun and camaraderie on your next cruise – make a reservation for a hosted cruise. Hosted cruise programs include you in a small group of passengers who benefit from the guidance of a friendly, knowledgeable cruise host. The host will sail right along with you and make sure you have all the information and assistance you need for an elevated cruise experience. There are a few reasons why cruise hosts are a great resource. First, they simply love cruising, and they know how to help others get the most enjoyment from a cruise. Your host will know the ship and can help you with anything from finding the spa, to tipping the crew, to arranging a one-of-a-kind shore excursion. Your host will also be familiar with the cruise itinerary and all you can do and see onshore. Based on your interests, your host can provide recommendations for how to spend your time in each port. Being part of a hosted group means you’ll have ready-made ac...

Most cruise lines have straightforward policies on cruising with pets – in most cases, it’s not allowed. That may be unhappy news for pet lovers who want to cruise, but there are good reasons why most cruise lines and ships don’t allow pets on board. While many ships have spacious outdoor areas, they aren’t designed for the safety of pets who like to run around and explore. Some passengers may be allergic to dogs, cats or other types of pets. Plus, pets wouldn’t be allowed to disembark in most international ports of call. Still, if you’re determined to cruise with a beloved pet, there is an option. Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 runs a kennel program on its transatlantic cruises (between Southampton and New York). While pets are not allowed to be in their owners’ staterooms, there are lovely kennels for them in a designated area of the ship. Owners are welcome to visit and play with their pets. A dedicated kennel staff takes care of feeding, exercising and cleaning up after the pets. ...