Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

With almost 19,000 miles of coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Atlantic Ocean, Africa offers a lot to discover via cruise ship. This massive continent has everything from sand dunes to deep forests, bustling marketplaces, animal-viewing safaris, and more. With such a wide array of cultures, people, landscapes, and wildlife, a cruise can be a good way to begin to get acquainted. Some cruise ports in northern Africa – such as Alexandria, Egypt, and Tangier, Morocco – may be included on itineraries that also visit European and Middle Eastern ports around the Mediterranean. And, some cruise ships call on one or two African ports as part of a longer regional voyage, world cruise, or repositioning cruise. But there are some Africa-only itineraries, which often sail around the southern half of the continent. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular ports there. At Walvis Bay, Namibia, the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean, forming pristine lagoons...

To help passengers make the most of their time in port, cruise lines offer shore excursions – a selection of fun, educational, and/or adventurous activities on land. For example, beach and snorkeling excursions are popular in the Caribbean, while tours of historic city centers are common in Europe. All shore excursions offer memorable experiences; it’s not every day you can swim with dolphins, tour an ancient fort or view masterpieces in a museum far from home. The specific excursions available on any cruise depend on where it sails, but here are a few examples that may catch your interest. A partnership between Holland America Line and Food & Wine magazine offers culinary shore excursions in many destinations, including Northern Europe and the North Atlantic. You can discover the Danish art of smorrebrod – beautiful and delicious open-based sandwiches – or how a distillery in Iceland infuses flavors like rhubarb and crowberry into a variety of spirits. When you sail to Sri ...

Part of making a cruise reservation is choosing the specific cabin you want to stay in. And there’s more to think about than whether you want an inside (windowless) cabin or an outside cabin (most have a window or balcony). While there’s no one “best” cabin location, there may be a location that’s best for you. Most cruise lines show cabin locations on their online deck plans; ask your professional travel advisor to help you look around and make your choice. There’s a lot to consider, including your budget, your desire for a view, the distance to the nearest elevator, how many companions you’re sailing with, how soundly you sleep, and more. First, think about where you want to be along the length of the ship. Toward the front, the outside cabins may have a bit more space – and excellent, forward-facing views – due to the curvature of the ship. The middle of the ship is usually the most stable; you won’t feel the waves as much as you could in the front or back. Toward the back, as i...

Summer’s warmth is here, but it’s never too early to think about escaping December’s chill on a wonderful cruise. A cruise vacation can also be a great way to celebrate the December holidays; consider it a gift to yourself. So, where should you sail? While there are a variety of destination options, your choice may depend on how much time you have available to cruise. If you have just a few days, there are some “close to home” destinations that may fit. If you have a week, two weeks, or more, there’s a wider array of cruises to choose from. Close-to-home options include The Bahamas. It’s less than 200 miles from Miami to Nassau, but the soft white sand and turquoise waters of the islands can make you believe you’re much farther away. You can cruise there and back in as little as two or three days or choose a longer cruise that calls on some Caribbean ports, too. You can also take a short cruise from the West Coast to the warm and beautiful Mexican Riviera. Visit iconic ports alon...

Cruising with kids can be great because family-oriented cruise ships offer so many ways to have fun together. Still, adults may need a place to spend a little quiet time without the activity and noise that kids (your own or others) can generate. Fortunately, in addition to spaces just for kids and teens, many ships have a special area or two just for adults. Here are some to look for on popular cruise lines. Adults who sail on most of Royal Caribbean’s ships can find quiet time in The Solarium. This glass-enclosed space has padded loungers, hot tubs, and a wading pool. It also has its own bar and restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so it’s possible to spend an entire peaceful day there. On Princess Cruises, The Sanctuary is a shaded, airy space with comfortable loungers. It’s staffed by Serenity Stewards who can provide water misters, refreshing beverages, and light snacks. There are also cabanas for rent, where you can enjoy a massage and help yourself from the ...

For some cruise fans, one of the most relaxing aspects of a cruise is the delicious food that’s always available – with no prep, cooking, or clean-up required on your part. But some wonder if the abundance of food will challenge their commitment to healthy eating. Fear not: it’s possible to eat well and healthfully throughout a cruise. Here are some simple strategies. Don’t skip breakfast. Start each day with a meal that satisfies your hunger and gives you energy for an active day. Choices like a made-to-order omelet loaded with veggies, oatmeal with fruit, a tall green smoothie, or an acai bowl with granola can give you a tasty, nutritious start to the day. At lunch or dinner, control portion size by ordering an appetizer in place of an entree. Choosing an appetizer or two as a main course is also a fun way to try some new tastes; avoidance of oversized entrees is just a side benefit. You can also ask for a half-portion of an entrée; cruise ship culinary staff are typically happy ...

If you’ve thought about taking a European river cruise, you may know that the Danube and the Rhine are two of the most popular rivers to cruise not only in Europe but in the world. Both flow through or along the borders of multiple countries, with opportunities to visit castles, vineyards, historic cities, and charming villages. But there are several more European rivers where you can cruise in style while enjoying the beautiful scenery and cultural treasures, as well as terrific local food and wine. Here’s a quick look at just a few. The Rhone and Saone rivers meet at Lyon, France, the starting point for river cruises that wind through the Provence region to Avignon, Arles, or Marseille. The scenery includes olive groves, orange groves, and fields of lavender dotted with wineries, Roman bridges, monasteries, and palaces. It’s easy to see how Provence provided inspiration to artists like Cezanne and Van Gogh. Portugal’s Douro River flows through a green valley lined with hillside v...