Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

Did you know that passengers are welcome to stay on a cruise ship while it’s in port? It’s fun to get off the ship and explore every port of call on the itinerary, but you can also take a break from shoreside adventures and simply stay on the ship. Here’s a quick look at what to do if you stay aboard while your ship is in port. You can sleep in and have a later, more leisurely breakfast – or, just wake up in time for lunch. If your ship has specialty restaurants, you may be able to walk in for lunch without a reservation. While most of your fellow passengers are on shore, you’ll have great access to onboard amenities. If you’re on a big ship with things like water slides, zip lines, laser tag, or surf simulators, any lines should be small, with only a short wait before you unleash your inner daredevil. Fitness centers, pools, and spas will be quieter as well. You could hop on your favorite fitness machine or get help learning to use a new one; score a lounge chair at poolside; an...

For a close-to-home cruise, consider sailing a US river; one option is the mighty Ohio. Cruising the Ohio River is a wonderful way to discover the region that stretches from Western Pennsylvania to the Mississippi River. The river touches six states – Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois – and there’s so much to see and explore along its banks. Depending on your ship and the time of year, your ports of call may include: Pittsburgh, where many cruises of the Ohio start or end. The river forms in Point State Park, where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet. It’s fun to take an extra day just to enjoy the city, which has 90 unique neighborhoods and many cultural attractions, plus great shopping and dining in the Strip District. Moundsville, West Virginia, where the centerpiece of the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex is a sacred, conical burial mound built by the Adena people more than 2,000 years ago. Marietta, Ohio, was founded in 1788 a...

Asia is a vast continent, and its long Pacific coastline offers cruise passengers wonderful places to discover. Here are some things to know if you plan to explore Asia by cruise ship. You’ll have a choice of cruise lines . A variety of cruise lines visit Asian ports, including Celebrity, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Seabourn, Silversea, and Viking. This gives you a terrific choice of ships, itineraries, and onboard vibes. You may want to focus on Northeast or Southeast Asia . Depending on how much time you have to cruise, you could choose to focus on either Northeast Asia (including Japan, South Korea, and China) or Southeast Asia (including Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and The Philippines). Both regions are rich in beauty, history, and culture, with everything from glittering cities to traditional villages. Of course, if you have the time to cruise it all, your professional travel advisor can help you select ...

It’s fun to plan a perfect wardrobe for an upcoming cruise, but when you grab a last-minute cruise deal there may not be much time for planning. Here’s an overview of the basic items to pack for most cruises (remember to adjust for the climate and length of your cruise). Travel Documents . Bring tickets and other required paperwork for your cruise, reserved flights and tours. Bring the proof of identity requested by your cruise line, which may be a birth certificate or passport. Keep these documents with you rather than in a checked bag, Medications and Toiletries . Pack enough prescription medication for the length of the cruise, and a little more. Small quantities of over-the-counter remedies for pain, allergies, and upset stomach often come in handy; they’ll be available on board but at a price. And while most ships provide toiletries like soap, shampoo, and conditioner, you may want to bring small quantities of your favorites. Sunscreen and bug repellent will be pricey on board...

“Tenders” are part of cruising – but we’re not talking about the delicious chicken variety. A “tender port” is one where your ship won’t be able to pull right up to a dock, but will drop anchor off shore. The small boats that will ferry you from ship to shore and back again are called “tenders.” Some cruises don’t include any tender ports, and some include several. Tender ports are usually indicated on the cruise itinerary. Some tender ports simply don’t have dock facilities; others do, but the dock area may be too small or the water too shallow to accommodate your ship. Some ports that require tenders are in appealingly remote destinations, but some are in popular vacation spots like Bar Harbor, Cabo San Lucas, and the Greek Isles. Tender boat style varies from one ship to another. Some ships use their lifeboats, while others carry boats dedicated to tendering. Some cruise lines hire local tender boat operators; their boats may be basic or equipped with roofs to provide shade, cus...

If you use a cane, walker, wheelchair, or other equipment to support your mobility, cruising can be a good way to see the world. Cruise ships must abide by international standards for accessibility, and cruise ships that dock in U.S. ports must meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Even older cruise ships have accessible cabins, bathrooms, restaurants, and common spaces. Newer ships are designed to make even more features easily accessible to passengers who have limited mobility or other disabilities. To help ensure an enjoyable and happy cruise, here are a few tips: Bigger and newer may be better . Bigger, newer ships usually have more space to work with when maximizing accessibility. However, some older ships – especially those that have been renovated – may fit your needs just as well. Ask your professional travel advisor to help you look at deck plans for ships you’re interested in; it’s important to be sure that your top choice will meet your needs. ...

The continuing popularity of cruising means more beautiful places at the water’s edge are becoming new ports of call or adding to their cruise ship capacity, providing new experiences even for seasoned cruisers. Port Cabo Rojo in the Dominican Republic is the newest cruise ship port in the Caribbean. The port welcomed its very first cruise ship, Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Pearl , to the dock on January 4, 2024. When development is complete, the port can accommodate up to four ships simultaneously. It’s a gateway to the Pedernales Province, the Dominican Republic’s southernmost province. There are plans to develop resorts and attractions here, but for now, there’s untouched beauty and a laid-back vibe. Cabo Rojo is close to pristine beaches of white sand, including Bahia de las Aguilas. This gorgeous, remote beach with clear turquoise water and coral reefs that makes it lovely for swimming and snorkeling. But, you can spend an entire day just relaxing in the sun and watching ...