Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

Norwegian Cruise Line is celebrating the launch of its newest ship, the Norwegian Aqua , the first in the line’s Prima Plus Class. Constructed at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, the Aqua can accommodate up to 3,571 passengers and is about 10% larger than Prima Class ships. Norwegian allocated a share of the additional square footage to outdoor areas: for example, the pool deck has space for 50% more lounge chairs than Prima Class ships, and the adults-only Vibe Beach Club will be about 40% larger on the Aqua . “Firsts” on the Aqua include: The most spacious accommodations in Norwegian’s fleet. In The Haven, Norwegian’s ship-within-a-ship complex, two-level Duplex Suites boast three bedrooms, three bathrooms, separate living and dining areas, and large balconies. The ship will also have the cruise line’s first ocean-view and balcony cabins for solo cruisers. New dining spots, including Thai specialty restaurant Sukhothai and Planterie, a vegetable-forward eatery in the Indulge F...

If you’re interested in cruising on your own but not in sharing a cabin, good news: there is a growing number of cruise ship cabins designed for one. And, these single-occupancy cabins come at single-occupancy prices. If you cruise on your own in a cabin intended for two, you’ll probably have to pay what’s known as a “single supplement,” which can be as much as another cruise fare. So, you could pay up to double to have your own cabin, or you could consider sailing with a cruise line that provides solo accommodations, like these: Norwegian Cruise Line has been a leader in accommodating solo cruisers with cabins that are thoughtfully designed for one. You can find them on most of the line’s newer ships: the Epic , with 128 “studio” cabins, has the most. Most of the NCL studios are inside cabins, but some have windows to the corridor or virtual portholes that stream a view of the water. And when you sail in a studio cabin, you’ll have access to the Studio Complex and Lounge, a social s...

Your cruise fare pays for so much, including accommodations and housekeeping, lots of onboard dining and entertainment, port fees, and great service. But when you get on board, you’ll encounter some tempting extras that carry separate fees. Understanding and planning for these optional extra costs before you sail can help you stay comfortably within your vacation budget. Here are some popular items for which most mainstream cruise lines charge extra: Beverages. Most cruise lines offer at least a few complimentary beverages, but the majority of them, from bottled water to cocktails, are available at a per-drink price. You can save by purchasing a beverage package before you board the ship. Ask your professional travel advisor for more information. Specialty restaurants. The dining venues included in your fare will serve delicious food, but it’s fun to try the elevated cuisine at an onboard specialty restaurant; and the extra charge is often less than you would pay for a similar dining...

 To explore some of the loveliest and most historic places in Europe, consider a cruise in the Western Mediterranean. A wide range of itineraries is available from various cruise lines. Your professional travel advisor can help you find the cruise ship, schedule, and style that suits you best. While the Western Med is a fine destination for cruising all year long, the summer months can be hot, with the largest crowds on shore. Also, many Europeans take all of August off for their own vacations, so some shoreside attractions may be closed during that month. In spring or fall, cruise passengers often enjoy smaller crowds and cooler temperatures in the Western Mediterranean. Winter can be a little chilly in some areas, but holiday celebrations make it a lovely time to sail. Many voyages focus on popular ports along the southern coasts of Spain and France, as well as the west coast of Italy. Here are just a few of the wonderful Western Med ports you may wish to visit: Barcelona, ...

When you approach the end of a cruise feeling relaxed and carefree, you know that your floating vacation has done its job. But, remember that there are some things you should do to prepare for leaving the ship and heading home. If you have onboard credits, use them up . Onboard credits, which passengers can purchase or receive as a booking incentive, are the same as money on board. If you have any left on the last full day of the cruise, treat yourself to something in a shop or at the spa. Pack your bags . It’s not as much fun as packing before the cruise, but it’s necessary during your last full day on board. Take a careful look around so you don’t leave any belongings behind, but don’t pack anything that belongs to the ship – you’re likely to be charged for it. If the crew will take your luggage off the ship for you, be sure to attach the color-coded tags you’ll receive and put your luggage in the hall by the appointed time (but, put the things you’ll need in the morning in a car...

One part of cruising that everyone looks forward to is onboard dining. But if you’re cruising with children, you may wonder how well the ship will meet their gastronomic needs. In short, don’t worry. Cruise ship chefs and servers know how to work with diners who might be a bit fussy, a little messy, and always hungry. One aspect of cruise ship dining that’s great for kids is the variety of dining spots and food available. Most ships have at least two dining options – a main dining room and a buffet – as well as themed or specialty dining venues (some ships have dozens of these). The main dining room offers sit-down, multicourse breakfasts, lunches and dinners for all ages. Some offer special children’s menus, but kids are welcome to order from the regular menu, too. If your child doesn’t find the menu appealing, get creative. Ask for a side dish as main plate; for a different preparation, such as chicken that’s fried instead of grilled; or for an unfamiliar sauce or despised vegeta...

The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas , recently marked its first anniversary. After a year of sailing in the Caribbean, which features of this spectacular ship are pleasing passengers the most? The AquaDome, an aquatic entertainment venue enclosed by a big glass dome, has proven to be a favorite. During the day, it’s a place to relax and take in the views; at night, it’s a shimmering showplace for cascading fountains, high dives and aerial acrobatics. Royal Caribbean is planning to have an Aqua Dome on all of its Icon Class ships (more are in development, with the Star of the Seas scheduled to launch this year). The Pearl, a walk-through kinetic sculpture, is second only to the AquaDome in passengers’ hearts. Lined with thousands of kinetic tiles that can capture human movement to create energy, the Pearl simulates natural sensations like rolling waves, gentle breezes and shooting stars. In addition to beauty and enjoyment, the Pearl provides the str...