Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

Some cruise ports are better known than others, and when looking at itineraries, we might focus on favorite destinations like Cozumel, Rome, or Copenhagen. However, lesser-known ports deserve your attention, too; often, they are so much more than just a convenient stop between bigger and more famous ports. Here are a few examples. Kralendijk, Bonaire . Among the ABC Islands of Southern Caribbean, Aruba and Curacao get the most attention, but Bonaire is just as lovely. It’s also one of the best snorkel and dive locations in the Caribbean, with easy access to surrounding reefs. Watch for colorful flamingos that live in a preserve (one of only four areas in the world where flamingos breed), or feed some carrots to the gentle donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary. Progreso, Mexico. This small port city 30 miles from the Yucatan capital of Merida is often seen only as a starting point for excursions to Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza or Uxmal; but, Progreso itself offers wonderful experiences. You’l...

For an enchanting and close-to-home cruise, consider sailing one of the mighty rivers of North America. There are historic paddleboats that cruise the Mississippi River, small ships that bring you so close to Alaskan glaciers and wildlife, leaf-peeping cruises on the St. Lawrence River along the U.S./Canadian border, and more. Most of these river cruises feature a combination of port days and river days, giving you time to both explore on shore and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the ship moves. Here are just a few of many options: The Mississippi. From its headwaters in northern Minnesota to its delta in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River has inspired countless stories and songs. It’s the major river between the Rockies and the Appalachians, ranking among the world’s longest and largest rivers. You can cruise the Upper Mississippi between St. Paul, Minn., and St. Louis, Mo., on a paddlewheel riverboat. It’s especially lovely during the fall color season when the woodlands a...

Smaller than your favorite hotel room but very well equipped, your stateroom is your home base during your time on a cruise ship. When you make your cruise reservation, you choose the stateroom you want: here’s what you need to consider. Most ships offer several different categories of staterooms, and the larger the ship, the more categories there are. Still, there are really just four basic types of staterooms: · Inside: usually the smallest, with no window (though some new ships have “virtual” windows) · Outside/Oceanview: located on an exterior wall, with a porthole or window; often a little larger than inside staterooms · Balcony: an outside stateroom that opens to a private balcony · Suite: a larger outside stateroom that may have separate sleeping areas, plus extra amenities and perks After you decide which of the four basic types you want, you can pick exactly which stateroom you want (as long as no one else picked it first). Your choice should be guided by what you nee...

The ABC chain of islands – Aruba, Bonaire, and  Curaçao  – offer the best of the Southern Caribbean to cruise passengers, and each has unique charms. Curaçao’s many painted houses provide a colorful welcome to this beautiful island, which lies just 40 miles north of Venezuela but is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Cruise ships dock in the capital of Willemstad, a vibrant and walkable city with tempting waterfront shops and cafes. The historic downtown, divided into two districts by Saint Anna Bay, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cross the bay on a water taxi or by walking across the floating Queen Emma Bridge. Highlights of Willemstad include the much-photographed Penha building; the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in the Western Hemisphere; Fort Amsterdam; and Wilhelmina Park. On the North side of the island, the Hato Caves were once used by native Arawaks, and then by escaped slaves, for shelter. A tour will give you more of the...

Have you dreamed of spending a day on a private island? It’s easy – just look for a cruise itinerary that includes a call on the cruise line’s private island. These enclaves are designed to provide a wonderfully relaxing day on an island that you can imagine is your very own. Here’s a quick look at some of these idyllic islands: Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay is 1,000 acres of sun and sand in the Bahamas. Like Disney’s parks, the island has a tram that can whisk you around. There are lots of family-oriented activities on the beaches, and you can snorkel in the lagoon, try the water slides or hit the water play area. Holland America’s island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay, is less developed than most, and that’s by choice: the cruise line wants you to experience the island’s natural beauty. There are pristine white beaches, private villas for rent, horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking, bicycle tours and more. Royal Caribbean has operated CocoCay in the Bahamas sin...

There are a few tips and tricks to making the most of embarkation day – the day you board your ship and prepare to sail to an exciting destination. Here are some of our favorites: Dress casually and comfortably . If your cabin is being cleaned, you may not be able to go there to change clothes right away (remember, your ship probably just returned from the previous cruise). Plus, you’ll check your bags at the dock and it might be a few hours before they are delivered to your cabin. So, unless you pack a change of clothes in a carry-on bag, you’ll be wearing your boarding outfit for a while. Dress comfortably and incorporate a layer or two so you won’t get too warm or too chilly. Make your reservations . Boarding is a good time to order beverage packages; make reservations for shore excursions, specialty restaurants, and spa treatments; and enroll the kids in any special programs. Then, take a dip in the pool or hot tub (bring a swimsuit in your carry-on bag), hit the gym, rela...

With 2,653-miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, the South American nation of Chile is simply made for cruising. Nestled between the coast and the peaks of the Andes, blessed with diverse and stunning natural beauty, several scenic ports along the lengthy coastline give a warm welcome to cruise ships. Several cruise lines offer voyages to Chile, which are generally 14 days or longer. Many itineraries sail around the southern tip of South America to call on Argentina, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands or Brazil, too. In Chile, popular ports include: Santiago . Valparaiso, the port for Santiago, and has its own attractions; funiculars travel up and down the steep hills dotted with colorful homes and colonial architecture. Still, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit Santiago and its historic center, beautiful parks and spectacular views of the snow-capped Andes in the East and sparkling Pacific waves in the west. In the shops, look for jewelry made with brill...