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Excellent cruise destinations in the Indian Ocean today: After sailing for a day, you’ll dock in La Spezia, a Tuscan port city located near Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre, a picturesque collection of five seaside fishing villages. Art lovers might decide to head to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, and the home of David’s Michelangelo and masterpieces by Da Vinci, Botticelli, and more inside the Uffizi Gallery. If you and your partner are foodies, take a trip to the village of Lari, where you’ll visit an artisanal pasta producer and enjoy a four-course farm-to-table Tuscan lunch at a vineyard and farmhouse. If you’re into architecture, you can’t go wrong with a day-long excursion around the historical centers of Lucca and Pisa, where you can explore expansive piazzas and have fun taking a couple’s shot in front of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. See extra details at book a cruise.

Take a trans-Atlantic crossing. Step back in time and embrace the grandeur of a trans-Atlantic crossing aboard the luxurious Queen Mary 2. This flagship of the savvy British Cunard Line carries roughly 2,700 guests and maintains a strict dress code, with several formal nights during the sailing. You can savor decadent cocktails and enjoy nightly entertainment, educational lectures and fine dining on board as you sail to destinations across Europe, Asia and Australia. You can even bring your pup along, thanks to the line’s at-sea kennel – the only cruise ship pet facility of its kind.

Chris Owen, a travel writer who specializes in cruising, has seen a variety of iconic ports of call come into focus from the balcony of a cruise ship stateroom. One of his top recommendations for the cruise of a lifetime is Alaska, especially for multigenerational groups. He says it’s worthwhile for every American to visit this special place in the northern territory. While Holland America Line and Princess Cruises dominate the market, other large lines offer itineraries to Alaska as well, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises. What’s more, deals on Alaska cruises are available throughout the sailing season, which spans from May to September.

When visiting Italy, especially the south, you can enjoy a multitude of islands and coastal destinations that are within easy reach of each other. Sailing around here is fairly easy and sheltered. Besides the beautiful scenery that you will get to pass, the historic Italian towns and ports found around the country make it one of the most desirable European places to visit. The warm weather, stunning views, outstanding Mediterranean cuisine, and warm hospitality make Italy an excellent yacht charter cruise destination, so you are going to love it, whether you prefer cabin charters or private cruises. Here a few ideas on sailing trips in Italy: Explore south Sardinia’s dreamy beaches and sail past the colorful villages of the rocky Amalfi Coast. Nestled at the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is Europe’s holiday hotspot.

2021 will still have to wait a bit longer to see the island at its best. The re-opening after a year of restrictions will be more paused and controlled so as to secure the stable situation Balearic Islands have reached. But no worries! We are sure there are many ways to discover Ibiza for those first-time visitors, in a more tranquil pace but, at the same time, genuine. Experts will find also their way to best attractions and best hotels and, we are quite sure, to a renewed way to enjoy Mediterranean nights. Cala Xuclá is one of the smallest and most secluded beaches on Ibiza. You won’t find flashy beach bars, washrooms or watersports in this tiny cove, which backs onto a dense and aromatic pine forest instead of a busy promenade. Fishermen still store their boats in little enclaves carved into the pink and red rocks that surround the beach, providing a rustic contrast to the fancy vessels seen moored off Ibiza’s more mainstream beaches. The underwater landscapes at Xuclá are just as rugged as its countryside, making it excellent for snorkelling. Whether you have been to heavenly destinations such as Greek Islands, the French Riviera, and Amalfi Coast before or not, these beautiful sailing spots in the Mediterranean will call you to come back over and over again. So, why not indulge in the opportunity to discover hidden natural gems, new local dishes, traditions, and people each time you visit the Mediterranean? Here are a few useful sailing yacht cruise tips to help you plan your unforgettable summer holiday in Europe’s fanciest location.

Those who start from the east and sail to the northern coast, or who want to sail to the Aeolian Archipelago should not underestimate the Strait of Messina. This sea area is difficult to navigate, primarily because of strong, constantly changing currents. In addition, the frequent ferry and ship traffic demands a lot of attention. The Strait of Messina is not suitable for beginners and could be problematic for less experienced crews. The most important ports in the area are: Trapani, Marsala, Marina di Ragusa, Marzamemi, Syracuse, Catania, Taormina, Reggio Calabria, Tropea, Vibo Valentia, Milazzo, Porto Rosa, Sant Agata, Cefalu, Palermo, Lipari, Salina and Riposto.

The Azores are a cluster of tiny Portuguese-owned islands located in the Atlantic Ocean. The volcanic islands are known for their lush green vegetation and dramatic lunar-esque landscapes and are perfect for exploring by boat (Horta is a good starting point). Their remote location means they are unspoilt by the tourist masses and if you’re lucky enough you’ll also get to see the odd whale or dolphin along the way.

The creek of Cala, now home to Sitimar Marina, has welcomed foreign sailors since Phoenician times. You can stroll into Palermo’s historic centre in the time it takes to eat a gelato. Find scores of moorings alongside friendly staff who can source ebike rentals and airport transfers. Book one of 70 or so berths online or call on VHF 74. Portorosa Marina is Sicily’s largest private port with 650 berths. From here it’s a shorter sail across to Vulcano, the closest Aeolian island. Anchor off Spiaggia di Sabbia Nera, a beautiful black-sand beach. See more info at https://www.cruisebooking.com/.

If you were going to compile a bucket list of British breaks, this is surely a contender, taking you through the Highlands and islands of Scotland to explore the endlessly beautiful Caledonian Canal, the magical islands of Scotland’s western shore and hidden sea lochs that are only accessible on the water. The deluxe Lord of the Glens hosts a maximum of 54 passengers and is one of the best ways to explore the area. Guests stay in outward-facing en suite cabins and enjoy superb cuisine throughout. What’s more, in May 2023, TV star and proud Scotswoman Carol Kirkwood is joining a cruise adding star appeal to your Scottish staycation. She’ll tell you about her life growing up in Morar and her grandfather’s role in building the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Make sure to always read the fine print so you know exactly what you’re getting, and you don’t run into any issues when you arrive for embarkation or once you’re onboard. (Important fine print could include whether or not you can cruise with a baby or while pregnant — which is a much earlier cut off date than on planes.) You should be doubly diligent when it comes to any fees that might be charged in addition to your cruise fare such as taxes, fuel charges and gratuities, as well as to change, cancellation and refund policies. Even if you don’t make any changes, cruises are often subject to last-minute itinerary changes due to weather and sea conditions. There’s no friendly travel agent standing by waiting to spell the terms and conditions out for you, so it’s important that you read every last detail yourself.