Excellent cruise destinations in the Atlantic Ocean today: After Hilo, your ship will sail to Kailua Kona, a coffee-producing center and home to the marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay. Learn more about exotic seahorses at the only seahorse farm in the U.S. Stock up on gifts during a sensory excursion to a Hawaiian chocolate factory, natural soap company, and Kona coffee farm, or take off with your loved one on a helicopter ride around the Kohala Coast, where you’ll see black lava fields, sea cliffs, and cascading waterfalls from above. Even though the Hawaiian portion of your journey has ended, your romantic getaway continues. Spend five blissful days at sea on your way to Vancouver, British Columbia. Indulge in all of the luxurious amenities onboard with your sweetheart by your side. Couple’s massage at the spa, wine tastings at our specialty restaurants, and intimate picnics on the Lawn Club are just some of the unforgettable moments you’ll experience on your Hawaii cruise. See additional details at onlinecruisebooking.
Navin Sawhney, CEO of the Americas for Ponant Yacht Cruises and Expeditions, highlights a cruise to these three Indian Ocean destinations as bucket list-worthy. Prepare for adventure on a Ponant Explorers ship, each named after a French explorer. Designed with the privacy of a yacht and just 92 guest rooms each, these vessels offer cruises through stunning tropical waters and excursions for scuba diving, water sports and wildlife viewing. For a bigger ship experience, look to cruise lines like Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, all of which sail to these exotic destinations as well.
With world-class museums, shops and dining, Paris is enchanting year-round. After enjoying a few days in the City of Light, set sail for a weeklong cruise on the Seine River with views of the Eiffel Tower as you cast away. Stop in picturesque Giverny and admire Impressionist artist Claude Monet’s house and gardens in full bloom. Afterward, visit the Normandy beaches where Allied soldiers landed on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Avalon Waterways offers eight-day cruises for this itinerary on several dates, all of which offer stunning river views, historical ports and endless French wine and cheese. Viking Cruises offers a similar itinerary as well.
As the Ionian Islands are a popular choice for yachting holidays, they are well equipped for visitors. You can expect great ports here, complete with all amenities and help that you may need. And renting a yacht for an Ionian Island cruise holiday is easy. The Argolic and Saronic Gulf is a riviera that covers some of the best of ancient Greece. You could choose an amazing sailing itinerary around here, as there are many fantastic islands and ports to discover. As one of the countries with the longest Mediterranean coastlines and countless sailing spots and hidden gems, Italy is one of the top sailing destinations in the Mediterranean. This beautiful European country is home to some of the most popular Mediterranean destinations such as Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Sardinia.
May is the time when the beautiful island of Ibiza starts to come to life once again. Usually, Ibiza should be now getting ready to inaugurate a busy summer season, with the opening of its famous clubs and discotheques and of a wide range of first class accommodations, ready to welcome most demanding guests travelling to the Island to enjoy Med’s ultimate destination for clubbers. The Spanish island of Ibiza boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you’re into snorkelling in isolated coves, bathing in waters that redefine the word turquoise, or hanging out with celebrities in famous beach bars, there’s something here for everyone. Read on for the ten best beaches on the White Island. The last year was a year we stayed at home. It was the year of coronavirus anxiety, canceled plans, and severe lifestyle changes. With 2020 finally behind us, many of us are hoping for our lives to get back to what we know as ‘normal’: the life without facemasks and fear of illness. Life with schools, offices, restaurants open, and social gatherings and travel plans as things to look forward to. If you cannot wait to pack up and go again, let us show you the destinations that will make you forget about your daily stresses. Start planning your Mediterranean yacht cruise in 2021 in some of Europe’s most secluded locations of blissful beauty. A summer sailing trip in the Mediterranean Sea is a dream vacation that can quickly come true.
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.
Croatia is a travel destination that is definitely having a ‘moment.’ Hailed as everything from the ‘new Greece’ to the ‘new Riviera’, this part of Europe offers beautiful beaches and a traditional way of life. There are no fewer than 1185 islands along the crystalline Adriatic coast, and one of the best ways to explore them is by boat. Head off from the historic cities of Split and Dubrovnik and make sure you include the upmarket island of Hvar, timeless Vis island and the more remote islands of Kornati or Elafiti. Expect traditional fishing villages, beautiful sun-soaked beaches and a plethora of attractive hidden coves.
From April to October, Sicily enjoys one long Mediterranean summer, which means low rainfall, northwesterly breezes, and temperatures hitting 30C (86F) in July and August. It rarely gets hotter at sea. Winds pick up in mid-summer to a regular 10 knots and frequently tail off each evening. Novice sailors should avoid the far windier Straits of Messina between Sicily and mainland Italy. Especially as there’s so much to see in northern Sicily and the Aeolian islands. Sicily has two equally busy airports. Aeroporto di Palermo Falcone e Borsellino is a 30-minute cab ride to Palermo’s marinas via the ritzy seaside resort of Mondello. Aeroporto di Catania–Fontanarossa sits under the shadow of Mount Etna in eastern Sicily, serving the northeastern marinas closest to the Aeolian islands. See additional details 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.
Take care when selecting dates and entering names of passengers. Since cruises run the same itineraries on repeat, it can be easy to select the wrong date and end up with a cruise that doesn’t work for your schedule or even departs in the wrong year! You should also be aware that passengers’ names must match their passport exactly when it’s time to board the ship, so when you type it in to make your cruise reservations online, check and then double-check. (This is especially important if you’re planning a honeymoon cruise and you anticipate changing your last name.)