Excellent cruise destinations in the Atlantic Ocean right now: One of the best cruises for couples is a European jaunt around Italy, France, Monaco, and Spain. Start off this seven-night journey in Civitavecchia, a port city located just thirty minutes away from Rome. Walk hand in hand as you visit historical landmarks including the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the Sistine Chapel inside St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. During an intimate lunch for two, feast on pasta, pizza, and a glass of vino before strolling towards the Trevi Fountain, where you can both throw in a penny and make a wish. In the city of Naples, stay and explore the many archeological sites and historic city center, or board a ferry and head off towards Capri, a dreamy island once favored by Roman emperors. Shop designer items in the town square, enjoy a seaside lunch, and sneak in a kiss inside the famous Blue Grotto, where the sun’s reflection creates a magical azure glow in the water underneath. See more info on cruises booking.
As a cruise industry veteran and general manager at Viking Cruises, Sujith Mohan has crisscrossed the world visiting numerous fascinating destinations by ship. Antarctica tops his list of memorable journeys. A number of expedition lines offer itineraries to this remote part of the world that can span anywhere from eight days to four weeks, including National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and Quark Expeditions. Major cruise lines like Viking Cruises and Celebrity Cruises also travel to this region. Whichever cruise line you choose, prepare to get close to seals, whales and various species of penguins by kayak or Zodiac boat and marvel at the snowcapped icebergs on an adventure to remember.
Monaco provides an interesting mix of culture and scenery for cruisers – especially those interested in racing. Hop aboard a Windstar Cruises yacht for an intimate seven-day voyage; you’ll enjoy stops in ports like Rome and Portofino, plus exclusive access to special Grand Prix events and Formula One races in Monte Carlo. If you’d like to explore Monaco without the racing theme (or on a bigger vessel) consider a Mediterranean voyage on Oceania Cruises, many of which include a stop in this picturesque region. The Cyclades, southeast of mainland Greece, are some of the most beautiful islands in the world, including Delos, known as the birthplace of Apollo. The Cycladic isles of Santorini and Mykonos are no strangers to major lines like Silversea Cruises and Celebrity Cruises, but booking a private yacht may promise an even more memorable experience. “Between the geographical makeup of the Cyclades Islands and the mythic nature and narrative behind each stop, the exquisite and traditional m/s Erato yacht is the ideal vessel to tour the Aegean Sea,” says Kathy Stewart, the regional director of Western Europe for tour operator Butterfield & Robinson. “This private excursion has it all: an enviable mix of biking and hiking adventures, authentic Greek culinary experiences both on ship and on land and ancient history woven throughout.”
Beyond the obvious natural scenery, Greece has an incredible history and culture. A sailing holiday here could involve visits to ancient ruins and world-famous landmarks. The country is also known for its delicious food and excellent produce – something that makes docking at a port a whole lot more enjoyable. Greece covers a massive 6000 islands! For anyone planning an extensive sailing holiday – this offers an enormous number of places to visit and cruise between. Whatever kind of destination you may be after, there should be an island in Greece that will suit you. As Greece covers a fairly extensive area to cruise, here are two top parts of the country for a yacht holiday. Discover less-known coves of famous Capri. Rent a yacht in Sicily and visit the volcanic Aeolian Islands with active volcanoes, enchanting bays, and cobalt sea. Sail through the glistening Mediterranean around Spain’s coast and explore some of its 8000 km long shores. Spain will capture all your senses with its historic cities, the scent of citrus orchards, towering stone castles, sapphire sea, and diverse landscapes.
When the day is over, a broad offer of hotels and accommodations will be waiting for you, from internationally prestigious establishments to good boutique hotels, from beach resorts offering all-inclusive services to cosy rural villas for those looking for a relaxing stay away from tourist spots. Talamanca beach – a 900m (2,952ft) curve of pale yellow sand giving onto tranquil turquoise waters – enjoys a superb location just a couple of miles outside Ibiza town. As you’d expect, then, this is a touristy beach and is packed during the summer months with visitors from all over the world. But locals come here, too, as much for the lively chiringuitos as for the bathing. Talamanca boasts a fantastic range of beach bars along its length, from Flotante – the Ibizans’ hangout of choice – to the upmarket Harbour Club and the Club Talamanca, the latter of which does a mean pizza. Why the Mediterranean? The Mediterranean Sea separates Europe from Africa, and it is almost entirely surrounded by the land of the Mediterranean Basin. The Mediterranean is known as one of the world’s finest travel destinations, that invites you to set on an unforgettable journey and sail the coastlines of some of the twenty-one Mediterranean countries. The Mediterranean is home to some of the world’s most popular summer destinations and hot spots for sailing due to its pleasant climate, turquoise sea, ancient ruins, famous Mediterranean food, and stunning architecture.
The Aeolian Islands are also commonly known as the Lipari Islands. They lie Northwest off the coast of Sicily and are of volcanic origin. Their geographical nature is extraordinary and sailing between the island visitors can take in the amazing rock formations, see black sand beaches and live volcanoes. Marina di Portorosa is ideally positioned for exploring the Aeolian Islands, and is easily accessible from both Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto and Messina.
Another beautiful Greek sailing route takes you through the less famous Sporades islands which are located off the East coast. There are eleven islands in total but if you start at Volos or Skiathos, you’ve got a good chance of visiting quite a few. Known as the emerald of the Aegean, expect rich vegetation, unspoiled green-blue waters and a more traditional way of life. Highlights include the picturesque island of Skopelos, the party-island Skiathos and the Marine Park of Alonissos which is dotted with secret coves.
A classic Sicilian sailboat makes for fabulous day-long tours around Palermo harbour plus overnight trips to the Aeolian Islands. There’s fishing gear and a barbecue to grill the grouper you’re sure to catch. Fingers crossed. SamBoat has dozens of modern sailing yachts for charter. Dream Yacht Charter also offers bareboat and skippered vessels, not to mention luxurious Aqualodge Villas, So, grab your pals for a dreamy sail into the Sicilian sunset. See extra details on https://www.cruisebooking.com/.
The idyllic rural scenery of the south of France has inspired painters including Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin with its landscapes of fairytale fortresses, terraced vineyards and fields of lavender and sunflowers. The glorious Rhône and Saône rivers run through several of France’s most enticing regions, making a river cruise one of the best ways to explore. On an eight-day cruise in March, you’ll sail these rivers to discover the history and gastronomy along their banks. You’ll enjoy the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discover its many treasures-from the medieval wonders of UNESCO-designated Avignon to Lyon’s lively river banks. Making the trip unique is the company of cricketing legend Ian Botham and chef Rosemary Shrager. Ian will join you for the whole week, including a visit to the Paul Jaboulet Aîné estate’s wine cellar, and Rosemary will give a live cooking demonstration.
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.)
