Quality cruise destinations in the North Seas: Ready to book your next — or first — cruise and not sure whether booking online would be too big of an undertaking? You’re not alone. Though the vast majority of travellers book their trips through online booking services and even via their phones, cruise travel is a different animal altogether. It can be a lot trickier to choose a ship, cabin type and dinner seating arrangements than it is to simply click a button and book a hotel room. But armed with the right information, booking a cruise online could be an ideal option for many travellers.
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. Find additional details at cruise book.
And remember, before or after staying in Ibiza, take the chance and spare some days for a visit to Spain’s mainland cities. Ibiza offers several daily flight connections with Madrid and Barcelona, just 40min away from the latest. Bachelors and singles will enjoy big city life, with good nightlife, shopping, restaurants and fun experiences. Couples and honeymooners may like to extend the trip and immerse in Spanish culture and heritage. Start with Barcelona and continue afterwards to the south, where charming Andalusian cities are waiting with incredible monuments and cosy old towns. Madrid can be the departure city, easily connected from Sevilla, Córdoba and Málaga by fast train. Families may prefer to extend the stay in the fantastic beach resorts and end with a short visit to main capitals before heading back home. 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.
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.
You might not always get the good weather but this part of the UK equals many of its European rivals in beauty. Over 95 miles of uniquely formed ancient coastline stretch all the way from East Devon to Dorset. Otherwise known as the Jurassic Coast, some of the rock formations here are 185 million years old and its England’s first natural World Heritage Site. Set sail from Weymouth Harbour and stop off at all the local beauty spots – Durdle Door, Lulworth cove and countless historic coastal villages.
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. Discover additional info on 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.