Virgin Voyages cruise destinations in the Caribbean Sea 2023: Cruisers can enjoy numerous amenities on Virgin’s ships, including swanky pools with plenty of lounge seating, group workout classes, unique evening performances and more. Meanwhile, foodies will appreciate the ships’ 20-plus dining venues and specialty bars, and the fact that sodas, drip coffee and other “essential drinks” are included in the cruise fare. Shore excursion options (called “Shore Things” by the cruise line) range from snorkeling and exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico to cultural tours and beach club relaxation in the Bahamas to scenic bike rides and food tastings in Corfu, Greece. Keep in mind that Virgin Voyages excursions are subject to change based on the time of year, weather, availability and more. See additional info on What’s included in a Virgin Cruise?.
The Ionian Islands are a great choice for a yacht holiday – as the sailing time between islands is short. Sailing here is also well sheltered, with easy holding anchorages. This allows for more time to be enjoyed onshore. The Ionian Islands include the legendary Corfu and Paxos, among 5 other islands. Each destination here is loaded with its own unique charm and drawcards. Between the sheer natural beauty and the wonderful Greek towns – the Ionian Islands is always a favourite cruising ground in this country. Consider including some of the following in your Greece sailing itinerary: Sail in the country’s blue waters from one island to another, and visit famous islands of the Cyclades archipelago, such as Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, Milos, Ios, or Naxos. Explore the Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros, and Ionnisos) and the Dodecanese (Kos, Rhodes, Symi, and Kastellorizo). Sail around Crete. Adrift to Ionian islands of Lefkada, Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos.
Whether you sail around Canada or the Caribbean, all of Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning ships have plenty of activities and venues to keep you more than entertained on board. From world-class dining experiences to indulgent spa offerings, our cruise ships have all the makings of a getaway to remember. Sandy beaches, crystalline water, and stunning sunsets are just a few of the reasons why cruising to the Caribbean is always at the top of the list for a couples getaway. If you want to celebrate a special occasion, or perhaps just looking for an excuse to spend some quality time together, pack your swimsuits and embark on a nine-night journey around the Southern Caribbean with your sweetheart.
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. 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.
Explore this wondrous part of the world on a cruise of your choosing. From Ho Chi Minh City and the 1,000-year-old capital of Hanoi in Vietnam to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, a cruise through Southeast Asia affords the opportunity to experience the region’s culture, sights and cuisine in a single trip. Several river cruise lines offer itineraries to these legendary destinations along the Mekong River, including Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Viking River Cruises, Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways. You’ll also find Southeast Asia sailings to destinations like Singapore and Bangkok with larger cruise lines like Princess Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.
For an unforgettable journey, carve out a few days in Cape Town, South Africa, then fly inland to Kasane, Botswana, where you’ll embark on the Zambezi Queen for a cruise along the Chobe River. This intimate, 28-passenger AmaWaterways ship features open views of the river and landscape through every window. Take a safari into Chobe National Park, which touts the largest population of wildlife in Africa. After admiring elephants, lions, zebra and gazelles, you’ll end your adventure at Victoria Falls. If a bigger ship is more your style, journey through six South African and Namibian ports over 12 days with Norwegian Cruise Line.
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.
This is a much more touristy option but the Balearics still make a beautiful European sailing destination, and you can avoid the crowds if you know-how. The cluster of Spanish islands include Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera; all major holiday spots known for their sun-drenched beaches and sparkling blue waters. Also include a few stops to the pretty, unspoilt towns of Deia in Mallorca and the secluded Ibizan bay of Cala Llentrisca.
Carrefour operates several supermarkets near Sitimar Marina. Find every essential from Sicilian olive oil to chilled Moretti beer. Palermo’s trio of street markets – Ballaró, Vucciria and Capo – are alive with snails, octopus, rising bread and rapidly diminishing piles of tomatoes. It’s where locals do their weekly shop, so roll up your sleeves and get ready to join them. The Palermo-Montecarlo is an 804km (500mi) sprint from Sicily to Monaco, with breathtaking views over Sardinia and Corsica en route. The 50-plus sailboats that set sail from Mondello in Sicily in late August are big and beautiful. The offshore regatta also serves as a training ground for Olympians and America’s Cup sailors. Discover additional info on https://pixievacations.com/.
Spain’s northern coastline is well-known for its verdant landscapes, fine cuisine, modern cities and picturesque villages along its vast, golden beaches. It’s also packed with art and architecture, making it a great cruise destination for lovers of culture. From the Biscay town of Getxo, with its UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge, to the Basque capital Bilbao, with its world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, there are gems to discover at every port. You’ll start in Getxo before heading to Bilbao and on to the magnificent city of La Coruña in Galicia, where you can wander between the medieval old town and the more modern districts to see the architectural contrasts.
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.