sailboat cruises reviews

5 Best Cruising Sailboats In 2024

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

January 2, 2024

The appeal of owning a cruising sailboat is one that deep down almost everyone shares.

Even someone who has no intention of ever sailing can see the appeal of owning such a vessel.

So much of the appeal is tied into the possibilities , the sense of wonder that owning such a boat bestows on its owner.

‍ Whether you are making a voyage from one coast of the United States to the other or plan to make your way around the globe, a decent cruising sailboat is a must. Not all sailboats are built to withstand the high seas and high winds of the open water.

Sure, they may do well enough when hugging the coastline, but sailing far and away over the horizon is a completely different animal.

This article will help you know what to look for in a cruising sailboat and which specific boats you should look into buying. There are hundreds of great options on the market, these 5 are just some of the best.

Table of contents

What are cruising sailboats?

Cruising sailboats are ones that are designed to be used over long distances.

They are bigger, stronger, and far more stable.

If you imagine a typical small sailboat such as a wayfarer you are looking at a pretty solid boat.

Good quality, great for beginners, very safe, very affordable.

But, it is simply not going to cut it out at sea for long.

People have used the wayfarer to sail from the United Kingdom to Norway.

But, people have also done that in a kayak.

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should or that you would even want to if given the opportunity.

A cruising boat is meant to be liveable for long periods between making land.

Typically, cruising just means a multi-day trip.

In reality, it can be far longer.

Reid Stowe once sailed his self built 70-foot schooner for over three and a half years.

This is an extreme example, no one lives on their boat that long, but it gives you an idea of the possibilities.

To be able to spend so much time on a boat requires that it be of an adequate size to accommodate everything you would need.

If a sailboat is capable of housing you for a few days, technically it can be classed as a cruising sailboat .

Typically, cruising sailboats can reach speeds of ten knots.

This is needed to be able to make it from one point of land to another before supplies run out.

This is not a technical requirement to be “classed” as a cruising sailboat, just a practical one.

What makes a sailboat good for traveling long distances?

While, yes, a sailboat capable of traveling for multiple days without making land could be classed as a cruising sailboat. There are some criteria that it needs to hit to be considered a good choice. Your sailboat needs to not only be capable of making the journey but doing it safely. Here are some important things to consider when deciding if a sailboat would be suitable for cruising:

A boat that is not going to be stable is not ideal for cruising. When sailing for multiple days chances are you are going to crossing through rough seas and dangerous waters. If you don’t have a boat that can stand up to these conditions you are going to be in trouble. A good way of assessing stability is width and hull type. If a boat has a very wide, or multiple, hulls you can assume it is going to be quite stable.

The bigger the boat the better, not only for stability but for comfort. If you are going to be essentially trapped on your boat for several days it is a good idea to have as much room to move about as possible. Both in the cabin and on the deck. If you are stuck inside because of bad weather for several days every extra square foot you have is going to be a blessing. Size matters to when you consider how many people you can bring on your voyage. They don’t just require their sleeping quarters/bunk they need space to move around.

Strength matters. A strong hull will help you withstand even the roughest conditions. Some boats are built with metal reinforcing on their hulls, some aren’t. If given the choice, you would do well to choose the former. Strength doesn’t just mean material but the overall build of the boat. If a boat doesn’t have a strong mast, the sail is more likely to come down. A sailboat without a mast or sail is much more likely to capsize.

Being able to travel long distances is not only limited by the strength or sturdiness of the boat but how much storage it has. If you plan to be sailing for 7 days you will need 7 days worth of supplies. If a boat doesn’t have the storage to accommodate this, you won’t be able to make the journey. Just because a boat is larger doesn’t mean it will have more storage room.

Experience:

More than anything, what makes a sailboat suitable for cruising is having an experienced skipper. There is a big difference between sailing for multiple days and multiple hours. Make sure you are capable of making the voyage before you think about whether your boat can.

What do people find so appealing about sailing long distances?

There is such a romantic notion of being able to sail wherever you please, whenever you please. Being able to make long voyages is so much more exciting than shorter ones. The chance to cruise from country to country is such an exciting opportunity that few people in the modern era have. Sailing from country to country used to be the only way to get around. Now, everyone uses planes. Sailing brings people back to their ancestral roots in a way no other form of transport does. There may not be new lands to discover on behalf of our countries, but there are new lands to discover for ourselves. Reading about, hearing about, or watching documentaries on places is not the same as exploring them for yourself by sea.

The sense of adventure and discovery is like nothing else. Who doesn’t dream of making the journey around the world? Most people will never do it, but the dream is still there. Most of all though, long-distance cruising is exciting . The adrenaline from making the dangerous trip through open sees is truly exhilarating. Whether you are racing or cruising along at your own pace, there is always a sense of danger when out at sea. Some people love it, they crave it, but it isn’t for everyone.

Is sailing long distances dangerous?

Sailing long distances may be romantic, it may be exciting, it may be freeing, but it is also one of the most dangerous things you can do. When you are out of contact with the rest of the world, out at sea beyond the help of those onshore, the potential for danger is huge. You don’t know what will happen, you don’t know what could go wrong. No matter how experienced, how skilled, or how brave you are there is the potential for disaster. There are things you can do to improve the odds. Being a great sailor is one, making sure you have the best cruising sailboat possible is another. You don’t have to spend millions or even hundreds of thousands on getting a great sailboat. Some are far more affordable than you might expect.

What are the 5 best cruising sailboats?

There are so many fantastic sailboats out there that finding the right one might feel impossible. The choice is overwhelming, even with the above guide on what to look for in your boat there are still almost endless choices. Luckily, this article is here to help. This section will give you a good selection of cruising sailboats at various price points. Which one is best for you will likely depend on a mixture of preference and budget. While none of these boats are exactly cheap, they won’t break the bank like some of the other options on the market.

Prout Snowgoose 37

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If you are looking for a reliable sailboat look no farther than the Prout Snowgoose 37. This large catamaran makes use of its double hulls for increased width and stability. It is easy to steer, handles well, and is pretty spacious. There are more roomy catamarans on the market but none are as strong as this one. It is built to be sailed long distances in rough conditions. Its fiberglass hull makes it light and nimble all while retaining its strength. It is a slightly older model, but one that will serve you well. It is British made so finding one in the States can be a little tricky. If you do find one though you would do well to jump at the chance to purchase it.

Price: Less than $100k

{{boat-info="/boats/corbin-39"}}

The Corbin 39 is a beautiful blue water sailboat. It is a very rare boat with a proud history. Only a handful of these boats were finished to completion in the factory, the majority were sold as kits and built by the boat’s owner. Because of this method of production, this model can vary drastically on the inside. The interiors are all expressions of their owner’s creativity, and craftsmanship. This means you may want to have a proper look around inside the boat before purchasing one. The outside, especially the hull, is likely to be the same from boat to boat as they were sold as a piece. If you don’t mind potentially having to remodel the interior this might be the boat for you. The Corbin 39 is a rather large boat, the deck is huge and is perfect for transporting multiple passengers. You may have to shell out some more cash for renovations but the boat itself is second to none.

Price: $80k

Tayana Vancouver 42

{{boat-info="/boats/tayana-vancouver-42"}}

Finding one of these cruisers isn’t going to be too hard, as quite a few were made, but it is important to note they were made almost 40 years ago. Some models were made in the early 2000s, but not many. This double-ended hull cruiser is incredibly strong, it has a cast iron ballast and can withstand even the very worst weather conditions. This boat is strong, rugged, but not very quick. If you are looking for speed this is not the boat for you. The hull is fiberglass so you know you are getting a sturdy boat, but the trade-off from the iron ballast means this boat is heavy and slow to maneuver. This double sail cruiser costs anywhere from $80-$100 grand depending on how old the model you are looking at is. The older ones are a bit cheaper, at the expense of being a little worse for wear.

{{boat-info="/boats/nordic-40"}}

This 40-foot cruiser is a jack of all trades type of craft. If you are looking for a very solid middle of the pack choice this is the one for you. It does everything well but excels almost nowhere except in size. The Nordic 40 is very large for the price you are paying, so you are certainly getting your money worth here. This vessel is sturdy, strong, light and nimble. It is capable of moving very quickly and agilely through the water in a light breeze but is more than capable of resisting tougher conditions. If you are looking for a cruiser that is good for living on, not just sailing on, this could be the one for you. Its extra size means extra storage and living spaces. It has a great shower, huge fridge, plenty of counter space and decent sized sleeping quarters.

Pacific Sea Craft 34

{{boat-info="/boats/pacific-seacraft-34"}}

If you are looking for the perfect cruiser for you and your significant other, the Pacific Sea Craft 34 is just what you are looking for. It has a solid fiberglass hull and is capable of reaching decent speeds. The 34 may be slightly smaller than some of the other options but it still has plenty of storage, six and a half feet of headroom, and is simply stunning to look at. This sailboat is incredibly well designed, its 13,500 pounds of displacement make it strong and sure in the water without losing its agility.

Hopefully, you now have a good idea about what to look for in a sailing cruise boat. There are so many great options on the market, the ones mentioned above are just a good starting point. If you take the time to find the right boat for you , you won’t regret it. Buying a cruising sailboat is a huge commitment, it is important to be sure of your choice before you make the purchase. Good luck with your hunt for the perfect cruiser!

Thinking of living on a sailboat? Read up on the 10 Best Sailboats To Live In.

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If you’re looking for a sailing vacation ruled by the sun, moon, and tides, you’ve found it!

Island Windjammers offers six, ten, and twelve-night sailings aboard our classic clipper ship Vela, schooner Diamant, and sailing yacht Lyra! Vela hosts twenty-six guests, Diamant accommodates ten guests, while our new addition Lyra has room for eight. This is small ship cruising at its finest.

Our Island Girls are fully-crewed and feature air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, portholes, and all modern comforts.

Your Captain sets the course. Each day is a new adventure. Free your mind from schedules, and savor each moment as the crew hoists the sails, the trade winds fill the canvas, and you set off to your next secret island destination.

There’s no rush. You’ll have plenty of time ashore to explore vibrant villages, sip rum at quirky beach bars, or laze the days away on pristine beaches.

Even the nights are magical. Shipmates gather on deck to dance, share a joke or tell tales of the day’s adventures. Lean on the rail, and steal a kiss under a canopy of stars.

Live in the now, and breathe it all in. This is island life--and you’re living it!

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I've been on 50 cruises. Here are 3 routes I'd sail again in a heartbeat and 3 I'd probably skip.

• I've been on 50 cruises (at least six a year), and some routes are better than others. 
• I try to avoid cruises that make stops at Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas.
• My favorite cruise I've ever been on was a Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona. 

I've taken 50 cruises with family and friends, and I'm always looking to try out new routes with different port stops .

Before I ever book a cruise — which I do about six times a year — I try to find either a new-to-me ship or a new-to-me route. If neither of those options works for my budget or timeframe, I opt for a familiar favorite.

Here are my favorite cruise routes that I'm always happy to book, and the ones I don't need to sail again.

My favorite route is a Mediterranean cruise that starts and ends in Barcelona, Spain.

Mediterranean cruises start and end in various ports of call around Europe, typically throughout the summer sailing season.

Last year, my family and I took a Disney Cruise that started and ended in Barcelona, with stops in France and Italy.

My favorite part of this trip was splitting a day between Nice and Eze in the French Riviera . I was able to walk through cobblestone streets overlooking the ocean while sipping on limoncello.

I love Caribbean cruises along the western ports.

I've taken many western Caribbean routes over the years on Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line, and they never disappoint.

The route usually includes stops at Cozumel, Mexico, and Georgetown, Grand Cayman. But it may also include ports of call at Falmouth, Jamaica; Costa Maya, Mexico; or Roatán, Honduras.

I always get off the ship in Cozumel, even if it's just to have lunch at a taco shop. Don't get lured into the restaurants right at the docks because the best food is in the spots farther down the main street.

I also love getting off in Roatán. On a recent cruise, I took an excursion to Roatan Island Brewing Company to try different beers made with local ingredients.

I also enjoy routes that only stop at private islands.

Every once in a while, I can find a short three-night cruise on Royal Caribbean or Disney that only visits the brand's private islands.

These short cruises are ideal weekend getaways and go to some of my favorite ports of call, like Royal Caribbean's CocoCay and Disney's Castaway Cay.

I love both of these destinations because there's so much to do — you really can spend the entire day at the beach or exploring the various parts of the island. I also love that food and drinks are all provided, so I don't have to return to the ship for lunch.

On the other hand, I don't need to go to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas again.

I love short cruises from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but they often mean stopping at Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas .

I don't really think there's much to see at either stop once you've done it once or twice. If my route includes them, I usually stay on the ship to enjoy the less crowded pool and spa.

The trade-off for these two ports is often getting to visit a cruise line's private island , so I think it's worth it for that. But I don't need to go on another long cruise through the Bahamas.

I'm also not a big fan of Bimini, Bahamas.

Many cruise lines, like Carnival and Virgin Voyages , are now taking cruisers to Bimini for an easy beach day. But if you're not a big fan of chilling at the beach, there's not much else to do on the island.

I’d probably skip cruising to Key West.

I love Key West in the Florida Keys , but as a port stop, it was hard to see a lot of the island and explore beyond Duval Street.

I'd prefer to spend a few days in the destination to explore all that it has to offer instead of making it a cruise stop.

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Sail Croatia 7 Day Navigator Cruise Review

• 2 years ago
• Read Time: 4 minutes
• by aperkins

This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or service, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

With the unpredictability of Covid-19 and the variant strains, always research before booking any trips. You can find the latest travel advisory here:  World Health Organization

Why I Chose Sail Croatia

As a solo traveler, I look for locations and adventures where I can meet new people, enjoy activities I like, and explore new cities/towns. In the past, I have made the mistake of booking a tour where everyone was over the age of 60, and I at the time was 25, so I am sensitive to ensuring the group is AROUND my age.  Sail Croatia was a perfect blend of all of these things for me. When I researched the company online, they had raving reviews so two weeks before I arrived in Croatia, I booked the under 40 Navigator Cruise. They were very quick to respond to my inquiry and the booking process was smooth.

Our boat, Tuna, was where we lived during the week.  Each cabin was made up of a bunk bed (two singles), a dresser for clothes, and an ensuite – with toilette, shower, and sink. My cabin was on the upper level beside the main area, which could be louder at some point. I was happy to have had the entire cabin to myself (an end-of-season perk!) as it was tiny and I like to have my own space.  The shared areas of the boat included:

• An upper deck (perfect for tanning or napping)
• A middle-covered deck with a bar (our main partying area)
• Main floor kitchen with indoor seating

The Itinerary

The cruise covers a lot of ground in 7 days.  The typical day was cruise to the new location in the morning hours, arriving at the swim spot of the day, 3-course lunch at 1pm, arriving at the new port between 2pm and 3pm, checking out the town, have dinner, and party!

• Day 1: Split – Hvar
• Day 2: Hvar – Korcula
• Day 3: Korvula – Dubrovnik
• Day 4: Dubrovnik
• Day 5: Dubrovnik – Mljet
• Day 6: Mljet – Makarska
• Day 7: Makarska – Split
• Day 8: Split (leave boat by 9am)

How to Budget this Trip

When budgeting for this trip, the initial cost of the trip (959 pounds) is one part, but you need to account for a few extras: 

• On Boat Bar Tab: 1250 kunas = $250 Canadian
• Dinner Nightly: 100-200 kunas = $20-$40 Canadian
• Partying: 400 kunas to pay entry into nightclubs + drinks = $300 Canadian
• Excursions: walking tour (30 kuna) + canyoning (500 kuna) = $110 Canadian
• Tips to Staff and Crew: 400 kunas = $80 Canadian

My total expenditure: ~$2500 Canadian. In my opinion, I experienced, ate/drank, and enjoyed on this budget. It was money well spent.

My Experience

It’s hard for me to put into words how much I loved this past week. I book these tours with a bit of anxiety as I never know the types of people that are going to be on these tours. Will there be a lot of couples? Will it all be a group of friends who already know each other?  When I arrived on the boat and started to meet the group, everyone was very friendly and chatting with each other. There were 19 of us in total, one couple, a few groups of friends from Britain, and a few solo travelers. Literally from the moment we met on that day, until the end of the tour, our group basically was together 24-7. We woke up and hung out on the deck awaiting our swim spots, we played on the standup paddle boards and swam at all the swim spots, we ate lunch together, we spent time in the city together and we partied together every single night. Were we all really similar? No. Were we all-inclusive and wanted to make the most of the trip – 100%. Every day I spent time with different people, getting to know them, having interesting conversations, and laughing. There was lots of laughter!

Our Community Coordinator, Mia, started a WhatsApp group for us during our first lunch and it was ACTIVE. I probably have 500 unwatched videos and pictures that I am still going through, re-living the small moments of each day that made me laugh.  I am not a typical partier. When I am in Toronto, I like to go out and enjoy a couple of cocktails, and some delicious food, and then be in bed between 10 pm-midnight. I will guarantee that you are going to party on this boat. I did not sleep before 2am any night and that was an early night!  I will look back on this week with joy and love for all the new friends I have made, the new sights I saw, the beautiful swim spots we stopped at, and the overall experience of again, trying something new that scared me a little, but ultimately made my life richer.

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2 thoughts on “ Sail Croatia 7 Day Navigator Cruise Review ”

Did you get a Croatian SIM, or was wifi readily available for WhatsApp?

Heading on Sail Croatia from Canada in a few days and deciding what’s best

I just used wifi! They have wifi on the boat and in most towns its easily accessible!

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Sunset Oia Sailing Cruises

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Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer

Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks

Santorini Small-Group Catamaran Sailing Trip(BBQ,drinks, transfer)

Santorini Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise with BBQ, Drink and Transfer

Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer

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Sunset Oia Sailing Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Sightsailing of Newport

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“ The staff is polite, professional and knowledgeable about the landmarks they show you along the sail , ie. ” in 13 reviews

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We are celebrating our 30th season this year. We offer daily public sailing cruises, sunset sails and private sailing charters aboard three beautiful vessels. You'll see stately seaside estates, world famous yachts and America's Cup racers all against the stunning backdrop of a historic colonial town and picturesque, rocky shoreline. Come sail Newport, Rhode Island and Narragansett Bay, where you'll find some of the finest sailing in the world. …

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Ahoy minions! What a great sailing trip through the bay. The crew and guests made it a pleasant excursion through Newport. We boarded the vessel and was as given some guidelines and crew was in a jovial mood. The jokes were flowing as were we. Sails up out of the harbor tacking and healing across the bay. Informational knowledge and guests questions answered by the pleasant crew. The tour was longer than expected and I was even allowed to steer the boat. Great crew and seating was the only issue but I would highly suggest!

We booked this to do something different in Newport and really enjoyed it! We did the morning mimosa sail which is an hour and 40 minutes. They give a bit of history of the area but mostly it's a chill sailboat ride that was very relaxing. They also were pretty generous with filling up the mimosas which was great and seemed like a friendly well oiled team to go sailing with.

Complimentary mimosas

We celebrated my daughter's bachelorette party aboard the Starlight with captain Sarah. She was so engaging, knowledgeable, easygoing and fun! We had the best time and want to do it again!! 10/10

Went out with a group and had a lovely evening. The staff is so friendly and attentive! They ensure their passengers are having a great time! Ben was at our beck and call ready to refill our glasses, as we went on the champagne sunset cruise on the Aquideck schooner (Get that boy a raise! Lol!). They shared tidbits and fun facts about Historical Newport throughout the ride. Would highly recommended to visitors here for the weekend, it's fun for all ages and any occasion.

Sunset over the water

An awesome experience on a beautiful sailboat! We did the mimosa cruise and had about 3-4 complimentary mimosas on this sailboat ride! The staff was fun and knowledgeable! For the price for two with the mimosas wasn't bad at all around $80 for an hr and 3/4 ride. We got a beautiful view of Newport and Narragansett bay! We enjoyed viewing the other ships and homes. Seating is first come first serve but everyone will get a seat before departure. We certainly will come back again as we always enjoy being on the water!

Beautiful boat, friendly crew, some fun bits of history. Did an afternoon cruise on the Aquidneck, lasted about 1:45. Great option for taking out friends and family visiting from out of town who want some nice views and to be out on the water.

Relaxing and beautiful experience. We took the morning mimosa trip. Great tour guides/staff on the boat. Boat was lovely.

We booked a sail months in advance and they called about 45 mins before our arrival time to cancel due to weather. We ended up eating dinner outside and it drizzled for a little bit. I was so disappointed they didn't offer to take us out and bring us back in if necessary or offer an abbreviated sail...especially since it barely even rained the whole evening. They were unable/unwilling to offer any time to reschedule. This was one of our main events for our family during our trip and they offered no contacts, options or connections. Also, I paid many months ago and they said we wouldn't get our money back for 3-5 days.

Let me start by saying we were very very hesitant to take this tour after a friend recommended it to us. We had never been to those island and never sailed on a sailboat. What a great experience! Five stars to the workers as well as the experience. We purchased our tickets in person and the young girl working there was very friendly and helpful. We even went back to her to ask her questions about Newport and she was friendly and easy to talk to. The sailboat is byob which is also a plus. We went on the 12:10 sail and it was a great time. We had 3 men on the younger side take us on our tour and they did a great job. The guide was very knowledgeable and the "captain" was as well. It made us feel comfortable knowing he doesn't just do this for his job and that he has sailed the east coast on his own before. I would highly recommend this to others!

Had the mother-in-law and her sister visiting and they wanted to do a sunset tour on a boat. I hadn't gone on one myself so I took them both out for the sunset sail. Since we were at Bowen's Wharf earlier in the day to show them around, we looked at the the sail times and luckily they still had openings for the sunset trip so we bought the tickets then and there and decided to come back that evening for the sail. Later on that evening, we arrived 10 minutes before the boat was set to sail, got on and got a brief (but enthusiastic) spiel on rules while on the boat, etc. While on the trip, there was complimentary beer, champagne, and sodas on board; should've taken note on the champagne they served because it was really good! While out on the water, the guide pointed out several notable places like Fort Adams, Hammersmith Farm (where Jackie O grew up), and a few others. Although it was chilly as the sun was setting, the weather was perfect for the sail and got some wonderful sunset shots. The MIL and her sister (who was visiting from Japan) seemed to enjoy the sailing trip immensely as well. If I have any other family or friends come visit me and want to do a sunset cruise (only available from May to the end of October), I'd definitely go again!

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Best Greece cruises: Top 5 ships sailing the Greek isles

From ancient mythology to wine and olives, there's a lot to love about Greece . There's something magical about the contrast between the deep-blue waters of the Aegean Sea and the ancient ruins and white buildings found on the Greek islands.

The best Greece cruises are those that offer a well-rounded mix of islands and key Greece destinations: Athens for its ruins, Santorini for its blue-roofed churches, Mykonos for its shopping and nightlife, and Rhodes for its palace and charming cobblestone streets. You might even luck out and snag a visit to places like Turkey or Montenegro, too.

If you're not sure which ships to consider, here's a list of the best cruises to Greece for different kinds of travelers.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Best Greek isles cruises for families: Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line is ideal for families. If a Disney cruise to Greece with kids sounds appealing, Disney Dream is the ship that will take you there.

The vessel is not the line's newest, but it's also not the oldest, so you'll still find plenty to do on board. The 2,500-passenger ship's small size means it's easy to learn your way around. Even better, Disney Dream is typically more affordable than the line's newer vessels.

Your children likely won't be bored on the ship. Dream offers jaw-dropping entertainment and daily character appearances. Its magical kids clubs feature a replica of Andy's room from "Toy Story" and the Millennium Falcon's cockpit from "Star Wars." (Expect surprise visits from R2-D2 or a squad of stormtroopers.)

Also, Greece is wrapped in tons of ancient history to spark your family's imagination. For example, in Athens, your family might choose to take a guided tour of the Acropolis, followed by a "day in the life of an archeologist" experience, where you'll search for treasures in a faux archeological dig.

If the kids prefer something sportier, they might enjoy an excursion that takes visitors to the Panathenaic Stadium for a tour and a talk about the first Olympic games of the modern era.

Disney Dream sails eight-, nine- and 11-night voyages from $416 per person, per night, for a windowless inside cabin. Some itineraries sail round-trip from Rome, while others cruise one-way between Rome and Barcelona with calls on Athens, Mykonos and other ports in Greece.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Best adults-only Greece cruises for party animals: Resilient Lady

If you enjoy a lively megaship party atmosphere but you don't want an environment that's overrun with kids, Virgin Voyages ' Resilient Lady will likely be the best Greece cruise option for you.

Although Virgin's Greece itineraries are pretty standard, its onboard experience is what sets it apart in the region.

The adults-only ship combines a casual vibe with a ramped-up nightlife. You'll find passengers dressed up like mermaids, crew dressed up like drag queens and performers that more accurately represent a cross-section of real life than those whom you'll find on most other lines' vessels.

Nighttime shows run the gamut from lounge singers and seemingly impromptu atrium dance parties to secret below-deck visits to the "crew bar" for a tipple. There's also Scarlet Night — a rave-like pool-deck dance party where everyone wears red.

If that's not wild enough for you, there's also an app that lets you order Champagne to wherever you are on board, free fitness classes that encourage you to dress up in your '80s best and even a tattoo parlor so you can make some bad decisions.

Resilient Lady sails seven-, 10- and 14-night cruises, starting at $148 per person, per night, for an inside cabin. The voyages feature stops in Croatia, Turkey and Montenegro, in addition to Greece (Santorini, Rhodes and overnight in Mykonos from Athens), depending on the specific itinerary you choose.

Related: The best adults-only cruises to try if you can't stand being around kids on vacation

Best budget-friendly Greece cruises: Rhapsody of the Seas

Want to check out Greece but have limited funds? Although you'll have to factor in potentially expensive flights to Israel to board, a voyage on Royal Caribbean 's Rhapsody of the Seas could be right up your alley.

The ship is one of Royal Caribbean's older ships — it debuted in 1997 — but that doesn't mean you won't find fun onboard activities such as trivia, pool games, nightly theater performances, game shows, dancing and live music.

The best part if you're on a budget is the price. You can snag sailings of five or seven nights, round-trip from Haifa, from just $65 per person, per night, for an inside cabin. Voyages include calls to ports in Rhodes, Athens, Santorini and Mykonos, as well as Cyprus.

Related: How to get a deal on a cruise

Best small-ship luxury Greece cruises: Windstar's Wind Star

Windstar Cruises ' namesake, Wind Star, is a 148-passenger masted sailing yacht that offers a special Greek islands experience.

The ship is great for sailing aficionados. Because of its small size, the ship can visit smaller ports that larger vessels can't access. (Think Patmos, known to theology buffs as the place where the book of Revelation was written; Monemvasia, a town carved into rock; and Nafplion, modern Greece's original capital and now the site of museums, churches and castles.)

Also, Wind Star is an upscale ship, which means you'll find elevated dining and service on board. All cabins offer at least one window. When you purchase an all-inclusive fare, Wi-Fi, gratuities and alcohol are rolled into the price.

The vessel sails weeklong Greece cruises round-trip from Athens and calls on Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos, Monemvasia and Nafplion in Greece, as well as Kusadasi in Turkey. Rates start from $500 per person, per night, for an outside cabin.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best locally based Greek isles cruises: Celestyal Journey

Celestyal Cruises is a line you don't hear about too often, but it's based in Greece, which means it has a unique perspective on Greek island sailings.

If you're looking for a cruise vacation that's full of local Greek flare, check out the brand's Celestyal Journey. Set to debut for the line in September 2023, the ship isn't new, but following an extensive refurbishment, it will become the youngest member of the line's fleet.

Holding about 1,200 passengers, Celestyal Journey is small enough that you'll still receive a personalized experience but large enough to offer a multitude of onboard amenities. Enjoy yourself at the spa and fitness center, eight bars, seven restaurants, a chef's table experience and two pools. The ship offers 630 cabins, including 149 balcony cabins, 120 junior suites and 28 full-fledged suite accommodations.

Itineraries offered by Celestyal Journey range from four to 28 nights, departing from either Athens or Thessaloniki. Most voyages include calls on well-known Greek ports like Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos, while longer sailings also venture to places in Turkey and Montenegro. Pricing is not yet available.

Bottom line

The best cruises to Greece combine a mix of fascinating destinations with a ship that fits your budget and travel style. If you're still unsure which cruise to choose, check with a knowledgeable cruise travel agent who can help you sort through the options.

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USA TODAY 10Best

Set sail in 2024: Best cruise ships and cruise lines of the year revealed

February 16, 2024 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors February 16, 2024

Cruising is among the most popular ways to see the world. Unpack once and take in the sights of the world’s rivers and seas from your floating hotel, all while enjoying top-notch entertainment, dining, and amenities. And with more than a dozen new vessels introduced each year, the sheer variety of cruises can be overwhelming.

To help narrow it down, we asked a panel of cruise industry experts to nominate their favorite cruise lines and ships across nine categories. Then, readers voted over a period of four weeks to decide the winners, and the results are in.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

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Best Adults Only Cruise: Wind Spirit - Windstar Cruises

When sailing on Windstar's Wind Spirit, guests will feel like they're on their own private yacht. This four-masted sailing yacht accommodates just 148 guests, so intimacy rules throughout your cruise. Amenities include two primary restaurants, a spa, swimming pool and hot tub, and a water sports platform. Plus, you'll find fresh fruit in your room each afternoon. To sail on the Wind Spirit, guests must be at least 8 years old, but the intimate nature of the ship is geared more towards adults.

Full list of winners: Best Adults Only Cruise »

Best Alaska Cruise: Eurodam - Holland America Line

Eurodam, an exquisite Holland America Line vessel, invites passengers to experience Alaska's magnificence in elegance and style. With a 2,100-passenger capacity, it's the largest of the Holland America "Signature Class" ships. Gourmet dining, cultural enrichment, and enthralling shore excursions (including whale watching and seaplane tours featuring jaw-dropping scenery), ensure an enjoyable and adventurous cruise.

Full list of winners: Best Alaska Cruise »

Best Boutique Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises

With fewer than 350 guests per sailing, Windstar Cruises promises passengers a cruising experience free of lines and waiting. Since their six boutique ships are smaller than typical cruise ships, they can sail into small European villages, off-the-beaten-path harbors, and hidden coves, giving guests the opportunity to visit both major capitals and smaller ports. Windstar’s shore excursions offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves into the local culture and cuisines of these special ports of call.

Full list of winners: Best Boutique Cruise Line »

Best Cruise Line for Families: Adventure Canada

If your intent is to offer your kids the experience of a lifetime, look no further than Adventure Canada, which cruises to the vast wonders of the north with a mix of sailing yachts and ice-defying exploration vessels. Expert-led excursions introduce young travelers to everything from archaeology and botany to the science of glaciers through interpretive hikes, photography outings, and other unique programs.

Full list of winners: Best Cruise Line for Families »

Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers: Grand Circle Cruise Line

Grand Circle Cruise Line has been an industry leader when it comes to solo travel, thanks to small-group (no more than 47 people) shore excursions and free or low-cost single supplements. A roommate matching program helps pair same-gender travelers, and an online forum allows solo travelers to start connecting well before the departure date.

Full list of winners: Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers »

Best Cruise Ship for Dining: Carnival Celebration - Carnival Cruise Line

The Carnival Celebration features many of Carnival Cruise Line's favorite eateries such as Guy's Burger Joint and Cucina del Capitano, but it also includes Emeril's Bistro 1397, serving up international dishes finished with the famed chef's unique flair. The ship also includes Street Eats, which emulates food truck fare with such dishes as cheesesteak fries, pot stickers, and kebabs.

Full list of winners: Best Cruise Ship for Dining »

Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment: Carnival Celebration - Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival is known as the "fun" cruise line and their Celebration ship is made for good times! This lively vessel boasts an abundance of high-caliber entertainment venues, live music happening throughout the ship all day long, a Punchliner comedy club, thrilling waterslides, and their famous roller coaster at sea, Bolt. With many casual and upscale dining options and nightly deck festivities, the Carnival Celebration is truly a nonstop party.

Full list of winners: Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment »

Best Ocean Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line caters to families and casual cruisers with its fleet of "Fun Ships." On these large cruises, passengers have no excuse to feel bored; ships come equipped with water parks, glitzy casinos, live entertainment, and a focus on diverse, casual dining, highlighted by a partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri to bring Guy's Burger Joint to the fleet. All of this comes at affordable price points.

Full list of winners: Best Ocean Cruise Line »

Best River Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises

Founded in 1997, Viking River Cruises plies the waterways of Europe, Asia, the U.S., and Egypt with its fleet of more than 60 vessels. While Viking has also launched an award-winning ocean cruise line, the company built its reputation in river cruising. These all-inclusive cruises feature outside staterooms, Wi-Fi, wine and beer with meals, shore excursions in every port, and cultural enrichment programs.

Full list of winners: Best River Cruise Line »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in our other Readers' Choice Awards contests.

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40 Best Sailboats

• By Cruising World Editors
• Updated: April 18, 2019

Sailors are certainly passionate about their boats, and if you doubt that bold statement, try posting an article dubbed “ 40 Best Sailboats ” and see what happens.

Barely had the list gone live, when one reader responded, “Where do I begin? So many glaring omissions!” Like scores of others, he listed a number of sailboats and brands that we were too stupid to think of, but unlike some, he did sign off on a somewhat upbeat note: “If it weren’t for the presence of the Bermuda 40 in Cruising World’s list, I wouldn’t even have bothered to vote.”

By vote, he means that he, like hundreds of other readers, took the time to click through to an accompanying page where we asked you to help us reshuffle our alphabetical listing of noteworthy production sailboats so that we could rank them instead by popularity. So we ask you to keep in mind that this list of the best sailboats was created by our readers.

The quest to building this list all began with such a simple question, one that’s probably been posed at one time or another in any bar where sailors meet to raise a glass or two: If you had to pick, what’re the best sailboats ever built?

In no time, a dozen or more from a variety of sailboat manufacturers were on the table and the debate was on. And so, having fun with it, we decided to put the same question to a handful of CW ‘s friends: writers and sailors and designers and builders whose opinions we value. Their favorites poured in and soon an inkling of a list began to take shape. To corral things a bit and avoid going all the way back to Joshua Slocum and his venerable Spray —Hell, to Noah and his infamous Ark —we decided to focus our concentration on production monohull sailboats, which literally opened up the sport to anyone who wanted to get out on the water. And since CW is on the verge or turning 40, we decided that would be a nice round number at which to draw the line and usher in our coming ruby anniversary.

If you enjoy scrolling through this list, which includes all types of sailboats, then perhaps you would also be interested in browsing our list of the Best Cruising Sailboats . Check it out and, of course, feel free to add your favorite boat, too. Here at Cruising World , we like nothing better than talking about boats, and it turns out, so do you.

40. Moore 24

39. pearson vanguard, 38. dufour arpege 30, 37. alerion express 28, 36. mason 43/44, 35. jeanneau sun odyssey 43ds, 34. nor’sea 27, 33. freedom 40, 32. beneteau sense 50, 31. nonsuch 30, 30. swan 44, 29. c&c landfall 38, 28. gulfstar 50, 27. sabre 36, 26. pearson triton, 25. islander 36, 24. gozzard 36, 23. bristol 40, 22. tartan 34, 21. morgan out island 41, 20. hylas 49, 19. contessa 26, 18. whitby 42, 17. columbia 50, 16. morris 36, 15. hunter 356, 13. beneteau 423, 12. westsail 32, 10. alberg 30, 9. island packet 38, 8. passport 40, 7. tayana 37, 6. peterson 44, 5. pacific seacraft 37, 4. hallberg-rassy 42, 3. catalina 30, 2. hinckley bermuda 40, 1. valiant 40.

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Travelers won’t know where they’re going on this new ‘mystery’ voyage from Windstar Cruises

Would you book a cruise if you didn’t know where you’d be sailing?

That’s exactly what Windstar Cruises is hoping guests will be willing to do next year during its new “mystery cruise,” which is scheduled to set sail aboard the Star Legend on April 19, 2025.

The eight-day voyage will depart from and return to Athens – but every other stop on the itinerary will be a mystery until the captain reveals it 24 hours ahead of arrival. Once the next location is announced, then guests will be able to choose from a variety of different shore excursions at that destination.

“It’s going to be a lot of places – the majority of them, if not all of them – we haven’t been before,” said Janet Bava, Windstar’s chief commercial officer.

The idea arose during Windstar’s current 11-day “Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands” sailing, which departed from Papeete, French Polynesia on Feb. 4 onboard the Star Breeze. The 312-guest vessel replaced the 148-passenger Wind Spirit in French Polynesia and will remain in this region year-round.

The vessel was supposed to take passengers to destinations in the Tuamotu Islands and the Society Islands, but Cyclone Nat disrupted those plans just two days into the itinerary.

Because the tropical storm would have made it dangerous and uncomfortable to continue on the current course, the onboard operations team quickly drew up a completely new itinerary to escape the bad weather.

Instead, Star Breeze headed northeast to the remote Marquesas Islands – where Windstar had already planned to launch new itineraries in July – for three days of exploration. Passengers were thrilled.

The positive response to this on-the-fly change got Windstar’s leadership team thinking: What if they could create an entire itinerary filled with unknown-to-guests port calls? They spent the next few days planning and, earlier this week, unveiled the mystery cruise concept to travelers onboard the Star Breeze.

“It’s sort of awakening the sense of adventure again, what travel should always do,” said Chris Prelog, Windstar’s president. “It’s something different, something really interesting. It’s a cruise for guests who like adventure, who don’t want to plan everything out.”

The mystery itinerary will double as a president’s cruise, with Prelog joining the sailing. But even Prelog won’t know where the ship is headed until 24 hours before, to help maintain the mystique.

“The team has decided collectively not to tell me either,” he said. “They know if they tell me a detail I’ll tell (guests) anyway.”

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'Love Boat' theme cruise setting sail later this year

A new “ The Love Boat”-themed cruise will set sail later this year on the actual Love Boat – or as close as fans can get.

Princess Cruises , whose ships served as the backdrop for the beloved 1970s and ‘80s series, will offer the itinerary in August. The sailing marks the line’s second Love Boat cruise following its first outing in 2022, and will feature members of the original cast.

“We had such a blast connecting with fans on our theme cruise in 2022, so bringing it back in 2024 feels like it was meant to be, especially with the addition of some surprise guests,” Jill Whelan, who played Vicki Stubing in the show and serves as Celebrations Ambassador for the line, said in a news release . “Sailing with our fans brings us so much joy and this cruise will undoubtedly be a special reunion, taking us back to where it all began – on a Princess Cruise.”

When is the 2024 Love Boat cruise?

The week-long cruise will sail round-trip from New York on Aug. 31. The voyage will take place on the line’s 3,660-passenger Enchanted Princess ship, which launched in 2021 (the line has retired the vessels actually used in the show).

Where will the cruise sail?

The ship will visit Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Rockland, Maine; and Saint John and Halifax in Canada.

Along the way, guests will get face time with the cast, including Whelan; Bernie Kopell, who played doctor Adam “Doc” Bricker; Fred Grandy, who played purser Gopher, and Ted Lange, who played bartender Isaac. Ezra Freeman, the bartender from “The Real Love Boat,” a reality dating show inspired by the original series, will be on hand as well.

Activities include a sailaway party, meet-and-greet photo and autograph sessions and a cocktail demonstration hosted by Lange and Freeman. Passengers can also test their knowledge at “Love Boat” trivia and even participate in a symbolic vow renewal ceremony officiated by the stars, among other programming.

The line will also offer a VIP package that gives guests access to a cocktail party with the cast, move them to the front of the line for photos and autographs, and other parks.

Finding community on a theme cruise: From 'Star Trek' lovers to motorcycle enthusiasts

How much does the Love Boat cruise cost?

The sailing currently starts at $568 per person based on double occupancy, according to the line’s website . The fare includes the cruise’s themed activities, many restaurants on board, entertainment and more.

Princess will announce pricing for the VIP package at a later date.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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27 Things That Made Reviewers More Comfortable On Cruises

Because the 9-month cruise TikToks have you googling what'll work with your schedule this year.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. An on-the-go Gillette razor that'll spare you some precious space in your bag without sacrificing quality.

It comes with one handle and one blade refill!

Promising review : "I bought these for a cruise last year. Cruise ship bathrooms are notoriously tiny, in the shower especially. Having a very short, comfortable handle made it extremely easy to shave in very tight quarters. The five blades made for a very close and smooth shave on my legs. All the better for island hopping! Seriously, I can honestly say that these are the best razors to do the job beautifully and comfortably that I've purchased in many, many years... Added bonus: ANY Venus razor can be mixed and/or matched with ANY Venus handle. So Experiment. Get your own Awesome combo... I've reordered three times and counting!" — CruisinTrkrs

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 .

2. A set of Sea Bands  with a little nub that targets the acupuncture point on your wrists meant to help reduce nausea. This'll be great in case anyone gets motion sick in the car or on a boatride.

Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center .

Promising review: "I returned from an eight-day cruise. These bands worked so well and were so comfortable that I forgot I was wearing them. I’m a person who can’t ride in a car as a passenger without getting sick, and to be on the water eight days no sickness, I will keep a pair with me at all times!" — Amazon Customer

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.53 .

3. A pack of individually-wrapped ginger drops to stop nausea and seasickness in its tracks — without the doziness you might get from other remedies.

Tummydrops are a small biz. 

I packed these drops a few years ago on a trip to Greece that entailed riding on two catamarans and three ferries. They turned out to work *quite well* given that I woke up the morning I was to get on a four-hour ferry ride at 2 p.m. with some serious nausea that I think is because I ate SO MUCH FETA CHEESE at dinner the night before. Truly too much of a good thing! I guzzled Sprite and loaded up on bread at lunch, and then sucked on three of these drops during the ferry ride and started to feel much better! I used them on several boat trips, including a catamaran ride where I thought I was gonna meet my maker the first 20 minutes due to rocky waters. ("Book a sailboat instead!" they said. "Catamaran or nothing!" we said.) And other people on the trip used the drops to help quell their tummy troubles too! 

Promising review: "Ginger tummy drops were a real lifesaver. I’d read that ginger tummy drops were a good natural remedy for motion sickness. I took them on my recent vacation, and they didn’t disappoint. Car, air, cruise ship, speedboat, catamaran, tested. I highly recommend." — marcie jallali

Get a bag of 30 individually wrapped drops from Amazon for $10.44 .

4. An aromatherapy anti-nausea inhaler you can easily slip into your pocket or bag for when your stomach is feeling a little iffy. 

Basic Vigor is a small biz. Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at Johns Hopkins .

Promising review: "We purchased these for our honeymoon cruise, and they saved us on so many days! Whether we had a headache or were feeling a little queasy from the boat, keeping this little guy in my purse was a pro tip I will be telling all future cruisers. Plus, it smells amazing." — Madison

Get two from Amazon for $11.99 .

5. A fanny pack with a ton of storage room inside that has a long enough strap to wear crossbody *or* comfortably fit over outerwear for some hands-free adventures. And in case it looks familiar, TikTokers compare it to the Lulu waist bag. Plus, it's cute enough to wear for fashion and you can pack one fewer bag as a result.

I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fit around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. This was the only purse I brought for the whole trip and it performed its job flawlessly. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents. Having my hands free was wildly convenient for a number of reasons, including crawling around inside of an ice cave and putting out my hands for some extra balance while walking on sheets of ice along cliffs. Oh, and it comes in so so SO many colors. 

Promising review : "My wife got this for our cruise but she loves it for every day as well. It's the perfect size, fits a ton without looking overstuffed, and super comfy." — Levi J.

Get it from Amazon for  $18.98  (available in 31 styles). 

6. A pair of lanyard ID holders with waterproof, detachable pouches so you can easily pay for stuff onboard or slip your badge into your pocket in case the nautical look doesn't jibe with your formal dinner attire. 

Promising review: "Does the job you would want it to do. It also detaches if you need to hand your card to a waiter/waitress which is very convenient. The lanyard is a very comfortable material too." — Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $10.99 (available in 12 designs).

7. A cruise-approved power strip  that's non-surge AND has USB-C, USB, and three standard outlet plugs that'll charge up all your devices you could possibly need on the ship or during excursions. Cabin with one outlet? NBD. 

Promising review: "Necessary product for comfortable cruise! Only one outlet in the ship cabin, was very useful." — Keith D Bolling

Get it from Amazon for $18.99 .

8. Some Royal Caribbean–specific luggage tag holders to help protect and keep your luggage tags dry as your suitcases travel with you. 

Promising review: "I bought these for our recent cruise after seeing a recommendation. I’m glad we did. I felt much more comfortable about our bags making it to our cabin using these protectors (a co-worker recently had her bags not show up, possibly because her paper tags got ripped off in transit). I like that they come with metal cables to attach to my bags and the plastic covers are very solid with metal rings that won’t rip." — Richard Woolf

Get four from Amazon for $12.99 . 

9. Tide sink packets with the perfect amount of detergent for a sink wash to help lighten your clothing load. Plus! These'll easily slide into the toiletries bag that you thought had no. more. room.

Each pack comes with three packets. And, because they *are* liquid, they'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag. I've packed these on international trips to much success!

Promising review : "Perfect for carry on (best way to travel) and can have the comfort of clean clothes as often as you like. Went on a two-week cruise with only a carry on and it was PERFECT. I washed a few garments every night and ALWAYS had clean clothes. I would spray with Downy Wrinkle Releaser and was ready to go." — LBerroa

Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.56 .

10. An *very popular*  off-the-shoulder jumpsuit  suited for just about any sightseeing needs. But it'd also make an incredibly comfy flight outfit so you'll get many wears out of it on one trip. 

FYI, if you have  Amazon Prime , you can give this a spin before you buy it!

Promising reviews: "Purchased this jumpsuit for a cruise. It is amazingly comfortable and fits perfectly. Normally I need to hem or alter the length but this was perfect due to the type of bottom. It could be dressed up with jewelry and a large belt. I liked the black one so much I ordered same in a maroon color." — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $37.99  (available in sizes S–3X and 31 colors/patterns). 

11. Pedialyte powder packets because there's nothing like a day spent exploring instead of worrying about hydrating yourself to completely wear you out on your bucket-list vacation. And idk about you, but I have a harder time reminding myself to drink water when I'm not at home. These efficiently help keep me hydrated and going when I travel. And they're much tastier than electrolyte tablets you dilute in water. 

~Trust me~ when I tell you that these will work in a pinch. I bought them a few years ago to take on a bachelorette party to New Orleans, and everyone in the Airbnb was grateful I did. Since then, I always pack them on a vacation whether it's a go-go-go adventure or just sitting on a beach and downing some tropical drinks. On recent trips I've taken to drinking one in the morning when I wake up and one before I go to bed...that is if I can remember to do it. I swear by these and think they're why I'm able to do some marathon adventuring and just be normal tired after (and not dehydrated tired). 

Promising review: "Necessary for cruising! Took these on a wedding cruise to Mexico. Between being active physically in the heat and drinking a ton of alcohol, these were perfect and so helpful to prevent dehydration and hangovers! #adulting" — Angelee Gens

Get a 24-count from Amazon for $25.59 .

12. Or a set of Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier packets , an electrolyte drink mix infused with potassium and vitamin C you can stir into a bottle of water to help speed up your hydration. After all, on vacation you aren't so good at drinking water. So this is a great preventative measure. (I also personally love these for travel and hangovers, and hangovers while you're traveling.)

Psst — it's also gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free! 

Promising review: "This stuff seriously works. Took on a five-day cruise when we had the unlimited drink package, and these Liquid I.V.s saved my life several times. Wouldn’t have made it to dinner/gotten off the ship the next morning without them." — Laura Bales

Get a pack of 16 for $23.45  (also available in sugar-free flavors ). 

13. A  waterproof pouch  that I buy for every water-adjacent vacation (so mostly warm-weather trips like Croatia and Greece). But! As soon as I booked my flight for Iceland, I bought one of these to take along to The Blue Lagoon. It survived rain, hail, and all kinds of steam rising off the water. Suffice to say, it'll work GREAT for cruising. 

It fits any phone up to 100 mm x 170 mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It also keeps out sand, dirt, and rain. 

With these, I find that they're good for about a day due to condensation . So for a trip I'll buy 2–3, except for this one where I just knew I'd be in the water at The Blue Lagoon. And while I'm on the subject, check out a TikTok I made using the phone case ! On the day I went, we had to duck and run inside because of rain. And it was hailing on us when I was in the water, so I head to face a certain way to keep from getting pelted in the face. But, when in Rome! Then we went inside and at lunch at the Lava Restaurant and it was GORGEOUS and clear outside post-lunch. So this case worked well taking pics in both bad and good condition s (as you can see from the two pics for comparison). I've used this case to take underwater pics, on boat rides, and have worn it with the lanyard jumping off a boat into water. So I really trust these!

Promising review: "Bought this to carry around my phone on a recent cruise for water-related activities. Although I never did get it completely submerged, it did get splashed on and I felt comfortable that my phone was protected. I also took a bunch of pictures from the camera while the phone was inside, and they came out just fine! You couldn't even tell it was inside the case!" — Midster158

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 15 colors).

14. An anti-theft neck wallet that's also RFID-blocking so you can more easily navigate your ship excursions without having to keep your hands hovering over your pockets the entire time. Pickpockets exist and you've gotta be aware of 'em, but let's focus on taking in the sights. 

Promising review: "I carried this pouch during a three-week cruise through Greece and Turkey. It was extremely comfortable, lightweight, and handy, allowing easy access to important papers and money. Love it!" — JC

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors).

15. Some motion-sickness patches  seem to work better for a slew of reviewers than other past solutions that have side effects. They're waterproof *and* effective for up to 72 hours. 

Promising review: "Just got off a cruise. So thankful for these. Worked great. I’ve used the prescription patches in the past and had the side effects of dry mouth and enlarged pupils. No side effects at all. Couldn’t even tell I was using them other than no illness from rough seas. Will definitely never go anywhere without these again. Ended up sharing with other passengers." — Jacqueline Stobbs

Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $5.99 .

16. Anti–motion sickness earplugs  made for both adults and kids that reviewers say are more comfortable to sleep in than other motion-sickness blockers. 

Promising review: "I get motion sickness very easily. I wear an electric pulse band, which is great but at night it makes it hard to sleep. I decided to use the earplugs at night and it seemed to really help. They were comfortable and I could sleep with them in without issue. I still had some motion issues, but our cabin was right at the front of the ship. Don't do that!" — S. Beck

Get them from Amazon for $17.99 .

17. A portable handheld fan  for those moments when the breeze takes a break. Oh, and it's also a power bank *and* flashlight. So you'll be sure to find all sorts of other uses for it. 

Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action. 

Promising review: "Bought this for myself to have during a cruise, and boy did it come in handy! I could have sold it many times while waiting in line to board ship! Ended up buying three more as gifts!" — Mrs. RRR

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four colors). 

18. A stick of Gold Bond Friction Defense  can stop chafing caused by sweat before it even starts. It's sooo good and better than any other competitor in the thigh-saving category. Toss this in your bag and apply before you go on that long, lovely beach stroll.

My former colleague Ciera Velarde is a huge fan! Here's what she has to say: 

"I've used it for about 12 years now and it's the only thing that I can trust to prevent that dreaded chafing after a sweaty day of walking around. It glides on perfectly, it's unscented, and it doesn't melt away when you start to sweat. If it's a particularly hot day out, it can start to fade after a few hours, so just make sure to bring it with you to reapply. In addition to preventing chafing between my thighs, I've also applied it on my arms where my sports bra rubs against them when I run and it works like a charm!"

Promising review: "Used this on our cruise, for all the walking in hot, humid places. Literally saved my thighs from 'chub rub.'" — Traci Carpenter

Get it from Amazon for $6 .

19. A  Burt's Bees sunburn soother  because sometimes the family WILL get burnt from some fun in the sun — even if you've been on VERY strict sunscreen patrol. Its aloe vera and coconut oil formula is super gentle on skin while helping relieve pain, redness, and swelling.

Promising review: "I was so super skeptical about this product. I am not a frequent user of this brand either. I read some good reviews so I went ahead and bought it ahead of a family cruise. I am so glad I did. I burnt my own shoulders and forehead on day one. When I made it back to my room, I could feel the pain setting in. I immediately applied this. Within a few hours, I could feel relief. I did apply it several times over the course of my vacation. I would recommend this product to anyone, and I will keep it in stock. Better than aloe gel." — Laura

Get it from Amazon for $7.69 .

20. A portable safe  for securing to a pool chair to keep your valuables safe or to keep your passport in your cabin in case there's no safe or the safe isn't working.

After putting this in MANY travel stories, I bought one for myself for a summer European vacation where I found myself at several beach clubs. It was perfect for keeping mine and my friend's belongings safe while we dozed in our beach chairs or swam in the sea. Plus, it's the perfect size to hold phones or wallets, and easily carry in your beach or tote bag. It's come in clutch in a few hotels and Airbnbs that didn't have working safes. 

Promising review: "Loveeeee this safe! Took it on a cruise, and it was such a great feeling of security. I put all my cash and docs in it while around and off the ship in the larger room safe. In my case, I had a roommate I did not know prior to sailing. With this, I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Easy to lock and unlock. Easy to secure around things. I just love it! I will be using it with other things at home/work as well." — Cara Sievers

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in three colors).

21. A pair of  quick-dry water shoes to help you traverse nearly every kind of ground you may come upon — whether it's while zip lining, walking along a rocky beach, or just walking around the ship deck. 

Promising review : "Purchased three pairs for our cruise. We all loved them. Best water shoes I’ve ever worn. Feels like you are barefoot but keeps your feet safe from anything you step on. Very comfortable! Highly recommended!" — Donna M

Get it from Amazon for $8.68+ (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).

22. A set of DEET-free handy  mosquito-repelling bracelets  in case the thought of putting something else on your skin besides SPF (like smelly bug repellent) sounds like a total nightmare. 

Cliganic is a small biz specializing in health and wellness products. Check out a TikTok of the mosquito-repelling bracelets in action. 

Promising review: "I bought this to take on a cruise. Never had issues with bites. Once back home I put them on my son who is allergic to some bites and always itchy after time outdoors. Since he’s had these on outside it’s hardly an issue anymore. Very cool." — MardiGrasGirl

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $8.49 . 

23. A chic tank and wide-leg pants set  that'll make you look like a fancy jet setter while you're on a personal mission to try every single kind of cocktail on your all-inclusive cruise. 

Promising review:  "Bought this outfit for my Caribbean cruise. Loved it! Cute and comfy. Received several compliments." — Karen

Get it from Amazon for  $45.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 26 colors).

24. A  packable floppy hat  with a wide brim that'll provide some extra shade from those harsh rays on deck and also on excursions. 

Promising review : "Packed this into a suitcase, and it came out great. Used it a lot on shore excursions off the cruise ship. Needed it as the sun was intense. Well made, good looking. Brim not outrageously large." — Deborah Baker

Get it from Amazon for $24.69+ (available in sizes M–XL and in eight colors).

25. A  CarryAround foldable cup holder  you'll think you're a dang genius for buying (and you'd be right) after you easily carry back four beers from the snack bar in one hand. It'd also be smart to pack this for your next all-inclusive vacation. 

Check out a TikTok of the drink holder in action. 

Promising review : "I bought this to use on a cruise. I had such an easy time carrying my drinks around. So many people asked where I purchased it from." — Jasmine

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in multipacks). 

26. A wide-mouth water bottle that'll pack flat *or* roll up super small when empty. Reviewers say it worked well for water-filling stations on board cruises. 

Promising review: "I’m not one to write many reviews, but this one is one I decided was worth it. I purchased two of these for a cruise. They were great packing because they lay flat and take up hardly any space. I have purchased the silicon travel bottles, but they have a funky taste/smell to them, so I don’t really care for them. These were so much better!! I was able to easily clip them to my purse strap while we were in ports, and it was still lightweight enough! I highly recommend!" — JDeal

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 20 colors). 

27. A  Hairbrella  that'll easily fold up and be ready for those days when you look like you have GREAT weather. Then, all of a sudden the sky opens up and starts pouring, ruining your perfect hair day. 

Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business that has been creating fashionable hats that protect hair from all kinds of weather since 2016. 

Promising review : "My mom wore hers to Niagara Falls and sent me a ton of pictures. It's moisture-proof exterior was perfect for her sightseeing cruise!" — Amazon Customer

" Would definitely buy again . It worked wonderfully." — Latrice B.

Get it from Amazon for $34.99  (available in nine colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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A ‘Love Boat'-Themed Cruise, Featuring the Original Cast, Will Set Sail This Summer

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.

A new cruise inspired by the iconic 1970s sitcom "The Love Boat" will hit water this summer.

This will be the second "Love Boat"-themed cruise from Princess Cruises, the same company featured in the original show, following the success of their inaugural themed cruise in 2022. During the seven-day trip - taking place from Aug. 31 – Sept. 7 2024 - fans of the popular show can sail along with Doc, Gopher, Isaac and Vicki Stubing as they cruise roundtrip from New York to Canada and New England aboard Enchanted Princess.

"Love Boat" cast members confirmed to be in attendance include Bernie Kopell (Doc), Fred Grandy (Gopher), and Ted Lange (Isaac). Ezra Freeman, the bartender from the recent CBS reality series "The Real Love Boat" will also join the cast, along with other surprise guests to be announced.

"We had such a blast connecting with fans on our theme cruise in 2022, so bringing it back in 2024 feels like it was meant to be, especially with the addition of some surprise guests," Jill Whelan, Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises, said in a statement. "Sailing with our fans brings us so much joy and this cruise will undoubtedly be a special reunion, taking us back to where it all began – on a Princess Cruise."

On-board activities include: a sailaway party introducing the cast; meet-and-greet photo and signing opportunities; renewal of vows ceremonies officiated by the cast; and cast q&as about their favorite memories from the show and respective careers. The week-long trip will also feature screenings of the show, alongside show trivia with the cruise director, "Love Boat"-inspired menus and specialty cocktails.

Super fans may opt for a special  Love Boat VIP Package, featuring an invitation to an exclusive cast cocktail party, reserved seating for the cast Q&A in the Princess Theater, front-of-the-line access for autographs and photos, dinner at the Captain's Table, plus a themed cruise t-shirt and mug.

The seven-day Canada/New England "Love Boat" theme cruise sails roundtrip from New York City and visits Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Rockland, Maine; Saint John, Canada (for Bay of Fundy); and Halifax, Canada.

Buy tickets to Princess Cruises' "Love Boat"-themed cruise below:

Buy Now: LOVE BOAT THEMED CRUISE

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