Unique yacht-style cruises in Europe, South America and beyond
Ever considered a yacht-style cruise? If not, you should! These cruises provide a unique way to explore the world’s most picturesque coastline, with leading operators such as Sea Cloud Cruises offering an unparalleled experience that blends the elegance of a cruise with a more hands-on adventure. Read on to learn what makes a yacht-style cruise different and discover some of the best itineraries in Europe, South America and beyond.
The charm of yacht-style cruises
It feels as though cruise ships just keep on getting bigger and some are so large nowadays that they risk feeling a little impersonal – perhaps even overwhelmingly so, especially for first-time cruisers. Smaller, yacht-style cruises, on the other hand, offer a more intimate and personalised experience. With smaller vessels and fewer passengers on board, there’s invariably a greater attention to detail, which appeals to discerning travellers who are in search of a more special cruise experience.
Take Sea Cloud Cruises’ Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, and the new Sea Cloud Spirit as examples. These floating masterpieces are steeped in history and crafted with the finest materials; they are ships that hark back to the golden age of sailing while still providing modern comforts and a world-class service. The number of guests on board are often fewer than 100, which invariably results in a much more exclusive cruise where the focus is on the experience, with opportunities to explore hidden coastal gems that are inaccessible to larger ships.
What’s more, with yacht-style cruises, there can be the opportunity for passengers to get involved with the crewing of the vessel, and to learn new skills on the water.
Sailing in Europe with Sea Cloud Cruises
Europe offers a treasure trove of destinations, and none more so than in the the Mediterranean where the coastline is home to so much variety – vibrant cities, ancient ruins, diverse landscapes, picturesque villages and stunning islands, not to mention a rich cultural heritage.
A great way to explore all of this is aboard a yacht-style vessel such as the Sea Cloud and one standout itinerary to familiarise yourself with the Adriatic is the Venice to Dubrovnik route. Departing from the romantic waterways of Venice, passengers will fall in love with a journey that takes them through the heart of the Dalmatian Coast, calling at charming towns like Rovinj in Croatia, known for its cobbled streets and colourful houses.
Make sure you also consider the Amalfi Coast and Sicily itinerary – another great way to enjoy the magic of the Mediterranean. It takes passengers along one of Italy’s most beautiful and dramatic coastlines, past the iconic cliffs of Positano (one of the oldest continuously populated cities on Italy’s coast), with the opportunity to stop and explore the ruins of Pompeii, or take in the breathtaking beauty of Capri.
Another unique option is the Norwegian fjords itinerary which takes guests deep into some of Scandinavia’s most dramatic landscapes. Encountering towering fjords for the first time is a memory that will live with you forever. Steep, glacial valleys with lush, green hillsides, occasionally interrupted by cascading waterfalls and remote villages, are sure to take your breath away, and with Sea Cloud’s intimate ships you’ll be able to get up close and personal with these natural Norwegian wonders.
Yacht-style cruising in South America with Sea Cloud Cruises
Beyond Europe, yacht-style cruising routes in South America are also worth a look, with the journey along the Chilean fjords offering something more remote and rugged than its Norwegian counterpart. Navigate towering cliffs, glaciers and an untouched wilderness like no other as you cruise thourgh a pristine landscape that few other travellers have witnessed.
Or how about exploring the Amazon River and the world’s largest rainforest? Passengers can get up close and personal with some of the planet’s most biodiverse regions with guided excursions into the jungle. Spot exotic wildlife such as pink dolphins, toucans and sloths in their natural habitat, before retreating to the luxurious comfort of your yacht.
With so many exciting itineraries to choose from, there’s a yacht-style cruise to suit a wide variety of interests.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Authentic Cruise Company.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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You’re right about cruise ships getting bigger, I’ve seen real monstrosities mooring up in the Caribbean. One literally blotted the sun out on St John’s in Antigua. Give me a small yacht everytime.
A few years ago I did a yachting course, admittedly, I’ve forgotten most of the syllabus, and it would be timely to have a refresher on one of the Sea Cloud Cruises.
You do need the wind. Last year I did a yacht on the Med and it was so calm that we were always dependent on the auxiliary motor which was a huge disappointment.
One of my bucket list travel aspirations is to sail on a sailing yacht. That 3 masted vessel in the picture looks magnificently elegant.
Always wanted to cruise through the Norwegian fjords. I’ll have to take a look at the website.
A very nice post, good pics, you are tempting me !
Those huge floating cities of the big, big cruise ships really put me off. I wouldn’t want to spend my precious vacation time battling with that many people.
One of these small yacht cruises as much more my sort of thing. I’d prefer to feel that bit closer to the sea and nature.
I am yet to go on a cruise, BUT now I am disabled, this really appeals to me much more than it did 10 years ago.
I would get to see more without long walks to get around.
This really is so much more me than the usual sort of lie on a sun lounger cruise. I’d want to get involved with the sailing and learn how it works, I’m more in to a hands on cruise.