Unique Cruises around the World

Small-ship wine cruises, on ships from companies such as Ama Waterways, often are chartered trips during which a winemaker or marketing director from a U.S. winery serves as host to a phalanx of members of the winery’s wine club (and their friends). Most of these themed trips take place along rivers in Europe; because these routes pass right through other wine regions, they offer wine-lovers a great opportunity to get out, sample local vino, then come back to the ship and discuss it with the pros. A handful of wine cruises also operate in the Mediterranean and incorporate day trips to Bordeaux or Pauillac in France and Tuscany in Italy. Passengers have plenty of opportunities to buy the host wine, and buy membership in the host winery’s wine club. All orders at sea are processed and shipped at the conclusion of the cruise.

You don’t have to be a millionaire to sail like one, especially if you reserve a yacht charter. Most of the ships from Yachts and Friends come with a captain and crew, meaning all you and your traveling companions have to do is show up and relax. Services are available all over the world, but are more prevalent in warm-weather destinations where boating is a popular pastime—places such as the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and the Southern Mediterranean. The biggest benefit about cruising this way is that itineraries are almost completely flexible; while you have to embark and disembark in set spots, in between you can do whatever and go wherever you’d like. What’s more, if you’re traveling with a large group of friends, a handful of outfitters afford the option to reserve a flotilla of boats that can travel together.