Cruises & Sailing Holidays

Understand the difference between ocean, river, sailing, yacht and expedition travel. Check inclusions such as accommodation, meals, drinks, excursions, transfers, entertainment, port charges and gratuities. Review the vessel, cabin, itinerary, sea days, port days, embarkation, visas, insurance, baggage and onboard requirements. Keep medication and essential documents in hand luggage.

1. Choose the right cruise style: ocean, river, sailing, yacht or expedition.
2. Choose an itinerary around destination, season, duration, ports, sea days and excursions.
3. Select the vessel: large ship, small ship, yacht, catamaran, gulet, river vessel or expedition ship.
4. Choose the cabin: inside, ocean-view, balcony, suite or private yacht cabin.
5. Match the trip to your traveller type, from family and honeymoon to luxury, adventure and wildlife.

Passport and visa documents, insurance, boarding documents, cards, medication, phone and chargers, comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, light jacket, suitable formalwear, daypack and reusable bottle. For sailing add non-slip footwear, quick-dry clothing, waterproof jacket, dry bag and waterproof phone protection. Expedition trips may need warm layers, waterproof outerwear, binoculars and outdoor footwear. Avoid excessive formalwear, too many shoes, valuables and bulky luggage.

• Research your vessel and cabin.
• Understand the itinerary.
• Plan shore excursions thoughtfully.
• Keep critical documents and medication with you.
• Prepare for motion and possible seasickness.
• Follow safety procedures.
• Do not try to do everything—leave time to enjoy the journey.

India: Kerala Backwaters, Ganges, Goa, Andaman Islands and Lakshadweep.

International: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Norwegian Fjords, Southeast Asia and Alaska.

• Mediterranean island hopping
• Norwegian Fjords
• Caribbean island cruise
• Nile Cruise
• European river cruise
• Kerala backwater cruise
• Galapagos sailing expedition
• Maldives sailing or yacht experience
• Komodo sailing adventure
• Alaska expedition cruise

• Compare departure dates and shoulder seasons.
• Compare total cost rather than cabin fare alone.
• Consider an inside cabin.
• Do not book every shore excursion.
• Consider shorter cruises.
• Compare cruise-only with flight, hotel and transfer combinations.

From Mediterranean island hopping and Kerala backwaters to Caribbean beaches, Norwegian fjords, Maldives sailing and wilderness expeditions, choose the vessel, cabin, itinerary and pace that fit you.