Cruise Guides

A new survey revealed this week that we Brits absolutely love a cruise holiday, with many claiming the ease of booking to be a primary factor. But that wasn't all – the survey from Bon Voyage actually went into a fair bit of detail, revealing that 72 per cent of participants enjoy cleaner facilities on a cruise than on other types of break. Fewer delays were cited by 64 per cent and friendlier staff by 56 per cent.

All of these are great reasons to embark on the sailing journey of a lifetime, but here at Seafarer, we've actually come up with a few more just in case you weren't persuaded. So as well as getting a reliable experience that is easy to book, you can look forward to these bonuses.

The destinations are eye-opening

Perhaps you're seeking an adventure in a far-distant and wonderful land, completely alien to the UK? Or maybe you'd rather spend your time a little closer to home, exploring the wonders of Europe. How about the pristine crescent-shaped coasts of the Maldives? Maybe the mythology of the Greek Islands? Or perhaps something completely different – the river towns of the Rhine? Whether you're a sun worshipper or a history buff, everyone can enjoy a cruise.

You can see more of the world

Who wants to stay in one place anyway? Basing yourself around a single town, city or resort for the duration of your holiday limits you to a single culture; a single beach; a single gastronomic experience. Why not make the most of your time abroad and see a little more of your chosen country? If you choose your holiday carefully, you can even squeeze in a number of nations into one trip, such as our Turkey and Greece itineraries or Italy and Malta. Travelling between ports, you'll build up a much more varied picture of the world than if you were to simply stay in one place. But you won't have to think about unpacking or packing your bag more than once.

You don't lose that holiday feeling

Participants in the Bon Voyage survey said they were pleased with how easy it is to book a cruise. But that's just the start – once you're on the ship, the emphasis is on relaxation and you're free to absolve yourself of responsibility until you return. At Seafarer, you can count on our caring, experienced and knowledgeable staff, who are on hand to answer every whim. Stretch out on deck with a book or float along in the crystal clear waters of whatever bay we happen to be moored in – and feel your troubles float away too.

Fun and varied activities

You're never stuck on a cruise ship for long and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the local culture – just as you would on any holiday. However, the difference is that aboard a cruise, you'll have a selection of fun and varied activities to do, including an extensive itinerary of events that might not be open to non-cruisers. Aboard many of our vessels, we have equipment for windsurfing, snorkelling and other marine activities. So while our cruises will be unexpected and surprising, there's one thing you can count on – you certainly won't be bored.

Cruises are all about relaxation, and while there is plenty of opportunity to get active and enrich your mind with the local culture during one of our holidays, we appreciate that the main reason people want to get away from everything is so they can put their feet up and relax. Fortunately, there are plenty of destinations in our itinerary that are great for doing just that. You’ll want nothing more as you lean back on the sand in the blazing sunshine, perhaps sipping a cold drink or eating an ice cream.

If you’re looking for a great holiday where you can properly unwind, check out some of the destinations below. Don’t worry if you get tempted – there are still some great prices available for the 2014 summer season and it’s not too late to book.

Caribbean

Anyone who has seen Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean can testify to the sheer beauty of this incredible part of the world. Stunning beaches peppered with palm trees. Long stretches of gleaming white sand. Emerald forests and a laid-out vibe that is simply perfect for that holiday feeling. Stretch out in the shade, book in hand, or paddle in one of the coves – something you can do plenty of here as the cruise itineraries allow for plenty of swimming opportunities in isolated crags of the Caribbean coastline. Just relax and allow a different pace of life wash over you, buffering you like the sea gently towards your destination. Whether you want to drift serenely through the Leeward Islands or have ambitions to visit Cuba or Martinique, there’s a cruise for everyone.

Bahamas

Charismatic yet beautiful, the 29 islands that make up the Bahamas represent pure escapism. It’s one of those places where you can simply step off the map, getting away from the modern day distractions brought by an ever-present internet connection. Relaxing in a hammock, floppy and chilled, you won’t be able to resist the temptation to switch off your phone – if it’s even got signal. Close your eyes and feel the sand between your toes. Listen to calls from the surrounding wildlife. Breathe deeply – nothing can disturb you here. It’s undoubtedly a blissful experience and one that you’ll relish.

The Seychelles

What they can’t teach you about relaxation in the Seychelles simply isn’t worth knowing. As well as all the picturesque beautiful coastline you can expect, there is a dedicated culture geared towards coaxing people into a laid-back state here on this stunning collection of islands. Hopping off your cruise ship for an hour, you might find yourself taking a class in yoga, concentrating on your core and feeling happiness flood your soul. Alternatively, you might play a round of golf, get an indulgent facial or enjoy a picnic by the coast. If you’re into wildlife, it’s worth taking a trip to see giant tortoises on the beach. Slow-moving and graceful, these guys have got relaxation down to a tee. There really is no limit to what you can do on the Seychelles – provided it’s an activity geared to making you feel totally relaxed.

Greece

You don’t have to travel halfway around the world to experience a world class relaxation culture. In Greece, the blazing sunshine is enough of an encouragement to get you to take things at a more relaxed pace, particularly on the islands where we host our cruises. There’s certainly no need to rush here, as we take you through the crystal clear Aegean waters, stopping occasionally for a calming swim. Greece is our most popular destination, and as such, we have a wide range of separate tours catering for those who wish to explore its secrets. Whether you want to experience the ancient history of this fine place or perhaps combine it with a trip to Turkey, you can be sure of having a great time. One thing is absolutely certain, however. The laid-back approach to life will hook you.

Italy

Sharing many of the advantages of its neighbour Greece, Italy is often considered something of a jewel of the Mediterranean. From the big cities of Rome and Venice to the picturesque port towns that line the coast, you can expect spectacular beaches, incredible architecture and an all-round more balanced approach to life. Wonderful weather in the summer helps, of course, and our itineraries for this country have plenty of opportunity for relaxation. A trip around the Aeolian Islands, for example, will allow you to experience spectacular sunsets, pleasant paddles in the sparkling sea and other relaxation staples.

Small ship travel

It’s not just about the destinations though. One of the benefits of travelling with us is that you are able to travel aboard much smaller cruise ships than average. Not having several thousand people on the same ship allows you to enjoy a more relaxing holiday. The ship is generally a much quieter place to be, and you won’t need to fuss over cruise etiquette such as formal clothes as we have a strictly casual policy in place. Not only that but a smaller ship or catamaran allows us to visit ports that aren’t flooded with people – much smaller destinations that offer a unique insight into this particular part of the world. If this sounds like a more relaxing and preferable experience to you, then don’t delay – book your relaxing cruise holiday aboard a small vessel as soon as possible.

Seafarer’s recent offer allows families to holiday at a discounted rate, with excellent locations and huge savings available. So why not make the most of these savings and take the family to an entirely new destination this summer? There is plenty of choice available, but at the same time, some locations are undoubtedly better than others when you’re bringing the kids – particularly young ones. Of course, all of our cruises offer great activities that can be enjoyed by everyone, such as swimming in azure waters in picturesque coves.

Read on to discover our favourite locations for families.

Italy

Italy, with its spectacular coastlines and warm welcoming culture, can be enjoyed by anyone. But it’s particularly excellent for those with children thanks to a number of factors. Firstly, there is the availability of child-friendly foodstuffs – pizza and pasta are in plentiful supply, and of course the gelato (ice cream) is legendary. Secondly, its proximity to the UK is certainly very useful, and at a mere two to three hours flight duration, the kids will barely have time to finish the in-flight film. But more than that – the assets possessed by cities such as Rome and Venice are universally appealing, with an enormous degree of charm. As a bonus, Italy is a very safe place to holiday.

Greece

Another European destination, the travel duration for Greek cities is only a little longer than to those in Italy from London. A Seafarer cruise here will generally see you exploring the jaw-droppingly beautiful Greek Islands, of which there are more than 1,400. One aspect the kids are bound to love about this particular cruise holiday is the connection to the ubiquitous Greek mythology. If they’ve studied it at school or even watched Disney’s Hercules, they’re going to have the time of their lives exploring ancient ruins and finding out about the Gods of Mount Olympus. Seafarer’s Classical Greece Itinerary encompasses many spectacular locations perfect for finding out about the legends. A prominent stop-off at Crete is an opportunity for the kids to learn about the terrifying tale of the Minotaur, for example.

River Rhine

For sheer variety, there’s nothing like the Classic Rhine itinerary, which includes stop-offs in a number of bustling European cities including Amsterdam, Koblenz, Cologne and Strasbourg, among others. The kids will love the opportunity to get to grips with several different cultures, but they’ll particularly enjoy the opportunity to visit the famous Reichsburg Castle, towering high above the town of Cochem. In fact, they’ll have a great time on deck while you’re travelling through this winding river, as the valleys are peppered with spectacular fortifications and stunning flora. So they certainly won’t be bored while you’re in transit between ports.

Croatia

If you’ve got teenagers who happen to be into Game of Thrones, there is no better holiday destination than Croatia’s Dubrovnik where the drama is filmed. A stunning walled city encompassed by some of the oldest fortifications in the world, there’s certainly an otherworldly atmosphere here that the whole family will enjoy. But that’s not all. Travelling on Seafarer’s Split to Dubrovnik cruise, you’ll have the chance to witness the extraordinary Dalmatian Coast in all its glory. Among the offerings that kids are certain to love, the white water rafting excursion on the Cetina river certainly stands out.

Wherever you decide to take the family this year, you can be sure of getting the most out of your holiday with Seafarer. Family-friendly vessels, excellent service and a number of extras on some of our boats including kayaks and snorkelling equipment help make for an extremely memorable holiday.

Our small ship cruises are the best choice for families looking to spend time together and re-connect, rather than each going their separate ways on organised activities on board, which small ships simply do not offer. Swimming from the aft swimming platform, going sea kayaking or exploring together ashore are all activities families love

There's nothing quite like a stargazing experience. It's something that pretty much anyone can enjoy to some degree, with the stars and galaxies exhibiting an unparalleled performance of spectacular visuals. But living as we do in packed cities or alongside brightly lit roads, it will come as no surprise that many people have never witnessed the night sky unspoilt by electric lights. Hopping on a cruise is a great way to get away from the glow, and to finally come face to face with a magnificent open vista of velvet black, scattered with stars.

If this is part of your cruise that you're particularly looking forward to, it's worth checking out some of our tips below for optimising your stargazing.

Choose your destination

If you're looking for prime stargazing opportunities during your cruise, it's worth going for a destination that offers minimal light pollution. It's no good opting for an itinerary that sees you spending one evening after another in major ports. Fortunately, at Seafarer and Variety, we specialise in smaller scale cruise vessels that allow for intimate exploration of our destinations. This allows us to visit more isolated parts of a country or archipelago that boast excellent stargazing opportunities.

Destination choice is also important from the point of view that it will affect which constellations you'll be able to see. For example, if you're intent on catching a glimpse of the Southern Cross, you won't find it much further north than Cuba. Similarly, you won't see the Ursa Major if you're travelling south of the equator.

Time your journey

Exactly when you travel will also have a lot of impact on the quality of your stargazing. Our advice is to choose the dry season of your given holiday destination as there will likely be fewer clouds throughout your journey, allowing for greater clarity. It's also worth noting what time of the month you'll be travelling, rather than just the time of year. If you're cruising coincides with a full moon, you can be sure of getting some fantastic views of its silvery presence. But at the same time, the strong light will mean you have a lower chance of seeing smaller objects such as satellites, or celestial bodies such as planets. This is certainly something to take into account.

Buy a guide

If you really want to make the most of your stargazing opportunity, it's definitely worth procuring a guide to the various constellations. When seeking out a book, it's important to keep two things in mind. Firstly, does it cover the stars in your destination of choice? Secondly, is it up to date? While bookshops are unlikely to stock guides that are no longer accurate, this isn't really a sale you should carry out on eBay in case someone is trying to offload an out-of-date copy.

Check for unpredictable events

Famous stargazer David Levy once compared comets and meteors to cats – "They have tails and they do what they want." While scientists are generally able to calculate the path of a single comet or even a shower, it is impossible to know very far in advance how visible it will be from Earth. However, all is not lost, and if you're determined to get a glimpse of a shooting star, there are websites available that offer schedules for potential sightings. You might be out of luck, but it's certainly worth checking while you're cruising or, if possible, during the journey.

Take the right equipment

If you're particularly keen on sampling the night sky, a bit of preparation is needed by way of the equipment you're bringing. A telescope cheap portable telescope is necessary for those who want an authentic stargazing experience as you'll stand a greater chance of witnessing far-off celestial bodies. For those who don't know their Orions from their Ploughs, there are applications for iPhone, Android and Windows smartphones that allow you to identify the constellations just by pointing your camera at the night sky.

So what are you waiting for? Decide which stars you're keenest on seeing and get ready for some excellent stargazing.

If you're soon to be off on that first cruising holiday, you're likely to be feeling a lot of things. Excitement for one – it's a thrilling adventure to experience, exploring the coastline of your chosen country and really making the most of the culture. But as it's your first time, you may also be wondering what to expect and how to prepare for the challenges of life on the waves.

Of course, there's no need to worry – cruising is an enjoyable and safe pastime with millions of people embarking on this type of holiday every year. You're certain to enjoy yourself. But, as with any trip, it's worth having a checklist handy of everything you need. With this list, we hope to inspire your preparation skills.

Essentials first

There are three things without which your holiday is likely to be severely hampered to the point it cannot proceed – your passport, tickets and money. As long as you have these things secured, your trip is likely to go ahead. For that essential travel documentation, it's worth checking out the expiry dates of everyone involved at least two (most say six I think) months in advance – longer if you're going in peak season – as there are certainly faster organisations out there than the UK passport office.

Bear in mind that there are some countries that require you to have documentation that is valid for a period of time after your planned return date. Sometimes this can be up to six months.

Consider your country

Always consider your chosen destination and remember to check the appropriate Seafarer information page for information on what the weather is going to be like. Most of our destinations are warm and sunny so pack with that in mind, but it's worth checking the handy information page depending on the time of year.

Consider the cruise

Remember that our cruises are casual and informal. If you want to feel a bit smarter during the evenings, that's up to you, but leave that tuxedo at home!

Pack light

If there's one thing you don't want to be doing, it's manhandling a lot of baggage through two airports, onto a coach and then finally onto your ship, only to have to do the same for your return journey. It's not necessary to pack an extraordinary amount of clothing for one of our cruises, but if the weather looks like it might be unpredictable, opt for a layered look with a couple of sweaters and jumpers. Remember, conditions at sea may be different to on land, and you may feel a bit of a chill if it's windy in the evenings. In the majority of our destinations though, it's shorts and T-shirts all the way, particularly during the day. Keep things light by packing shoes and clothes that can serve multiple purposes or go with multiple outfits.

Swimwear

Particularly with Seafarer, you'll want to make sure you've packed the necessary swimwear, be it swimshorts, swimsuit, speedos or bikini. This is so that you can make use of the frequent stops in picturesque bays and stunning coves on our trips, where you can hop off for a dip anytime you like in the surrounding crystal clear waters. Snorkelling and other watersports gear is also available on selected cruises.

Protect yourself

If you're going somewhere warm, such as one of our exotic destinations in the Indian Ocean, it's important to protect yourself from the sun. Cream is a necessity and it's important to opt for a high enough factor. It may also be worth packing a hat to keep your ears safe.

While many of these tips may appear to be common sense, it's easy to get swept up in the heat of the moment when you're planning your trip to Italy, Greece or anywhere else. Always leave enough time to pack. And remember – this should be a fun part of the trip too! Nothing beats the anticipation of a good cruise.

For some of us, motion sickness isn't something we have to think about when we step aboard our classy catamaran or luxurious superyacht. We don't realise just how lucky we are – a permanently uneasy stomach is enough to put anyone off the idea of spending a week or two aboard a sea vessel. However, there's no reason a pair of wobbly legs and an unsteady belly should put you off, especially since there are a number of useful aides you can try to reduce the sensation. Check out our top five tips on cruising with seasickness.

Tip one – Choose your position

For our first tip, it's important we understand the reasons behind the problem. Motion sickness is believed to be caused when two senses report contradictory sensations, such as when your eyes see the floor itself isn't moving, but your balance is indicating otherwise. This can really knock our heads out of kilter as the various senses try to comprehend what's happening.

To counteract this, choose your seat well while the ship is in transit. When the ship rocks, the top is going to move much further than the bottom, so go below deck unless you really want that fresh air. Try and get as close to the middle as well.

Tip two – Take medication

There are plenty of options on the market for motion sickness medication. The trick is to find one that works for you. It may be a matter of trying out a few brands on long car journeys before your big trip. Or if you find it impossible to orally take the medication while you're in motion, there are options that can be ingested with other methods. Remember – it is important to clear all brands with your doctor, particularly if you are asthmatic or have other health concerns. And never take more than the recommended dose. Don't be afraid to consult alternative remedies – ginger and peppermint are both old folk medicines for calming a nervous stomach. And it certainly can't hurt to try them.

Tip Three – Distract yourself

Keeping your mind off the sensory conflict can work wonders. Try listening to music in your cabin, talking to your friend or partner on the cruise or even just lying back and closing your eyes for a bit. This removes the conflict from your brain, and can really help alleviate the symptoms of seasickness even in small doses. But don't try reading a book as this only serves to confuse the brain even further and is more than likely to make the sensation worse!

Tip Four – Watch the horizon

Rather similar to our first tip, watching the horizon gives the impression that you are stationary. After all, the horizon isn't moving, and as long as your brain is focused on that, it's not likely to be considering the other aspects of a cruise ship that give it so much trouble. 

Tip Five – Take a break every few hours

This is often more down to the type of cruise you've chosen. However, if you're booking with Seafarer, rest assured that the majority of our transits last only a few hours as we jet around the Greek Islands or the Turkish coast, allowing you to get off at regular intervals to explore the crystal clear waters yourself. Allowing for a break every few hours of travelling can be one of the best ways of breaking up your nausea.

Tip Six – Take a snooze or a sleep

Following on from the above note, taking a break from consciousness does a lot to ease the sickness. A brief power nap for 20 minutes or an hour of sleep settles the stomach like nothing else, as all you're doing is looking at the inside of your eyelids.

Don't let motion sickness put you off while on a cruise – most passengers tend to adjust after a day on the boat, and consider themselves completely seaworthy after two at the most.

If you're a nature enthusiast, no doubt you've pondered over the question of which destinations would be the best to see some really interesting wildlife. There are some really excellent locations for this, and by hopping on a small cruise ship, you can experience them first hand without hundreds of people wanting to do the exact same thing – whether it's flora, fauna or a simpler outdoor lifestyle that you're seeking.

Costa Rica

From the playful spider monkeys with their extraordinary reach and hilarious facial expressions to the laziest of sloths, Costa Rica is bursting with opportunities to experience the wild side of life. Our itinerary allows for the chance to see red-eyed tree frogs, quetzals, tapirs, harpy eagles, white-lipped peccaries, monkeys, scarlet macaws and much more. In Quepos, it's all about the bird life, with more than 184 winged specimens making this their home. Go to Golfo, however, and it's all about the plantlife, with orchids and unusual fruit trees to be sampled. A real treat.

Panama

Those who long for a life closer to nature might be keen to experience the existence of the Kuna Indians who live in communities of bamboo-sided thatched-roofed houses on the San Blas Islands of Panama. Witness the traditional chants and craft activities that have been hallmarks of their lives for many years. The brightly coloured embroidered molas worn by the women are particularly beautiful, as are the string beads wrapped around their legs. These experiences and the ones listed above are available to all booking on our Treasures of Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruise tour.

Rivers Of West Africa

If one continent is known for its vibrant wildlife, it's most definitely Africa. Taking a river tour from Dakar to Banjul, Tendaba and Kuntaur, you'll witness all sorts of wildlife and natural beauty. 700 square miles of mudflats and swamp line the coastal belt, this area is particularly famed for hosting many bird species, from pink-backed pelicans to the Eurasian spoonbill. The boggy areas here also provide homes to West African manatees and crocodiles, as well as other aquatic animals such as dolphins. It's a breathtaking experience and available to all those taking our Rivers of West Africa sailing catamaran cruise.

Maldives

The tropical forests of the Maldives are a spectacular emerald green colour and is home to a variety of creatures. But here, it's the waterlife that takes the spotlight, and rightly so. Perhaps your favourite will be the manta rays that glide through their environment, one of the most streamlined and beautifully designed of Mother Nature's creatures. Or maybe you'll look back on the first time you met a shark with more fondness. Maybe you'll be more interested in the turtles or the tropical fish that occupy the many reefs here. Whatever your favourite marine creature, you'll likely spot it on our seven or ten night excursion of the Maldives. There's even an opportunity for fishing enthusiasts to indulge in the sport by moonlight, which makes for a very special evening indeed.

Seychelles

The islands of the Seychelles possess a population of wildlife that is sure to invigorate the senses and stimulate the mind. From your vantage point on the 21 M/Y Pegasus, you are likely to see all manner of birds and marine life – the second of which is helped in part by the fact our vessels always take plenty of stops per trip, allowing you to explore the crystal cool waters of this spectacular location. Turtles, manta rays and hammerheads are among those you are likely to see beneath the waves – make sure you catch a glimpse. And that's without mentioning the scores of tropical fish that colour the waters with vibrant shades. You can witness them any time of year by boarding the Seychelles Cruise in the Garden of Eden holiday, courtesy of Seafarer. 

A cruise can take you from the beautiful beaches of the Seychelles to the rocky coastal crags of the Greek islands. Characteristic coastlines, isolated islands and stunning emerald forests. But if you're exploring them, shouldn't you also be trying to preserve them?

In recent years, holiday providers have become more concerned with proving environmentally friendly cruises as there is clearly a market for them. A Nielsen Cares survey published two years ago indicated 46 per cent of consumers were willing to pay extra for products and services offered by companies with a social conscience. That figure can only have increased since then.

As a result, the cruise industry has been working hard to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and encourage recycling, with many vessels taking on cutting edge features including solar panels, cooking oil conversion systems, new hull shapes and goodness only knows what else.

But the ultimate way of improving your green credentials while on holiday is by taking a much smaller ship in the first place. This is why booking with an agency that provides these sorts of holidays – such as Seafarer Cruises – is likely to be your best option for keeping things as environmentally friendly as possible. Have a look below at the reasons why this is probably the case.

On board a large-scale cruise vessel, fuel is a key environmental issue. Many of these behemoths carry more than 3,000 passengers and a staff of 1,000 – the equivalent of a small town. Keeping these ships afloat is not an easy task, let alone pushing their way through the waves – and crucially, it's something that has to happen constantly. There isn't a moment when a large cruise ship isn't using substantial amounts of fuel – even if it's held in the port, there is always activity as passengers charge their iPhones or staff prepare dinner. This couldn't be more different with a smaller ship, where fewer passengers means less energy used.

When it comes to energy, easily the largest drain on the big ships is the air conditioning. It requires a huge amount of fuel to keep 1,500 or more cabins chilled at all hours of the day and night. And of course, the advantage of a smaller vessel such as a gulet is that this isn't really an issue as there's less space to keep cool.

Another issue that comes with the territory of sailing the sea is that ships tend to generate waste and dirty water. Obviously, this is far from ideal, and so aboard our Variety Cruise Vessels, we have on board waste treatment systems that help to avoid polluting the water. Naturally, it still goes back into the sea, but not until it has been thoroughly cleaned. And when you're travelling by tall ship or sail cruiser such as the Variety Cruises Panorama or the Dream Yacht Cruises, you can do so entirely without fuel-related guilt as these vessels travel by windpower.

One must also consider the social implications – the ability to visit smaller and more remote island communities without damaging the important economic lifeline. With smaller vessels that have been smartly equipped with the means to reduce their carbon footprint, you can be sure of leaving most of these communities unchanged and unspoilt – still there for others to enjoy in the future.

When it comes to your perfect cruise holiday, it is as important to get the vessel right as it is the destination. After all, a very sizeable segment of your time will be spent on board – either travelling between destinations or relaxing in anticipation of the next excursion. We at Seafarer recognise the plethora of tastes when it comes to sailing – that some people favour luxurious amenities while others prefer the romance of a full tall ship with its magnificent sails. Of course, there are some things they all offer, such as swimming in pristine bays from the ship's swimming platform. For this reason, there are plenty of options available when you travel with us, with a selection of vessels available for many of the areas we sail to. Take a look below and see if you can find your ideal cruise holiday today.

Caribbean

The Caribbean remains the most popular destination among cruise-goers, securing enthusiasts from both first-timers and veterans who have heard tale of its tropical weather and holiday culture. For this reason, we like to make sure that there is an element of choice as to the type of vessel, so that you can enjoy your idyllic holiday of perfection.

Those entranced by the sweeping camera angles and extraordinary seascape battles perpetuated in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean will no doubt want the experience of sailing on a Star Clipper, which looks stunning when in full sail. You can count on this experience also when boarding the Tall Ship Royal Clipper, a larger vessel where you can enjoy the feeling of grandeur that comes with sailing to the full, particularly if you climb the mast to one of the passenger crow's nest platforms. 

For those seeking a more intimate experience of the Caribbean, perhaps a catamaran trip to Cuba or Martinique is on the agenda. These vessels contain fewer cabins – six or eight – so you can be sure of bonding with the crew and your fellow passengers during the trip. 

Croatia

More fashionable than ever before, the stunning coastline of Croatia attracts thousands of admirers every year. Those seeking tradition are invited to hop aboard the motor sailers of the Katarina Line fleet. which offer oodles of charm and an abundance of cabin space. If you're after a more active holiday might consider sailing aboard the sailing cruiser Panorama. Housing kayaks and snorkelling equipment, she has all you need to take to the sea of your own accord. 

Indian Ocean

The tours available in the Indian Ocean largely rely on catamaran vessels that can really get into the nooks and crannies of destinations such as the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles. Despite the smaller size of these yachts, you can still expect plenty of comfort in your cabin, and there is more than enough room for relaxation above deck. Those looking for something with all the bells and whistles should consider the sleek and stylish Pegasus megayacht for a Seychelles cruise, which has everything from en suite facilities with a shower to hair dryers and internet and email services.

Egypt

Egypt's famous River Nile maintains a long lasting appeal that owes a lot to the many historic sites one can see on its banks. To reflect this, travel in luxury aboard one of our five-star deluxe cruise vessels, which have ample deck room to admire those incredible sights. You'll benefit from a private bathroom, a full-length panoramic window and modern air conditioning depending on which tour you choose. Cabins also contain an LCD TV, should you need it, and you can expect to share the experience with no more than 150 fellow passengers.

Greece

It is only appropriate that, when it comes to our most popular destination, we offer as many modes of transport around it as is humanely possible. The Greek islands are a wonder to explore and we have no fewer than five cruise vessels that routinely take people from one to the other. From the large (Louis Olympia is capable of housing and entertaining 1664 passengers) to the cosy (Harmony V and the similarly sized Panorama 2 have just 25 cabins each) you can be sure of getting an intimate and extraordinary experience courtesy of Seafarer and Variety Cruises. More than anything, you will have an extensive choice of both destinations to be explored and the vessel you travel aboard. You'll feel like a guest of a Greek tycoon on one of the fabulous mega yacht cruises on offer. Alternatively choose a majestic tall ship and enjoy the elegance of a by-gone era.

Turkey

It is only appropriate to explore the seas of Turkey in a gulet. Our fleet of these traditional Turkish vessels – commonly found in Bodrum and other seaside ports – provide a wonderfully informal location from which to enjoy your exploration of the turquoise waters surrounding the country. For those unfamiliar with the design, this type of ship consists of two or three masts and is generally wooden in construction. With Seafarer, you can expect to relax with music and TV in the saloon or take a more active approach and go for a canoe trip. You'll certainly want to spend hours in the spacious public areas or on deck, working on your tan.

No matter which cruise ship you decide to opt for in the end, you can be sure that Seafarer's knowledgeable staff will be with you every step of the way. An informal atmosphere and a fulfilling itinerary is also guaranteed. So what are you waiting for?

When it comes to cruising, you can't get much better than taking a small cruise ship to the Indian Ocean, which offers a number of truly legendary holiday destinations from the magnificent Maldives to the stunning Seychelles, where Prince William and Princess Kate enjoyed their honeymoon. But where to go? It's worth looking over your options below and deciding on what you want the focus to be. Here is our helpful guide to cruising the Indian Ocean.

Mauritius

A fascinating blend of cultures awaits you on Mauritius, with an extraordinary melting pot of religions and practices for such a small island. Located approximately 2,000 kilometres off the southeastern coast of Africa, you can be sure of warm weather during your stay. A paradise for deep-sea fishing, it is a haven for those who long for excellent cuisine and a more relaxed approach to life. Highlights include the picturesque coastal village of Grand Bay, the bustling Port Louis and the awe-inspiring beach of Tamarin. For the adventurous, there is also the opportunity to swim with dolphins in their own habitat. But all the more fascinating is the scenery. The island's beaches dramatically give way to enormous virgin forests that are calling out to be explored, and there will be plenty of opportunity for you to sit and enjoy the natural surroundings aboard one of the luxurious cruise vessels available. Add in the delights of Chinese, Indian, French and African
cuisine – plus the infectious beat of sega music and the irresistible party spirit the island is famous for – and you can understand why so many people call it 'paradise'.

Maldives

Once an essential trading hub of the Indian Ocean where all manner of traditions and cultures came into contact, the Maldives has a remarkably diverse selection of languages, beliefs, arts and attitudes thanks to its international routes. Rarely in the world can you see African drumming, Arabian construction techniques and fine artistry reminiscent of southeast Asian architecture all in one location. Exploring the natural beauty with a catamaran is the natural option – thanks to their shallower drafts, they are able to slip into coves and harbours that are inaccessible to their larger counterparts. Highlights of the Maldives cruises include the Omadhoo island and its delightful fishing village, as well as the Raiga Dhiggiri landmass which is inhabited only by two guards to put off unauthorised access. There are two itineraries available – a seven night option and a ten night.

The Seychelles

The beautiful unspoilt waters of the Seychelles are a stunning sight, and it's no wonder they attracted a certain royal couple for their honeymoon. Such is the appeal of this remarkable archipelago that Seafarer offers two distinct options for cruising – one in a mega yacht that carries up to 49 passengers and one in a sailing catamaran that boasts just 24 passengers. Both offer extraordinary journeys throughout this paradise at the hands of a highly knowledgeable crew who can help you unwrap the mysteries that surround it. There is plenty of overlap between the two sets of holidays, with both offering numerous opportunities to explore the unique culture that exists here, and to drink in the natural beauty that is prevalent across the many islands of the Seychelles. Particular highlights include Anse Lazio, which is commonly cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world; former leper colony Curieuse, which is now home to giant tortoises; and
the deserted island of La Digue. So close to the equator, you can count on good weather, although tropical storms are common. Luckily, while they are heavy in the volume of rain, they don't generally last long and are usually followed by bright sunshine.

No matter where you choose to go within the Indian Ocean, it's always worth taking a small cruise ship for the intimacy you get with the destination. If you have a large party, it may be worth hiring an entire yacht for the duration of your trip – perfect for a group exploration of the Indian Ocean.