The Azamara Onward is a new luxury ship that brings together the best of the past and the best of the present.

This new ship from an upmarket line Azamara is a modest classic ship that has been given a sleek, fashionable makeover, a world of earthy tones, warm greys and browns like old oak, and traces of olive green.

The Azamara Onward was christened on May 2 in the port of Monte Carlo, and her first voyage set sail on May 3. The other three ships in Azamara’s fleet have been given a makeover costing millions of pounds in preparation for Mediterranean cruises this summer.

The bedrooms and suites aboard the Azamara Onward have an understated elegance that extends throughout the ship.

Who for?

It’s a vacation for those who want to relax and enjoy themselves without the commotion of a larger ship, for those who know what they like and enjoy a cruise for what it is rather than expecting a resort-like experience. The ship’s small size allows it to dock at smaller ports; on our pre-inauguration voyage, we were able to dock at the Old Port in the center of Marseille rather than at the terminal used by most cruise ships, which was a couple of miles away.

Your stateroom or suite

There was a king-size bed, a couch, a desk, and a reasonably sized closet in our room. The room also had a small balcony with a table and chairs, a television with UK news channels (including Sky Sports News), and free WiFi. The shower area wasn’t very spacious, but it was well-appointed, with wood-style tile flooring. Although there was a refrigerator, there was no kettle or coffee/tea maker provided. Some of the rooms don’t have windows or balconies.

Club Ocean suites have large balconies and are located on the ship’s front, while the most luxurious Club World suites are located towards the ship’s back. Also, there are two spa-themed suites available for guests. Suite guests dine in the specialty restaurants free of charge (those in staterooms must pay a fee). Internet access is included in suites but costs an additional $19.95 per day, or around $110 for the duration of a seven-night voyage.

Eating and drinking

Discoveries is the ship’s main dining room, decorated with rich dark wood and glittering chandeliers. More than a half-dozen appetizers and main dishes, many of which include seafood, are available. Daily international cuisine specialties include meals like swordfish with tabbouleh, Greek lamb chops, and fig almond olive oil cake, in addition to a selection of always-available dishes including prawn cocktail, Caesar salad, salmon, and New York strip steak and fries.

At Windows Café (with its suntrap back porch), guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet with everything from traditional American fare like eggs and bacon to international specialties like chickpea fritters, as well as other things like fruit, meats, and cheeses. Vegetable curries are only one of several lunchtime options. A deck grill with burgers, chicken, and lamb skewers, as well as a variety of salads, is available just outside the entrance at The Patio, which can be enjoyed at the shaded tables around the pool or inside Windows.

We had a lovely meal on the veranda as the sun set in the west, when Windows transformed into an a la carte restaurant serving cuisine with daily themes including French, Italian, and Mediterranean.

Aqualina (Italian) and Prime C (steakhouse) are two a la carte dining options that can be found on each side of the ship at the ship’s tail. Guests staying in suites get complimentary meals, while those staying in standard rooms pay $30. Further within Aqualina is a chef’s table, where for $95 you can enjoy a seven-course tasting meal prepared just for you by your own personal chef.

Located in the middle is the intimate and classy Atlas Bar, which serves just a few carefully curated drinks (for $17.95 each), including the Heart of Azamara (vodka, strawberry puree, lime juice, passionfruit nectar, Galliano, and absinthe). Dishes like smoked lobster carpaccio and other small plates are on sale as well.

There are two drink packages available: Premium (for $16.95 per day) with elite brand names and Ultimate (for $23.95 per day) with champagne, expanded wine options, and Atlas cocktails. Drinks in other bars are free.

Nights can get lively at The Living Room, the main bar.

In the Den, a more subdued bar, you can listen to a pianist every night.

Free specialty coffees and snacks (croissants for breakfast, savory snacks for lunch, and afternoon cakes) are available at all times at the Mosaic Café, a pass-through area.

Relaxing

There is a small pool and a couple of hot tubs on the main deck, where you can also relax in the sun on one of the lounge chairs. You can get massages (a 50-minute Swedish massage will set you back $149) or acupuncture at the Sanctum spa, which also has a steam room and sauna. There is a nice, free gym with glass walls and free spin and yoga lessons.

Suite guests and those who have booked treatments can use the thalasso pool and terrace at no cost. There is a walking/jogging track on the top deck. You can relax in the drawing room, where there are books and games available for your use. There are excursions available at each port that allow you to experience local specialties, like the wine tasting and lunch we had at the small, family-owned Buranco vineyard on the Italian coast.

Entertainment

There aren’t a ton of performances happening at once on the ship. Instead of a theater, performances are held in a cabaret-style lounge. Groove Tonight, a disco party, and new programs like Club Crooner (Sinatra and more) and Amped Up! (70s rock) include a cast of singers and dancers that put on easygoing performances.

On days with late departures, local performers are expected to perform at AzAmazing Events. As night falls, catch Filipino rock and pop favorites played by East Pearl on deck and in The Living Room. The Living Room becomes a late-night club when other bands have finished playing elsewhere.

Special times

On all voyages lasting a week or longer, Azamara Onward hosts a stunning White Night deck party, encouraging guests to dress in all white. The pool deck was decorated with banners, flags, and white-clothed tables, and the setting in Monte Carlo was stunning. We were at a cocktail party where the Onward Orchestra was performing, and the champagne kept flowing.

We were then instructed to take a seat and help ourselves to the buffet, and what a mishmash it was. Grilled meats, including chicken, steak, and even lobster tails, were prepared on authentic Weber charcoal grills, making the barbecue an integral part of the event. In addition to a plethora of lobster, there was a refined rendition of the French seafood stew bouillabaisse, a mountain of mussels mariniere, and a lot more food to keep the party going far into the night.

AzAmazing Evenings, which highlight regional cuisine and culture, have been a staple of Azamara cruises for some time; with the launch of Azamara Onward, the line also introduced AzAmazing Day. With the cooperation and excitement of the people, Azamara almost took over the pastel-hued town of Porto Venere on the Italian Cinque Terra coast.

From the crack of dawn, a glamorous pianist performed on the quayside as servers distributed complimentary pizza, cake, bread, and cheese along with sparkling wine and the best espresso and cappuccinos.

An opera singer was performing on the hillside below the church at the entrance to the harbor; a saxophone trio played curious jazz in a tiny square on an even smaller side street; and an accordion and double bass pair played something magnificent that sounded like classical music from another planet.

How Much:

The cruise ship Azamara Onward will spend the summer in the Mediterranean before traveling to the Caribbean for the winter. Starting at £828 per person (cabin alone), including beverages, is a seven-night France Intensive Voyage sailing from Barcelona to Monte Carlo on October 29, 2022, with stops at Marseille, Nice, Sete, Portes-Vendres, and Corsica.

Conclusion:

A smartly unassuming ship that has been updated to a new level without hiding the fact that it is almost 25 years old. But having a ship that feels like a real ship is part of the fun. The service is great and the food is delicious. Drinks are included, so you don’t have to buy a package unless you want to drink vintage wines or craft gin.

In Cala D’Or, you may charter the yacht Vita Bel II and explore the cliffs, bays, and winding coastline of Mallorca. Free lunch is offered.

The views of Mallorca’s coves, cliffs, and curved coastline from the sea are equally as stunning as they are from the land, so we made sure to include a boat ride in our itinerary.
Thus, we decided to purchase a membership aboard the yacht Vita Bel II at Cala D’Or.

Boarding Vita Bell II at Cala D’Or

We were strolling through the palm-lined marina at Cala d’Or when we caught sight of the iconic teak-decked boat Vita Bell II, complete with its bare masts.

She shone in the bright orange light of the day, which contrasted beautifully with the turquoise waters and brilliant blue sky. The waters were ripe with potential at that very moment.

Shoeless, we hopped on in a jiffy, and a glass of Cava arrived in our hands in no time. There were ten of us in all, some of us complete strangers, and we were all grinning broadly despite having to somewhat squint into the sun.

Nigel Lewis, the captain, welcomed everyone aboard from the main cockpit and gave a brief overview of safety procedures and housekeeping norms. He started the engine, and in a matter of minutes, we were all sipping more of the excellent Mallorcan wine or beer and listening to soothing music. The good times were now officially underway.

Sailing into the forming wavelets, Nigel and his crewmate lifted the sails. The waves were a little bumpy, but that was okay. Some of us lounged on the plush couches surrounding the cockpit, while others sunbathed on padded mats at the bow or stern. Or, to do nothing more than take it easy and take in the scenery, the sun’s rays, the sea air, and the sounds of the gulls flying above.

Also, we enjoyed getting behind the wheel, which is harder than it seems. We returned command to the smug captain because we didn’t want to wind up in Algiers.

We were soon on the stunning Cala Mondrago bay on Mallorca’s southeast coast. We were tucked away in a quiet bay, sheltered by towering cliffs and a forest of pine trees. In the distance, we could also make out the beautiful white beaches of S’Amarrador Beach.

Conversations flowed easily, wine was flowing, and the waves gently rocked, making the rest of the world appear distant.

Some passengers cautiously entered the water when the ship’s hydraulic swim platform was lowered. Some people plunged right in, while a few risk-takers used the available stand-up paddle boards. We wanted to go snorkeling, but we got too busy laying out in the sun and drinking wine.

The hour or two flew by, and we were back in Portopetro Harbor, this time moored for lunch.

A sun canopy provided some shade over the assembled guests as they waited for the prawns, smoked salmon, Spanish tortilla, salad, hams, and cheeses to arrive. There was an abundance of alcoholic beverages.

Nigel questioned, “Are you a recycler?” Obviously, we did. Then, “throw your prawn heads” into the sea. It’s amazing to see the seagulls dive for these tasty morsels before they hit the water. Fish that swam to the top in the crystal-clear water quickly devoured the ones that were left behind. We found it hilarious.

Fruit salad with luscious mango and watermelon was served as we watched the show, and the tables were removed in between acts.

After one more dive and snorkel, the captain kindly got us all back on the boat to go back to port. Five hours had gone by in what seemed like a blink of an eye.

We promised ourselves We’d go on a sunset sail the next time we visit.

From May 1st through October 31st, guests can take a five-hour tour of the island on the Vita Bell II. We have 12 total visitors.

Note: Vita Bell II is available for private tours and shared charters for small groups, with an open bar and food provided.

When Virgin Voyages set out to change the way people think about cruises, we jumped at the chance to go on the first trip of their second ship, the Valiant Lady, to less-frequented places.

When compared to the typical cruise experience, a Virgin cruise is like nothing you’ve ever had before. These cruises cater only to adults and include offbeat entertainment and dining options. Let us show you around the Valiant Lady for a week while you enjoy an irresistible Mediterranean trip.

Day 1 in Valiant lady, enjoying RockStar life

We took an early morning trip to Barcelona and had lunch on the stylish silver-gray and red Valiant Lady. Since we booked the RockStar Suite, we get access to a variety of perks, such as a turntable, LPs, and even an electric guitar.

We’re experiencing some of the suite’s features in a more standard room, such as the swing chair on the balcony and the king-size TV controlled by the same iPad-like device that handles the lights and the drapes.

We’re having dinner at Gumbae, a Korean tabletop BBQ restaurant where the shrimp and beef sizzle furiously. Not long after that, we were led into the “Red Room,” which resembled a hangar, and treated to a semi-impromptu performance by a colorful dance troupe that interacted with the attendees.

Day 2 – Toulon, drag artist and swanky rooftop bar

With the irresistible Med cruise, we’ll be at Toulon, the soul of the south of France, without the glitz of the Riviera, before the sun rises.

Knowing it’s too soon for us to think about the free Growth and Guided Meditation, we kick back and enjoy a sunny breakfast at the Galley, Virgin’s twist on the classic buffet with a variety of food and drink options (and servers). You can have a full English, some exquisite fruit and muesli combinations, udon noodles, tacos, or open sandwiches heaped high with smoked salmon to start the day. The morning is free for aimless exploration of the town.

In the afternoon, take a stroll across the countryside to the 16th-century Royal Tower fortification, located at the end of a winding road that ascends and descends the rocky Pointe de Pipady promontory via many little beaches.

At five o’clock in the afternoon, we go to Richard’s Rooftop, a posh bar with enormous circular white beds, where mostly attractive people lounge while drinking the complimentary Moet offered to RockStar guests for one hour every day.

All of Virgin’s themed restaurants are complimentary, but specialty restaurants on other cruise ships cost extra. It’s an evening of Extra Virgin Italian Cuisine, with a wide variety of bright appetizers and hearty main meals that go well beyond the standard fare of pasta.

Virgin also stands out due to its unique entertainment options. In a performance somewhere between a Parisian burlesque and a working men’s club, tonight’s headliner is the Diva, a leggy drag artist who sings, dances, and berates the crowd with gay abandon.

The next act is a complete departure, as American bluesman Slam Allen performs with his group in On the Rocks.

Day 3 Marina di Carrara in Italy, Vaudevillian sex therapist, and Razzle Dazzle

Awake at the crack of dawn, we’re about to arrive in Italy at the port of Marina di Carrara, located south of Genoa and frequented by just a handful of cruise ships. Despite the shipping containers and forklifts that line the port, a long stretch of beach can be seen beyond the gate, and the Apuan Alps, with their white, rich marble-like snow, can be seen rising beyond the carefully planted pines.

Slow Flow with an Open Heart Although yoga doesn’t start as early as meditation, we still need to eat before heading out to a farm for a culinary class, and doing so before dawn would be a major hassle. On the way to this picturesque location, we get a glimpse of Pisa’s leaning tower against the background of hazy heat. Some of the structures here date back to the 13th century, including the ancient stables with vaulted brick ceilings. Even though we didn’t learn anything new, we had a great time chopping sun-ripened tomatoes for our pasta lunch, which we had with our merry friends while staring out over the fields from the balcony. We had to be dragged back to the bus since there is an abundance of local wine, dessert wine, and limoncello.

Razzle Dazzle, a café with vivid colors and sharp furnishings, will be the evening’s dining destination. Vegetarian fare dominates; who knew a cauliflower doused in vadouvan curry sauce, pistachios, sesame seeds, and pomegranate would be so delicious.

Never Sleep Alone is tonight’s event, and it features a sleazy Vaudevillian sex therapist named Dr. A (who sports a tidy haircut, huge specs, and a tight skirt) who invites members of the audience up on stage to participate in quizzes and dubious shenanigans while the band plays in the background.

Day 4 Ajaccio (Corsica), Pink Agave and Duel Reality

The capital of Corsica, Ajaccio, is where we dock, and we stroll around the brand-new waterfront market hall even if the cheese, saucisson, fresh garlic, and olives don’t exactly make good souvenirs.

Napoleon was born in this city, and his childhood home is now a quaint yet foreboding museum dedicated to the Bonaparte family.

Outside the ship’s Dock House bar, we indulge in a sweet potato and chickpea burger before passing on the posture alignment workshop and instead taking a stroll down the water’s edge beyond the marina to a little beach where we refresh with a swim and a nap.

This evening, we dined at Pink Agave, a classy Mexican restaurant with a more refined menu than its name implies.

You’re in the nick of time to see Duel Reality, the best entertainment at sea. With the use of climbing poles, trapezes, springboards, and more, a group of gymnasts and circus performers play out the love-and-gangs tale of West Side Story in a high-flying, death-defying melee, with girls and boys tumbling to within inches of the floor before somersaulting away.

Day 5 Cagliari, Sardinia, Champagne happy hour and The Wake

Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, has a hilltop medieval old town that seems more African than Mediterranean, and it is already 24 degrees when we arrive. We go up to the top of the hill and down, taking in the views over Valiant Lady and the plains and mountains in the interior, as well as exploring the exquisite marble interior of the Santa Maria cathedral.

When we get back on the ship, we barely have time to shower before the champagne happy hour and supper at The Wake, which looks out over the stern. We dine on excellent clam chowder and a perfectly cooked New York strip at what is perhaps the best and most traditional restaurant.

Guests are encouraged to wear red in honor of “Red Night,” another party theme. We are fashion failures since we do not possess any red clothing, yet we still choose to join the crowds of people lounging by the pool.

People are dancing in the shallow end of the pool to loud music and a dance display, and there are dozens of them. We’re wearing good pants, so please don’t touch them. We end the day with a nightcap at the Dock House since we are too tired to play any more slam.

Day 6 Day at sea, Diva Bingo, an evening stroll in Ibiza

Today is our only day at sea, so we’re taking it easy. Have a leisurely breakfast in the open air in the galley before setting off to see all that the ship has to offer. There is a section of loungers and couches at the back, away from the main pool center, and a row of shaded gazebos for rent along the deck. This is the sports section, complete with a basketball court in a cage, outdoor exercise equipment, and even a table football.

We stop by the Diva’s morning bingo session, refuel at the ship’s specialty coffee bar, The Grounds, and then go to the ship’s fitness center, which is perhaps the best at sea thanks to its sweeping glass walls and plenty of equipment.

We’re back in The Wake and entering Ibiza at seven o’clock. We ride the free shuttle into Ibiza Town’s downtown area and go for a walk along the shoreline, where dozens of bars and restaurants are packed with tourists out for a night of drinking and dining.

Day 7 Chiringuito Blue Beach, Test Kitchen

A day basking in the Ibiza sun. We take a trip to Santa Eulalia del Ríu’s Chiringuito Blue Beach Club, where we relax on loungers only yards from the water. There was a lot of time spent playing in the waves, followed by a meal of razor clams at the restaurant’s outside patio and a walk down the Ríu, the only river in the Balearics, shaded by towering trees.

We had a multi-course tasting meal with wine pairings in the Test Kitchen—a bite of fish here, a lamb chop with baby carrots and asparagus standing in aubergine cream there.

How much

Starting at £1,657.44 per cabin (£828.72 per person), you can cruise alone with tips and internet included on Virgin Voyages’ (virginvoyages.com) wide selection of irresistible Med cruises.

Conclusion:

The Valiant Lady is a great ship with entertainment that is very different from anything else on a cruise and a great way of life for younger people who want to travel.

Amazing cruises are within your reach and don’t require much travel. From Tilbury on the Thames, you can embark on a five-night cruise to three different countries with Cruise and Maritime Voyages. When you visit in the off-season, you can take advantage of lower pricing, fewer tourists, and the beautiful fall foliage.

The Oceana Cruise Ship, Marina—a Baltic cruise—visits seven countries and nine spectacular ports in only 10 days.

The Oceana Cruise Ship, Marina—a Baltic cruise—visits seven countries and nine spectacular ports in only 10 days.

You’ve been traveling for just 10 days, yet you’ve already seen seven different countries and made nine memorable stops. Despite the Baltic’s crown jewel, the exquisite Russian city of St. Petersburg, being off the itinerary for the foreseeable future, Oceania Cruises illustrates that sailing the Baltic is still a fantastic alternative.

Our Northern Realms voyage took us to the coasts of Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, out of the nine countries that border the Baltic Sea. The only country not represented was Poland; our stop in Gdansk was abruptly canceled a week before we were to leave for Russia for unknown reasons.

Although our 1,250-passenger ship, the Marina, was not at capacity, passengers were unafraid to disembark and experience the bustling local cultures of the ports we visited, despite the fact that Oceania is a luxury cruise line catering mostly to Americans.

The laid-back atmosphere on board was matched by the delectable cuisine (it’s almost impossible to have a lunch without lobster, and steaks are in plenty).
Unlike on many other cruise lines, you won’t have to pay extra in the ship’s specialty restaurants like Polo Grill (steaks with a whole lobster!). or Toscana (tagliatelli with half a lobster), Jacques (lobster thermidor), or Red Ginger (lobster pad Thai).

Marina is at the heart of Oceania’s East Coast country club vibe, with its subtle pale wood pool deck, pristine white towelling covered loungers, and Waves Grill, where guests can order cooked-to-order Alaskan salmon or soy-ginger marinated ahi tuna burgers alongside varied beef options for a leisurely lunch that stretches into the afternoon.

Every inch of the hotel is decorated with creative artwork, from the walls to the bars. British performers Tim Abel, a talkative, fast-paced pianist, and Philippa Healey, a vocalist and former star of Les Mis in London, provided the evening’s entertainment.

The atmosphere on board is casual and refined; passengers should not wear shorts to dinner, but bowties are not required either, making it an ideal location to rest and refuel between days of sightseeing.

Day 1 – from Copenhagen

The flight to Copenhagen is short, and we arrive just in time to get a peek at the city on our way to the port. Before leaving, have lunch at the outdoor Horizons buffet and have the classic seafood bouillabaisse. The Øresund Bridge, which links Copenhagen, Denmark, with Malmo, Sweden, and which features prominently in the Scandi police thriller The Bridge, was our supper destination. The bridge falls into a little island, but we sail around it rather than beneath it since part of the 10-mile passage takes place in a tunnel.

Day 2 – Kiel, Germany

When traveling from the North Sea to the Baltic, the Kiel Canal emerges at Kiel, Germany. During our trip to the canal locks, we saw cargo ships passing through in a calm and orderly manner. The Laboe Naval Memorial can then be seen along the shore; it is a somber 236-foot brick tower with a sloping back that pays tribute to sailors who have died at sea. A stairway under the parade field passes a subterranean hall of remembrance and then emerges at a modern museum telling the narrative of both German and British warriors among models of ships. The view from the top is a stunning combination of forest and water.

Day 3 – Bornholm, Denmark

Today is the day we were supposed to be in Gdansk, but instead we’re on the peaceful, agricultural Danish Island of Bornholm, where we’ll be making twice as many port calls in 2022. A pair of F-16 fighter jets were recently stationed here to deter trespassers, and their arrival reportedly disrupted the tranquility. But all is calm as we tour the largest vineyard in Denmark, Lille Gadegård.

Joke-telling owner Jesper Paulsen seems to be as indifferent to the world as his gigantic pig as he feeds it a bottle of Coke among parading peacocks. We try both red and white wines, as well as a sparkling strawberry wine and a honey schnapps, a heavenly blend of grape and the honey from his own hives.

At Hallegaard sausage manufacturers, we relax in the sun and snack on salami-like delights on crusty rye bread as part of our Bornholm tasting tour.

Day 4 – Visby, Sweden

The Swedish Island of Gotland is located in the middle of the Baltic. It is home to the walled medieval harbor town of Visby, a Unesco World Heritage Site. We’re in the middle of the Medieval Festival, complete with hog roasts and costumed revelers, and the streets are littered with crumbling church foundations and cobblestones. The atmosphere is eerie, like something out of an early Dr. Who episode, as people in gaiters and white bonnets walk somberly through the streets.

Day 5 – Klaipeda, Lithuania

The Lithuanian city of Klaipeda has been passed back and forth between the Russians, the Swedes, and the Germans throughout history. The Curonian Spit stretches across the harbor and is protected by Unesco for its 60 miles of beach, dunes, pine forest, and small towns; near its midpoint, the Spit joins the independent Russian region of Kalininagrad.

Traveling by e-bike, we cross a ferry crowded with tourists to reach the spit, a popular destination known for its beaches that appear as undeveloped as the California coast, its abundance of ancient structures, and the Lithuanian Sea Museum, home to a collection of aquariums and a family of pelicans that make their home in the moat.

Day 6 – Riga, Latvia

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is teeming with Art Nouveau structures from the early 20th century, many of which were designed by Russian architect Mikhail Eisenstein. Zana, our vivacious tour guide, leads us along Albert Street, which is lined with art, shows us around some corners where we find even more gems, and then takes us inside the National Museum of Art. On our minibus tour, Zana points out the Victory Monument, a 260-foot-tall Soviet chest-beater on the other side of the Daugava River.

She is even more ecstatic than before and informs us that the city will soon be dismantling the monument, which the people refer to as the “Occupation Monument.” She inquires as to whether or not we’d want an up-close look, and if so, our driver—who calls it an unprintable moniker associated with Putin—makes a quick U-turn so that we may get over the park’s barricades and past the patrolling officers.

Afterwards, we take a stroll along City Canal, which winds through gardens and past opulent buildings before culminating at the Freedom Monument, a breathtaking sight that features a soaring pillar topped by a female statue holding her arms high in tribute to the victims of the War of Independence that ensued after Russia’s invasion in 1918.

The monument had disappeared within two weeks, and the shocking footage of its collapse was posted on the BBC website.

Day 7 – Tallinn, Estonia

Restaurants in Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, post harsh remarks against Russian President Vladimir Putin, making the throngs of joyful visitors, most of whom are off on a flotilla of cruise ships, giggle. The country has been ruled by the Danes, the Swedes, and the Prussians, and it shares a border with Russia for 180 km.

Under the Kiek, the tallest medieval tower in the Baltic, we explore the fascinating earthwork tunnels, created in the 16th century to allow soldiers to move around securely.

Despite this, the contemporary world is ever-present; our teenage guide tells us that in 1944, the bunker saved 1,000 civilian lives when 300 Russian bombers devastated part of the city to upset German occupiers, drawing parallels between this and Russia’s “revenge” assaults in Ukraine.

Walking through the busy retail area, we are respectfully informed that Estonia did not acquire its independence in 1991 but rather regained it, having been a democracy from 1918 until 1940 before falling under Russian rule.

Day 8 – Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland’s capital, is bustling with tourists enjoying reindeer steaks and salmon burgers at the waterfront market. We take in the sights of the city’s old neighborhoods, including Central Station and its imposing stone statues, before making our way to Oodi, a library that is an architectural triumph of glass, steel, and wood. The front desk is loaning out footballs so kids can play outdoors on a Sunday afternoon as a female gymnastic and dance pair performs upstairs (with no one attempting to mute the sound).

Day 9 – Hamina, Finland

Hamina, a charming New England–style town in Finland located 25 miles from the Russian border, is the closest we get to St. Pete; the distance between the two cities is 150 miles, which is close enough for road signs. The steep rapids of the River Kymi provide the setting for the next stop on our journey, the picturesque Langinkoski. Formerly the vacation house of Russian Emperor Alexander III, the Imperial Fishing Lodge is now a museum. In keeping with the theme, he and his family would set sail from St. Pete aboard the steam yacht Tsarvenna to engage in leisurely pursuits like salmon fishing and eating simple food.

Day 10 – Stockholm, Sweden

This is our last day, and after a lengthy journey through islands and forests, the Swedish city of Stockholm looks magnificent as we get closer. We decided to visit the Abba Museum by walking along the water’s edge, despite the Vikings’ long and storied presence in the area. Although it has been open since 2013, it is now more popular than ever, requiring pre-purchased tickets and prior reservations to avoid long lines. Although the sing-along booths provide a strange contrast to the Baltic’s historic appeal, the members’ pre-Abba musical career in the late 1960s, as shown in both word and film, provides an intriguing counterbalance. Evening brings a small boat tour of the canals, a calming finish to a nonstop circle of the Baltic, where worries for the peace of Europe are never far from the surface, but the streets and attractions remain as packed as ever.

Azamara’s “Country Intensive” cruises provide in-depth itineraries loaded with unforgettable experiences.

Turkey’s 8,000 meters of breathtaking coastline are best experienced aboard a traditional gulet yacht tailored for tourist cruises.

Turkey Luxury Gulets is one such specialized firm. Incredible fuel-powered boats up to 56 meters in length are available, with either two or three masts. Up to seven workers, including a chef who prepares daily meals using fresh ingredients from the area, make up the group.

Vacations on a gulet can comfortably accommodate anywhere from three to twelve people, making them perfect for both families and groups of friends. There’s a ton of water sports gear and adult and kid-friendly activities on board.

Here are three of our favorite itineraries for a gulet cruise in Turkey, all of which are available via Turkey Luxury Gulets.

Gullet cruise Bodrum – Gökova – Bodrum

Trip duration: 7 days

You will start your gulet vacation on the Aegean Sea, southwest of Turkey, at the historic city of Bodrum. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Mausolus, was built in this city. The mausoleum was destroyed by an earthquake centuries ago, but the city still has many other relics of its old legacy, including the 15th-century Bodrum Castle.

You can go swimming in the warm, clear waters of the Aegean Sea by taking a boat ride from here to Orak Island. You might also try out water sports like jet skiing, paddle boarding, and water skiing.

The Seven Islands of Gökova Bay are up next, and there you can enjoy the bay’s stunning coral reefs. You can get up close and personal with marine life thanks to the snorkeling gear aboard your gulet. Kufre Bay, surrounded by aromatic pine forests, and Sedir Island, sometimes known as Cleopatra Island, are two of the highlights of the trip.

Enjoy some time at Kargili Bay’s beach before docking at Kisebuku (Alakisla Buku) to see the spectacular remains of a Byzantine monastery. Yaliciftlik Bay is your last port of call before returning to Bodrum, and it’s the perfect place to relax with an elegant afternoon tea.

CLICK HERE to book this cruise

Gullet cruise Göcek – Gulf of Fethiye – Göcek

Trip duration: 7 days

If you’re looking for peace and quiet away from the crowds of tourists, this is the path for you. The trip departs from Göcek, which is about 22 kilometers from Dalaman Airport and located at the mouth of the Gulf of Fethiye. The island has a natural harbor, and its lengthy Turgut Ozal Street is known for its high-end boutiques, delicious restaurants, and lively nightlife.

Cleopatra’s Bay (not to be confused with Cleopatra Island) is the destination after setting sail from Göcek. Incredible submerged remains can be explored by scuba divers in the bay. Dine on your gulet while the sun sets over the island’s stunning landscape.

In the Gulf of Fethiye, you’ll spend the following six days hopping from island to island, where you can go ashore to investigate crumbling ruins, swim in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, relax on secluded beaches, and engage in a variety of watersports.

Tersane Island’s harbor is a great place for families with kids to go snorkeling for the first time. It’s been said that this harbor was formerly used for constructing ships, so who knows what kind of artifacts could be hiding in its depths.

Fethiye is a great site to try more extreme forms of outdoor recreation like paragliding and white-water rafting since it is a hilly island with a well-established tourism infrastructure.

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Gullet cruise Göcek – Kekova – Göcek

Trip duration: 7 days

An overnight at Butterfly Valley, a unique and beautiful location in Fethiye that can only be reached by boat, is a highlight of this trip. Some 105 species of butterflies have been seen on the island, and the valley is a hotspot for them throughout the summer. This area, protected as a natural preserve, is very tranquil and provides a nice respite from the trip’s more strenuous stages.

Your gulet trip will begin with an overnight stop in Butterfly Valley before continuing on to the picturesque wooden Art Nouveau homes of Yeşilköy and finally Kas. At this location, archaeologists have uncovered a number of fascinating ruins, including a seaside amphitheater. While the crew is provisioning, you can go scuba diving or snorkeling.

Kekova is a protected island that has not been overrun by visitors and is well worth a visit. The ancient town of Apollonia, which was devastated by an earthquake in the second century, is along the northern shore of the island and is now mostly underwater.

The last leg of your trip will be spent cruising the deserted Yasica islands, which are cloaked in pine and olive groves. It is ideal for water sports and getting some sun thanks to its isolated beaches and safe coves.

More about Turkey Luxury Gulets

Turkey Luxury Gulets offers 21 different luxury gulets for charters of 3–12 people. starting with the 24-meter Gulet Artemis and Simay (3 cabins) and ending with the 56-meter Gulet Regina (6 cabins).

In order to provide passengers with the highest level of comfort, gulets are outfitted with modern conveniences such as private toilets and air conditioning. Every gulet has internet access, entertainment options, and gear for various water activities. The workforce provides five-star service, and there’s even a private chef available to guests.

The routes shown above are only examples. Pricing begins at €14,000 per week for completely customized trips.

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