How to choose the right cruise itinerary?

Before choosing a route

One of the most important moments in the whole journey is the choice of the destination. When the final point is relatively clearly marked, then half the work is already done! Moreover, knowing the entry and exit point of the route, you can more accurately imagine what route options are available to you. Don't venture into the unknown.

In addition to the destination, you should also pay attention to the experience of the crew, the time of year and the total duration of the voyage. If you go on a trip without a specific exit point, you risk ending up in Turkey at the height of the tourist season. Or, for example, get under powerful seasonal winds. In order to avoid unpleasant situations, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the simple rules for choosing a route for traveling.

What is a team?

Be clear about what you want. Maybe you like adrenaline sailing? Are you sure that your friends will really want to conquer the elements? Probably your team is planning a relaxing cruise in a quiet and peaceful environment.

By the way, how do your team differ in their views on the ideal trip? Maybe someone likes quiet harbors, and someone really likes to catch a wave. Keep this in mind and try to give each crew member what he wants. 

Of course, it is very difficult to come to terms with the desires of everyone, especially if your crew is very diverse. It probably makes sense to meet on the shore and try to find a compromise? 

What infrastructure do I need?

Do you like “wild” yachting with a minimum of marinas? Or do you appreciate quiet and small coastal towns with high quality marinas? In addition to choosing a destination, crew and yacht, you should decide what your expectations are from the infrastructure available nearby.

To ensure that nothing catches you by surprise, plan your itinerary in advance and make sure you have the necessary amenities along the way.

What are your personal expectations from the cruise?

Probably you want to dive into sailing or just want to take a tourist tour. Maybe you love diving? Or maybe just go fishing with a close friend away from civilization…

Understand and accept what the purpose, desires and expectations of the journey are. It will also make it easier to choose a route. It seems to us that the northern latitudes are unlikely to be 

How many miles are you planning to walk?

You can go 80 or 300 nautical miles in a week. The first option promises a leisurely swim along the coastline for two hours a day. The rest of the time you are free to do absolutely anything - everything is in your hands.

Maybe you want to walk 300-300 miles? Then get ready to sell for 10 hours a day. This is a great experience, these 10 hours a day will give you a lot of impressions, you will have time to see a lot of places! But remember that this option is not for everyone. 

In a week you can travel 80 or 400 nautical miles. The first option promises a comfortable, relaxing swim for two hours a day. The rest of the time you can swim, snorkel, have a romantic time and relax.

Cruise with kids?

If yes, then this changes our plans a bit. The best option for a holiday with a child would be a warm and calm sea, stable weather. It would also be nice to plan the route in such a way that there are enough stops along the way.

Children love entertainment not only on board. Keep this in mind and choose places so that children would be interested in exploring the world around them safely, but with pleasure. 

Weather

This is probably the most tricky question. Here it is impossible to predict exactly, but everything should be taken into account the weather conditions of a particular region of navigation. If you make the right choice, in addition to improving the safety of your cruise, you will also save yourself a lot of problems. Therefore, it is very important to carefully approach the choice of the region and the analysis of the expected weather conditions.

Are there adverse winds or heavy rainfall on your chosen dates? If so, it would be better to choose another date. This is especially important if you are a beginner. Going on a cruise with kids? Then study the temperature regime of the chosen direction, as well as the temperature of the water.

What kind of boat do I need?

If you are going to remote places (small fishing harbors, etc.), then with an 18-meter boat you are unlikely to get there. Even a boat with a draft of 2.7 meters may not be able to cope with the task. Especially all of the above applies to the old harbors in Greece, Spain, France, Italy and Turkey.

Perhaps you should pay attention to a smaller boat? Or, on the contrary, more? It all depends on the area of navigation and your needs.

On uncharted paths...

In almost all known sailing regions there are some well-established routes. Most of the yachts and boats go through them, they cover the most popular places. However, the minus of such routes will almost always be clogged marinas and a large number of people.

If you are a fan of more intimate travel, then there is a reason to take the less popular routes within the main route. This does not mean that you will not meet other yachtsmen at all, but their number will be an order of magnitude smaller.

Improvisation is everything

It concerns not only jazz and blues-rock ensembles on stage, but also yachtsmen! Alas, you can never predict exactly how your cruise will go. You may encounter difficulties, or you may not. Therefore, it makes no sense to plan your trip to the nearest hour. Always leave a gap for unforeseen circumstances.

And, by the way, route planning does not end with leaving the marina. Planning continues until you arrive at your destination. Not everything is under our control - the weather, the sea, seasickness, etc. But you can always provide one or two days to wait out possible troubles. 

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14.01.2023