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Small groups, small boats, BIG adventures

Sailing holidays don't have to be an intimidating tangle of ropes, nautical jargon and sea monsters –  not with Intrepid.  Whether you're an old salt with callouses on both hands or you're just getting your sea legs, we've got a sailing trip to suit you. Enjoy cruising around the Phi Phi Islands with the sun on your face, or watch the stars come out over the Aegean Sea with a glass of champagne. Whichever adventure you choose, you can be as involved as you want; help navigate, tack, and steer, or simply kick back on deck with a copy of  Moby Dick  and let the world float by. 

Our sailing tours and trips

Greece sailing adventure: cyclades islands, 10 days from 2414.

See the best of the Cyclades on this 10-day Greece sailing adventure. From Athens to...

Montenegro Sailing Adventure from Dubrovnik

8 days from 2291.

Sail into the sublime waters of Montenegro, departing from Dubrovnik and exploring...

Croatia and Montenegro Sailing Adventure

15 days from 4215.

Experience Croatia and Montenegro’s coastline with this Split to Dubrovnik sail. Find...

Phuket Sailing Adventure

7 days from 1611.

Discover Thailand with this small group sailing trip, from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi. Enjoy...

Sail Greece: Mykonos to Santorini

8 days from 1783.

Embark on a sailing holiday to Greece. Explore the waters, islands, history and cuisine...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos

8 days from 1386.

Set sail across the Mediterranean exploring Greece's heaven-sent islands. The spoils of...

Greece Sailing Adventure: Corfu to Kefalonia

8 days from 2261.

Take a sailing trip on the Ionian Sea through the waters of Greece. Sail from Corfu to...

Croatia Sailing Adventure: Split to Dubrovnik

8 days from 2306.

A lively restaurant scene, drop-dead gorgeous beaches, lush forests, intricate old...

Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure

8 days from 1774.

Set sail across the clear blue waters of Sardinia and Corsica, exploring the Maddalena...

Amalfi Coast Sailing Adventure

8 days from 2766.

Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Pompeii, Capri, Amalfi and...

Sail Italy: Amalfi to Procida

5 days from 1571.

Explore the Amalfi Coast on board a real yacht on this idyllic small group adventure in...

Sail Ko Phi Phi to Phuket

4 days from 833.

Set sail on Thailand’s waters between Koh Phi Phi and Phuket. Swim in clear blue waters...

Sail Italy: Procida to Amalfi

4 days from 905.

Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...

Sail Phuket to Ko Phi Phi

4 days from 882.

Take a Thai sailing tour between Phuket and Ko Phi Phi. Snorkel over a vibrant...

Croatia Sailing Adventure: Dubrovnik to Split

8 days from 1680.

Explore Croatia's beautiful Adriatic coast on this aquatic adventure from Dubrovnik to...

Greece Sailing Adventure: Kefalonia to Corfu

Take a sailing trip on the Ionian Sea through the waters of Greece. Sail from Kefalonia...

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Why choose Intrepid

Experienced skippers 

Our skippers have years of experience sailing the high seas. There’s no one better to show you the ropes (literally).

Best of both worlds

These sailing vacations aren’t confined to the ocean blue. There’s plenty of time scheduled on land to see the sights and check out the local culture.

Safety first, always

 Our yachts are well looked after and regularly maintained and on day one, the captain will also conduct a safety demonstration.

No experience needed

If you'd like to pick up some sailing skills, your skipper can show you how. If not, just relax, kick back on deck and soak up some ocean breezes.

Sustainable travel

We strive to use travel as a force for good. That’s why we choose to give back to the communities we visit, carbon offset all our trips and take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously. We’ve been officially certified as the world’s largest travel B Corp, which means when you choose Intrepid Travel, you can rest assured you’re travelling to improve the planet.

Sailing highlights by country 

Explore the unforgettable islands of Thailand

From the famous landscapes of Phang Nga Bay to the pristine beaches of Koh Phi Phi (and all of the remarkable islands in between), a sailing adventure through southern  Thailand  promises to produce some of your favorite travel memories ever. Relax on golden sand, take a dip in sparkling turquoise waters and cast your eyes upon natural wonders you’ve only ever seen photos of. 

Island hop your way through the Galapagos

There are some destinations in this world that were made for sailing, and the  Galapagos Islands  is one of them. Whether you want to spend your time spotting the islands’ diverse array of wildlife (think spiky marine iguanas and giant turtles) or simply relaxing on the boat with a drink in hand as the Pacific Ocean goes by, a boat tour around the Galapagos is sure to be one for the highlight reel. 

Get lost in the magic of Italy’s coast

Sailing your way down the  Italian  coast is guaranteed to be a unique adventure you’ll never forget, thanks to a variety of stops featuring pastel villages clinging onto rugged cliffsides, scattered ancient ruins from a lost empire, and tantalizingly blue waters you want to get lost in. From wandering through olive groves to laying out on pebbled beaches, cruise the sparkling Mediterranean at your leisure. 

Sail the Adriatic Sea around Croatia

On a trip to  Europe ,  Croatia  is a must-see, but when figuring out how best to explore this Mediterranean country, sailing is the way to go. Whether you want to wander through medieval towns, lose yourself in sparkling blue waters, explore lesser visited treasures or indulge in this epic country’s traditional cuisine, you’ll be in utter paradise from the minute to step foot onto your own private yacht – all aboard! 

In  Europe , we like to go classic. A single-hulled, 50-foot yacht gives you a taste of traditional Mediterranean sailing, not to mention it looks pretty spiffy in pictures too. A typical Intrepid vessel may come with three twin/double cabins, as well as a couple of single berths. You’ll have a recreation lounge, kitchen, three shared bathrooms and plenty of deck space for lazing around and looking fabulous.

When it comes to sailing in  Asia , catamarans are the way to go. They’re smooth, comfortable, and nimble enough to reach those out-of-the-way cays and little island inlets. The twin hull means there’s plenty of space to stretch out –perfect for those balmy evenings and lazy afternoons. Most of the catamarans in our fleet have four twin/double cabins, three shared bathrooms, a galley (that’s nautical talk for kitchen) and a small living area. There are even kayaks and paddleboards for those that want to get a little active (and bean bags on deck for those that don’t!)

Sailing COVID-19 requirements

Sailing faqs, do i have to help sail the boat.

You don’t have to lift a finger if you don’t want to (unless you need to turn the page of your novel or eat a grape). But if you’d like to learn the ropes, that’s fine too. Your expert skipper can teach you everything you’d like to know – from tying knots to unfurling the sails.

How much time is spent off the boat?

There’s about a 30/70 split between land-based and water-based activities on our Asia sailing trips. In Europe this is closer to 50/50 however, some evenings will be spent in port or a marina. Much of this depends on the weather conditions. There are usually at least a few hours each day spent exploring ports, trekking the surrounding areas or relaxing on beaches. Of course, depending on location, there will always be the chance to wine and dine at the local hot spots. 

What will my fellow travelers be like?

We have travelers of all ages and nationalities sailing with us. Approximately 60% of our travelers are flying solo, followed by a mix of friend groups and couples. The minimum age of travelers on our trips is 18, or 15 if accompanied by an adult. We don’t have a maximum age as we believe those choosing a sailing adventure are like-minded regardless of age.

Who decides the rooming configuration?

Your skipper will allocate rooms on arrival to the boat. Single travelers will be paired up with another passenger of the same sex as per the gender marker on their passport, and this may mean sharing a double mattress or twin mattresses side by side.

What are the sleeping arrangements like?

This is our most common question! People are often hesitant about the idea of sharing a double mattress with another traveler of the same sex. Sailing boats tend to be very compact (we use real sailing boats), but the close-quarters nature of this travel is part of the adventure.

Sleeping quarters are designed to utilize the minimum amount of space in order to keep the communal areas as big as possible. In fact, lots of travelers end up sleeping out on deck under the stars, as it’s warm and there’s no air conditioning on a sailing boat.

Our boats have a mix of double, twin (two separate beds or two separate mattresses side by side) and bunks. 

Can I get a cabin to myself?

Single supplements are available on all trips, subject to availability. A single supplement is normally twice the regular price, however, where trips have inclusions such as meals there is a slight reduction in the supplement price. If you are interested in having a single supplement, please contact us to check availability and price.

Do the cabins have ensuites?

On many boats, bathroom facilities are shared, however, some boats have ensuites in each cabin that allow two people to share one bathroom. Our monohull yachts in Europe will have no more than two cabins sharing a bathroom. Most of our catamarans have four cabins and four bathrooms, however, these bathrooms are shared between travelers and crew. Check the Essential Trip Information of your trip for more specific details about your boat. Fresh and hot water is available for showers, and toilets are either electronic or hand-pump.

Will I get seasick?

Seasickness comes in a variety of forms. Common symptoms include fatigue, uneasiness, dizziness, and headaches. The majority of these symptoms usually subside after taking some time to adjust (usually a few hours to a day). Tylenol or Advil can help ease the transition. Heavy seasickness, characterized by vomiting, is uncommon, and it can be treated using medication. There are also a number of other self-management techniques you can try – such as sitting out in the fresh air, drinking ginger tea or watching the horizon. 

For more information about beating seasickness, click here . 

What will I eat?

All Asia and Galapagos Island trips feature an onboard chef who will prepare three delicious meals each day, plus snacks. In Europe, we operate with a trip kitty* (that everyone contributes to) because there’s so much great local produce to taste in each place that it makes a lot of sense to buy food at each stop! This kitty will cover some of your food and beverage costs. On all our trips, there will be an opportunity to enjoy a meal at a local port – we’ll be able to show you where all the good tavernas are. Please check your Essential Trip Information for more specific details.

*See below for information about your trip kitty. 

What about alcoholic drinks?

You are welcome to drink on board - in fact, nothing enhances a sunset more than cold local beer or a glass of wine. Alcohol is BYO (bring your own), so make sure you buy what you need before departure. Some of our boats have alcoholic drinks on board that are available for purchase at local bar prices. Drinking water is free of charge.

How much luggage should I take?

Due to the compact size of the boats and the sometimes rocky nature of a sailing trip, it is advisable that you bring fabric/canvas luggage. It’s a good idea to pack light as there will usually be a gap between the boat and pier. While the skipper or a fellow traveler can give you a helping hand, you’ll need to be able to lift your bag onto the boat.

What should I pack?

Sailing trips are a little different to regular group tours. There’s a finite amount of space on the boat, so it’s best to leave the grand piano, pet llama and foldout four-person mattress at home. The same goes for bulky suitcases, ten pairs of shoes and the surfboard.

This isn’t designed to be a comprehensive packing list, but it’ll get you thinking like a real sailor.   

• A medium-sized fabric bag that can be flattened or stored easily
• A small day pack for shore excursions
• Some sandals or deck shoes that can get wet
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
• Seasickness tablets (just in case)
• Bathing suit (don’t worry about the snorkel and fins – we provide those)
• Waterproof camera (for those sweet underwater shots)
• A light weatherproof jacket (just in case of high seas or seasonal showers)

For a more detailed packing list, please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your trip. 

What are the arrival and departure times?

These will vary from trip to trip – be sure to check your Essential Trip Information for more specific details. Some sailing trips will head out to sea on the afternoon of the first day. Others will remain in port overnight, however, we still ask that you join the trip at the requested time, as the skipper will need to deliver a welcome and safety briefing before organizing a visit to the supermarket to buy provisions for the trip. All travelers will have an input into the provisions, and this will be purchased from the kitty*.

Please note that due to sailing being a heavily weather-dependent activity, sometimes itineraries may need to change. We recommend allowing an additional night at the beginning and end of the trip to ensure nobody misses any onward flights.

*see ‘What is a kitty’ for more information on your trip kitty.

What is a kitty?

A kitty is a fund or pool of money that all travelers can choose to contribute to at the beginning of a trip. It’s not compulsory however, we’ve found pooling the group's money in one place makes it easier to arrange non-included group meals and tips where necessary. You'll usually eat most breakfasts and some lunches and dinners onboard the boat, so it's best to buy supplies from a nearby supermarket or grocery store at the beginning of each trip. For meals off the boat, our skippers will suggest locally-run restaurants that specialize in local produce and delicacies.  

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum passenger capacity on our boats changes depending on which country you are sailing. Here’s a quick breakdown, but you can always find more specific details in the essential trip information of each tour.

Greece: 11 

Croatia: 8 

Montenegro: 8 

Tips and advice

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5 ways to stop seasickness.

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Nothing's worse than damaging your camera while on the water. Follow these tips...

Stories from the sea

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I grew up surrounded by boats. I spent my summers at a cottage on a lake in Canada...

Jun 06, 2023

Greece vs croatia: where to travel next.

Got visions of the Med dancing in your head?

Apr 03, 2018

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Croatia was made for sailing, with a gorgeous coastline, delicious Dalmatian...

Oct 15, 2014

Cruising the continent: we reveal....

When sailing in Europe, you have to slap yourself every once in a while to make...

Feb 06, 2020

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Feb 23, 2017

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This week we're proud to introduce our very first female sailing skipper, Judy....

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Crewed Yacht Charters combince the service & luxury of a 5* Hotel with absoloute freedom to explore the worlds most amazing destinations without ever having to think about the logistics & crowds. If you want the excitement of being on the water, the privacy of your own yacht, with the absoloute highest level of luxury and service, then a crewed yacht charter is for you!

Crewed Yacht Charters are luxury yacht rentals that have dedicated crew experienced in making this the vacation of a lifetime for you. They are experts in the local areas that you will visit, and take care of everything from the cooking & cleaning, to sailing & safety. Whether this is your first private yacht charter, or you’re a seasoned sailor, you can sit back and relaxing, safe in the knowledge that your expertly trained crew will take care of your every need

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Discover an experience unlike any other aboard our fleet of superyachts, Evrima , Ilma , and Luminara .

Epicurean Delights

Experience a culinary journey unlike any on land with innovative menus capturing cultural traditions of each port visited.

Luxurious Suites

Designed for the comfort of luxury travelers and each with its own terrace, the yacht's suite experience is unparalleled at sea.

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With nearly as many staff members as guests, our unwavering commitment to service takes to sea.

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Feel at ease in your private oasis at sea, with included service and amenities that set a new standard for luxury travel.

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The onboard spa is the ultimate in relaxation at sea, inviting guests to indulge in scents and delights from around the world.

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A voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an unprecedented opportunity to be untethered. Here, freedom and flexibility allow immersion in life's exceptional experiences; exploration of earth's exquisite and unexpected hideaways; and stirring of passions and curiosities that create new and deepened connections.

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The Best Places to Learn How to Sail, From the Greek Islands to the Florida Keys

By Hannah Towey

Sailing is one of the best ways to explore some of the most beautiful, untouched coastal destinations around the globe. But from the outside, learning how to sail might seem like an intimidating—and expensive—pursuit.

However, learning to sail isn’t as difficult as it might seem. And contrary to what some may believe, “sailing is for everyone,” Zeke Quezada, the Director of Communications at American Sailing (ASA) tells Condé Nast Traveler.

“It is important to understand that anyone can sail, and it is really easy to learn,” Quezada says. “Sailing is not just for the affluent; head into a community sailing club at your local marina, and you'll have options to get out on the water for little to no cost.”

While mastering the art of sailing takes consistent practice, hopeful captains looking for a crash-course to jumpstart their journey may consider a sailing vacation . These educational charters allow you to fully immerse yourself in the nautical lifestyle —and you can earn official certifications along the way. On these types of trips, “you have a qualified skipper on board who is offering instruction, as well as advice on how to become a safe and confident sailor,” Quezada explains. “The best part is that you can have your family onboard, and everyone is having a vacation while you check off the bucket list item of learning to sail.”

When planning your first sailing trip , look for trips and schools that offer credentialed schools and instructors; organizations such as ASA, US Sailing, and the Royal Yacht Association are internationally recognized. By following these certification tracks, you can become licensed to sail a charter without a captain on board, also known as a “bareboat charter.” Though not required in some places, a bareboat certification makes it much easier (and safer) to rent your own boat .

No matter which route you take, sailing is a lifelong skill that will open doors to a community of people passionate about getting out on the water and protecting the oceans. “Most importantly, you will learn how to sit back, turn off the phone, and feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face,” says Quezada. “You might start listening to Jimmy Buffet as well.”

Below, we’ve rounded up the best places around the world for learning how to sail—including destinations in North America , Europe , Asia , and Australia —plus, the sailing courses and trips to book in 2024.

The Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands are some of the best training grounds for novice sailors “because of their line-of-sight sailing, predictable wind, and sailor-friendly destinations,” Quezada says. “In the BVI, you can learn to sail and have a beach vacation simultaneously.”

If you’re looking to get your bareboat license, there are several ASA-certified sailing schools in the BVI and US Virgin Islands. Offshore Sailing School , one of the world's preeminent sailing institutions, offers fast track courses for all levels of sailing. Alternatively, charter a captained catamaran, one of the most popular ways to explore the Caribbean.

Florida Keys

Warm temperatures, calm turquoise waters, and consistent easterly winds make the Florida Keys one of the best places to learn to sail in the US. Stay at the Key Lime Sailing Club and cottages resort on Buttonwood Sound in Key Largo and take lessons at the American Sailing Academy , located onsite.

Alternatively, outdoor education organization Outward Bound, which offers program scholarships, is hosting a Florida Keys sailing excursion for adults in March/April 2025. Participants will live on a 30-foot open sailboat for slightly over a week learning beginner, intermediate, and advanced skills in chart and compass navigation, small boat seamanship, weather observation, and anchoring.

Greek Islands

With its calm, clear waters and warm Mediterranean climate, the Ionian sea offers ideal conditions for beginner sailors. Quezada recommends sailing down the western coast of Greece and the island of Corfu, where Fairwinds Sailing School offers “learn to sail” vacations from April to October. For a route closer to Athens, join a flotilla and hop between the Argo-Saronic Islands in the Aegean Sea, but be aware that the Meltemi winds, which are especially strong during July and August, can make for trickier sailing conditions in this region.

Sea of Cortez, Mexico

Sail through crystal clear waters between a whopping 971 uninhabited islands in the Sea of Cortez, located between the Baja peninsula and mainland Mexico. Nautilus Sailing offers liveaboard courses on catamaran and monohull ships for sailors looking to earn their ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114 certifications from January–June and October–December. The curriculum covers sailboat terminology, engine operation, docking procedures, sail trimming, navigation rules, anchoring, weather, and maritime safety, among other skills. Plus, expect to encounter some stunning marine life, including sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, and humpback whales.

Jessica Puckett

Kimberly Wilson

Sarah James

Harrison Pierce

New England

There’s no better way to experience a quintessential New England summer than by sailboat. The sailing season in the Northeast runs from April to October, with ASA and US Sailing accredited schools located in major metropolitans like New York City and Boston as well as coastal enclaves like Newport and Cape Cod .

For adults seeking a basic introduction to the sport, US Sailing offers “first sail” lessons in dozens of locations up and down the Eastern seaboard. Pull on a striped sweater, pack a bottle of rosé, and you’re good to go!

Croatia’s Adriatic Coast is home to a vibrant sailing community with picture-perfect weather conditions. Beginner sailors will appreciate the gentle winds of Dubrovnik, the Split Islands, and Kornati National Park , whose sheltered coves and bays supply calm and predictable winds. Enjoy incredible natural wonders only accessible by boat, like the famous Blue Cave.

Student sailors can earn beginner, intermediate, and advanced ASA certifications aboard 8-day learn to sail vacations in July, August, and September 2024. Hosted by American Sailing partner Sailing Virgins, the catamaran and monohull ships—each a minimum of 40 feet with 3-5 cabins—visit the Croatian islands of Brac, Korčula, Šćedro, Komiža, Vis, and Hvar.

Gulf of Thailand

The Gulf of Thailand offers lovely year-round sailing conditions, making it an accessible and exciting destination for both beginner and advanced sailors. Most sailing schools and marinas in Thailand are based in Pattaya. Island Spirit Sailing Schoo l offers an eleven-day “zero to hero” course that combines crew and skipper training, including land-based and overnight sea lessons.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Located in Northeast Australia, the Whitsunday Islands are a year-round sailing mecca and idyllic gateway to the Great Barrier Reef . Brisk southeast trade winds blow throughout the winter season, attracting sailors from across the country to annual sailing races hosted on Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach. For beginner sailors, Mainstay Sailing offers introductory courses certified by the internationally-recognized Royal Yacht Association out of the Coral Sea Marina.

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The Best New Small-Ship Cruises to Book in 2024

A uthentic. It was Merriam Webster's top searched word for 2023 and one that has dominated the travel vernacular in recent years. And while many would not necessarily associate the word with ocean cruising , the growth in popularity of small-ship cruises-particularly sailings with 500 guests or fewer-indicates that in the cruising world, passengers are seeking a more intimate, less crowded, and yes, arguably more authentic sailing experience.

Take expedition cruising , for example. As the number of adventure-focused ships and yachts has exploded in recent years, these cruises are no longer just about extreme voyages in polar regions. They are also about offering a deeper look into the culture, food, history, and environmental fragility of remote wonders of the world.

Although there isn't a huge number of new small ships being introduced, there are a few notable vessels that have either recently launched or are launching this year with a focus on the idea that smaller is not just better, but more sustainable, too. These new small-ship cruises bring with them some exciting and more immersive new itineraries to destinations both warm and wintry that have us ready to pack our bags and sail away.

Sea Cloud Cruises' "Sea Cloud Spirit"

• Suggested itinerary: Reset your mind and body on an eight-night sailing through Spain's Canary Islands and on to Morocco on a special cruise featuring experts in restorative health. Pricing starts at $4,895 per person.

What's more authentic-and sustainable-than setting sail on a tall ship where the sails are hoisted up each day by hand? Although not technically new (it was launched in 2021), the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit and its two sister ships, Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II , are upping their game in a push to introduce Sea Cloud Cruises' unique product to North American travelers. The German company has traditionally catered to German and British passengers. As part of its effort to expand its reach and appeal, Sea Cloud is adding wellness programs with daily onboard yoga and guest fitness gurus, in addition to special food- and wine-focused sailings with well-known chefs making appearances. Sea Cloud Spirit , the largest of the three-ship fleet with 69 cabins, was meticulously designed to pay homage to the original Sea Cloud , which was the world's largest private sailing yacht when Wall Street broker Edward Francis Hutton had it built in 1931 for his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post.

The Sea Cloud Spirit combines the experience of decades of traditional seamanship with the modern-day luxuries of a private yacht. Cabins range from 172-square-foot single cabins to 300-square-foot balcony suites with soaking tubs. There's a large fitness center and spa, which has a steam room, sauna, and thermal area for two; indoor and outdoor lounges; and a main dining area, plus a more casual bistro. The action, however, is out on deck, where passengers can stargaze at night or simply gaze in awe at the impressive sails blowing in the wind.

Atlas Ocean Voyages' "World Navigator"

• Suggested itinerary: Go searching for Arctic wildlife on a 12-night cruise from Reykjavík, which sails along the eastern coast of Greenland and to Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago, one of the world's northernmost inhabited areas and home to polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes, and other Nordic wildlife. Pricing starts at $6,499 per person.

World Navigator , which sailed its maiden voyage in Antarctica this past November, is the third vessel to join the fleet of one of the newest players in small-ship expedition cruising, Atlas Ocean Voyages. The company's 100-cabin expedition yachts are almost identical and provide a hybrid of sorts between traditional expedition and luxury cruising. Cabins are spacious, almost all with balconies, desks, and seating areas. The bathrooms have glass-mosaic tiled showers with rain showerheads, wall jets, and even benches.

Everything on the ship-including the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows-is designed to provide maximum views. The ships also have spacious pool decks with two hot tubs, a fitness center overlooking the sea, a spa, and water toys like kayaks and paddleboards. There's even extreme camping gear for those willing to brave an overnight under the stars in Antarctica. During North American winters, all three of Atlas's expedition yachts sail in Antarctica. With the addition of World Navigator , the company is launching more Arctic Circle cruises during the North American summers while also adding a host of new epicurean and cultural expeditions in South America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and northern Europe this year.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's "Ilma"

• Suggested itinerary: Spend a little extra time in port on a 10-day sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon, which has three overnight stays, in Palma de Mallorca and Malaga in Spain, and in Lisbon, Portugal, one of Europe's oldest cities. Pricing starts at $10,600 per person.

Another newcomer to luxury small-ship cruising is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which debuts its second ship, the Ilma , this year. With 224 suites, the ship is larger than the original Ritz-Carlton yacht, the 149-suite Evrima , which launched in October 2022. On the Ilma , all the suites will have private terraces, including a two-story suite with soaking tub; the coveted, 1,000-square-foot owner's suite has a private outdoor whirlpool. Even the smallest suites are not all that small, at 300 square feet, and come with a personal concierge and 24-hour room service. The yacht boasts what Ritz-Carlton says is the highest ratio of space per guest at sea.

And you can expect to find the same meticulous service standards that you would find at Ritz-Carlton resorts throughout the world as the line aims to impress hotel guests seeking a luxury hotel experience at sea. Onboard are five dining venues, including S.E.A., a European tasting experience designed by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany; Talaat Nam, featuring Southeast Asian cuisine and a sushi bar; and Mistral, a casual come-as-you-are alfresco grill with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Light bites are served at the marina at the aft of the ship, where you can also hop on a borrowed paddleboard. Oh, and did we mention there are two outdoor pools, too?