See full version: The Best Boat for World Voyaging
A wide range of cruising sailors participated in this survey conducted by bluewater veteran Jimmy Cornell as part of his research for World Voyage Planner, his newest book. A Web Extra from Cruising World's July 2012 issue.
A wide range of cruising sailors—57 crews of vessels fashioned out of everything from plywood to fiberglass, aluminum, and steel, from 33 to 74 feet in length, mono and multi—participated in this survey conducted by bluewater veteran Jimmy Cornell as part of his research for World Voyage Planner, his newest book.
The purpose of the survey was to determine essential features of a boat fit for a world voyage. Cornell also asked them to rate their overall level of satisfaction with their own boats. Among the 57 owners, satisfaction was quite high with the majority (47) granting their boats percentages of 90 and above. Eleven among them gave the maximum percentage, there were six at 99 percent, and twelve at 95 percent, one of the former explaining that “99 percent is about right as most will agree that 99 percent of boats are 1 foot too short,” while among the latter one owner explained that “it would have cost too much money to get rid of the final 5 percent.” more
It took Phileas Fogg’s hot air balloon 80 days to float around Earth in Jules Verne’s 1873 novel and in several “Around the World in 80 Days” films. Today, the International Space Station covers the same distance in about 90 minutes. For those who want to travel around the globe a bit closer to its surface — and in more luxurious surroundings — many cruise companies offer around-the-world sailings. Exciting ports of call, curated shore excursions, and relaxing days at sea are attracting more travelers than ever to spend months aboard ocean liners exploring the world.
Around-the-world cruises take guests to a series of well-planned destinations without the need to change hotels, arrange tours, book transfers, or — perhaps among the most attractive benefits — pack and unpack at every stop. They don’t have to worry about practical details like medical care in far-flung ports, laundry service, or currency exchanges. While on board, guests may choose to learn about their upcoming destinations or even try a new hobby from an expert in fields like photography, wine tasting, bridge, or art. Nightly entertainment, gourmet food, spa treatments, and fitness classes fill the time between ports.
Naturally, an around-the-world cruise requires planning, time, and money. The cruises range from 100 days to 245 days, although most companies allow travelers to choose one or more segments of a full cruise. Based on which ports will be visited and where to embark or disembark, many guests select just part of a world cruise. Among the many details to consider are time in each port, days at sea, amenities, stateroom, vessel size, weather, and what is included in the cost. It’s important to book early to secure desired dates and accommodations, with many of these cruises reserved years in advance. more
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady is led by highly trained expert docents. On this ninety-minute cruise, you will hear fascinating details about Chicago, including stories about the people who designed the buildings along the Chicago River. Options include both daylight tours and evening cocktail cruises.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Jeremy Clement is a full time co-founder at Project Expedition, a curated travel platform that offers access to more than 20,000 tours and excursions in destinations around the world. Based in New York City, Jeremy and his team have helped Project Expedition earn a reputation as one of the leading providers of tours and activities among travel advisors. Prior to co-founding Project Expedition, Jeremy spent seven years working in financial data and technology at Bloomberg, with long-term assignments in their New York, London, and Tokyo offices. [links]
The top 10 winners in the category Best Boat Tour Company are as follows: here
European Christmas markets date back more than 600 years, making them one of the world’s most ancient Christmas events . The “December market” in Vienna dates back to 1298, but the first true Christmas markets originated in German cities such as Bautzen (1384) and Frankfurt (1393). here
In addition to the culture of the capital city, the Caribbean’s largest island offers majestic mountains , verdant valleys, and rich Colonial history. There’s also a diverse array of wildlife in national parks and nature reserves that remain far off the beaten path of mass tourism. here
A Seychelles cruise is the best way to explore the islands’ myriad attractions. These range from idyllic beaches and abundant marine life to cities like Victoria (the country’s capital), which are rich with a unique mixture of African, British, Chinese, French, and Indian cultural influences. more
President Obama loosened the decades-long restrictions on Americans traveling to Cuba several years ago, causing a dramatic surge of interest in traveling to the Caribbean island. here
There are no words that can aptly describe the feeling of seeing countless Howler Monkeys , Iguanas, Pink River Dolphins, tropical bird species, and occasional big cats (Jaguars, Ocelots, etc.) as you glide through the forest.
Living on a boat means you’ll have a lack of personal space. If you get in a fight with your partner, there’s nowhere to run, except perhaps to the front of the boat. [links]
Before I lived on a boat, I had a glamorous view of marinas. I imagined beautiful, polished wooden docks with gorgeous boats on either side. Maybe there would be a clubhouse where people would gather and sip wine under umbrellas. Marinas would be a place of joy and laughter, where people shared in the love of boating. Everyone’s boat would work, and everyone would put time and effort into the upkeep. here
I didn’t know a thing about living on a boat when I first moved onto my boyfriend Tom’s ketch in 2016. What I did know is that I loved boats, and as a commuter, rode the Washington State ferries over 3,000 times.
But if you love adventure, freedom and water, living on a boat could be the best choice.
It’s very important that you like and enjoy your partner and share the same hobbies. You also must know how to resolve conflict, or you’ll be another one of those weird, unruly marina couples.
I do know this: living on a boat isn’t for everyone. You need a certain amount of grit and know-how to pull it off.