December 2004  Email this  Print this
 License or reprint this article
TRAVEL
Come Sail Away
by Sean O’Neill
If you're thinking of heading for the high seas for your next vacation, consider hitting the Web before you set sail. Whether it's a week of snorkeling, whale-watching or leisure-cruising that you have in mind, some of the best deals for a floating holiday can be had online. Plus, find out how to charter and -- if you so desire -- pilot your own private yacht. Sailing cruises
Several cruise lines run ships that are powered by both wind in their sails and motor engines. You can find deals at their Web sites, such as advance purchase discounts of up to 25% off standard rates, free airfare to the port of departure or two-tickets-for-the-price-of-one deals.
Star Clippers.
This fleet offers true tall-ship sailing with masts that tower up to 226 feet above the waterline.
Sea Cloud Cruises. This yachting company's experience takes you as close as you can get to climbing aboard the private yachts of the super-rich. Book your rooms through the upscale tour company Abercrombie &Kent.
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. This cruise line takes special pride in its reputation for a relaxed atmosphere. You can shuck off your shoes the moment you step aboard one of these small sailing yachts -- and leave them off for the rest of the trip.
Windstar Cruises. This luxury cruise line has a following among upscale travelers, especially among those who consider standard luxury cruise lines, such as Crystal, to be too stuffy.
Book your trip online
The following online agencies specialize in booking berths on cruises, including sailing cruises. Reserve your ocean respite with one of these firms and get up to 50% off standard cruise rates.
Cruise Compete. At this online message board, 99 travel agencies vie to give you the best price for dates and itineraries you specify -- well in advance of departure or at the 11th hour. Deals are offered for sailing cruises as well as other cruises.
Small Ship Cruises. This online agency acts as a clearinghouse for deals on tiny cruise lines, some of which have sailing yachts.
Windjammercentral.com.
This Web site broadcasts deals and discounts from cruise lines that feature small schooners with tall masts and many sails.
Yacht charters
Private sailing charters give you more control over your activities than standard sailing cruises, which follow pre-planned itineraries. See "Love for Sail" in the January issue of Kiplinger's Personal Finance for more about the perks of charters, which allow you to enjoy sailing to the destinations of your choice while leaving the worries of sailing to trained crewmembers. Use the links below to get the specifics on how to charter a yacht with a crew, called a "crewed charter," or a yacht piloted by yourself, called a "bareboat charter." Prices for weeklong charters start at about $3,900 for a 43-foot long yacht with a double bed for you and your sweetheart, plus other sleeping quarters for the captain and the chef.
BoatUS Travel and Yacht Charters, Travel Charter Directory.
This brokering agency is an arm of the Boat Owners Association of the United States and has some of the best bargains we've found.
Ed Hamilton & Co.. This 33-year old charter company specializes in small-groups sailing, from family reunions to college students chartering a boat for spring break.
The Moorings. This booking agency for yacht charters is 35 years old, and has earned a reputation for superior, upscale customer service.
Ocean Voyages. For 25 years, this company has been chartering yachts and prides itself in having a fleet that spans any corner of the globe that you may want to sail.
|
GETTING STARTED