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• 1. Old World Tradition
• 2. Small-Ship Cruises
• 3. Culture Cruises
• 4. Outdoor Adventure Cruises
• 5. Family Cruises
• 6. Gay and Lesbian Cruises
• 7. Themed Cruises
• 8. Guide to Cruising Regions

Small-Ship Cruises

THE VIBE: Ply the water on an intimate sailing ship with a yachtlike ambience. Offering minimal onboard activities, the experience is all about the pleasures of sailing (guests are encouraged to take the helm and handle the lines). Water sports, especially diving, are a mainstay as well.

EMBARK ON: Star Clipper’s Royal Clipper, sporting five masts and 42 sails, is a perfect replica of the largest and fastest sailing ship ever built: the 1902 square-rigged Preussen. Engines are only used for docking assistance, so you’ll be silently gliding to sleepy Greek Isle villages or secluded Caribbean bays.

ULTIMATE ITINERARY: Royal Clipper’s 12-day cruise to Spain and Morocco departs October 11, 2008, and features the Spanish islands of Ibiza, Minorca, and Mallorca; three ports in Morocco; and then Italy, Spain, and Portugal. From $3,365/person

NOTA BENE: Since this is an authentic Clipper ship, there’s a truly nautical feel onboard, with high doorjambs and steep stairs defining the interiors.

ALTERNATIVE: Windstar’s Wind Spirit, which takes 148 passengers, is similarly intimate, but its sails are more for decoration than transportation. It offers more activities and a higher class of dining and service. Try the September 27, 2008, sailing from Istanbul to Athens for impressive antiquities. From $3,399/person for 8 days

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