Unique Sailing Adventures: How To Design, Plan, & Enhance Your Voyage
For thousands of years, people have been called to the sea. With open waters, hidden coves, and the allure of hidden depths, sailing is one of the grandest adventures for those who love the open ocean.
Planning a sailing voyage, however, takes time and coordination, which can feel daunting. This is where Riverdale Travel comes in! As professional travel consultants, Riverdale Travel can help plan and organize your sailing adventure across the open seas.
An experienced travel consultant can be an invaluable partner during your travels, offering the expertise, connections, and peace of mind you need to design, plan, and enjoy your unforgettable nautical journey.
Let’s explore how our experts can mastermind your voyage!
How Riverdale Travel Designs, Plans, & Enhances Your Sailing Adventure
As travel consultants who specialize in sailing adventures, Riverdale Travel can help guide you through the vast ocean of possibilities to coordinate a sailing trip that matches your aspirations and appetite for adventure.
Here is a breakdown of our process for planning your sailing trip.
1. The Discovery Phase
During the first phase of our trip planning process, we will help you determine where you want to go, what you want to see, and how experienced you are with sailing.
Do you want to sail the turquoise waters of the Caribbean or experience the rugged beauty of Patagonia?
Do you want to have a relaxing experience, or are you looking for high-energy activities like diving with sharks or extreme hiking?
No matter what you wish to experience, Riverdale Travel can help make it happen. Our consultants possess expert destination knowledge, which enables us to find and book the best places to visit during your sailing voyage. We have traveled the globe and put that knowledge to work, allowing you to select the length of your trip and the sights you will see, ensuring that your trip requirements are met.
After we get to know you and your travel style, we’ll proceed to Phase 2: planning.
2. Meticulous Planning
Once the design is set, our consultants handle the intricate logistics, saving you countless hours and reducing stress. We’ll select your sailing vendor and create your day-by-day itinerary, including recommendations for sights to see, food to enjoy, and accommodations to stay.
We’ll also handle booking your flights in and out of port, transfers between hotels or other accommodations, and prepare you for any visas or entry requirements for your intended destinations.
3. Enhancing Your Adventure
In addition to booking your adventure, Riverdale Travel consultants provide invaluable support and benefits that elevate your sailing adventure. This comes in the form of upgrades and perks through hotel chains and airlines, insider knowledge of your destinations, and maximizing the value of your trip by securing better value than you might on your own.
We also provide problem-solving support if you get into a jam during your trip. Our consultants are ready to address any issues that may arise. We can also help ensure every element of your sailing adventure is thoughtfully curated.
The Best Small Ships & Expedition Cruising Options
The casually elegant atmosphere of small-ship cruises is friendly, relaxing, and spontaneous, with access to smaller ports and numerous inclusive offerings.
Or try hosted sailing – enjoy additional amenities and the benefit of sailing with an experienced, personable host who is on board to ensure your cruise is more enjoyable. An on-board "By Invitation Only" party provides the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and share stories of your discoveries ashore.
These are the three top vendors that our travel consultants trust to provide outstanding and unique sailing adventures!
Star Clippers
As a premier specialty cruise line acclaimed for its unique sailing experiences aboard some of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels, Star Clippers stands out among sailing cruise lines. This is a genuine tall-ship sailing experience on some of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels, focusing on the thrill of harnessing wind power rather than relying on engines or providing mega-ship style entertainment.
Founded in 1989, the company operates a fleet of three tall ships: the flagship Royal Clipper, the largest five-masted square-sail ship in service, and its sister ships Star Clipper and Star Flyer, all designed to recapture the tradition and romance of classic clipper ships while delivering the comfort, service, and amenities of a modern cruise.
With over 30 years of experience, Star Clippers offers intimate cruises for a limited number of guests, allowing visits to ports often inaccessible to conventional cruise liners, particularly in regions like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and transatlantic crossings.
Guests enjoy fine dining, complimentary water sports, themed cruises such as yoga sailings, and a laid-back, yacht-style atmosphere renowned for its charm and personal service. The line is dedicated to sustainable tourism and appeals to travelers seeking both adventure under sail and the elegance of a private yacht experience.
UnCruise Adventures
These small-ship expedition cruises focus on immersive, low-impact travel and genuine adventure in some of the world’s most pristine and less-visited destinations. Operating a fleet of boutique yachts and ships carrying just 22 to 86 guests, UnCruise delivers personalized service and flexible itineraries that prioritize wildlife encounters, nature exploration, and authentic connections with local cultures.
All-inclusive fares cover expertly guided activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, skiff excursions, and engaging naturalist presentations, along with gourmet meals and all necessary adventure gear for the journey. The company's strong commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism and local community engagement sets it apart from traditional cruise lines. Destinations range from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest to Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Galápagos, and beyond.
With UnCruise, guests are invited to “leave the charted course,” venturing into secluded coves, interacting with local communities, and experiencing each region up close, away from large crowds and rigid schedules.
Hurtigruten
Renowned for its authentic coastal voyages along Norway’s breathtaking fjords and Arctic waters, Hurtigruten offers a travel experience deeply rooted in over 130 years of tradition. The company operates a distinctive fleet of ships that combine comfort with no-frills adventure, carrying fewer than 1,000 guests, and often as few as 500, to ensure an intimate atmosphere focused on enjoying Norway’s dramatic scenery and vibrant local culture.
The classic Coastal Express route connects the southern city of Bergen to Kirkenes in the far north, stopping at up to 34 diverse ports – from bustling cities to remote villages – making Hurtigruten not just a cruise line but also a vital lifeline for local communities. Voyages are characterized by award-winning Norwegian cuisine, casual onboard ambiance, and immersive shore excursions, from Northern Lights hunting in winter to visiting the iconic Lofoten islands.
Hurtigruten is also committed to sustainability, with certifications reflecting its dedication to minimizing environmental impact and supporting Norwegian society. For travelers seeking a genuine adventure off the beaten path, a connection to local life, and unrivaled natural wonders, Hurtigruten stands out as a uniquely Norwegian journey.
Book Your Sailing Adventure Through Riverdale Travel
From 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to Pirates of the Caribbean, literature and movies have expanded our imagination of sea adventures. If you’ve always dreamed of seeing dolphins swimming alongside your ship while sailing into the sunset, Riverdale Travel is here for you!
Whether you are a novice or an experienced sailor, we take the stress out of planning your vacation. Choosing Riverdale Travel as your professional travel consultants will ensure you have an amazing sailing adventure to remember forever.
Call us today for more information at 763-323-3665 or book a consultation online!