Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/561260
YACHT AND SMALL SHIP CRUISING If cruise liners are like floating resorts, then small ships and yachts resemble floating boutique hotels. Often surprisingly affordable, they're nimble enough to dock in off-the-beaten-path ports that larger vessels can't approach. Y 32 G O I N G P L A C E S | F A L L 2 0 1 5 Weather Use the weather to your advantage. Take your Caribbean cruise between December and May to experience the most temperate conditions. See Alaska with fewer people, and grab a lower fare, on an early-season (May) or late-season (September) sailing. W TOURS Make the most of your time in port with a tour, also known in cruising as an excursion. Ships make arrangements with local vendors to offer you a vast selection, ranging from river tubing and truffle hunting to touring a European castle with its noble host. T U.S. Cruising Cruises within the United States meander, for example, along New England's coastline or through Lewis and Clark territory via the Columbia and Snake rivers. U Valletta, Malta Often overlooked, Valletta, on the Mediterranean island of Malta, is both a living museum of baroque architecture and a bustling cultural and commercial gem, welcoming more ships every year. V Xenophile Count yourself a xenophile if you have an unquenchable curiosity about the rest of the world and its people – and consider departing from a European or Asian port. Your experiences will be enriched by guided land tours, local entertainment and the international passen- gers you'll meet on the ship. Zero in on Your Perfect Cruise Finding your perfect cruise can be a challenge, thanks to the vast offerings. Begin with your preferences and expectations. Create a wish list. Ask for advice from a CAA Travel consultant. And, most of all, indulge your dreams. Remember, it's your cruise – make it unforgettable! GP X Z (t) uniworld, (u) royal caribbean/anthem of the seas, (v) azamara club cruises, (w, y) istock, (z) celebrity cruises/celebrity reflection