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July Cruises to the best Beaches | Seas the Summer

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July & August cruises—perfect for summer vacations

There’s nothing like summer vacation. No, you might not get three full months off school anymore, but even if you can only swing five or six days off work, that’s plenty of time for one of our epic July cruises. While planning ahead is always advisable, especially with our Fair & Flexible Fares that reward advance booking, a last-minute cruise will satisfy that summer vacation itch just as well. Here’s how to take advantage of the warm weather and set sail on one of our July cruises.

Best summer cruises for July 2025

When it comes to deciding where to cruise to for summer, there’s really no wrong answer. Of course, the Caribbean is a tried and true standby, with pristine white sand beaches, lush jungles, and shoreside margarita bars ready to satiate your thirst in the summer heat. But don’t overlook our truly stunning ports in the Mediterranean or the Greek Islands. You could be spending your July strolling down the ancient streets of Santorini admiring the famous whitewashed architecture, wine tasting in the vineyards of Italy, or partying in Ibiza.

Best 4th of July Cruise Deal

One of the best 4th of July travel sales, this limited-time offer of free drinks + 70% off second Sailor also gives you a free balcony upgrade along with big savings—making July and August the perfect time to book an epic summer cruise. With warm weather and top destinations in full swing, this deal adds luxury to your summer cruise without the extra cost.

Best Summer Caribbean Cruises

Don’t let summer sail by—book a Caribbean cruise for July or August and soak up the sun, sea, and adults-only fun in paradise.

Cruise from Miami, Florida, to Grand Cayman, Costa Maya & more

This 7-night Western Caribbean getaway leaves from the always-magical port of Miami and spends a day acclimating to vacay-vibes with a day at sea on the way to George Town, Grand Cayman — whose 7-mile beach is only the surface of everything it has to offer. Then spend a day sailing to captivating Costa Maya before another sea-day to the bodacious beach club at Bimini before returning to Miami.

Things to Know

Cruise Ship: Valiant Lady
Embarkation Port: PortMiami
Ports of Call (Stops): 

  • George Town, Grand Cayman
  • Costa Maya, Mexico
  • The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas

Cruise trip duration: 7 nights
Round Trip: Yes
Prices from: $255 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)

Cruise from Miami, Florida, to Grand Turk, Puerto Plata & more

This 7-night Eastern Caribbean respite starts in the magical city of Miami and spends two days sailing to Puerto Plata, where your adventure can run the gamut from exploring the various beach-side bars to exploring an excavated shipwreck. Next you’ll hit the silver coasts of Grand Turk and spend an idyllic days at sea sailing to the beach club at Bimini before returning to Miami.

Things to Know

Cruise Ship: Valiant Lady
Embarkation Port: PortMiami
Ports of Call (Stops): 

  • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
  • Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
  • The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas

Cruise trip duration: 7 nights
Round Trip: Yes
Prices from: $301 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)

Cruises from Miami, Florida, to Key West & Bimini

Celebrate summer with a short Caribbean jaunt from Miami to Bimini, Bahamas, on our Fire & Sunset Soirées cruise. Stopping at Key West and our exclusive Beach Club at Bimini, this itinerary is a little sampler of Caribbean sunshine that you can enjoy over a long weekend. This itinerary is perfect for your first-time cruise or for a quick getaway from the everyday life.

Things to Know

Cruise Ship: Valiant Lady
Embarkation Port: PortMiami
Ports of Call (Stops): 

  • Key West, Florida
  • The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas

Cruise trip duration: 4 nights
Round Trip: Yes
Prices from: $220 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)

Cruises from Miami to Mexico

The Riviera Maya cruise is a dreamer’s gateway to Cozumel (Playa del Carmen) and Tulum. Arriving from Miami and departing late with an additional day and night spent at The Beach Club at Bimini, you’ll have plenty of time to see each port from every sun and moonlit angle.

Things to Know

Cruise Ship: Valiant Lady
Embarkation Port: PortMiami
Ports of Call (Stops):

  • Miami, Florida
  • Cozumel, Mexico
  • The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas

Cruise trip duration: 5 nights
Round Trip: Yes
Prices from: $170 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)

Comedy Fest Cruise from Miami to Mexico & Bimini

Get ready to laugh your aft off when the legendary Queen of Comedy, Sommore, headlines our Miami Comedy Fest alongside a lineup of today’s funniest performers. On this 5-night comedy cruise from Miami to Costa Maya and The Beach Club at Bimini, the ocean views won’t be the only thing making you smile ear to ear.

Things to Know

Cruise Ship: Valiant Lady
Embarkation Port: PortMiami
Ports of Call (Stops):

  • Costa Maya, Mexico
  • The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas

Cruise trip duration: 5 nights
Round Trip: Yes
Prices from: $210 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)

Best Summer Holiday Europe Cruises

Set your sights on Europe this summer—July and August are perfect for a Mediterranean cruise or Greek island-hopping adventure. Warm weather, historic ports, and late sunsets make it the ideal time to explore, unwind, and sail in style.

Cruises from Athens, island-hopping Greek islands

Take a trip back in time to ancient Greece on our 7-night Greek Island Glow cruise. Embark on a Greek odyssey island-hopping through Greece, from Athens to the most idyllic Greek Isles in the Med — like Santorini, Rhodes, and Bodrum (Turkey). With an overnight in the glamorous hot spot of Mykonos, you can immerse yourself in the quiet charm of the island and attend those world-famous beach club parties.

Things to Know 

Cruise Ship: Resilient Lady
Embarkation Port: Piraeus Port of Athens
Ports of Call (Stops):

  • Santorini, Greece
  • Rhodes, Greece
  • Bodrum, Turkey
  • Mykonos, Greece

Cruise trip duration: 7 nights
Round Trip: Yes
Prices from: $189 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)

Cruises from Athens to Istanbul, Santorini & more

This 11-night bucket-list cruise trip of a lifetime leaves from Athens, spends a day at sea on the way to absolutely iconic Istanbul for 2-days of endless exploration before spending another day at sea on the way to Kusadasi followed by Mykonos and Rhodes before arriving in the sultry sand of Santorini. Then spend the day in Chania, Crete & a final day of at-sea self-care before returning to Athens.

Things to Know 

Cruise Ship: Resilient Lady
Embarkation Port: Piraeus Port of Athens
Ports of Call (Stops):

  • Istanbul, Turkey
  • Ephesus (Kuşadasi), Turkey
  • Mykonos, Greece
  • Rhodes, Greece
  • Santorini, Greece
  • Chania (Souda Bay), Crete, Greece

Cruise trip duration: 11 nights
Round Trip: Yes
Prices from: $159 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)

Cruise from Rome to Italy & France

This 7-night sojourn leaves from the iconic city of Rome before hitting Naples, arguably one of the most idyllic Mediterranean stops to indulge in mouthwatering cuisine while appreciating the otherworldly views. Next, you’ll make your way to Palermo before spending a day at sea on your way to Marina di Carrara and one day sailing to Ajaccio before returning to Barcelona.

Things to Know 

Cruise Ship: Scarlet Lady
Embarkation Port: Civitavecchia (Rome)
Ports of Call (Stops): 

  • Pompeii/Capri (Naples), Italy
  • Palermo, Sicily, Italy
  • Tuscany/Cinque Terre (Marina di Carrara), Italy
  • Ajaccio, Corsica, France
  • Barcelona

Cruise trip duration: 7 nights
Round Trip: No
Prices from: $1,433 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)

Cruise from Barcelona to Florence, Rome, Palma & more

Beginning in Barcelona, this 7-night Mediterranean journey first hits Palma de Mallorca before spending a day at sea sailing to one of France’s most elegant cities, Cannes. Next, you’ll see idyllic Ajaccio, Corsica before docking in Livorno – the gateway to Tuscany, where you can experience both Florence and Pisa, before spending a day at sea on your way to your final destination of Rome.

Things to Know

Cruise Ship: Scarlet Lady
Embarkation Port: Barcelona – World Trade Centre
Ports of Call (Stops): 

  • Palma de Mallorca, Spain
  • Cannes, France
  • Ajaccio, Corsica, France
  • Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy
  • Rome (Civitavecchia)

Cruise trip duration: 7 nights
Round Trip: No
Prices from: $170 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)

A Virgin Celebration Voyage (Lisbon)

Our Virgin Celebration Voyages are packed with exclusive programming and behind-the-scenes peeks at Virgin brand history. Not to mention some pretty epic new experiences — with a special performance by headliner Melanie C. You may know her best as Sporty Spice, but Mel is bringing her scorching solo repertoire to the Virgin decks for an unforgettable show.

Things to Know

Cruise Ship: Scarlet Lady
Embarkation Port:  Lisbon Cruise Port

Ports of Call (Stops): 

  • Porto (Leixões), Portugal
  • La Coruña, Spain
  • Portsmouth

Cruise trip duration: 5 nights
Round Trip: No
Prices from: $190 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)

 

Cruise from England to Iceland & Norway

This 10-night excursion setting sail from Portsmouth first docks in Amsterdam for two full days of exploring, then sails to Bergen, Norway and Lerwick, Scotland. Next, you’ll head to the magical island of Iceland – where you’ll dock in Akureyri and Reykjavik – the land of fire and ice that’s loaded with opportunities for outdoor adventure and brilliant vistas.

Things to Know

Cruise Ship: Scarlet Lady
Embarkation Port:  Portsmouth International Port

Ports of Call (Stops): 

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Bergen, Norway
  • Lerwick/Shetland, Scotland
  • Akureyri, Iceland
  • Ísafjörður, Iceland
  • Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Reykjavik

Cruise trip duration: 10 nights
Round Trip: No
Prices from: $220 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)



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Shocking number of Brits ‘cannot identify foreign road signs when driving’

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19 hours ago

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August 10, 2025

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It can be hard to read up on all of the local laws when going on holidays, but road experts are urging Brits to learn the meanings behind local road signs to avoid accidents and fines

A survey has found most UK drivers don’t recognise key road signs abroad(Image: Getty Images)

Before you embark on your European road trip, make sure you’re up to date on the local driving laws. A new survey has revealed four in five British drivers admit they struggle to understand key road signs when driving overseas – which can have serious consequences.

In a research conducted by road experts at Ready Set Supplied, an overwhelming 80 per cent of the 440 Brits surveyed failed to correctly identify standard signage used across France, Germany, Italy, Spain and other EU countries.

Furthermore, the study also found that 87 per cent of Brits do zero preparation before driving abroad – which includes failing to glance at local driving regulations. This means that millions of drivers are using guesswork to interpret restrictions and other unfamiliar signs. It comes after UK drivers were warned over ‘avoiding’ road instead of having to follow new rule.

READ MORE: ‘Fish and chip capital’ that’s perfect for tourists named top place to visitREAD MORE: Golden beach an hour from London starred in famous film but is miles from the sea

Failure to recognise road signs can lead to accidents or fines(Image: fhm via Getty Images)

These findings come amid concerns that poor sign recognition is contributing to avoidable fines, missed turns and even potentially dangerous driving decisions when abroad.

Meanwhile, problems can also arise from the fact that sat-navs and Google Maps offer turn-by-turn directions, which don’t help drivers interpret symbols on unfamiliar roadside signs. Crucially, some of these can carry legal implications or even indicate unusual rules.

A spokesperson from Ready Set Supplied said: “Most UK drivers wouldn’t dream of driving here without understanding basic road signs. But as soon as they cross the Channel, that caution seems to disappear. The assumption is that it’ll all just make sense when you get there.”

Misunderstanding road signs can have serious consequences. These include fines for illegal parking and causing confusion, which can lead to both legal trouble and road safety issues.

This can also be dangerous when it comes to signs give advance warning of hazards like narrow passes, slippery road conditions or mandatory detours.

READ MORE: Hidden phone charge costing Brits who visit popular holiday destination £300

Experts warn that missing these cues raises the risk of sudden braking, poor positioning and even crashes. This is especially true on unfamiliar terrain.

Ready Set Supplied said: “People don’t realise that the layout and flow of roads abroad are designed with those signs in mind. If you don’t understand the system, you’re not driving safely.”

The survey also highlighted the lack of awareness around quirky local laws that can catch them off guard. For example, in many EU countries things like driving a dirty vehicle or listening to music at petrol stations can result in tickets or fines.

Experts cautioned that while drivers may assume that because they didn’t see a sign on their theory test it’s not important, that mindset won’t work outside of the UK.

To avoid running into trouble abroad, Ready Set Supplied is urging motorists to spend just ten minutes reviewing basic signage rules before hitting the road. They emphasise that a simple refresher on how foreign systems handle rules around lane priority, emergency stop areas and turn restrictions could make a massive difference.

A spokesperson explained: “Driving abroad shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. A little knowledge goes a long way—not just to avoid fines, but to genuinely protect yourself and other road users.”



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40 years through the lens: A photographer’s Tasmanian journey | The Examiner

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1 day ago

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August 9, 2025

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Since this date, the darkroom doors have had over 30 photographers go through – Neil Richardson, Peter Aylett, Maria Connors, Matthew Stanley, Will Swan, Craig Sheriff, Michelle Webb, Jeremy Smith, Eddie Safarik, Tim Hughes, Lorisse Dart, Leila Williams, Sarah Rhodes, Simon Tennant, Sharee Smith, Simon Groves, Ben Vos, Glenn Daniels, Mark Jesser, Geoff Robson, Scott Gelston, Rod Thompson, Phillip Biggs and Craig George.



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6 Most Scenic Drives in Alabama

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August 9, 2025

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Known as the best state in America for freshwater diversity, Alabama is a nature lover’s paradise. However, unknown to many avid trippers, Alabama also boasts some of the most scenic drives in the country. You will enjoy heart-gripping views at thousands of feet above sea level, then swooping down to take in delicious waterfront views along the state’s white-sand beaches. Some roads cut through dense forests and deep canyons. Meanwhile, others showcase rolling hills, old barns, and other elements of a bygone era. Keep reading to discover the 6 most scenic drives in Alabama.

The Natchez Trace Parkway

Bridge over the Tennessee River on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Natchez Trace Parkway is a phenomenal drive that spans more than 400 miles and winds through three states, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. To a large extent, it follows the “Old Natchez Trace,” a historic artery used by American Indians, slave traders, soldiers, and even future presidents. You only need a minute on the historic parkway, and you will immediately appreciate why it is ranked as one of America’s 10 best biking roads. The Alabama segment spans slightly more than 30 miles in the state’s northwest corner, but its visual effect is profound in both scope and intensity. It starts on the Mississippi border, a few miles southwest of Cherokee, and winds through to the Tennessee border near Stewartville. Highlights include Colbert Ferry Park, named for Chickasaw George Colbert, and Freedom Hills Overlook, which features a steep, quarter-mile trail that leads to Alabama’s highest point on the parkway.

Alabama State Route 65

A birding trail in Paint Rock, Alabama.

There are road trips that leave you yawning at the dull expanse of sameness. Others give a sense of rural calm, especially as they feature curvy, tree-lined segments and offer tasty views that set the heart purring with joy and anticipation. Alabama State Route 65 (not to be confused with Interstate 65) is curvy but incredibly peaceful. Think of old barns, historic homesteads, and weathered farm structures. People skip it for long drives and big names, but this 27-mile eye candy is such a revelation, notably for the fact that it cuts through the entire length of the Paint Rock Valley, described as “the Little Sister to Virginia’s Shenandoah.” The route starts from near the slow-paced town of Gurley and leaps through the mountainous regions of northeastern Alabama to Francisco near the Tennessee border. Roy B. Whitaker Paint Rock River Preserve in Paint Rock has nice, flat trails to explore, while Curly Putman Park in Princeton is photo-worthy in every direction.

Selma To Tuskegee Through Montgomery

Aerial view of Selma, Alabama.

A significant portion of the route from Selma to Tuskegee through Montgomery is the historic Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, which commemorates one of the most consequential moments in the history of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. A confrontation between peaceful protestors and law enforcement officers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge pricked the conscience of the nation and sent sympathetic shockwaves across the globe. The route’s starting point is the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Selma, while the Alabama State Capitol marks the endpoint on the other side. An extension to the vibrant college town of Tuskegee winds through peaceful rolling countryside tastefully punctuated with forested stretches. Highlights include the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, where a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. stands, and the Lowndes Interpretive Center (White Hall), a nostalgic spot dedicated to participants of the historic march.

Talladega Scenic Drive

Sunset At Cheaha overlook in Cheaha State Park, Alabama.

Talladega Scenic Drive, also known as State Route 281 in Alabama, extends from U.S. Route 78 west of Heflin, a Hallmark-worthy town that serves as the gateway to the Southern Appalachian Mountains, to the intersection of two forest roads in the Talladega National Forest around Adams Gap, about 11 miles northwest of Lineville. It winds through the southernmost extension of the Appalachian Mountains and boasts some of the best vistas in the South, including Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state. Rock outcroppings and small rural settlements dot the stretch, sitting as mesmerized witnesses to nature’s incredible grandeur, vastness, and majesty. There are several scenic overlooks to stop and pull over. You can then hide at the Cheaha State Park and explore the jaw-dropping trails around.

Lookout Mountain Parkway

Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Alabama. Editorial credit: Jimmy Rooney / Shutterstock.com

Lookout Mountain Parkway is a two-lane gem that spans approximately 93 miles and effortlessly imprints itself on the minds and memories of those lucky enough to experience its poetic beauty. The parkway starts outside the gates of Gadsden’s Noccalula Falls Park, where a path leads to a photogenic view of Noccalula Falls, a 90-foot waterfall steeped in Native American myth. The park and waterfall are in Gadsden, once Alabama’s second-most important commercial and industrial hub. The Alabama section of the parkway ends at the Georgia-Alabama border near Mentone before crossing into the Peach State. If you find Noccalula impressive, you will find DeSoto Falls, one of the most photographed attractions in Alabama, nothing short of stupendous. A short detour will take you to another unmissable highlight on the Lookout Mountain Parkway: the sandstone cliffs of the Little River Canyon.

Barbour County Governors’ Trail

Octagon House, Clayton, Alabama.

Barbour County Governors’ Trail has a giveaway name that easily reveals its overarching focus: the Alabama governors who called Barbour County home. The trail features 8 governors, including those with historical significance such as Governor Shorter, a strong secessionist and a co-author of the Confederate constitution. Still, despite its name, the Barbour County Governors’ Trail is not exclusively about governors. You can pass by the Octagon House in Clayton, which served as Union cavalry headquarters during the Civil War years. Alternatively, you can explore the gorgeous Blue Springs State Park, which features several attractions, including a spring-fed swimming pool. The trail begins in Clio and continues northeast through Louisville to downtown Clayton.

The Takeaway

Besides being some of the best stress-relievers out there, road trips are fun, enjoyable, and often come with a euphoric sense of freedom and adventure. Alabama, one of the most diverse states in America, is home to some surprisingly beautiful drives. The best part is that the drives travel the whole gamut: From the flat terrains with shimmering water views to cloud-grazing pathways with panoramic vistas. Depending on your pick, you can also enjoy a big dose of history. Keep in mind that several defining events associated with the Civil Rights Movement played out in Alabama, including the Selma to Montgomery March, making this state perfect for road-trip-loving history buffs.



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