Whether you need to fit around work, school, or Schengen zone requirements, three months of cruising can make for a summer to remember. Exploring the many cruising areas in Europe within the 90-day Schengen limit requires some careful planning, but there are literally hundreds of scenarios to choose from.
Would your ideal cruising adventure see you head north to enjoy long days on the water where the sun never sleeps? Or does the warmth of the Mediterranean hold more appeal? We have six itineraries to show how it can be done for maximum cruising enjoyment with minimal paperwork.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Any non-EU resident can stay in the EU for 90 days during a 180-day period. In the Med, this is enforced by regular checks in harbours. In 2023, a new system will become operational: the EES (Entry and Exit System) which means that a passport doesn’t need to be stamped any more, but it will require special equipment for biometric checking. The current flexible system through marinas or online will therefore most likely be replaced by clearance procedures in ports of entry only. Full details are not yet known, so check this website before sailing: travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/general-information_en
NORTHERN ROUTES
If you decide to sail north from the UK, it pays to start from a port that gets you as close to your European destination as possible. This may involve sailing three or four days to the English east coast, but once you’re there you can maximise your 90 days from the best possible starting point on continental Europe.
SEVEN COUNTRIES BY DAY
Incredible though it might seem, with careful planning you can visit seven countries in 90 days while only sailing in relaxed day trips. This itinerary starts in Ramsgate, Kent, from where you cross to France via Calais. Follow the
