Like pods of migrating whales, the world's cruise ships swap the warm confines of the Caribbean for the coastal waters of Europe during the late spring and the summer. The two "yachts" operated by SeaDream Yacht Club are more intimate than those of luxury lines like Crystal, Seabourne, and Seven Seas, but the prices are comparable: Staterooms start at $4,000 per week (seadreamyachtclub.com).

Prices quoted are for May 2009.

CORFU, GREECE
Unlike the famously parched islands of the Aegean, Corfu, in the Ionian Sea, is large, verdant, and eminently explorable. For a variety of tours—from shopping in the port town to four-wheeling through the craggy north—contact Charitos Travel (30-26610-44611; charitostravel.gr). For a classic Greek meal, try Tavern Tripas, where aged cheeses hang from the ceiling and hundreds of wine bottles line the walls (Kinopiastes village; 30-26610-56333; entrées, $20-$30). To escape the hordes of British package tourists, visit the west coast village of Paleokastritsa, where you'll find relatively unspoiled beaches and coves.

DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
Dubrovnik is overrun with cruise ships during the summer, so if you want to amble around this town (in relative peace, visit early in the day. The best way to circumnavigate Dubrovnik is via the ancient wall. Begin at the old seat of government, the Rector's Palace, which has a (fine collection of historical artifacts, as well as a series of impressively cramped medieval cells in the dungeon (1 Knezžev Dvor; 385-20-321-422). Proceed around town to the Franciscan Monastery, and purchase a jar of rose-scented skin cream at its Old Pharmacy, dating from the 14th century (2 Placa; 385-20-321-410). Defne, in the Pucić Palace Hotel, is the city's most (lavish restaurant (1 Od Puca; 385-20-326-222; entrées, $30-$40; open May-Sept.). Save room for a scoop of wild-cherry ice cream at Fontana, in the center of town (Mali Stradun; no phone).

HVAR, CROATIA
With its network of lovely, untouristed islands, the Dalmatian Coast is a cruiser's paradise, and Hvar town, on the south coast of Hvar Island, is its capital. The town has a beautiful esplanade and is home to the Hvar Public Theater; dating from 1612, it is one of the oldest continuously running theaters in Europe (Arsenal Bldg., Main Square; 385-21-742-935). For a rustic seaside dining experience, try the coal-grilled lobsters served under an ancient olive tree at Restaurant Robinson, on Mekićcevica Bay (385-9138-35160; entrées, $5-$15). Luviji, a family-operated tavern in an old stone house on the eastern edge of town, serves grilled fish and meat, fresh-baked bread, and flagons of local wine (Iza Katedrale; 385-21-74-16-46; entrées, $10-$25).