Naval Trade Route

[Mariakles]

I was playing the Egyptians, stuck on a small island. Got Mapmaking, built galleys and a harbour. When I tried to contact my neighbors (the Persians who were also stuck on an island), my trade advisor tells me that I have no naval trade route. I wanted to trade wine for dyes and we both had extras.

Is this because the Persians hadn't built a harbor? What does it take to build a trade route?

On a side note, what do you guys do when you get stuck on a small island: play it out or restart?

[lawren8]

Until you discover navigation, sea trade can only occur if you are connected by coastal squares. So discover navigation.

(also, your trading partner and you must both have harbors)

[Darth Sidious]

so you have to wait for him to make a harbor.
When starting a game, i build my city, and retire to see the layout of the complete map. if the is not a decent amount of light green area, grassland around or i am on an island alone, i will make a new game, otherwise i load 4000BC and play it

[Aeson]

Poor starting positions

Sometimes it is fun to play from a disadvantaged start, which is why I usually try Deity. If I get stuck on a small island, I might try an OCC game. Often I start games wanting to try a specific strategy though, then I just restart until I get the necessary starting position.