Civ 5

[Jackalope]

*Some* naval units are. Privateers and destroyers both have perks just for attacking cities, and as long as you pummel them into submission first, have little difficulty taking cities. Buffed privateers/destroyers are *awesome* for taking cities - but keep them out of range until you're ready to issue the coup de grace.

I usually just have them around to help with any incoming ships/in range troops. I don't like risking them being damaged by cities. They seem to take forever to repair.

I don't think I've had the chance to use privateers against cities yet. I had two in my last game but they were badly damaged fighting some insane build up of barbarians. I'll give them a go next time.

Once I reach the modern era, I'll use a few battleships, two destroyers, a few submarines in a naval group. The destroyers I *only* use to take coastal cities once they've been reduced. You're correct, they do take a long time to heal, but they are cheap to buy/produce. Should be pretty obvious enough what to do with your battleships, and submarines are for dealing with anything your opponent is stupid enough to put in the water.

I've managed to get domination victories on Large Island maps without ever using a single ground combat unit for offense.

(This is all after I've achieved naval superiority.)