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This Gorgeous New Ship Is the Only Cruise in the World Sailed by Hand

The new Sea Cloud Spirit will sail the Caribbean this winter, and then cruise the Mediterranean for summer 2024.

Carlo Raciti

Watching the tightly choreographed deck crew scale the riggings, swaying slightly in the breeze, to hoist the sails on the fully rigged windjammer a few miles off Nice, France, I felt my stomach knot up. 

An avid sailor, I have never ascended higher than the boom, let alone strap myself in with mountain climber–like safety gear and step up through ropes to “set the sails.” The sails on Sea Cloud Spirit , a three-mast, square-rigged tall ship, measure a whopping 44,100 square feet. It takes 22 professional square-rigged vessel seamen and deckhands around 45 minutes to raise all 28 sails. 

According to Sea Cloud Cruises CEO Daniel Schäfer, this Malta-flagged ship, custom-built in Vigo, Spain, and launched in 2021, is the only sail-powered cruise ship in the world that is “hand-sailed.” That’s with the exception of electric-powered winches, which tighten the sheets (or the ropes that trim the sails). It’s a glorious sight to see and a key reason passengers choose to cruise with Sea Cloud. “About half of our passengers are sailors or have something to do with the water,” Schäfer told me.

Sea Cloud Spirit

• Sailing is embedded deep in Sea Cloud Cruises’ DNA, so don’t miss the setting of the sails on sea days.
• Sea Cloud Spirit operates an open bridge policy, so pay a visit to see the state-of-the-art navigational systems and have a chat with the friendly officers on duty.
• All 69 rooms are sea-facing, with Veranda and Junior Veranda Suites featuring balconies.
• The food on board is excellent, from the Lido deck buffet to the fine-dining indoor restaurant.
• The ship’s small size ensures an enviable central docking position close to the action when calling at cities like Barcelona and Marseille, France.

Dennis Carbocci had done his homework before booking back-to-back cruises aboard Sea Cloud Spirit . I met him and his wife, Pamela, on their second week-long Mediterranean cruise, this one tracing the Italian and French Rivieras before schmoozing into the Balearic Sea under the warm October sun. 

“This is, like, real sailing. With all the sails up and heavy wind, it really is exhilarating,” Dennis said.

Sea Cloud Cruises isn’t new to boutique luxury sailing. The small Hamburg, Germany–based company has been around for more than four decades and prides itself on its sophisticated European hospitality.

Christoph Mayer, an occasional sailor, has previously sailed on Sea Cloud II , while his parents have taken five or six cruises on the elegant vessels. It was his first time sailing together with them, along with his girlfriend and aunt. But Sea Cloud is the flagship; the one that started it all. Wall Street broker Edward Francis Hutton commissioned the vessel in 1931, the world’s largest private sailing yacht at the time, and allowed his wife, businesswoman and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post, to furnish the interiors with lavish antiques. With a long and fascinating history, the 64-passenger ship is still sailing the high seas and has ardent devotees.  At 452 feet and a 136-passenger capacity with 85 crew on board, Sea Cloud Spirit is the largest of the company’s three vessels — but it still has an intimate feel. More spacious than Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II , it retains classic windjammer lines and lacquered timber finishes throughout. 

One afternoon, the wind picked up, reaching around the mid- to high-20 knots, and the skies turned overcast. I watched in amazement as Katia Jarosławowna Plewińska, one of two female deck crew, fastened the lower sails. 

Like every bonafide sailing yacht, Sea Cloud Spirit heels (leans) when the sails are up. This makes for a smooth ride, even in choppy seas. All you hear is the water gliding beneath the hull. Powered by two silent diesel electric engines, the only noise is the engine’s generators, which operate intermittently.

Here, everything you need to know about Sea Cloud Spirit — and what it was like to be one of the first on board.

The Staterooms 

My luminous, spacious, 237-square-foot Junior Veranda Suite featured an exceedingly private 65-square-foot balcony with two deck chairs. 

With just enough motion to rock me to sleep, I snoozed like a baby on the firm German-made Dr. Weidner mattress atop a twin bed that can be converted into a double. During the day, I often left the balcony door open to let the sea breeze flow in. 

Glossy mahogany woodwork throughout, from the dual walk-in wardrobes and bathroom cabinets to the vanity dresser, lends a classy Old World ambiance. Judging by details such as 23-karat gold–plated light fixtures illuminating sailing-themed paintings, no expense has been spared. 

Bathrooms in the Veranda and Junior Veranda Suites have Jacuzzi-equipped bathtubs, Villeroy & Boch fittings, and ample storage space. Black and gold mosaics set off bisque-hued marble tiles. 

All 69 cabins offer sea views with ample natural light. Shades of warm apricot, chocolate, navy, ochre, and rust red bring warmth to furnishings and bedding. Grand staterooms on the Lido deck offer unimpeded views to the sea through windows that open, while Deluxe and Superior staterooms have portholes. The smallest rooms are the Superior staterooms, ranging from 172 to 205 square feet, and the Superior Single staterooms, at 140 square feet. Veranda and Junior Veranda Suite accommodations include complimentary laundry service. 

Veranda Suite 318 is the most luxurious, with 301 square feet of space, an 86-square-foot balcony, three arched windows, and an L-shaped sofa that converts into a full-size fold-out bed.

Bars and Restaurants 

The best seat in the house was aft, on the Lido deck, soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine with a flute of Champagne. Indeed, I picked up a pointer or two at informative, fun, expert-led Champagne tastings zeroing in on boutique estates. Beyond the rare magnums, I discovered Sea Cloud places a premium on dining. As part of a gastronome-geared itinerary set to expand in 2024-25, the pièce de résistance was a dinner orchestrated by two guest chefs who helm Michelin-starred restaurants. Tristan Brandt, whose Miami-based Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt earned its first star in May 2023, and Niklas Oberhofer illustrated their trademark Asian-infused modern French cuisine with an exquisite five-course menu. Carabinero shrimp with celery, miso, and yuzu and poached egg with cauliflower, parmesan, and black truffle triumphed. 

Chef de cuisine Florian Schneider’s in-house culinary team proved near faultless, both at the refined indoor restaurant in the evenings and the open-air Lido deck, where rather epic breakfast and lunch buffets were served. On separate days, hotel manager Elias Stamatopoulos prepared divine ceviche from whole tuna and swordfish sourced from Naples, Italy. 

Departing Marseille, I had my French onion soup prayers answered. While docked at Barcelona’s city-center harbor, I tucked into terrific tapas, better than those I had ashore the last time I was in the Catalonian capital. That evening, Sea Cloud veteran bar manager Anton Campos whipped up a lush piña colada for me.

Where Sea Cloud Spirit Sails 

In November, Sea Cloud Spirit made its 16-night Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean, drawing sailing purists yearning to catch the famed trade winds and switch off. Through early January, the ship will cruise in the Caribbean, calling in at small ship destinations like Bequia, in the Grenadines; Dominica; and the BVI’s Jost Van Dyke. 

In February, chef Cindy Hutson, of Coral Gables, Florida, restaurant Ortanique , and naturalist Stephen Weston will be on board for an 11-night cruise through Costa Rica’s wildlife-rich national parks and Panama’s remote Coiba National Park followed by a daylight Panama Canal crossing and a jaunt to the San Blas archipelago. From May to June, a culinary-themed cruise will take in destinations such as Bilbao, Spain; Bordeaux, France; and La Rochelle, France, followed by a late summer sojourn in Portugal’s Azores, which should be pretty spectacular. 

From September to October, Sea Cloud Spirit will sail between Malta, Italian destinations including Syracuse, Taormina, Salerno, and Amalfi; Sardinia; Corsica; and St. Tropez, France, among other Mediterranean ports. The vessel will return to Barcelona when it hosts The America’s Cup in early October 2024 and fans of yacht racing’s biggest event won’t want to miss out on the action. Learn more about the sailings here .

Shore Excursions 

It was tough choosing shore excursions. I envied fellow passengers who opted for adventurous options like hiking the Camino de Ronda along rocky trails in Spain’s Costa Brava. Instead, I delved into the history and culture of provincial towns and cities like Girona and Tarragona with walking tours led by enthusiastic on-the-ground guides. With its mix of Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic architecture, Aix-en-Provence, reached via Marseille, was a revelation. A little rain failed to dampen guide Annette Orru’s in-depth introduction to the vibrant cobblestoned university town, with its Roman Empire origins, stately 18th-century mansions, and stories about the city’s most famous son, Paul Cézanne.

Tour guide Patty Witzigmann’s intriguing onboard Salvador Dalí presentation had me pining for a visit to the museum-theatre dedicated to the eccentric artist in his home town Figueres, Spain. In Barcelona, I lucked out with guide Evgueni Agaltsev Kosmata, whose passion for Antoni Gaudí was palpable. Whisking our small group through the Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets, away from the crowds, we reached Palau Güell for a private, after-hours tour. Kosmata proceeded to show us this architectural wonder, a mansion designed by a young Gaudí who masterfully melded Gothic, art nouveau, and Islamic elements, in mind-blowing detail. 

Amenities and Entertainment

With the weather still warm, the sun loungers on the top deck were a popular spot for a post-breakfast or -lunch snooze and, of course, to admire the sails harnessing the breeze and propelling us to our next destination. Also on the top deck: a decently sized gym with sea views and all the equipment you could need. 

On the Lido deck, above the bow, is a stately, well-stocked library. One day, when the wind was howling, I retreated to its sunlight-strewn interior and leafed through books like "Fifty Places to Sail Before You Die," while daydreaming about my future sailboat. 

In the evenings preceding a sea day, I joined impromptu parties deejayed by David Hoffmann on the Lido deck that promptly turned somewhat surreal. One night, the ship’s gentle rolling motion saw us involuntarily and hilariously line-dancing till late. Sea Cloud Spirit is one solid vessel though; our shenanigans failed to disturb fellow sleeping sailors. One afternoon, I slipped away for a deep-tissue massage in the spa, where therapist Adriana got to work, quietly pummeling away deep-seated knots from my shoulder blades with butterfly-like techniques I hadn’t felt before. I couldn’t even drag my body to the Finnish sauna after.

Family-friendly Offerings

Children, from the age of 12 months, are more than welcome on board Sea Cloud Spirit, but the truth is it has more of an adults-only feel. There are no children’s facilities on board. Certainly, the ship works well for a multi-generational cruise vacation for those with children in their 20s and up and, particularly, for special occasions like milestone birthdays and anniversaries. Sea Cloud Spirit is also available for private charter. 

Accessibility

Given the nature of this ship, there are no ADA-compliant rooms on Sea Cloud Spirit . There is, however, an elevator between decks and bathrooms are equipped with rubber shower mats and handrails.

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Sea Cloud Spirit Review — An Elegant Caribbean Adventure Under Sail

Dec 28, 2023 | 0

Sea Cloud Spirit Review

By Anne Kalosh , with select images and videos by Peter Knego

On the gorgeous tall ship Sea Cloud Spirit , I found the Caribbean of my dreams. Under 44,132 square feet/4,100 square meters of billowing sails, I discovered gems of the Lesser Antilles in all their glory.

At each harbor we visited, our three-masted, square-rigged windjammer was the biggest and most beautiful yacht, drawing admiring looks from everyone.

We visited:

• Tiny, French chic Terre-de-Haut in the Iles des Saintes (part of Guadeloupe);
• Stunning Soufrière, St. Lucia with its towering pitons, botanical gardens and drive-in volcano;
• Tobago Cays, a pristine marine park;
• Chatham Bay, a yacht harbor on Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
• Colorful Port Elizabeth, Bequia, also in the Grenadines;
• And lush Cabrits, Dominica, where I saw more rainbows in a day than in the rest of my entire life.

It was a sophisticated yet casual experience on a luxuriously quirky ship.

Sea Cloud Spirit ‘s daily rates, starting at about $850 with port charges, drinks and tips included, put it squarely in the luxury realm. (Current wave-season booking offers reduce the starting fare on some sailings to about $700 a day.)

The accommodations are glam, though suites aren’t as large as on luxury ocean ships. The dining offers many luxe and locally sourced ingredients, but is not as refined as, say, Silversea’s or Seabourn’s.

And since this is sailing, not conventional cruising, you’ll be outside, with wind in your hair, most of the time.

Sea Cloud Spirit Review – Sailing In The Caribbean Dec 4-12, 2023

Over eight nights on the spacious Sea Cloud Spirit, at times I felt like I was on my own yacht. With just 55 passengers on a vessel with capacity for 136, it was always easy to find a deck chair, Balinese bed, a selection of dining tables (dining is open seating) and a bar stool.

I’ve found that early December is a great time to cruise as most ships are less crowded between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, so that can mean savings on fares, and airfares tend to be more affordable, too.

Plus, I had the pleasure of sailing with fellow QuirkyCruise contributor and maritime historian Peter Knego who, like me, has been enchanted with Sea Cloud Cruises’ namesake ship, Sea Cloud , for years.

VIDEOS: Peter has documented the historic ship Sea Cloud in a pair of videos I highly recommend.

Peter Knego & Anne Kalosh on the beach. * Photo: Mike Masino

A Bit Of History

Sea Cloud was built in 1931 as Hussar for the millionaires E. F. Hutton and Marjorie Merriweather Post as the world’s largest private sailing yacht. Its storied history includes serving as a diplomatic yacht in Leningrad, a World War II U.S. Coast Guard vessel and a party boat for the Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Trujillo’s playboy son.

And that’s just a fraction of the tale. Check out Peter’s videos for more and please do subscribe to his YouTube channel.

Restored and updated for new safety regulations, the 64-passenger Sea Cloud now sails for Hamburg, Germany-based Sea Cloud Cruises , which recently opened a North American office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The fleet also consists of the 94-passenger Sea Cloud II , built in 2001, and the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit , built in 2021.

The 136-pax Sea Cloud Spirit. * Photo: Peter Knego

Americans have always been able to book Sea Cloud . But now, thanks to the U.S. office with its dedicated leadership, they’ll be hearing more about this traditionally German brand which aims to carry 40 percent North Americans in 2024.

RELATED: Anne reports that Sea Cloud Cruises sails into the US market.

To do that, the U.S.-based team is developing a lifestyle product, according to Kevin Smith, vice president of North American sales. This means a focus on wellness, culinary and history, with guest chefs and lecturers in these areas.

For example, Florida icons Cindy Hutson , a chef known for her “cuisine of the sun” through Ortanique in Miami’s Coral Gables, and historian/New York Times best-selling author Les Standiford will be aboard Sea Cloud Spirit cruises in early 2024.

All cruises are bilingual (German and English) with printed materials, announcements and lectures in both languages. The international crew are English-speaking.

While I’d love to sail on the original  Sea Cloud , it’s in heavy demand and often booked well in advance.  Sea Cloud Spirit  is also lovely and has more space available.

According to Peter, who knows both ships, Sea Cloud’s standard rebuilt accommodations — not the original suites, which are in a class unto themselves — are similarly appointed but much smaller than the ones aboard Sea Cloud Spirit , while  Sea Cloud’s  food, in his experience, is a cut above, truly gourmet.

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Why Sail On A Tall Ship?

The focus is on the great outdoors, the wind, weather and stars, and the mechanics of the ship — the sails, the masts, the rigging. It’s quiet and vibration-free without the engines. You feel the motion and the heel of the vessel.

It’s fascinating and a little scary to watch the sailors climb high in the rigging, and simply awesome when the sails unfurl and catch the wind. Meanwhile, crew on deck are hauling the lines with winches as they trim the sails.

Sailors hauling the lines with winches. * Photo: Peter Knego

The tidy lines secured on pegs. * Photo: Peter Knego

You watch them tie the hitches to secure the lines and the meticulous way they coil the lines so they’re tidy and ready to use again. Some of the ropes are arranged like artwork.

You don’t have to know anything about sailing, but you can learn from watching. And on Sea Cloud Spirit , the captain explained the basics in his opening briefing and the chief officer stood on deck with a microphone, narrating the first hoisting of the sails.

There is nothing like the moment the sails take over — it’s both a hush and a rush of wind that’s exhilarating.

Sea Cloud Spirit uses a mix of engine and sail power, with the line aspiring to offer about two full days under sail per cruise.

On my trip, we had two sea days, both under sail, and portions of many more. An announcement was made when the sails were coming up or going down to alert anyone who wanted to watch.

The Main Differences Between Sea Cloud, Star Clippers and Windstar Cruises

I’ve cruised on both Star Clippers and Windstar Cruises’ sailing vessels and loved them. Each is different, and Sea Cloud Cruises adds yet another dimension to sail-cruising. I loved it, too.

Like Star Clippers, the Sea Cloud fleet is hand-sailed, but Sea Cloud Spirit is posher, with its glamorously appointed staterooms, gold-plated sinks, gourmet menus and higher price — a luxury experience.

On Star Clippers, passengers get a chance to haul ropes, scramble up the mast for a view from the crow’s nest and soar over the sea in the bow sprit net.

On Sea Cloud, the sailing is left to the crew.

Windstar’s sails are computer-controlled and the vibe is more “cruise-like.” You don’t have to be into sailing to enjoy it. On Sea Cloud , the sailing is the main attraction and most experiences, including the dining, captain’s welcome and farewell parties, and nightlife, take place outdoors on the Lido Deck.

The Deck Plan

Sea Cloud Spirit has four decks. Starting from the top:

Sun Deck holds lounge chairs and Balinese beds.

The lovely Sun Deck. * Photo: Peter Knego

This is the best vantage point for watching the crew raising and lowering the sails and relaxing with a book.

There’s also a small indoor gym with cardio equipment, free weights and gorgeous views.

The gym is impressive for a small ship. * Photo: Peter Knego

The bridge is here, too, and Sea Cloud Spirit has an open bridge policy; it’s fine to visit if the door is open.

The Sea Cloud Spirit’s lovely curved lines, including here by the bridge. * Photo: Peter Knego

Lido Deck holds the Lido Bar & Bistro, a mostly tented outdoor area aft that’s the heart and soul of the ship.

When it rains, the crew zip a plastic cover around the sides.

A light early risers’ and late risers’ breakfast is laid out in the buffet area, which also holds a spread for afternoon teatime, and a self-serve coffee machine, along with a selection of fine teas.

Lunches and most dinners are here, and there’s a dance floor and a DJ’s booth. If you don’t count star-gazing, music on deck forms the only nighttime entertainment, and sometimes people dance.

Just inside, midships, is an elegant lounge with polished woods, brass-trimmed windows and sturdy furniture. On my cruise it was used for the captain’s talk (he outlined our course and the weather forecast and explained how the ship is sailed), the cruise director’s briefings and lectures by two guest speakers on topics ranging from Caribbean history and people to birds (in German and in English).

There’s a Steinway piano, a corner with board games and a coffee/tea/light snacks station.

The elegant lounge with polished woods and brass-trimmed windows. * Photo: Peter Knego

Seven Category C deluxe outside lido cabins, which have big windows that open, are located forward on a corridor leading to a little gem of a library with views over the forecastle. Books in German and English are available.

Sea Cloud Spirit’s library. * Photo: Peter Knego

Verandah Deck is where passengers enter and leave the ship from a gangway to shore, the covered tenders or Zodiacs. The door is at midships, steps from the reception desk.

The poshest accommodations are found on Verandah Deck. Three Category A suites with balcony and 22 Category B junior suites with balcony take up the forward three-quarters of the deck.

Buffet breakfast is served in the elegant restaurant, aft. On my cruise, the only nights we dined indoors were for the captain’s welcome and farewell dinners.

Cabin Deck holds the 26 Category D deluxe outside cabins, the nine Category E superior outside cabins and the two Category F superior outside single cabins. All these accommodations have portholes instead of large windows.

Aft is the surprisingly ample spa with its two treatment rooms, a relaxation room, Finnish sauna, steam bath, foot bath, showers and hair dressing room.

The ample spa. * Photo: Peter Knego

A door leads to the swim platform. When weather permits, passengers typically get a chance to swim in the sea; this wasn’t offered on my cruise.

The ship’s boutique and hospital are also found on Cabin Deck.

An elevator serves all four decks.

Dining Aboard Sea Cloud Spirit

Hotel Manager Elias Stamatopoulos from Greece told me he sources fresh fruits, vegetables and fish in the Caribbean. During my cruise, he bought about 120 kilograms/265 pounds of fresh-caught wahoo, mahi mahi and red snapper, and 120 kilos of lobster.

Some of the international cheese selection came from a shop in Dutch St. Maarten.

The restaurant’s breakfast buffet has fresh fruit like papaya and pineapple, cold and hot cereals, yogurts, cheeses, cold cuts and a selection of breads, croissants and pastries, all baked on board and very good. Eggs, sausages, bacon and made-to-order omelets are available.

Our captain’s welcome and farewell dinners in the restaurant featured luxe fare.

The indoor main restaurant. * Photo: Peter Knego

For welcome night, that included a tiger prawns appetizer, lobster bisque, peach sorbet with Champagne and a choice of main courses: rack of veal, pepper-crusted tuna or spinach and cheese ravioli.

A sizable rack of veal * Photo: Peter Knego

Lobster was served. * Photo: Peter Knego

Dessert was creme brulee with berries or a cheese selection. My fellow diners raved about the veal.

Otherwise, all meals took place on the Lido Deck, with lunch typically a grander, more expansive spread than dinner.

Peter and Anne toasting at the White Night Dinner on Lido Deck. * Photo: Mike Masino

The lunch buffet always included a station for made-to-order salads, a soup of the day, a hot station for carved meats and seafood or fish.

Plus, there was a selection of hot and cold salads and entrees such as tacos with pulled pork, smoked fish, gratinated broccoli, seafood and mango salad, parsley potatoes, meatballs, grilled shrimp, tomato caprese, apple-celery salad, carrot-ginger salad, fried veal, shrimp curry, vegetable couscous and beet goulash.

Buffet lunch on deck. * Photo: Peter Knego

Lunch desserts always included two ice creams and other choices such as pineapple upside down cake or apple crumble.

Dinners were buffet-style or a la carte. One buffet included pigs in a blanket, mussels in white wine, cheese quesadillas, Waldorf salad, cucumber-herbs salad, garden greens, tomato-onion salad, white asparagus soup, rack of lamb, grilled wahoo, mushroom risotto, steamed vegetables, herbed potatoes and vanilla passion fruit panna cotta for dessert.

The food currently leans toward hearty, especially at lunch. But that is changing in an effort to appeal more to American preferences. So, going forward, instead of a giant slab of Tomahawk ribeye in the carving station at the Lido buffet, as on my cruise, that carnivore’s delight may instead be served family-style, delicately sliced, at dinner in the restaurant.

More indoor dining is in the cards, too.

A selection of (included) red and white wines were generously poured at lunch and dinner, with Italian, French, Portuguese and Greek selections among them. Beers and soft drinks were included at meals, too.

There is no room service.

Accommodations On Sea Cloud Spirit

With the Marjorie Merriweather Post Sea Cloud pedigree, the accommodations really stand out as elegant and well-appointed. Almost half the 69 rooms have balconies or big arched windows. Those on the Cabin Deck have portholes.

A cabin with portholes. * Photo: Peter Knego

Accommodations range from 140 square feet to 301 square feet, plus balcony.

All have a similar, elegant style, with eggshell-colored walls, glossy, burnt-caramel-colored woods and cabinetry, fabrics in burnt orange, gold or beige and carpets of nautical blue, burnt orange or beige. They are bright with natural light and have plenty of lamps, reading lights and sconces to create a nice mood after dark.

The rooms are graced by Hamburg artist Heinke Boehnert’ s paintings that depict sailing themes and incorporate bits of actual used sailcloth.

All accommodations have a welcome bottle of Champagne; Sea Cloud Spirit bathrobes, slippers and towels; L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a Krups coffee maker, mini-fridge stocked with sodas and juices, fruit basket, safe, hand-held hair dryer, umbrellas and reusable, take-home water bottle.

A bottle of champagne awaits in the cabin. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

Shower cabinets are standard, with Category A and B suites and junior suites equipped with bubble tubs.

Cabin Categories Aboard Sea Cloud Spirit

For a look at each stateroom category, go to SeaCloud.com and click on Sea Cloud Spirit then choose the “Cabins” tab and “360° Tour.” Note that some rooms in the same category may have different configurations. Mine had a walk-in closet while friends down the hall in 323 had a room with the closets lined against one wall.

On the deck plans at the “Cabins” tab, if you click on a stateroom you can see the specifics.

My junior suite, #332, was on Verandah Deck. A Category B, it measured about 237 square feet plus a long balcony of 65 square feet with two deck chairs and a small table.

A junior suite with balcony. * Photo: Peter Knego

Category B balcony. * Photo: Peter Knego

It exceeded my expectations with big, arched windows, polished woods, fluffy duvets, a seating area, a vanity, walk-in closet and a marble bathroom with a bubble tub, hand-held shower, gold-plated sink and taps (Marjorie Merriweather Post’s swan-shaped gold-plated taps on the original Sea Cloud were a hallmark), lighted magnifying mirror and a white rose. (Note, not all Sea Cloud Spirit cabin bathrooms have the gold-plated sinks.)

The bathroom of a Category B junior suite, with gold-plated sink. * Photo: Peter Knego

The narrow vanity had one 220-volt outlet and two USB ports. (If you’re from the U.S., take a 220-plug/adapter.) Elsewhere around the room, I found only 220 plugs.

A glossy dark-wood console held a flat-screen LG TV that can be pulled out and turned to watch in bed or on the sofa, the mini-fridge, coffee maker and bottles of water that were refilled.

A pull-out, leather-topped writing desk with Sea Cloud Spirit post cards and stationery was a classy touch; the reception desk will mail items and bill the postage to your account.

I opted for a printed daily program and newspaper, but for those who choose to receive these electronically, there’s a QR code for 1 GB of free Wi-Fi.

VIDEO: A tour of my junior suite (the part about my suite begins at 11:15); video by Peter Knego and moi.

Sea Cloud Spirit Review — A Day-By-Day Recap

Day 1 — sailing from philipsburg, st. maarten.

When I arrived at Port Saint Maarten, it was exciting to spot Sea Cloud Spirit’s tall masts towering over the big cruise ships.

Under a little canopy just steps from the gangway, bottles of Champagne were chilling in a big bucket of ice. I handed over my passport, had my picture taken for security, was given a glass of Champagne and walked on board. Now that’s QuirkyCruise style!

Champagne served at the gangway! * Photo: Peter Knego

We were all served by 88 international crew and almost immediately, everyone seemed to know my name, starting with our dynamo Cruise Director Sabine Valdes from Austria. My cabin steward, Ferdinand from the Philippines, was dressed in a powder blue bow tie and greeted me warmly.

This feeling of being a special, valued traveler, not just a number among thousands, is another reason I love small-ship cruising.

After lifeboat drill, there was a sail-away cocktail at 7 p.m. before our first Lido Deck dinner buffet.

Day 2 — At Sea

The ship was moving this first morning out and passengers staggered around, getting our sea legs. I dashed up to the Lido Deck to punch in a caffe macchiato on the espresso machine, then brought a plate with fresh papaya, yogurt and a scoop of scrambled eggs from the restaurant back to my room.

Sabine’s announcement summoned us to the Sun Deck to see the sails raised for the first time. It was awe-inspiring to watch the crew bravely scramble up the masts and intently follow commands like “Make that line straight!” The full operation took almost an hour.

The sailors unfurling the canvas. * Photo: Peter Knego

Anne watching the sails go up. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

It was a magical moment to see Sea Cloud Spirit dressed in all her sails and to feel the movement.

Shortly after, at his briefing in the lounge, Capt. Vukota Stojanovic from Montenegro said we’d reached 10.5 knots, a good clip, and that would be our top speed under sail, for safety.

He gave a great explanation of how the ship is sailed and detailed the week’s weather forecast. He said to expect patches of rain. And that’s what we got. But in the tropics, they were quick drenches that blew in fast and blew out just as quickly, bringing rainbows — so many rainbows! — then blue sky.

There was no shortage of stunning rainbows. * Photo: Peter Knego

At lunch in the Lido I enjoyed eggplant parmesan, a big salad and walnut ice cream. The hotel manager was carving thin slices from a a big leg of belota (acorn-fed) Ibérico ham and pointed out it was a Spanish-themed lunch, with the hot station featuring a big pan of paella.

Now there’s a heap of paella! * Photo: Peter Knego

We returned to the Lido for the captain’s welcome party, where the officers lined up in their formal uniforms and we were handed a glass of Champagne to toast with them. It was hot and sticky. Fortunately we dined inside that night.

As a vegetarian, I had only the palate-cleansing sorbet course, which was drenched in Champagne, and a very creamy ravioli dish.

Day 3 — Terre-de-Haut, Iles des Saintes (Guadeloupe)

When I opened my door this morning, I found a chocolate Santa inside a slipper, and realized it was Dec. 6, St. Nicholas Day, as commemorated on this German ship.

I was really excited about returning to Les Saintes, a tiny, charming place I’d visited years ago on a Windstar cruise, when the chef went ashore to purchase baguettes. In the 10 a.m. tender, I met Sea Cloud Spirit’s hotel manager who also had a shopping list.

We were anchored in a gorgeous yacht harbor near another small cruise ship, the motor yacht Emerald Azzurra.

One of our ship’s lecturers led a hike up the hill to the 19th-century Fort Napoleon, which now contains a small museum and gardens.

Instead, I meandered with a friend along the narrow lane lining the shore, admiring the white frangipani, the pastel houses, many with boats out back on the water, and the little French boutiques with colorful fashions and jewelry. Inside the small grocery store with a vast French wine selection, we ran into the hotel manager buying lettuce, yogurt, tomatoes and cheese.

At a waterfront bar with three tables, my friend invited me for a drink. It was 11:30 a.m. and I knew I was in a vacation frame of mind when I said yes to a “Planteur,” the best planter’s punch I’ve ever tasted. My friend had a passionfruit mojito.

At a little waterfront bar in Terre-de-Haut, this woman made me the best planter’s punch I’ve ever tasted. For the record, I had one, not three!. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

Back on board, lunch for me was a big salad with a little truffle oil (yum!) and pasta with red pepper flakes that the chef swirled in big wheel of Parmesan for lots of umami.

That afternoon, I watched the sails go up again, and visited Capt. Stojanovic on the bridge. He explained every instrument in this surprisingly high-tech bridge then brought out a wooden box and said guess what’s inside? It was a sextant.

Then it was down to the pristine engine room for a tour led by Chief Engineer Edgar Jan Schneider from Poland.

The engine room. * Photo: Peter Knego

Up on deck for dinner, it was very windy. My dining companions discussed why we didn’t dine more indoors.

Subsequently, I’ve been told more dinners are now inside.

Day 4 — Soufrière, St. Lucia

A spectacular day at beautiful St. Lucia. At 8 a.m. we were anchored in a harbor dwarfed by the island’s distinctive pitons. When the restaurant waiter brought my coffee, he pointed to one and said: “That’s where ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ was filmed.”

St Lucia’s stunning Pitons. * Photo: Peter Knego

I took the wonderful 3.5-hour tour (€65) that began with a stroll through the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths, a leafy green dream of beautiful flowering plants, natural sulfur springs, hummingbirds and a waterfall.

Next we drove inside an active volcano, reeking of sulfur, where we observed steaming, bubbling mud.

And then we hiked up Tet Paul Trail, including a spur signposted “Stairway to Heaven,” for gorgeous vistas over the pitons.

Climbing the Stairway to Heaven in St. Lucia for a great view of the pitons. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

After our climb, refreshments were served: papaya, orange slices, coconut cake, saltfish fritters with banana-pepper sauce and sweetened lemon water.

In the afternoon, the ship’s Zodiacs dropped passengers at a beach for a couple hours but I opted to stay on board. All afternoon, yachts sailed by to admire and photograph Sea Cloud Spirit.

We were invited to dress in white for a White Night Party and one of the passengers, hilariously, came in his bathrobe. The Lido was decorated in white balloons and streamers, very festive. Bartender Anton made me a fabulous mai tai. I joined a long table, where we were treated to especially good wines from the premium list.

The menu consisted of gratinated scallops, chicken consommé, and a choice of roasted pork loin, seared sea bass or vegetable cordon bleu with baked Alaska for dessert.

After dinner, when DJ Guga from Brazil cranked up the disco tunes, we hit the floor. A really fun evening!

Day 5 — Tobago Cays And Also Chatham Bay on Union Island (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

Friday in paradise. I was on deck early, greeted by a rainbow.

I took coffee and two flaky, buttery mini-croissants from the early riser’s spread to my room to get ready for a catamaran tour to Tobago Cays, a marine park (four hours, €69).

After we transferred to the catamaran, Sea Cloud Spirit continued on to Union Island, where we would meet up later.

During a couple hours ashore at Tobago Cays, we were free to enjoy this blissful spot with its white sand beaches, palm trees and a shack serving lobsters and beer.

Beautiful Tobago Cays. * Photo: Peter Knego

Snorkelers saw a sting ray and a sea snake. Sandpipers scurried in and out with the surf on a beach littered with conch shells. I swung on a tree swing and instantly felt carefree.

VIDEO: Peter and Anne swinging on Union Island.

I learned that fisherman here delivered a large haul of fish to Sea Cloud Spirit.

Back aboard the catamaran, we sailed past exclusive Palm Island and around Union Island, with its karsts that reminded me of the South Pacific. No wonder this is called the “Tahiti of the West Indies.”

The beach on Union Island. * Photo: Peter Knego

In Chatham Bay, Sea Cloud Spirit’s Zodiacs picked us up from the catamaran. An on-shore beach barbecue was already in full swing.

This was no casual picnic but an elaborately choreographed affair staged between two pavilions with a swimming pool in between. A group of Rastas played lilting steel pans and ship’s crew welcomed us with a glass of cold melon soup or rum punch. Lobster was the highlight of the barbecue for many. After the feast, we lolled on Balinese beds as the music played, with some savoring banana splits made with rum-soaked bananas and others dancing.

I strolled on the beach where giant terns dived for fish just offshore and little shacks advertised lobster and conch.

Day 6 — Port Elizabeth, Bequia (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

Peter, his partner Mike and I caught the 10 a.m. tender to Port Elizabeth, zipping through the yacht marina to a pretty little pier. A small Silversea ship was also anchored offshore. A couple ferries were disgorging passengers.

Peter and I had memories of Bequia from years ago on separate visits but couldn’t quite get our bearings. We turned left and walked through a more residential part of town, some bits of it gritty, always in view of the water. Turning back, we stopped to photograph a colorful signpost to Oslo, Liverpool and other remote places, and a smiling man in a tropical shirt, Mychal, waved us up to see his garden of herbs, lemon grass and okra. A delightful encounter.

Signpost in colorful Bequia. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

We continued to the right side of the tender landing and found the beach path, Belmont Walkway, skirting the water and snaking past bars, restaurants and hotel lawns to pretty Princess Margaret Beach.

There wasn’t much time to make the last tender back to Sea Cloud Spirit at 1 p.m.

Back aboard we dashed up to the buffet, where other diners recommended the shrimp curry and the chilled coconut-peach soup. After a glass of rosé, I felt drowsy and everyone from my table retired to the Sun Deck to stretch out in the Balinese beds and watch the crew scurrying to put up the sails.

Sprinkles came and a small rainbow popped out just 50 yards away in the water, the closest I have ever been to a rainbow.

Back in my room, I luxuriated in the bubble tub before dinner. At the Lido Bar, Anton made me a drink he created, Blue Moon, with blue Curaçao. It was beautiful, in a martini glass with a glass stirrer.

The Lido Bar. * Photo: Peter Knego

Meanwhile, a chef began dissecting a giant fish, that was prepared before our eyes, both raw in ceviche and seared on the grill.

A chef made quick work of this freshly caught fish for a deck buffet. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

It was sea shanty night and Sabine and others in the crew choir appeared in sailor costumes and hats, passing out songbooks. We all joined in and that led to another lively night of dancing on deck.

Day 7 — Cabrits, Dominica

On this Sunday morning I thought we could sleep in as brunch was set for 10:30 but Sabine announced a special surprise: We’d be going out in Zodiacs for a spin around Sea Cloud Spirit, decked out in her full, 28-sail plumage.

Sea Cloud Spirit under full sail. * Photo: Peter Knego

Meanwhile, I was amazed by a flat rainbow on the horizon, a rare phenomenon called a circumhorizontal arc .

A special rainbow, called a circumhorizontal arc. * Photo: Peter Knego

Although we had plenty of Sea Cloud Spirit views when tendering in port, this circumnavigation let us admire the great beauty from all angles and up close — we rounded the powerful, jutting bowsprit decorated with Sea Cloud’s characteristic golden eagle and the clipper stern, which dramatically swoops inward.

It is breathtaking.

On board, we had the chance to be photographed one by one standing near the bowsprit from a photographer in a Zodiac.

And then the lavish Sunday brunch was served. Along with breakfast items there was sushi, salt-crusted salmon, huge tomahawk ribeye steaks from the grill, a cheesy vegetable lasagna, a salad bar and a waffle station with ice cream, whipped cream and sprinkles. And mimosas.

Afterward, I went to the pretty library and was delighted to find Peter. We watched the crew, wearing rain slickers in a sudden downpour, working on the forecastle.

Minutes later, a glorious golden light broke out over the green hills of Dominica. It was quite a maneuver to dock at the Cabrits pier on a very windy day. We reversed and came in stern first. Aft on the Lido, I watched a rainbow pop out, intensifying and doubling.

Dominica would be festooned in rainbows all afternoon.

Peter, Mike and I paid $5 each at a snack bar off the pier for entrance to the historic Fort Shirley grounds.

Sea Cloud Spirit from Fort Shirley, an easy climb up the hill at Cabrits, Dominica. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

As we climbed a cobblestone path through the woods, a herd of goats came down — fitting, since Cabrits means “goats.”

It was fitting to see goats coming down the road in Cabrits, which means -goats. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

During dinner, a local duo came aboard to play music in the Lido before we cast off at 10:30 p.m.

Day 7 — At Sea

Suddenly it was our last day on board, with a scramble of tasks like packing and settling accounts. We were under sail and rolling quite a bit, often heeled to port, in blustery conditions.

“I love sailing when we’ve got wind like this,” Bosun Martin Bacatang told me. “If you sail with no wind, it’s … like clothes hanging from the line, drying. Ten, 15 knots of wind, that’s the sailing for me.”

Bacatang, from the Philippines, singled out the area we were sailing as one of the best he knows: “Here, the wind is stable, it goes north to south.”

Up on the bridge, Second Officer Goran Kosac, from Montenegro, said our top speed under sail during the cruise had been around 10 knots; while using engines, it was about 15 knots.

Peter and I filmed a video around the ship, and Sabine gave a lecture on the original Sea Cloud . I invited fellow travelers to my cabin in late afternoon for a Champagne and Airdrop party, where we toasted and exchanged photos and videos. This had to be one of the most photographed cruises I’ve ever been on, with good reason — gorgeous ship and destinations.

Soon it was time for more toasting at the captain’s farewell party on Lido Deck. It was blowing and we were moving, now under engine power. The captain gave a great, extemporaneous recap of our trip so we could relive the highlights.

A raffle was held for the cruise chart, with the proceeds benefiting the crew.

Dinner was in the dining room.

The end of a beautiful cruise. * Photo: Peter Knego

Day 8 — Disembarking At St. Maarten And Touring French St. Martin

Capt. Stojanovic and the hotel manager were at the foot of the gangway to say goodbye as we disembarked, a nice, personal touch.

Like most of the passengers, I booked the ship’s tour of Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin to see the island, fill a few hours and have lunch on the way to being dropped off at the airport for our afternoon flights. It was a pleasant highlights tour, with an hour to roam in Marigot on the French side.

Was I sad to go?

You bet. A Sea Cloud cruise was something I’d dreamed about for a long time, and I loved it. The crew were especially wonderful. The destinations were idyllic.

If I’m so lucky, one day I hope to sail on the original Sea Cloud , still going strong after more than 90 years.

More Sea Cloud Spirit Cruise Details

• The shipboard currency is euros; depending on the islands visited, the currency varied but I found even the smallest places accepted credit cards and U.S. dollars.
• Tipping is included but I gave some crew extra, in dollars.
• Dress is resort casual, with most people wearing khakis, shorts, sundresses and such during the day, and slightly nicer attire in the evenings. The captain’s welcome and farewell dinners are a little dressier but far from formal, with men wearing dress shirts or jackets.
• Smoking is not allowed in accommodations or balconies, the restaurant, lounge and library or under the Lido Deck tent.
• A selection of fine wines is included with lunch and dinner, along with beer and soft drinks. Cocktails are included too and premium wines are available to purchase by the bottle.
• As it expands into the U.S. market, Sea Cloud Cruises has moved to all-inclusive pricing, bundling in port charges, taxes, tips and all beverages (wine, spirits etc), but not shore excursions. Wi-Fi is available for purchase.

Which Is Biggest? Comparing Wind Surf, Royal Clipper & Sea Cloud Spirit

Windstar Cruises’ largest, Wind Surf , built in 1990 as Club Med 1 , stretches 617 feet/187 meters, measures 14,745 gross tons, and has five masts with seven sails with 26,881 square feet/2,600 square meters of sail. Wind Surf has six passenger decks, one pool and capacity for 342 passengers and 210 crew.

Star Clippers’ largest vessel, Royal Clipper , was built in 2000 and recognized in 2001 by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest square rigger in service. It stretches 439 feet/134 meters, measures 5,000 gross tons and has five masts and 42 sails with 56,000 square feet of sails. Royal Clipper has four passenger decks and three small pools on the top deck. There is capacity for 227 passengers and 106 crew.

The largest in Sea Cloud’s fleet, Sea Cloud Spirit , built in 2021, stretches 452.7 feet/138 meters, measures 4,228 gross tons and has three masts and 28 sails with 44,132 square feet/4,100 square meters of sails. Sea Cloud Spirit has four passenger decks, no pool and capacity for 136 passengers and about 85 crew.

Interested In Sailing Aboard Sea Cloud Spirit?

Sea Cloud Spirit will be sailing through Central America to Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Honduras and Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula in early 2024. After making its way to Florida and The Bahamas in March, the vessel will head to a spring season in the Canary Islands, Morocco and Spain.

In summer 2024, Sea Cloud Spirit delivers Atlantic Coast and Northern Europe itineraries to destinations including Lisbon, Bilbao (with a VIP evening tour of the Guggenheim), Bordeaux, England, Ireland and Norway, then the Azores before returning to the Caribbean.

Sea Cloud Spirit in her full sail regalia. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

In late 2024 several itineraries in the Lesser Antilles that are similar but not identical to mine will operate round-trip from St. Maarten.

A seven-night Sea Cloud Spirit cruise on Nov. 27, 2024 includes St. Bart’s, Iles des Saintes, Dominica and St. Lucia, and starts at $4,995 per person (including all beverages and tips).

And a 10-night cruise on Dec. 11, 2024 calls at Iles des Saintes, Martinique, Carriacou, Grenada, Union Island and St. Lucia, and is priced starting at $8,565 person (including all beverages and tips). .

For more information, go to SeaCloud.com.

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© This article is protected by copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved. QuirkyCruise.com.

About The Author

Anne Kalosh

Anne Kalosh has written about cruises for decades and her favorites involve small ships. She is the editor of Seatrade-Cruise.com and senior associate editor of Seatrade Cruise Review.

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Why this new sailing ship may be the ultimate way to explore Costa Rica and Panama

Editor's Note

Just a handful of passengers are awake as our giant three-masted sailing ship, Sea Cloud Spirit , chases the sunrise into Costa Rica's remote Golfo Dulce — one of the most eco-diverse bays on the planet. But for those early risers, it's a treat.

From the soaring, 136-passenger vessel's teak-lined top deck, we watch as the rising sun lights up the fjord-like bay's pristine and primeval shoreline — a verdant patchwork of palm-lined beaches, dense mangroves and twisty rivers.

It is a prelude to a day of adventure. After the ship anchors early off the tiny coastal town of Puerto Jimenez, we are soon zipping to shore in a tender boat to spread out in search of wildlife.

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Some of us head off on a nature walk to a crocodile-filled lagoon. Others board a catamaran searching for dolphins. Still others, like me, ride a van into the rainforest looking for the elusive sloths that call this region home.

At the recently opened La Perica Sloth Garden, we find them in droves, along with capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws and other iconic denizens of the Costa Rica jungle.

It is, in short, a classic day of exploring the Golfo Dulce region and the wildlife-rich Osa Peninsula that makes up its north shore.

It's also wonderfully different from the outdoorsy experiences we had just the day before in and around Costa Rica's more northerly Manuel Antonio National Park and what we will see tomorrow as we head south to the 39 islands and islets that make up Panama's Coiba National Park.

On this 11-night Sea Cloud Spirit sailing down the coasts of Costa Rica and Panama, just about every day brings a new adventure, including — on many days — the experience of traveling under the power of nothing but the wind.

In addition to wildlife and nature experiences, there's also a daylight crossing of the Panama Canal — a chance to see one of the great marvels of human engineering up close.

The final day of the trip includes a visit with the indigenous Kuna people living in the remote San Blas Islands just off the coast of Panama.

It's the sort of diversity of experiences that is hard to arrange during a land-based trip to Costa Rica and Panama unless you have far more time than 11 days.

Propelled by the power of the wind

Sea Cloud Spirit, which Germany-based Sea Cloud Cruises unveiled in 2021, isn't the first cruise vessel to offer voyages focused on the coasts of Costa Rica and Panama. Small vessels operated by Windstar Cruises , Lindblad Expeditions, Star Clippers, Ponant and Aurora Expeditions also offer such trips.

Still, Sea Cloud Spirit may be the most intriguing ship to ply the route. Five decks high and nearly 500 feet long, it is a full-rigged, three-masted sailing vessel of the sort that hasn't been common on the world's oceans for more than a century.

As large sailing ships go, it's also particularly authentic in how it operates.

Related: Why Sea Cloud Spirit is a vessel you'll want to try

Sea Cloud Spirit is, notably, propelled by a massive, old-style array of 28 sails that are unfurled by hand by an enormous team of 19 deckhands — something you don't see on almost any other large sailing ship in the world.

Most other large sailing ships offering multiday cruises, such as the two sailing vessels Windstar Cruises sometimes deploys to Costa Rica and Panama (Wind Star and Wind Spirit), have automated sails that unfurl at the push of a button.

The result is a much different experience of coastal travel on Sea Cloud Spirit from the one you'll get from any other ship.

In addition to being sailed by hand, another differentiator for Sea Cloud Spirit when sailing the Costa Rica and Panama coasts is that it offers a more expansive exploration of the region than you'll generally get with other ships. Most of the small-ship cruise itineraries in the region are seven nights in length. Sea Cloud Cruises, by contrast, typically budgets 10 to 11 nights for Sea Cloud Spirit to cover the same territory.

Even under full sails, the vessel often only meanders down the coast at just three to five knots.

Call it the "slow travel" way to do the Costa Rica and Panama coasts.

Exploring the Pacific side of Costa Rica

Our sailing down the coasts of Costa Rica and Panama begins in the sleepy Costa Rica port town of Puntarenas, on the Pacific side of the country. But we don't stay there long.

Just hours after passengers arrive at the ship, which is tied up all alone at an otherwise empty dock, Sea Cloud Spirit sets off on a six-day exploration of Costa Rica's Pacific coast — a region known for ecotourism of all sorts, from spotting monkeys and colorful birds in national parks to zip lining through lush rainforests and horseback riding along unspoiled beaches.

After rounding Costa Rica's famous-for-its-surfing Nicoya Peninsula, Sea Cloud Spirit points northward toward the northwesternmost corner of the country near the border with Nicaragua.

It is here, after a day of cruising under full sails, driven by the power of the wind alone, that we land at Playa Panama — a secluded and quiet crescent of dark sand beach that serves as a gateway to nearby Palo Verde National Park.

After motoring to shore in Zodiac boats, many of the ship's passengers head to the national park for a boat ride through its marshlands in search of monkeys and crocodiles, as well as the many colorful birds for which it is known. Others visit a hacienda for horseback riding with the local cowboys and zip lining through the surrounding forests.

Related: The 18 best small cruise ships in the world

A handful of us, including me, sign on for a catamaran ride along the rocky coastline to a reef for snorkeling with colorful fish, margaritas on deck and spectacular sunset views over the ocean on the way back.

It is the sort of diverse outdoorsy pursuits that a vacationer could experience while staying at one of the area's resorts, such as the Four Seasons we passed on our way to our snorkeling site.

But unlike those land-based visitors, we would see a much wider array of Costa Rica's allures over the coming days.

Heading south from Playa Panama, we spend another full day cruising along the Costa Rica coast under full sails before reaching Quepos, the gateway to another of Costa Rica's iconic eco-destinations: Manuel Antonio National Park.

Outings to the national park and other private reserves in the area are the order of the day here after we land by tender boat at the small dock in Quepos.

Not wanting to rise at the crack of dawn, as is required for the Manuel Antonio National Park tour, I instead choose an afternoon hike over swinging bridges and past tumbling waterfalls at a small rainforest preserve called Rainmaker Conservation Park.

It turns into a perfect day, partly because I sneak away from the tour group with one other tour member (with the guide's permission) to climb a too-steep-for-most trail to a spectacular series of hanging bridges. We have it all to ourselves.

The next day Sea Cloud Spirit brings us to Costa Rica's Golfo Dolce, mentioned above.

With the stops at Playa Panama, Quepos and the Golfo Dulce's Puerto Jimenez, we have visited all three major segments of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica — the north, middle and south — in just a few days.

While we only make short day stops in each area, it's a taste of the country that isn't available to the typical visitor who comes to Costa Rica for a week and stays in one location.

Off-the-beaten-path Panama

After six days along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, Sea Cloud Spirit drives southward into the waters off Panama, where our first stop is the cluster of 39 islands and islets that make up Panama's Coiba National Park.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mostly uninhabited island group is known for its untouched rainforests and wildlife that exists nowhere else, such as the Coiba Island howler monkey. But for our purposes, it serves mostly as a place to stop for a beach day as we land by Zodiac at one of its many sandy beaches for snorkeling and sunning.

Unlike many of my Sea Cloud Spirit compatriots, I skip the snorkeling, scared away by a warning in the ship's daily planner about the occasional presence of plankton and jellyfish in the water that send out "stinging microscopic harpoons." But I find diversion in a small one-room national park visitors center just off the beach that goes into great depth on its flora and fauna.

It is here that I learned that the particular island where we landed, the island cluster's main island of Coiba, once served as a penal colony known for brutal conditions and the disappearance of political prisoners during the dictatorships of Panamanian strongmen Omar Torrijos and Manuel Noriega.

Two days later, after another full day of sailing down the coast, we get a second beach day with snorkeling at Mogo Mogo Island, part of another cluster of islands and islets off the Panama coast called the Pearl Islands.

Here, I brave the plankton and jellyfish stings to wade out past the rocky shallows to snorkel the edge of a coral reef teeming with foureye butterflyfish and honeycomb trunkfish.

Not only is the water crystal clear and the fish lovely, but it is an outing that I survive without a single strike from a stinging harpoon (several of my snorkeling companions, alas, do report such strikes, though they say it's not terribly painful).

The marvel of the Panama Canal

The next day of the trip brings an adventure of a different sort as Sea Cloud Spirit transits through the Panama Canal.

Passengers line the teak walkway in front of Sea Cloud Spirit's bridge early in the morning to watch as the vessel glides through Balboa Harbor near Panama City to the start of the canal at the Miraflores Locks.

It is the first of three sets of giant rectangular chambers that will lift the 4,228-gross-ton vessel up and over the Continental Divide to the Caribbean, and it is a sight to behold.

After we enter the first of the chambers, seven-story-high steel gates slowly swing shut behind us, and the basin begins filling with millions of gallons of water. At 1,050 feet long, the lock is roughly the size of three football fields — so long that a second cruise vessel, the 100-passenger Emerald Azzurra, fits into the chamber behind us.

More than 100 years after its construction by the United States, the 48-mile-long Panama Canal remains a marvel of modern engineering — and an alluring attraction for cruisers on trips to the region.

As passengers learn during an onboard lecture the day before our transit, thousands of workers toiled for a decade to carve the passageway out of the dense Panamanian jungle. In addition to building giant locks at both sides of the canal (near both the Pacific and Atlantic entrances), its builders had to construct what at the time was the world's largest dam along the Chagres River, which in turn created one of the world's largest man-made lakes.

Dubbed Gatun Lake, the 21-mile-long body of water makes up a significant part of the waterway vessels use to cross the country.

Sea Cloud Spirit spends much of the day crossing the canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic as the ship's onboard lecturer, Stephen Weston, offers a running narrative from the top deck.

The entire process of moving between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans takes just seven hours.

The indigenous people of San Blas

The final stop on this trip is the San Blas Islands, a sprinkling of several hundred mostly uninhabited spits of white sand and palm trees that rest off Panama's Caribbean coast.

Controlled by the Kuna, an indigenous people spread across three politically autonomous reservations in Panama and Colombia, the islands are mostly off-limits to tourists and undeveloped for mass tourism, as the Kuna like it. But the Kuna allow small groups of visitors, such as those aboard Sea Cloud Spirit, to visit occasionally.

Anchoring off the Kuna-inhabited island of Wichub Wala, we tender to a small dock to wander the sandy paths between the Kuna's bamboo and palm leaf huts, past the dugout canoes they use for fishing.

It is, for many passengers, an opportunity to purchase a souvenir from the trip that is hand-made and local, as the women of the village line the pathways hawking the colorful needlework panels called molas that they make both for their own use (traditionally, they sew them onto the fronts of their blouses) and for tourists.

Molas that we're told take weeks to make sell for about $15 to $20.

The brief visit to Wichub Wala also includes a short dance performance by the Kuna in their main square before we are back on the tender to the ship. It is a morning stop paired with an afternoon call at another sandy island for more snorkeling and swimming.

The trip ends the next morning in Colon on Panama's Caribbean coast.

Bottom line

A voyage along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and Panama on Sea Cloud Spirit is an intriguing way to see the highlights of both countries in a single trip.

One of the biggest passenger sailing ships ever built, Sea Cloud Spirit takes a go-slow approach to travel down the coast from Puntarenas, Costa Rica, to the Pearl Islands of Panama, followed by a daylight crossing of the Panama Canal to the Caribbean side of Panama. Along the way, it visits several of the most popular tourist areas in the two countries and offers passengers a relatively rare opportunity to experience the joys of sailing the region on a tall ship.

One caveat about the trips: Sea Cloud Cruises, which is based in Hamburg, Germany, has a big following in Germany, and its Sea Cloud Spirit sailings often are heavy with German speakers. That said, the vessel's onboard program is bilingual (the relatively rare number of announcements on board are made in German and English, and most of the staff speaks both languages). You'll likely find at least some English speakers among your fellow passengers.

For more details on what it's like on board, see TPG's first-look guide to Sea Cloud Spirit .

Ten-night Sea Cloud Spirit sailings to Costa Rica and Panama start at $9,530 per person, based on double occupancy. For more information, call 888-732-2568 or visit seacloud.com .

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Sea Cloud Spirit

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Sea Cloud Spirit How to sail the world and soothe the soul

Sea cloud spirit – all about the ultimate luxury sailing yacht.

I t has been a long time since I felt so far away from everything and so close to myself as I did recently on the luxury sailing yacht »Sea Cloud Spirit«.

It’s one of three luxury yachts of the Sea Cloud Cruises that sail every year in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and as well in the North- and Baltic Sea.

I talked to General Manager Daniel Schäfer about his take on sustainable luxury travel, and why all three yachts are always welcome in the harbours of the world – unlike most of their competitors.

» Our ships are powered exclusively by sail whenever the wind allows. But our sustainability approach is far more complex than that . «

Where was the Sea Cloud Spirit built and was it difficult to find a modern shipyard that could create a sailing ship of this kind anyway?

The Sea Cloud Spirit was built in Vigo in northern Spain. In fact, particularly in Spain, we found a number of shipyards that still have the know-how we needed, and in the end, it was a choice between two nearly equivalent shipyards.

The Spirit was launched last year. How much time passed between the initial idea and the christening of the ship?

A little longer than planned, but that wasn’t down to us (smiles). The idea for the Spirit was born more than ten years ago, but it took a lot of patience to get everything going, and then the pandemic hit. It was a long journey, but well worth it in the end. Everything came full circle in September last year, at the ship’s christening in Mallorca.

The Sea Cloud Spirit follows in the footsteps of the Sea Cloud and the Sea Cloud II. What experiences with these two were you able to incorporate into the design of the Spirit?

We deliberately built the Sea Cloud Spirit a little larger. It’s a size that allows us to offer cabins with balconies which is extra private outdoor space. We also have some cabins on the Lido Deck where you can leave the windows open at night.

This may sound insignificant, but for ships of this size, it’s fairly difficult to realise due to safety considerations. On the Sun Deck, our guests have access to a fitness studio with state-of-the-art equipment, and there is a sauna, a steam bath, and rooms for wellness treatments on the Cabin Deck.

The Sea Cloud Spirit is also the first ship in our fleet with an integrated lift. So, you see, we have made a conscious decision to invest in amenities that are competitive in the classic cruise ship market. Despite this new generosity the Sea Cloud Spirit has retained the character of a private sailing yacht.

Who is your ideal Sea Cloud Spirit customer?

Everybody, of course! (smiles) But in the end, our aim was to attract a younger clientele, and we are pleased to appeal to both customers aged 45 and over, as well as to long-standing regular customers who have been cruising the seas with us for years, and even decades. These guests have one thing in common, they share an appreciation for a sustainable and decelerated way of traveling.

‘As little impact as possible’ is the Sea Cloud Cruises motto. How do you achieve this?

Our ships are powered exclusively by sail whenever the wind allows. And even when we need engine power, we use particularly low-sulphur marine diesel. It’s the best choice of diesel, which the competition does not use, unfortunately. Our energy consumption is relatively low because we have installed very economical, state-of-the-art engines. But our sustainability approach is far more complex than that.

In what way?

We always conduct ourselves as respectful guests wherever we go. We arrive at a port with a deliberately small group of culturally interested, wealthy guests who are keen to discover the destination in a truly appreciative way.

For us, and equally, for our guests, it’s extremely important to support the local community. We consciously purchase local food, we invite local artists for activities on board, and we don’t squeeze every dollar out of our partners. It’s all part of the so-called ‘soft and sustainable tourism’.

Talking of which, is the Spirit allowed to visit Venice?

We are one of the few ships still allowed to sail there, yes. Common sense has finally prevailed, and the big ships have been banned. Our ships and guests, however, simply belong there, it’s a perfect match.

What activities on board and ashore await guests on the Sea Cloud Spirit?

We have a diverse range to choose from: anything from yoga classes on board to inspiring lectures and concerts. We often stop en route for swim and sup breaks. Of course, the activities on shore depend entirely on the local offerings. This could involve a trike or a buggy tour on the Canary Islands, or we might book the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao exclusively for our guests in the evening.

Last year, for example, we were able to reserve the Palazzo Gangi in Sicily exclusively for our guests. It’s where the famous novel ‘The Leopard’ is set, and it’s very rare to receive access to this location. But the best entertainment of all is, of course, the sailing experience – it doesn’t get any better than that (smiles).

Around 85 staff work on board the Spirit. How many Hamburg headquarter staff support the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly?

In Hamburg, we have a team of 45 who look after nearly everything we need for daily tasks. This means that we have outsourced hardly any services at all. In this respect, we are not only a cruise operator, but we have chosen to be a classic shipping line that acts autonomously.

Sea Cloud Cruises is also a member of the “Feine Privat Hotels” (Fine Private Hotels) community. What are the special challenges of a luxury hotel under sail?

Of course, the logistics are a unique challenge, as we have to plan a lot in advance. For example, we take regular container deliveries from Europe and all over the world to ensure we have excellent quality of goods on board. Just recently, we were confronted with new customs regulations in Spain which made it impossible for us to bring the planned items on board. In this situation, we were saved by the British port of Gibraltar, where we were able to solve the problem at short notice.

But despite the many challenges in our daily operations, we are thrilled to be able to follow the sun and the ideal wind to choose our destinations. So, the additional logistical effort is definitely worth it.

Your ships can be chartered privately or to corporate clients. Which tour was the most memorable for you?

One tour that comes to mind was with the Sea Cloud II around Malta. Our charter customer arranged for a stage to be set up on the upper deck for performances by the ‘Circus Roncalli’, so his guests enjoyed a unique artistic experience. Many of our charter clients put a lot of effort into creating extraordinary moments on board, and we are of course always delighted to help them realise their wishes.

In addition, it’s always a pleasure to host wedding celebrations on our yachts. But sometimes, customers simply want to sail from the moment they embark until we dock in the port, and we fully appreciate that of course.

Do you have a personal favourite route?

To be honest, the Caribbean is just perfect. You have consistent winds and it’s not too hot. For our crew, it’s almost like a second home. They know every bay and every island, and they have their special local connections. And, for example, when we take a zodiac to one of the islands in the evening with our guests and walk the last two metres through the water to the beach, where a barbecue is waiting for us, that is a very special moment.

But it’s just as beautiful in the Mediterranean when we cruise through the Aegean, for example, or when we sail the North and Baltic Seas. Even if you’ve previously travelled to destinations like these – entering a harbour or bay with a sailing ship always changes your perspective and has its very own magic.

Thank you, Daniel!

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Huge sailing yacht cruiser to dock in Devon

The impressive three-mast full-rigged ship Sea Cloud Spirit is a sight to behold

• 13:48, 12 JUN 2024

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Authentic tall-ship sailing experience vessel Sea Cloud Spirit - reputed to be the world's third-largest sailing yacht cruiser - is on its way to Devon. The German three-mast full-rigged ship is scheduled to arrive in Dartmouth at 8am this Friday, June 14.

The luxury ship, which combines a traditional windjammer experience with 21st century comfort for up to 136 passengers, stopped off at Dart Harbour last year. However, this time it will be enjoying a longer stay.

Sea Cloud Spirit is 125 metres long, has 28 sails and five decks with some amazing facilities onboard. In addition to the usual amenities such as a fine dining restaurant, boutique and library, the ship has an infirmary, wine bar, cocktail bar and tea room.

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There are spacious and elegant common spaces on the main deck, along with an ocean-view spa, hair salon and gym.

Tricia Daniels, cruise coordinator for Dart Harbour, said: "We have seen her last year as well, but this time she is staying longer between 8am and 6pm which is unusual for the parent company, Sea Cloud Cruises. She is a German, uber luxurious, three-masted rigged ship but, at just three years old, she also has the advantage of being high-tech.

"Sea Cloud Spirit carries 136 guests, mostly German, and on this occasion, they are sailing on a Britain in Bloom itinerary, arriving from Guernsey and then heading out to the Scillies. Dart Harbour intends to have a German speaker as part of the Dartmouth Ambassador Meet and Greet team on the day."

• Most Recent

The Best New Small-Ship Cruises to Book in 2024

A uthentic. It was Merriam Webster's top searched word for 2023 and one that has dominated the travel vernacular in recent years. And while many would not necessarily associate the word with ocean cruising , the growth in popularity of small-ship cruises-particularly sailings with 500 guests or fewer-indicates that in the cruising world, passengers are seeking a more intimate, less crowded, and yes, arguably more authentic sailing experience.

Take expedition cruising , for example. As the number of adventure-focused ships and yachts has exploded in recent years, these cruises are no longer just about extreme voyages in polar regions. They are also about offering a deeper look into the culture, food, history, and environmental fragility of remote wonders of the world.

Although there isn't a huge number of new small ships being introduced, there are a few notable vessels that have either recently launched or are launching this year with a focus on the idea that smaller is not just better, but more sustainable, too. These new small-ship cruises bring with them some exciting and more immersive new itineraries to destinations both warm and wintry that have us ready to pack our bags and sail away.

Sea Cloud Cruises' "Sea Cloud Spirit"

• Suggested itinerary: Reset your mind and body on an eight-night sailing through Spain's Canary Islands and on to Morocco on a special cruise featuring experts in restorative health. Pricing starts at $4,895 per person.

What's more authentic-and sustainable-than setting sail on a tall ship where the sails are hoisted up each day by hand? Although not technically new (it was launched in 2021), the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit and its two sister ships, Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II , are upping their game in a push to introduce Sea Cloud Cruises' unique product to North American travelers. The German company has traditionally catered to German and British passengers. As part of its effort to expand its reach and appeal, Sea Cloud is adding wellness programs with daily onboard yoga and guest fitness gurus, in addition to special food- and wine-focused sailings with well-known chefs making appearances. Sea Cloud Spirit , the largest of the three-ship fleet with 69 cabins, was meticulously designed to pay homage to the original Sea Cloud , which was the world's largest private sailing yacht when Wall Street broker Edward Francis Hutton had it built in 1931 for his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post.

The Sea Cloud Spirit combines the experience of decades of traditional seamanship with the modern-day luxuries of a private yacht. Cabins range from 172-square-foot single cabins to 300-square-foot balcony suites with soaking tubs. There's a large fitness center and spa, which has a steam room, sauna, and thermal area for two; indoor and outdoor lounges; and a main dining area, plus a more casual bistro. The action, however, is out on deck, where passengers can stargaze at night or simply gaze in awe at the impressive sails blowing in the wind.

Atlas Ocean Voyages' "World Navigator"

• Suggested itinerary: Go searching for Arctic wildlife on a 12-night cruise from Reykjavík, which sails along the eastern coast of Greenland and to Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago, one of the world's northernmost inhabited areas and home to polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes, and other Nordic wildlife. Pricing starts at $6,499 per person.

World Navigator , which sailed its maiden voyage in Antarctica this past November, is the third vessel to join the fleet of one of the newest players in small-ship expedition cruising, Atlas Ocean Voyages. The company's 100-cabin expedition yachts are almost identical and provide a hybrid of sorts between traditional expedition and luxury cruising. Cabins are spacious, almost all with balconies, desks, and seating areas. The bathrooms have glass-mosaic tiled showers with rain showerheads, wall jets, and even benches.

Everything on the ship-including the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows-is designed to provide maximum views. The ships also have spacious pool decks with two hot tubs, a fitness center overlooking the sea, a spa, and water toys like kayaks and paddleboards. There's even extreme camping gear for those willing to brave an overnight under the stars in Antarctica. During North American winters, all three of Atlas's expedition yachts sail in Antarctica. With the addition of World Navigator , the company is launching more Arctic Circle cruises during the North American summers while also adding a host of new epicurean and cultural expeditions in South America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and northern Europe this year.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's "Ilma"

• Suggested itinerary: Spend a little extra time in port on a 10-day sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon, which has three overnight stays, in Palma de Mallorca and Malaga in Spain, and in Lisbon, Portugal, one of Europe's oldest cities. Pricing starts at $10,600 per person.

Another newcomer to luxury small-ship cruising is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which debuts its second ship, the Ilma , this year. With 224 suites, the ship is larger than the original Ritz-Carlton yacht, the 149-suite Evrima , which launched in October 2022. On the Ilma , all the suites will have private terraces, including a two-story suite with soaking tub; the coveted, 1,000-square-foot owner's suite has a private outdoor whirlpool. Even the smallest suites are not all that small, at 300 square feet, and come with a personal concierge and 24-hour room service. The yacht boasts what Ritz-Carlton says is the highest ratio of space per guest at sea.

And you can expect to find the same meticulous service standards that you would find at Ritz-Carlton resorts throughout the world as the line aims to impress hotel guests seeking a luxury hotel experience at sea. Onboard are five dining venues, including S.E.A., a European tasting experience designed by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany; Talaat Nam, featuring Southeast Asian cuisine and a sushi bar; and Mistral, a casual come-as-you-are alfresco grill with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Light bites are served at the marina at the aft of the ship, where you can also hop on a borrowed paddleboard. Oh, and did we mention there are two outdoor pools, too?

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SAILING CRUISES

LESS IS MORE

At a time when many people are returning to what really counts in life, the true value of windjammers is once again becoming apparent, something which SEA CLOUD CRUISES has appreciated for many years. The rhythm of the wind and waves determines the rhythm and direction of life on board. Under a full set of sails, the values of classic seamanship are in the foreground and people are very much at the center of everything that happens on board. In the cosy atmosphere of a private yacht, friendships develop and grow. This is travel in the original sense. On every trip with the SEA CLOUD, the SEA CLOUD II and also with the SEA CLOUD SPIRIT, the journey itself becomes the goal and time a secondary consideration.

In harmony with nature

For more than 40 years now, SEA CLOUD CRUISES has nurtured the concept of gentle tourism. Instead of fighting the sea with engine power, we use the wind whenever possible to get where we need to be – and thus prove that unique experiences and a healthy regard for the environment are not mutually exclusive. As often as we can, we sail. For this, the captain may have to change the route from time to time, if the weather conditions demand it.

Small ships mean more opportunities

Due to their small size and manoeuvrability, the SEA CLOUD ships can sail off the beaten tourist tracks. One thing is always in the center our minds: to treat other cultures with respect. Our trips offer a balanced mixture of a real sailing experience and exciting discoveries ashore. Our advantage as a “private yacht”: in addition to well-known and popular destinations, we mainly call at smaller, more individual ports, which you can also explore on your own, independently of organized shore excursions.

Sailing experience

Setting sails by hand.

Sailing passion with a tradition: on board the SEA CLOUDs, the sails are still traditionally set by hand. It is always a spectacular moment when the sailors climb the rigging, loosen the heavy cloth and then haul the lines in from the deck. Nothing happens at the push of a button: almost a full hour passes before all sails can catch the wind.

The Sea, the wind and endless horizons

Taste the sea air, hear the sound of the waves and feel the wind filling the up 4,100 m² / 44,100 sq ft of sail area. On the SEA CLOUD ships you can always be outside and close to the elements as so much on board takes place in the fresh air. The sea is always within reach here – and not a dozen decks away.

The atmosphere

The flair of a private yacht.

With their endearing manner and attention to service, the entire crew ensures a completely relaxed atmosphere on board. In a small circle of guests you can enjoy the marvellous feeling of being on a private yacht. Arrive, switch off, enjoy: Our windjammers are quiet oases in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here you will find pure deceleration – you can just let yourself drift. Whether in the early morning at the deck railing or in the evening at the bar – you will find it easy to strike up conversations with like-minded sailing fans from all over the world. The common experience on board connects. After just a few days under sail, you’ll feel less like a guest and like a good friend and part of the SEA CLOUD family.

PASSIONATE SAILORS

Many of our crew members have been loyal to the SEA CLOUD family for over 30 years. For these men and women, windjammers are much more than just a place of work – they are a home. As a guest, you quickly become part of our family and feel at home on board. For many crew members, working on the SEA CLOUDs has been a dream come true. Whether in the engine room, on the bridge or in the restaurant – the passion for their profession has welded them together into a well-rehearsed and proficient team. They pass on their enthusiasm as proud hosts.

EXPERIENCE FOR THE PALATE

With a creativity of the highest order, our top chefs conjure up exclusive culinary experiences time and time again. They like to complement their refined menus with local products and market-fresh fish. The wine selection is matched to the route and delights with excellent wines from each region. Whether breakfast or lunch buffet, evening barbecue on deck, elegant dinner in the restaurant – the cuisine on board is innovative and varied, catering to your individual needs and combining classic, modern and maritime nuances.

Highest comfort

Tasteful outdoor cabins.

Elegant and spacious: all SEA CLOUD cabins offer a view of the sea, even from your own private balcony on the SEA CLOUD SPIRIT. Thanks to many small details – from the champagne as a welcome drink to the daily bedtime snacks – guests immediately feel at home. The ambience on board is classically maritime. Elegant, spacious teak decks, comfortable deckchairs and fine woods radiate both warmth and cosiness. The tastefully furnished outside cabins are perfectly thought through and offer enough space to be able to retreat. Twice a day they are lovingly prepared by your cabin stewardess.

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• Historic sailship Sea Cloud to undergo extensive drydock...

Historic sailship Sea Cloud to undergo extensive drydock refurbishment in 2025

Sea Cloud Cruises has announced that its flagship Sea Cloud will undergo significant refurbishments following the conclusion of its 2025 European season.

The 64-guest windjammer (4-masted motorized sailship), nearing its 95th anniversary (launched in 1931) will be deployed in the Caribbean, Europe (Mediterranean, Canary Islands) and the Atlantic before entering drydock.

During the 2025 season, Sea Cloud, along with its fleetmates Sea Cloud II and Sea Cloud Spirit , will host special events (both onboard and ashore) to celebrate the vessel's storied history.

According to Mirell Reyes (Sea Cloud Cruises North America's President), season 2025 will be a memorable celebration as the esteemed Sea Cloud yacht visits favorite Caribbean and European ports, before taking a well-deserved break for refurbishment.

The renovation project will be directed by Adam Pazdzioch (Sea Cloud Cruises’ managing director and chief technical officer) who has 2+ decades of experience with the company. Pazdzioch previously oversaw the 2010 refurbishment of Sea Cloud and contributed to the construction of Sea Cloud II and Sea Cloud Spirit.

Commissioned in 1931 by E.F. Hutton and Marjorie Merriweather Post, Sea Cloud boasts a rich history, including service as a weather station during World War II (1939-45) and multiple changes in ownership.

The ship's last major refurbishment was in 2011, updating it to modern safety standards while maintaining its classic charm.

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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