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How the Sea Cloud went from private yacht to cruise ship

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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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The most unusual new cruise ship of the decade: Why Sea Cloud Spirit is a vessel you'll want to try

It might just be the most spectacular show in all of cruising.

Standing on the teak-lined top deck of Sea Cloud Spirit, the glorious new sailing ship from Sea Cloud Cruises, I am watching 18 sure-footed deckhands scurrying about high in the rigging to unfurl the sails.

From my perch, the crew members look like frenzied ants bumping around a recently disturbed anthill. Wherever you look across the vessel's three massive masts, which rise nearly 200 feet in the air, and the giant "yards" that cross them at regular intervals, at least one of these little jumbles of arms and legs is untying sails and throwing them into the proper position to unfurl.

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It doesn't take these deckhands long to prepare all 16 of the massive pieces of cloth up above — one on each yard — and soon they are bounding back down to the ship's top deck for the second half of the show: the (winch-assisted) heaving of the ropes that fully unfurl the sails.

It is only then that the massive vessel — five decks high and 453 feet long — begins to catch the wind and accelerate forward. Call it the show's epilogue. We are now underway, propelled by the power of the wind alone.

Even for a seen-it-all cruise writer like me, it is an exhilarating experience — and a rare one.

In the (small) world of large sailing ships that can be booked for multiday cruises, only a handful of vessels have sails that are still set by hand in this way — the old-fashioned way, like it was done centuries ago.

Most large sailing ships that offer multiday voyages, such as those operated by Windstar Cruises , have automated sails.

It is rarer still that a vessel like this would be built new, with all the latest creature comforts, as Sea Cloud Spirit was over the past 15 years during an on-again, off-again project to craft one of the biggest, most elegant passenger sailing ships ever.

This is at the heart of what makes Sea Cloud Spirit special. It is an old-style tall ship that, above all, offers an authentic sailing experience. But as I saw recently on an 11-night voyage down the coast of Costa Rica and Panama, it's also a modern and upscale cruise vessel that will whisk you around such sailing-friendly destinations as the Caribbean in style.

Here are more of my first impressions of Sea Cloud Spirit, which is just starting to draw attention in the North American market after a quiet launch to mostly Germans in 2021.

It's an old-style windjammer with modern rooms

Call it the most unusual new cruise vessel of the decade — if not longer. Carrying just 136 passengers, Sea Cloud Spirit is a full-rigged, three-masted sailing ship of the sort that hasn't been common on the world's oceans for more than a century. Still, it's no relic of the golden age of sail. While it's modeled on classic sailing ships of old, it was built with all of the modern comforts that you would expect on a new cruise vessel, including elegant and amenity-filled cabins.

Aimed at an upscale traveler, Sea Cloud Spirit's accommodations are notably roomy for a sailing vessel, with most measuring more than 200 square feet and many boasting spacious balconies —a rarity for even the biggest passenger sailing ships.

All 25 cabins on the Panorama Deck (Deck 3), billed as junior suites and suites, have such balconies, allowing passengers to step out into the fresh ocean air during long sails between destinations. That's roughly 36% of the 69 cabins on the vessel.

The remaining 44 cabins — most located one deck down on the Cabin Deck (Deck 2), with a few on the higher Lido Deck (Deck 4) — all have windows to the outside. In an unusual-for-a-cruise-vessel twist, the windows of the Lido Deck cabins can be opened for a breeze.

All the cabins are well appointed with such modern amenities as televisions with on-demand movies available at no extra charge, miniature refrigerators stocked with soda, personal safes and a welcome bottle of Champagne. On the downside, storage space is somewhat limited, with relatively tight built-in closets with oddly small slide-out drawers.

All feature decor that draws its inspiration from the 1930s design of Sea Cloud Cruises' original vessel Sea Cloud — once the private yacht for Postum Cereals heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post (and, at one time, the largest private yacht in the world). Think classical motifs, white-on-white decorative wall paneling and shiplap ceilings, and bathrooms with lots of marble, brass and gold. (In junior suites, the type of cabin I had, the bathrooms boast deep whirlpool bathtubs and Villeroy & Boch fittings.)

The dining is upscale (if limited)

Hard and tasteless sea biscuits, salted meats and pickled vegetables might have been the staples of sailing ships of old, but that's definitely not the case on Sea Cloud Spirit. The ship offers a fine dining experience in its main eatery, the Restaurant, that mixes elegantly plated classic continental cuisine such as beef Rossini with locally inspired dishes such as a pan-seared fillet of grouper floating on a Caribbean-style salsa.

Big enough to serve all 136 passengers on the ship at once, the Restaurant has a classic feel to match its continental cuisine. It sports large arched windows that bathe the room in light, crisp white tablecloths, German-made china embossed with a gold line drawing of the ship, and paintings of sailing ships on its walls.

Located at the back of the vessel on the Panorama Deck, the Restaurant is, alas, one of few dining options on Sea Cloud Spirit, and it offers a limited menu at dinnertime. Each night, the menu features just a single starter, a single soup, a choice of three main courses and a single dessert (that can be substituted with an international cheese plate). Plus, sorbet is always served in between the soup and main courses.

An alternative option on some nights is a more casual dinner at the open-air "bistro" — a covered seating area with teak furniture and 270-degree views at the back of the ship. Its menu also is limited to just a few choices, and they typically overlap with what is offered at the Restaurant one deck below.

The bistro space, which is backed by a bar, also serves as the ship's main outdoor lounge space during the day and morphs into a drinking spot at night (complete with a DJ spinning tunes). On some nights, there's even dancing.

The single option for lunch typically is a buffet served at the outdoor bistro, with breakfast served as a buffet in the Restaurant. On some nights, dinner is also a buffet served at the outdoor bistro, with no meal served in the Restaurant.

What you won't find on Sea Cloud Spirit is the sort of casual decktop grill that you find on some ships where you can grab a quick burger in between lounges on the Lido Deck. And there's no room service offered on board for those who want to swap one of the very-drawn-out meals in the main restaurant for an early night to bed.

This is, no doubt, partly due to the small size of the vessel and resulting limits on the number of kitchen and wait staff members that it can carry. Even with the limited menus and dining options, the dining staff often appears stretched too thin.

Still, what the kitchen is able to accomplish with its limited resources is impressive. Dinner buffets at the bistro often feature chefs grilling fresh local fish either bought the same day from local fishers or caught off the back of the vessel while it is underway (something I've never seen done on any other vessel in nearly 30 years of writing about cruising). Filet mignon, lobster and other high-end fare cooked in front of passengers on deck is also common.

Sea Cloud has also begun hosting well-known U.S. chefs on some sailings to lead cooking demonstrations and lectures during the day and create special dishes for dinners at night. On my sailing, renowned South Florida chef Cindy Hutson and partner Delius Shirley, who have had restaurants in Florida and Jamaica, were on board. Sea Cloud recently announced that chef Michael Collantes of Winter Park, Florida's Michelin-starred Soseki would be sailing on a voyage in October.

It's mostly all-inclusive

Sea Cloud Spirit's itineraries aren't inexpensive. Ten-night Costa Rica and Panama voyages scheduled for 2025, similar to the one I experienced, start at $9,530 per person — or nearly $1,000 per person, per day. Top cabins on the vessel for such voyages cost as much as $23,090 per person.

But as is typical for cruise lines at the high end, Sea Cloud Cruises includes a lot in its base price. In addition to a room and all meals, the fares wrap in the cost of gratuities, a complimentary minibar in cabins stocked with sodas, and fine wines and other alcoholic drinks available from the ship's eateries and bar around the clock. These costs can really drive up the total price of a cruise vacation on many other lines.

In addition, all passengers get 1 gigabyte of speedy Starlink Internet access for free on every voyage. (If that isn't enough to last your entire sailing, you can buy more at a rate of 20 euros for 5 gigabytes or 35 euros for 10 gigabytes.) Plus, those staying in higher-level cabins get free laundry service throughout their cruise, a notable perk.

Another free perk on the ship is access to its small spa's thermal area— an extra charge on many ships. It's home to a Finnish sauna, steam room, foot bath, showers and a relaxation room.

Some destination activities are also included in the fare. On my sailing, for instance, guided snorkeling outings with a naturalist off the beach during stops at Panama's Coiba National Park and Pearl Islands were available at no extra charge. So was a visit with the indigenous Kuna people of the San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama.

The handful of things that cost extra during a Sea Cloud Spirit sailing include extra-charge shore tours offered during visits to some destinations (on my sailing, there were extra-charge tours during three stops) and treatments in the ship's small spa.

It's magical — and romantic

Lovely rooms, lovely food, inclusive pricing — these are all things that you'll find on just about any higher-end cruise ship. But what you won't get on almost any other vessel is the feeling of sheer awe that you get spending a day under sail on Sea Cloud Spirit.

It is, quite simply, something magical — and romantic — to be propelled through the ocean on a vessel the size of Sea Cloud Spirit by nothing more than the power of the wind.

It harks back to a bygone era before the arrival of modern motor vessels, when crossing the world's oceans was as adventurous as it was arduous.

It's an experience that's all about the feeling of the wind in your hair, the lean of the vessel (known as the heel) as it's pushed by the wind and the sway from the waves, which is smoother than what you get on a motor ship.

It's about looking up at the massive sails swollen with the wind from the vantage point of a lounge chair and thinking about how far humans have come in just a few centuries — for better or worse.

It's about thinking about our collective history and the personal tales of our family histories.

Walking around Sea Cloud Spirit's graciously curved top deck, with its seemingly endless arrays of coiled ropes and winches and other gear needed to operate a giant tall ship, I couldn't help but think of my poor Scot-Irish ancestors casting off from Belfast and Londonderry to the Americas in the 1700s, setting off on sailing ship journeys that would take eight weeks in some cases.

Sea Cloud Spirit is enchanting for many reasons, including its sheer beauty. Narrow and sleek, as sailing ships always are, it's a sight to behold from the water when all 28 of its sails are unfurled and trimmed for maximum speed — something passengers can experience firsthand during a "photo safari" off the ship in rubber Zodiac boats.

When the light catches the ship's sails just right, it is pure majesty.

All that said, if you're the sort of cruiser who doesn't think a ship is complete if it's not loaded with amusements, Sea Cloud Spirit is probably not the vessel for you. Other than the show of the sails being put up, it offers no onboard shows, just lectures by the ship's staff and guest speakers about the places the ship is visiting and the ship itself. Its top deck doesn't even have a pool.

In contrast to what you'll find on many new cruise ships, the experience isn't about being amused while carving your way across the sea. It's about the simple thrill of traveling across the sea.

If you're an American, you might be in the minority

Sea Cloud Cruises is a Germany-based company, with a big following there, and as a result, its sailings are often dominated by German-speaking passengers.

While the company markets internationally, and its onboard program is bilingual (the relatively rare number of announcements on board are made in both German and English, and most of the staff speaks both languages), certain sailings can have very few English speakers on board. On my sailing, only about a dozen of 104 passengers on board were English speakers, for instance.

In addition, you'll find that pricing for extra-charge items on the ship, such as spa treatments, is in euros. The plugs on board the vessel are all European style (though you will find a couple of USB ports to charge your phones in every room).

Sea Cloud Cruises has been making a major effort in recent months to draw more travelers from the North American market, so expect to see this ratio of English speakers to German speakers grow. But, for now, a cruise on the vessel sometimes has the feel of a stay at the sort of smaller hotels in Germany that mostly cater to locals.

When passing someone in a hall, whether passenger or crew, you're more likely to be greeted with a "guten morgen" or "guten tag" than a "good morning" or "good day" — at least until they figure out that you're one of the few Americans on board.

Bottom line

Other authentic sailing ships offer multiday trips for vacationers — including the two other vessels in the Sea Cloud Cruises fleet (Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II). But none are as big or awe-inspiring as the new Sea Cloud Spirit.

If it's an authentic sailing ship experience you're after, on a large vessel of the sort that once was common on the world's oceans, a voyage on Sea Cloud Spirit will be hard to beat.

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Not Big on Cruising? This Intimate Sailing Ship Feels More Like a Private Yacht

Here’s what it’s really like to cruise on the classic sailing vessel sea cloud spirit ..

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On the recently launched 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit , passengers sail far off the beaten cruise path in intimate luxury.

Courtesy of Sea Cloud Cruises

Sailing along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica under full-wind power, fishing lines cast off the back to catch something to supplement the dinner menu, it was hard to believe I was on a cruise ship.

On the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit , there is no swimming pool, no casino, and no pickleball court on board. You won’t find a 24-hour snack bar serving hamburgers and hot dogs at all hours. And yes, you may have to eat some of your meals outside among the natural elements.

In return, however, you get an authentic tall-ship sailing experience with all the amenities of an intimate, sustainably focused, five-star cruise that takes you far off the well-worn tourism path. Travelers can jump off the ship’s swim deck directly into the ocean instead of into a man-made pool; ride horseback on a small family-owned ranch; wander private gardens filled with sloths; snorkel and paddleboard along the reefs of remote and uninhabited islands; or simply spend a day relaxing under the billowing sails.

It’s what Sea Cloud Cruises calls “gentle tourism.” I call it unmatched relaxation on what may be one of the first lines to successfully fill that ever-elusive category of “best cruise for non-cruisers.”

On the Sea Cloud Spirit , there’s no swimming pool, casino, or pickleball court. Instead it has 69 well-appointed cabins, a spa, a fitness center, outdoor decks, an indoor lounge, a bar and restaurant, and 44,000 square feet of canvas sails.

The Sea Cloud Spirit is the newest and third ship in the world’s only fleet of cruise ships that still sail the old-fashioned way, under more than two dozen sails that are completely raised and managed by hand. It is a small vessel, one whose appearance is more pirate ship than traditional cruise liner. And the overall vibe and experience is one of pure private yacht–style luxury.

The original ship, Sea Cloud , is a legend. Built more than 90 years ago for cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post by her husband, E.F. Hutton, the ship at the time was the largest privately owned yacht in the world.

Sea Cloud II (built in 2001) and Sea Cloud Spirit were built to uphold the ambience of a private yacht and tall-ship sailing inside and out. They feature elegant cabins with ample wood details as well as modern amenities such as comfortable beds and air-conditioning.

Launched in 2021, Sea Cloud Spirit is the newest of the three—and the biggest, at 453 feet in length with 69 cabins. And while that is still quite small by most cruise-ship standards, it features a surprising number of extras without feeling overly cramped or crowded.

There’s a spa and hair salon with two treatment rooms, a relaxation area, a steam room, and a sauna. On the sundeck is a glass-walled library where you can escape the elements to read or play games without giving up the views or sailing experience. There’s also a fitness center from which you can see the water while working up a sweat.

Scattered across the lido and sun decks are a variety of lounge chairs and day beds for sunning and napping under the sails. There’s also a large indoor lounge and restaurant. At the back of the lido deck are the main bar and the outdoor dining area, where most lunches and dinners are provided.

Like the ship itself, the cabins are surprisingly spacious. All are outside cabins, ranging in size from two 140-square-foot solo cabins to 300-square-foot veranda suites. On a recent sailing earlier this month, I stayed in a 272-square-foot junior veranda suite, which had an outdoor deck as well as an indoor seating area, plus an oversize whirlpool tub and a double vanity in the spacious bathroom.

A big draw is experiencing the crew unfurling the sails manually.

Setting sail

The main event on any Sea Cloud ship, of course, is setting sail. Our first morning we went up to the sun deck to watch 22 deckhands climb into the shrouds to set and unfurl the ship’s sails while the chief officer explained the process.

Based on their hats, logo shirts, and their keen interest in the raising of the sails, several passengers clearly were sailors themselves. But you don’t have to know anything about sailing to appreciate and enjoy the magic of being powered by the wind and 44,000 square feet of canvas.

The ship doesn’t use the sails after dark for safety reasons, and the captain estimated that the Sea Cloud Spirit operates under wind power about 30 to 50 percent of any given cruise. When not sailing, the ship is powered by two diesel-electric engines that operate entirely on low-sulfur marine diesel fuel.

Sea Cloud vessels bring passengers to more remote corners of the world, such as the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica.

Photo by Luis Diego/Unsplash

The itinerary

One of the biggest bonuses of sailing with Sea Cloud Cruises is the small ships’ ability to venture where larger ships cannot go. While the itineraries vary dramatically—the ships sail everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and beyond—the one constant is the focus on sustainable activities that keep guests away from heavily trafficked areas.

Our 11-day sailing (which starts at $9,530 for the 2025 version) took us 1,200 miles along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica , through the Panama Canal, down through Panama’s San Blas archipelago, then back to Colon and Panama City.

Our first stop was Playa Panama, a small beach in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region where some of us hopped on a coach to visit a local ranch that is hoping to preserve and showcase a more traditional way of life by opening up to small groups of tourists. We started with a few lessons in Costa Rican traditions, including tortilla making and coffee roasting, before splitting into groups for zip-lining or horseback riding. Only six of us went horseback riding with the ranch owner and his grandson, who took us on a short cattle drive followed by a leisurely gallop across the sprawling ranch.

In Golfito, Costa Rica, we visited another family working to support tourism while conserving their corner of the ecosystem: La Perica Sloth Garden. The family opened the garden just before the pandemic after discovering the sloth habitat while building trails to help their aging grandmother walk the property. There are so many sloths that you are essentially guaranteed a sighting. Indeed, we saw 10, as well as monkeys and macaws.

After Golfito, the stops became even more remote, ending in the San Blas archipelago, where we visited a small island inhabited by the Cuna people, who have traditionally shunned tourism.

The Sea Cloud Spirit may be an intimate sailing ship, but the cabins aren’t too cramped.

Life onboard

While much of the cruise is about experiencing and embracing life under the sails, whether that’s relaxing on deck, dancing after dinner, or eating under the stars, during sailings there is also a focus on learning more about the local communities, wildlife, people, and food being experienced along the way.

Onboard for our itinerary was Costa Rica and Panama expert Stephen Westin, who gave insightful lectures on the history of the Panama Canal and the Cuna people of the San Blas archipelago. We also had a guest chef, Cindi Huston from Miami, who supplemented the already generous and diverse menus with her mouthwatering concoctions that included Costa Rican coffee and cocoa-crusted skirt steak, a special coconut fish dish, and ceviche with plantain chips.

There was, of course, a lot of fresh fish on offer, including some tuna, wahoo, snapper, and mahi-mahi that crew members caught while we were sailing.

For some, meals out on deck is a plus; for others, they may prefer to eat inside on more balmy nights.

One of my favorite things about the trip was the international mix of passengers. The ships are owned by a German holding company and have traditionally catered mostly to Germans, which makes for some interesting cultural encounters. For instance, after sweltering one windless night during dinner on the lido deck, the crew the next night offered a choice of eating indoors or outdoors. It was just as hot the following evening, but only the Americans opted for the air-conditioned dining room. The Germans laughed, telling us how much they loved the heat.

The crew bent over backward to accommodate the North American minority, hosting an American-style Super Bowl party on the night of the big game, with hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and more—all in the air-conditioned lounge.

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Sea Cloud II Expert Review — Luxury Under Sail, Peter Knego’s Tall Ship Tale

Jul 13, 2024 | 0

Sea Cloud II Expert Review

By Peter Knego

To fully love and appreciate the splendid, three masted deluxe cruise bark Sea Cloud II , it helps to understand her origins. She exists because her namesake, the original Sea Cloud, became such a success as a deluxe cruise ship that there was ample demand to build a modern ship to emulate her elegance and style.

The original Sea Cloud (left) shadows the Sea Cloud II off Dominica during a tandem sailing of both fully rigged vessels. * Photo: Peter Knego

It all began in 1978, when a Hamburg-based consortium purchased the largely forgotten former private yacht Antarna , which had been languishing for years off Panama. Built as the Hussar V in 1931 for cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and her financier husband, E.F. Hutton, the 2,492-gross ton vessel originally carried a mere eight guests in superlative luxury, enjoying a storied career that included hosting the rich and famous and serving heroically in World War II before fading into obscurity and neglect.

Antarna’s new owners rechristened the ship Sea Cloud, the name given to her in 1936 (after Post divorced the philandering Hutton), sailed her across the Atlantic and transformed her into a 64-guest luxury cruise ship to operate under the newly formed Sea Cloud Cruises banner. For years, the Sea Cloud was unrivaled as the most luxurious sail-assisted cruise ship in the world until her owners decided it was time to give her a new fleetmate.

RELATED: Peter reviews the legendary Sea Cloud  and shares his videos of the ship.

Sea Cloud II Joins The Fleet

After considerable planning, the Astileros Gondan shipyard in Asturias (Northern Spain) was chosen to build the Sea Cloud II . It took no less than three years to construct and fit her out to Sea Cloud Cruises’ exacting specifications.

When she was delivered in 2001, the Sea Cloud II looked and felt like a classic, early 20th-century sail-assisted yacht but boasted the creature comforts required for a deluxe cruise ship in the early 21st century, including spacious suites and cabins, a small spa, supremely elegant public areas and a dedicated crew.

Sea Cloud II in her full glory with all sails unfurled. * Photo: Peter Knego

At 3,849 gross tons, Sea Cloud II is 50% larger than her namesake fleetmate and carries 30% more guests (94), which gives her a bit more space per guest.

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Comparing Sea Cloud II With The Newer Sea Cloud Spirit

In 2021, Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II were joined by the 136-guest, 5,483 gross ton Sea Cloud Spirit , which is in many ways a larger, expanded version of the Sea Cloud II but with a few distinct traits of her own.

Now, fans of Sea Cloud Cruises have three sail-assisted beauties to choose from, each with their own unique personality and style.

Admittedly, with the introduction of Sea Cloud Spirit, there was some speculation that the II might be outclassed but the two are very much equals, each with their own hallmarks. The Spirit is considerably larger and has a better Sun Deck with cabanas, cushioned loungers and more space, as well as a gym at the top of the ship, a larger spa that has a dedicated steam area and, something lacking on both of the smaller ships, an elevator.

The Spirit also has suites and mini-suites with private balconies but the II has a more intimate, exclusive vibe, has more ornate craftsmanship and refined decor and, in lieu of balconies, beautiful sheltered promenades that all can enjoy.

The Sea Cloud II also has that certain something few ships have, a special “it” factor, which is perhaps a combination of thoughtful design, a dedicated, savvy staff and a happy crew.

On my recent sailing, I felt very much at home on board and gleaned from fellow guests that many of them favor the II over any other ship, including her two fleetmates.

RELATED: Anne Kalosh reviews the Sea Cloud Spirit.

VIDEO: Here’s Peter’s First Impressions overview of the Sea Cloud II .

HEY: Check out Peter’s YouTube channel MidShipCinema to view a a ton of great ship videos, many small and quirky, and others, fascinating heritage vessels.

Sea Cloud II Review, From Top To Bottom

Sea Cloud II’s four guest decks begin at the top with Sun Deck, which has an open observation platform in front of the bridge and a midships terrace with a cushioned seating area called The Blue Lagoon (taking its name from the fantail area on the original Sea Cloud ).

A spacious, teak-lined observation platform unfolds in front of Sea Cloud II’s bridge on Sun Deck. * Photo: Peter Knego

Named for the cushioned fantail of the original Sea Cloud, the Blue Lagoon is a favorite spot for guests to enjoy views of the sea, the towering masts and billowing sails. * Photo: Peter Knego

Like the rest of the ship, this deck is lined in gorgeous, freshly scrubbed teak, which is integrated with polished brass and metal gear and artfully stowed ropes.

The next level, Lido Deck, begins with the long fo’c’sle that is a crew area but opened up once per cruise for guests to enjoy a pose by the bowsprit. An open, teak-lined promenade with teak deck chairs encircles two deck housings here, the first of which begins with the beautiful Library.

Facing aft from the forecastle of the Sea Cloud II under a full canvas of sails. * Photo: Peter Knego

Fronted with brass-framed, arched windows that are reminiscent of early 20th-century ocean liners like the Kaiser Wilhelm II or the first Mauretania , the Library seats a mere 12 guests who have access to a selection of German books on the port side and English to starboard. Its period decor includes etched crystal chandeliers, an actual compass inset in the decking and burled wood veneers, all with gorgeous views facing forward and off to either side.

The ornately detailed Library is a portal to the romantic era of crossings and cruises. * Photo: Peter Knego

Directly aft of the Library, there is an Owners’ Suite on each side and an alleyway that leads to the main staircase, where the uppermost vestibule is crowned with a skylight that looks straight up to the mainmast.

An open terrace follows this part of Lido Deck, connecting port and starboard sides underneath the mainmast, where crew often man the winches, lines and ropes as the sails are unfurled and eventually re-furled.

The interior of the second deck housing begins with the lovely Lounge, which can accommodate all of the ship’s guests and has more of those gorgeous, brass-framed, arch-topped windows on either side. On the forward bulkhead, there is a marble fireplace (with mood lighting) that is centered underneath a painting of the Sea Cloud. Heavy, wood-framed leather seating fills the room and is set around equally hefty, marble-topped cocktail tables, all of which can be dutifully rearranged into a theater setting for the daily enrichment lectures.

Other than the lectures, which were comprised of engagingly detailed presentations about each port of call in German and English by guest lecturer Stephen Bohling and a wonderful recap of the seven lives of the storied Sea Cloud by Yvonne Lenz, the room was underused.

The Lounge evokes the splendor of an early 20th-century ocean liner. * Photo: Peter Knego

It turns out that the ship’s largely German clientele much prefer the open air Lido, especially during the balmy Caribbean cruise season. This is understandable, of course, but it would have been so nice to have one or two events in the Lounge to take advantage of its genuine Steinway piano and inviting bar, as well as the dramatic skylight in its center, all of which would have made an ideal backdrop for chit chat and cocktails.

Perhaps on the Mediterranean itineraries, the Lounge is given a more prominent role. Meanwhile, directly aft, there is a vestibule that leads out to Lido Deck and down, via the aft stair tower, to the accommodations.

The aforementioned Lido Bar follows the second deckhouse on Lido Deck. Its long teak bar is situated underneath a canopy that shelters clusters of cushioned teak seating atop more of that beautifully scrubbed teak decking.

On our 10-night cruise, the Lido was the setting for an early risers’ breakfast, an occasional gala brunch, daily lunch and most dinners. During these functions, a long table in front of the bar was set up as a buffet counter with a salad bar, cold sides, soup, desserts, coffee and ice cream for lunch and most dinners.

Lunch time in the Lido. * Photo: Peter Knego

On the open deck to starboard, for lunch and dinner, there was a grill with hot steaks, meat dishes, fish and the occasional pasta station, as well as a selection of hot side dishes.

Catering to a largely German clientele, the meat cuts, fish and shell fish are of a particularly high standard and the sea food is locally sourced.

The Sea Cloud II’s chef is dwarfed by the catch of the day. * Photo: Peter Knego

Afternoon tea is offered on the Lido’s long buffet table with coffee, teas and various fresh baked sweets and savories, accompanied with live piano music from resident musician Rufat (who would have been a treat to hear on that Steinway in the Lounge).

On a couple of the more formal nights, dinner was offered with a set full service menu with a choice of meat, vegetarian or fish entrees presented on dome-covered chargers, which were presented and lifted in unison by the wait staff in Old World tradition. Wines and beer are included with lunch and dinner, along with a choice of cocktails. And for fellow caffeine lovers, specialty coffees are also included in the fare.

The Lido was host to live music by Rufat before and after dinner and once per cruise, a Pirates’ Night, where crew and guests alike donned pirate wear and sang along to a variety of sea shanties.

Pirates’ Night in the Lido under full sail was one of many highlights of sailing on the Sea Cloud II. * Photo: Peter Knego

There were no big shows, no loquacious cruise directors and no big ship glitz. Instead, the Sea Cloud II provided a convivial setting for those who do not require casinos, myriad distractions and limbo lines.

In other words, life on board is tailored for those who love ships, sails and the sea.

Adjacent to the Lido Bar, the farthest aft portion of Lido Deck is an open space with cushioned loungers and seating on the fantail. This is the one designated smoking place on the ship, except during meal times.

The farthest aft portion of Lido Deck is an open space for relaxing and sunning. * Photo: Peter Knego

VIDEO: Peter shares a lovely sunset view from the Sea Cloud II.

The next level, Promenade Deck, houses three Category C Deluxe staterooms forward and sixteen Category B Mini-Suites, all boasting a trio of arched picture windows that look out to the covered promenade. On those promenades, there are teak life vest benches filled with snorkeling equipment that guests can use and a few chairs where one can sit and gaze out at or just listen to the gurgling sea.

The Reception Lobby is midships on Promenade Deck and farther aft on the starboard side, there is a boutique with Sea Cloud II sundries that leads to the lovely Dining Room, another underutilized space that spans the width of the ship at the stern. Like the Library and Lounge, the Dining Room has arched, brass-framed windows, and, like the Lounge, a lofty skylight in its center.

Shown in a port-facing view, the Dining Room takes its inspiration from classic German ocean liners. * Photo: Peter Knego

Warm wood tones and a sea foam green color scheme with etched crystal chandeliers and polished brass elements are a nod to the style of early 20th-century German ocean liners. And to illustrate that theme, a large oil painting on the forward bulkhead (that is partially obscured by the buffet counter) captures Hamburg harbor in the early 1930s.

Meanwhile, lining the aft bulkhead, there are four Impressionist style oil paintings that appear to be from the same era. Like all of the Sea Cloud II’s interior spaces, the Dining Room has been rendered with no expense spared and with a wonderful attention to detail.

A painting in the dining room of Hamburg harbor in the early 1930s with a classic German ocean liner (one of the three funneled “CAPs” that sailed to South America) is featured behind the buffet. * Photo: Peter Knego

Every day, a breakfast buffet was offered in the Dining Room with an assortment of cold cuts, juices, yogurt, egg dishes and baked goods, as well as an omelette station. The baked goods and fresh fruits were almost always excellent but the cereals (mainly American brands, perhaps inspired by the legacy of Emily Cadwalader Post) and yogurts were a little below this caliber of ship.

The Dining Room was only used for dinner on two of the slightly more formal nights.

One of the vegetable appetizers served at dinner in the Dining Room. * Photo: Peter Knego

As far as dress is concerned, on these nights (the second and second to last), it was all about coats for men and country club chic for women with no need for tuxes and gowns. On most nights in the Lido, men tended to wear polo shirts and khakis (no jeans) but when the heat index soared, nice shorts were not out of the question. By day, the dress code focused on being comfortable, so shorts, tees and the like were perfectly acceptable.

The lowest level, Cabin Deck, is home to more accommodations, the hospital, a small gym with cardio machines, free weights and a stretching area as well as a spa with a treatment room and sauna.

The Spa consists of a treatment room (with a menu of options available for a fee). * Photo: Peter Knego

The small gym has an elliptical, a stationary bike, a rowing machine and free weights. * Photo: Peter Knego

This is also where the swim platform is located, which on our cruise was opened up while the ship anchored off St Lucia and Virgin Gorda.

Take it from this enchanted guest, there is nothing more refreshing or exhilarating than jumping into the sea off an anchored Sea Cloud ship!

Another highlight of sailing with the Sea Cloud II is having the option to swim in the sea alongside the ship (when conditions permit), which in this photo was while anchored off St. Lucia. * Photo: Peter Knego

Ten Nights Of Caribbean Cruising on a Cloud

Our 10-night night cruise began and ended in St. Maarten, where the II home-ported for the greater part of winter and early spring. From our speeding taxi across the bay, it was delightful to spot her three masts towering over the massive cruise ships that lined the quay, knowing that an intimate and refined cruise experience awaited, versus the organized chaos of big ship cruising.

For comparison, the entire passenger and crew complement of Sea Cloud II could easily fit in just one of the tenders of her neighboring mega ships.

Upon arrival, guests are warmly welcomed at the gangway and once inside, they are presented with a glass of chilled bubbly before being shown to their stateroom or suite.

We were fortunate to have a gorgeous 231 square foot Category B Junior Suite as our home for 10 nights .

Our stunning Category B Junior Suite was straight out of one of the Grand Hotels of Europe. * Photo: Peter Knego

There is a canopy over the beds, which can be set up as a queen or two twins and the appointments could easily be those of a fine apartment in Vienna or Paris with the ornate molding, etched crystal lights, polished brass, lovely vintage oil paintings and, in the living room area, a marble fireplace with mood lighting and (not that it was ever needed) a built-in heating element.

A large flat screen TV and DVD player was housed in a tall boy with a stocked mini-bar (we had the supplied soft drinks switched out for mineral water) and an espresso machine. There was a small writing desk and Wi-Fi was available for a reasonable fee.

The Suites and Junior Suites have marble fireplaces with mood lighting and a heating element. * Photo: Peter Knego

There was also a supply of champagne flutes and drinking glasses and a lovely metal water canister bearing the ship’s image was provided that we could fill with filtered tap water from the Lido Bar and bring along on excursions  Actually, I love these bottles and use them at home, so they have gone a long way in reducing plastic waste, both during and after the cruise.

There was a walk-in closet with a full length mirror across from the bathroom in the entry way, offering up plenty of space for our clothes, and nice robes and slippers are provided for use during the cruise.

The bathroom was probably the most elegant I have ever had the pleasure of using on a cruise ship with several types of granite and marble paneling, a tub with a shower and something I have only experienced with Sea Cloud — gold plated taps and hardware.

The gorgeous bathroom featured layers of marble and gold plated taps. * Photo: Peter Knego

L’Occitaine en Provence amenities are provided, including bath salts, so I indulged with my first bath at sea on the Sea Cloud II since the final voyage of the SS Rotterdam in 1997.

VIDEO: Peter soaks it all up in the fancy tub of his suite aboard the 96-pax Sea Cloud II.

There are six suite and stateroom categories, including the two supremely elegant, 290-square foot Category A Owners’ Suites on Lido Deck. These rooms are lushly paneled and have four arched picture windows that look out onto the lido. They have a four-post king-sized bed and two lovely oils, one of which has the unique function of sliding over the flatscreen TV in “James Bond” fashion. There is a walk-in closet and the marble bathrooms have a separate tub and glass enclosed shower.

The Owners’ Suites on Sea Cloud II are the ship’s most spacious and elegant accommodations. * Photo: Peter Knego

Similar in layout to the Category B Junior Suites, minus the fireplace and a little space, three 194-square foot Category C Grand staterooms are located at the forward end of Promenade Deck. Like the Junior Suites, they have three arched brass framed windows that look out to the promenade, a nice living room area with seating next to a credenza with the TV and mini bar and a bedroom area. The closets are slightly smaller and the bathrooms have a glass-enclosed shower in lieu of the tub/shower combination.

On Cabin Deck, there are three categories of accommodations:

• The Category D Deluxe staterooms measure 226 square feet and have three portholes in lieu of picture windows and are situated amidships, which is the best location for those who tend to get motion sickness.
• On the fore and aft ends of Cabin Deck, there are slightly smaller 204 square foot Category E Deluxe staterooms that have two portholes
• And at the far forward end of Cabin Deck, the 150-square foot Category Fs are the most affordable with an upper/lower berth configuration and two portholes.

All three of these categories have marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and all have the gold plated taps and hardware.

Category D Deluxe staterooms feature a sitting area underneath a pair of portholes. * Photo: Peter Knego

After a very thorough safety drill, which included mustering next to our lifeboat on Lido Deck, Sea Cloud II sailed off into a balmy Caribbean twilight. We set the pace for our cruise with a leisurely unpacking session and a nice casual buffet dinner in the Lido, retiring relatively early to catch up on some deferred sleep.

The next morning, we fueled up with fresh-made, frothy cappuccinos at the Lido Bar (much better than the ones from the nearby machine) and watched as the crew scrambled up the three masts (the mainmast soars highest at 188 feet above the Lido Deck) to untie the sails. On deck level, their fellow crew manned the winches and capstans to maneuver the lines that gradually unfurled each sail, then secured them in a dazzling and seemingly daunting process.

Deck crew scale the heights of Sea Cloud II’s three masts to unfurl the sails on an almost daily basis. * Photo: Peter Knego

As if this weren’t magnificent enough, the original Sea Cloud had joined us for a tandem sailing, gently pitching in the deep blue sea off our starboard side.

The original Sea Cloud maintained a steady course off our starboard side for the entire day at sea. * Photo: Peter Knego

That evening, we enjoyed dinner in the elegance of the Dining Room, with all the pomp and circumstance of synchronized service: fine porcelain chargers and those beautifully polished domes that kept the main courses piping hot.

After dinner, it was sheer bliss sitting on deck and gazing up at a full moon over the Caribbean Sea.

Full moon under sail. * Photo: Peter Knego

The following morning, Sea Cloud followed us into Cabrits, Dominica, where I spent most of the morning documenting our ship. At one point, I tendered ashore for a brief walk to the fortress ($5 admission) to capture both ships together from the ramparts. Back down at the pier, Sea Cloud II guests were treated to a visit to the Sea Cloud , hosted by Sea Cloud’s legendary hotel director, Simon Kwinta, who has been with the ship since the 1980s.

I’ll actually be on the Sea Cloud in July and will be providing a detailed report on the ship and a cruise from Athens to Venice via Greece and Croatia, so please stay tuned here on QuirkyCruise.com for the full story.

That afternoon, as Sea Cloud II followed the Sea Cloud out to sea, there was an announcement from the bridge. As conditions were perfect, the zodiacs would be launched and we would be able to circle both of the S ea Clouds with their sails fully unfurled. Talk about exhilarating!

After spinning around in a bouncy zodiac, my neck and fingers were even more exhausted than my overheated i-Phone, which was tasked with taking hundreds of photos and videos in that glorious, salt-spray-drenched event.

On the third day, Sea Cloud II anchored at Soufriere, St. Lucia, below the towering Pitons, which are quite possibly the Caribbean’s most dramatic vista. As we had recently taken the tour of the Volcano, Botanical Gardens and hike overlooking the Pitons (which is highly recommended), we opted for a snorkeling excursion that took us to two different spots to ogle the local fish in their briny element.

An extra bonus that afternoon came after lunch as Sea Cloud II lingered about 10 miles off the St. Lucia coast — a chance jump off the swim platform into the sea. Floating mats and styrofoam floats are provided while manned zodiacs are on standby on either side of the buoys, just in case anyone required a quick rescue, which no one did, just in case you are wondering.

We enjoyed another glorious day at sea, taking in several excellent enrichment lectures by Stephen Bohling, who provided (in separate lectures) fascinating and useful info about our various ports of call in both English and German. There would be several cappuccini savored on deck as sails went up and came down, lovely buffet meals consumed and the greatest luxury of all, time to just relax and, as the Italians would say, “far niente” or “do nothing.”

Cushioned teak seating atop scrubbed teak decking on the port promenade of Sea Cloud II.

On the fifth day, Sea Cloud II anchored off St. Barts. That morning, we tendered ashore, past some impressive mega yachts, for a snorkeling expedition among sea turtles and gorgeous coral formations, then headed back to the ship to watch from a prime location as the participants in the Bucket Regatta sailed past us on the final leg of the annual race. The sailing ship enthusiasts, including the captain, on board were especially thrilled, referring to each passing yacht by name with a few morsels of info (much like certain ocean liner and cruise ship enthusiasts are known to do).

One of the Bucket Regatta yachts sails past the bow of the anchored Sea Cloud II at St. Barts. * Photo: Peter Knego

Once the regatta had concluded, we tendered back ashore to wander the quaint streets of Caribbean’s version of St. Tropez, browsing at the overpriced but tempting shops and cafes.

The next morning, at Anguila, we tendered ashore and walked along a white sand beach to the Elvis Bar, where we took shelter under cabanas, sipped icy piña coladas and swam.

On the seventh day, as Sea Cloud II entered the shelter of Virgin Gorda’s harbor well ahead of schedule, we had a second chance to jump off the ship and swim in the sea. We then took the excursion to the Baths, a fascinating rock formation in spectacularly pristine waters. It was hot and crowded there, as one would expect on a sunny day but so worth seeing for the first time in more Caribbean cruises than I can count.

Wading under the dramatic rock formations of Virgin Gorda’s Baths. * Photo: Peter Knego

Our final port of call was Norman Island, where Sea Cloud rents out an entire beach for the exclusive use of the ship’s guests. We opted for a morning hike hosted by the lecturer Stephen Bohling, then enjoyed dipping our toes into the sand as a lavish barbecue was prepared in the pavilion behind us. This was a perfect way to soak up our last paradisiacal port of call.

Sea Cloud’s exclusive beach with a pavilion for a lavish barbecue set up at Norman Island. * Photo: Peter Knego

After one final day at sea, we had arrived back in St. Maarten, where the gangway to the real world once again beckoned.

VIDEO: Here’s Peter’s Sea Cloud II Decked! Top-to-Bottom Tour

Interested in This Cruise?

We hope you enjoyed our Sea Cloud II expert review. Fares for this 10-night sailing start at $8,565 per person.

Very special thanks to: Mike Hicks, Mike Masino, Mirell Reyes, Heidi Sarna and Kevin Smith.

About The Author

Peter Knego

Peter Knego is a cruise journalist, as well as a historian and collector of ocean liner fittings and art (see his www.midshipcentury.com). He writes for top cruise and travel pubs, including USA Today, Travel Weekly and Ships Monthly, and has been interviewed and quoted as an expert in The New York Times, SeaTrade Insider and others.

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Heidi & Ted and their team of curious travel writers explore the far corners of the world to share their experiences & insights about small-ship cruising.

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So far, I’ve explored 78 countries around the world by boat, road, plane, foot, bicycle and camel. My first big journey was a six-month trip around the world back in the days when…

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I am happiest near water, over water or better still on a conveyance moving through water. When my brother Sandy and I were deemed old enough, mother took us to Europe by ship.

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John roberts, robin mckelvie, dana freeman, judi cuervo, lynn and cele seldon, elysa leonard.

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Former names: Angelita, Hussar II

Cruise line Sea Cloud Cruises (Small Cruise Lines)

Sea Cloud current position

Sea Cloud current location is at Aegean Sea (coordinates 36.37199 N / 23.12792 E) cruising en route to Monemvasia. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

Specifications of Sea Cloud

•   Review
•   Wiki

Sea Cloud Review

Review of sea cloud.

The 1931-built cruise ship Sea Cloud 1 is a tall-sailing ship launched as a private yacht constructed by the shipbuilder Krupp Germaniawerft in Kiel Germany . The vessel was drydock-reconstructed and started cruise services in 1979.

Sea Cloud was extensively drydock refurbished in 2011 at MWB-Werft ( Bremerhaven ). The next major drydock refurbishment is scheduled for 2025.

Sea Cloud's sistership is Sea Cloud 2 (2000-built as an exact replica). In 2021, the fleet joined the world's largest sailship Sea Cloud Spirit . These unique vessels perfectly combine the elegance of sailships with the luxury and comfort of modern superyachts.

All three sailships are owned by Sea Cloud Cruises GmbH/ fleet (1979-founded, Hamburg -based company).

The vessel (IMO number 8843446) is currently Malta- flagged (MMSI 256084000) and registered in Valletta .

Occasionally, the boat is seasonally chartered by Lindblad Expeditions .

Traditionally for Sea Cloud Cruises, Sea Cloud 1 is often privately chartered, with a schedule combining regular revenue voyages with time- and voyage charters. The charterers are usually specialized groups renting the ship for events like religious conventions, business meetings, alumni gatherings, private parties (family reunions, birthdays, weddings, celebrations). Some even charter the ship for golf-themed cruises.

History - construction and ownership

The 64-passenger ship Sea Cloud 1 is a 4-masted barque originally built as a private yacht for Marjorie Merriweather Post (1887-1973) - an American entrepreneur, businesswoman, philanthropist. At the time, Marjorie Merriweather Post was the owner of General Foods Corporation (1929-founded/1990-defunct). The company (as Postum Cereal Company) was established in 1895 by Charles William Post (1854-1914, the pioneer in the prepared-food industry), and in 1988 merged into Kraft Foods Inc (now Kraft Heinz Co).

The vessel also served as a weather ship for the USCG (United States Coast Guard) and the US Navy during WW2 (1939-45). Following World War 2, the boat served as a private superyacht for many influential people, including as Dominicana's presidential yacht. Sea Cloud 1 was the first racially integrated US warship.

The boat is very much like a private shelter and boasts some of the most appealing cabins and public rooms at sea.

Decks and Cabins

MV Sea Cloud has 3 decks and only 32 cabins in 8 grades, all of which are outside staterooms. Cabins as types and sizes vary considerably. All upper-grade cabins are with antique furniture and marble bathrooms with bathtubs. All staterooms are without TVs.

All cabins offer as standard amenities large wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), dressing table / writing desk with chair, nightstand (bedside cabinet with 2 drawers), hairdryer, individually controlled air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, marble sink top, gold-plated fixtures, razor socket), non-opening windows (half-height or Porthole).

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Sea Cloud Restaurants and food bars include Restaurant (open seating), Lido Deck (al fresco buffet, live music, Crew Shanty Choir). Food and service are exceptional, and meals are often served on deck. Dinner is served in the original dining room three times a week, from a fixed menu. Menus have a European influence, though the cuisine is sometimes tempered by the nationality of guests onboard. The most exciting part of the day is an afternoon snack on the Promenade Deck. The baker prepares a new treat each day, including waffles with ice cream, an elaborate afternoon tea or crepes to order. Complimentary wine flows freely at meals.

The most remarkable feature of this luxury yacht is its 4 masts, 29 sails and a tangled web of lines stretching 54 m skyward to support the rigging. Unlike the modern, computer-operated sail ships, all sails on Sea Cloud 1 are manually-served - by the 18 crew performing dazzling acrobatics, suspended over the ocean.

Ship's lounges and bars include Lido Bar, Lounge (featuring selected picture books, literature, board games, a writing desk with a laptop). Other facilities include Lobby area (Reception, Purser), Hospital, zodiac boats, "Fun Island" (sledding via inflatable water sleds).

Itineraries

Sea Cloud 1 schedule calendar includes cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean (departing from Piraeus-Athens Greece and Dubrovnik Croatia ), under contract to National Geographic Society. The yacht is also often privately chartered.

Following the Coronavirus crisis, Sea Cloud 1 became Sea Cloud Cruises' first boat to restart passenger shipping in 2021 - on August 27, leaving out of Piraeus-Athens.

For 2023, with Sea Cloud Lindblad introduced two new Mediterranean itineraries: the 10-day "Extraordinary Adriatic: Croatia and Slovenia Under Sail" (August 17, 2023, from US$14670 pp with double occupancy/from  Venice Italy to Dubrovnik Croatia) and the 16-day "Sailing the Western Mediterranean: Spain to Corsica" (April 19, 2023, from US$25,170 pp/from  Lisbon Portugal  to Naples Italy ).

Photos of Sea Cloud

Sea Cloud ship related cruise news

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...

Sea Cloud Cruises presents authentic itineraries in its 2024 brochure

Sea Cloud Cruises has unveiled its 2024 brochure titled "Authentic Sailing Journeys," offering a comprehensive overview of the experience on board...

Sea Cloud Cruises 2024 - new routes, destinations, and concepts

For the year 2024, Sea Cloud Cruises/fleet has expanded its offerings beyond its well-established art, culture, and culinary trips. The company has...

Sea Cloud Cruises' tall ships continue sailing into the heart of Venice (Italy)

Sea Cloud Cruises fleet will again steer a course for Venice Italy's historic downtown in 2023. Unlike large vessels, Sea Cloud's tall-sailing ships...

Sea Cloud Cruises remains an independent cruise line

Sea Cloud Cruises revealed that Marriott International Inc (the parent company of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection via The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company...

Lindblad Expeditions updates Health & Safety protocols

Lindblad Expeditions updated its health & safety protocols with the first changes effective on sailings departing September 1st/later. As the...

Lindblad unveils 2 new cruise itineraries for Sea Cloud sailship

Lindblad Expeditions announced 2 new itineraries for the 58-passenger sailship Sea Cloud. On the new voyages, tourists will discover the Adriatic...

Port Bastia (Corsica France) welcomes a double call with tall-sail cruise ships Royal Clipper and...

Port Bastia (Corsica Island, France) welcomed a double ship call with Star Clippers' Royal Clipper and Ritz-Carlton's Sea Cloud. Both tall-sailing...

Sea Cloud Cruises cancels this year’s Saint Petersburg (Russia) calls of Sea Cloud Spirit

Sea Cloud Cruises announced the line had cancelled this year’s Saint Petersburg (Russia) calls of its new ship Sea Cloud Spirit. The Hamburg...

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to purchase Sea Cloud Cruises

The maritime investment firm behind the Ritz-Carlson Yacht Collection, The Yacht Portfolio, signed a letter of intent (LoI) to purchase Sea Cloud...

•   show more news

Other Sea Cloud Cruises cruise ships

• Sea Cloud 2
• Sea Cloud Spirit

Sea Cloud Wiki

Under Captain Sergej Komakin, the ship Sea Cloud sailed approx 4260 km (2650 mi) without its engines - being powered only by the wind and cruising 17 days only under its 30 sails (total surface 2970 m2 / 32000 ft2). Only at ~160 km (100 mi) from Santo Domingo, the diesel engines were powered to support the remaining voyage. The 17-day Transatlantic crossing (itinerary December 3-20, 2019, from Praia, Santiago Island Cape Verde to Santo Domingo Dominicana ) was attended by 53 passengers and 60 staff/crew. During the ocean crossing, Sea Cloud maintained speeds 15-20 knots (28-37 kph / 17-23 mph).

In 2021, the 4-masted sailship restarted passenger operations under the command of Captain John Svendsen.

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SEA CLOUD yacht NOT for charter*

96.35m  /  316'1 | krupp germaniawerft | 1931 / 1978.

Owner & Guests

• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Thirty-four cabins
• Up to 60 crew
• Sleeps 64 overnight

The 96.35m/316'1" sail yacht 'Sea Cloud' (ex. Hussar V) was built by Krupp Germaniawerft at their Kiel shipyard. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Cox & Stevens and she was last refitted in 1978.

Guest Accommodation

Sea Cloud has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 64 guests in 34 suites. She is also capable of carrying up to 60 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Range & Performance

Sea Cloud is built with a steel hull and steel superstructure.

*Charter Sea Cloud Sail Yacht

Sail yacht Sea Cloud is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

Sea Cloud Yacht Owner, Captain or marketing company

'Yacht Charter Fleet' is a free information service, if your yacht is available for charter please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

Sea Cloud Photos

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Specification

S/Y Sea Cloud

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Specifications

Yard : Krupp Type : Sailing yacht Guests : 64 Crew : 60 Cabins : 32 Length : 109.5 m / 359′4″ Beam : 14.94 m / 49′1″ Draft : 5.13 m / 16′10″ Year of build : 1931 Refit : 2011 Displacement : Monohull Type of engine : Diesel Brand : SKL Engine power : 1500 hp Total power : 3000 hp Maximum speed : 10 knots Cruising speed : 8 knots Range : 10000 nm Gross tonage : 2532 Hull : Steel Superstructure : Steel Decking : Teak Exterior designer : Cox & Stevens Similar yachts New listings. Cruise search Atlantic Coast, Azores & Madeira Northern Europe Mediterranean Sea Canaries & Morocco Caribbean – Lesser Antilles & Grenadines Bahamas & Florida Costa Rica & Central America Transatlantic Crossing Service package Special offer Private charter Special occasion SEA CLOUD II SEA CLOUD SPIRIT Fascinated by windjammer Low-impact tourism Newsletter subscription Feine Privathotels Meisterkreis Cruise Calendar August 2024. 182 IMAGES Yacht SEA CLOUD, a 110m Classic Windjammer Superyacht Sea Cloud II SEA CLOUD The 10 Largest Sailing Yachts in the World Yacht, sea, Cloud, Sailing Sailing yacht Sea Cloud COMMENTS SEA CLOUD Confident Grande Dame, sporty style icon and generous hostess - the SEA CLOUD is a living legend. Built 90 years ago as a private luxury yacht, she combines extravagant charm and authentic windjammer feeling. LEGENDARY, UNIQUE, AND VERY PRIVATE. Exclusive sailing cruises with SEA CLOUD CRUISES SEA CLOUD SPIRIT. Nice, France - Nice, France. 10/5 - 10/18/2024. 13 nights sailing trip per person. SEA CLOUD II As an elegant square-sailing boat, the SEA CLOUD II, built in 2001, is clearly recognizable as the younger sister of the legendary SEA CLOUD. Despite all the maritime family resemblance, she has her own generous personality - and spoils you as a guest with the most modern travel comfort. Captain Kathryn Whittaker & Captain Christian Pfenninger. Sea Cloud Sea Cloud is a sailing cruise ship owned by Sea Cloud Cruises of Hamburg, Germany.Launched as a private yacht as Hussar V for Marjorie Merriweather Post in 1931, she later served as a weather ship for the United States Coast Guard and United States Navy during World War II, when she became the U.S. military's first racially integrated warship since the American Civil War. [1] Sea Cloud Cruise: Expert Review (2023) Sailing as Mrs. Post's beloved yacht until 1955, Sea Cloud had a remarkable career entertaining royalty and being used on diplomatic missions for one of Mrs. Post's husbands. How the Sea Cloud went from private yacht to cruise ship In terms of overall aesthetics, Sea Cloud Cruises' 1931-built Sea Cloud is arguably the most beautiful cruise ship in the world. The 2,492-gross-ton Sea Cloud is a deluxe, four masted sailing ... This Gorgeous New Ship Is the Only Cruise in the World Sailed ... 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 ... Sea Cloud Spirit Cruise: Expert Review (2023) 4.0. Very Good. Overall. Chris Gray Faust. Executive Editor, U.S. When the three-masted, 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit pulls into port, people notice; it's hard not to gawk at this gorgeous ... The most unusual new cruise ship of the decade: Why Sea Cloud Spirit is All feature decor that draws its inspiration from the 1930s design of Sea Cloud Cruises' original vessel Sea Cloud — once the private yacht for Postum Cereals heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post (and, at one time, the largest private yacht in the world). ... The handful of things that cost extra during a Sea Cloud Spirit sailing include extra ... A Review of the 'Sea Cloud Spirit' Sailing Ship The ship. The Sea Cloud Spirit is the newest and third ship in the world's only fleet of cruise ships that still sail the old-fashioned way, under more than two dozen sails that are completely raised and managed by hand.It is a small vessel, one whose appearance is more pirate ship than traditional cruise liner. And the overall vibe and experience is one of pure private yacht-style luxury. SEA CLOUD SPIRIT SEA CLOUD SPIRIT. Building a three-mast full-rigged ship with traditional rigging in the 21st century may seem a little unusual. For SEA CLOUD CRUISES it is a commitment to true passion for sailing. With her clear, classic line she follows the example of her elegant windjammer sisters, but goes completely new ways. POSSIBILITIES. SEA CLOUD SPIRIT Decked! A top-to-bottom tour of the new sail ... Here is the official Decked! top-to-bottom tour of @seacloudcruises 2021-built SEA CLOUD SPIRIT, the exclusive cruise line's largest and most luxurious ship.... Peter Knego's Sea Cloud II Expert Review The original Sea Cloud (left) shadows the Sea Cloud II off Dominica during a tandem sailing of both fully rigged vessels. * Photo: Peter Knego It all began in 1978, when a Hamburg-based consortium purchased the largely forgotten former private yacht Antarna , which had been languishing for years off Panama. Sea Cloud Spirit Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review Sea Cloud Spirit is currently the world's largest sailship - with LOA length 138 m (450 ft), GT 4230 tons and DWT 935 tons. The fleetmates are the sisterships Sea Cloud 1 (1931-built sail yacht, cruiser since 1979) and Sea Cloud II (2000-built). These unique vessels perfectly combine the elegance of sailships with the luxury and comfort of ... Sea Cloud Sea Cloud is a beautiful and well run five star sailing ship experience. We went on a 14 day Bridgetown to Bridgetown Caribbean cruise in 2019. Excellent destinations with sea time mostly overnight and interesting shore trips. This included an excellent lunch barbecue on Mosquito Island Beach and another on Chatham Beach . Super value for money. Sea Cloud 2 Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review The 2000-built/2001-inaugurated Sea Cloud 2 cruise ship is owned by Sea Cloud Cruises GmbH/fleet (1979-founded, Hamburg-based company).The vessel is a replica/sistership of Sea Cloud 1 (1931-built). In 2021, the fleet joined the world's largest sailship Sea Cloud Spirit.These unique vessels perfectly combine the elegance of sailships with the luxury and comfort of modern superyachts. SEA CLOUD History And on November 15th, 1978, the SEA CLOUD finally arrived in Hamburg Harbor, where she was greeted enthusiastically by thousands. But the new owners were overcome with ambivalent feelings when they saw their sailing yacht. It quickly became clear that much more money would have to be invested than initially planned. Sea Cloud Sail the sparkling Caribbean Sea aboard the historic square-rigger. Swim and snorkel in pristine tropical waters and explore remote cays and beaches. Stand on deck and watch the orchestrated frenzy of the crew members going aloft in the web of riggings to hand-set 30 sails. Experience the Cyclades while under full sail aboard a romantic tall ship. Sea Cloud Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review Review of Sea Cloud. The 1931-built cruise ship Sea Cloud 1 is a tall-sailing ship launched as a private yacht constructed by the shipbuilder Krupp Germaniawerft in Kiel Germany. The vessel was drydock-reconstructed and started cruise services in 1979. Sea Cloud was extensively drydock refurbished in 2011 at MWB-Werft ( Bremerhaven ). SEA CLOUD Yacht The 96.35m/316'1" sail yacht 'Sea Cloud' (ex. Hussar V) was built by Krupp Germaniawerft at their Kiel shipyard. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Cox & Stevens and she was last refitted in 1978. Guest Accommodation. Sea Cloud has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 64 guests in 34 suites. Caribbean sailing cruises A trip on our SEA CLOUDs combines maritime lifestyle, casual elegance and the feeling of traveling on a private yacht. The cuisine is always based on regional specialities and pampers you at the highest level. Under white, billowed sails you are very close to the elements. Our Caribbean sailing cruises with SEA CLOUD, SEA CLOUD II and SEA CLOUD ... Sailing yacht Sea Cloud Sea Cloud is a 109,5 m sailing yacht. She was built by Krupp in 1931. With a beam of 15 m and a draft of 5, she has a steel hull and superstructure. The sailing yacht can accommodate 64 guests in 32 cabins and an exterior design by Cox & Stevens. Cruises calendar Yachts . SEA CLOUD; SEA CLOUD II; SEA CLOUD SPIRIT; Videos; Sea Cloud Cruises . Fascinated by windjammer; ... Michelin-star guest chef Michael Collantes and Michelin-star guest sommelier Benjamin Coutts will join this sailing. Date: 10/5 - 10/12/2024: Ship: ... SEA CLOUD SPIRIT : Trip number: SCS-2448: Destination: ... catamaran gulet motorboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht