Cruises on tall ships “Sea Cloud”

My passion for tall ship travel is fueled by unique masted vessels that exude serenity, grandeur, intimacy and plenty of maritime personality. There is also a romantic allure, a nod to the majestic windbreakers of yesteryear. When I stand on the bow of a tall ship cutting through the waves, I always feel at one with the sea, inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead on the horizon. There is an inimitable thrill in watching the crew raise and lower the sails by hand, as they climb knotted rope ladders and deftly weave through wooden yards (sparse on a mast from which the sails are set) to deploy thousands of square feet of canvas that catch the wind. , inflate and propel the machine forward, sustainably propelled by nature. And it is a special joy when this rush to sail is also accompanied by modern amenities and luxuries: fine cuisine and wines, well-appointed cabins, demanding service. Plot ? Exclusive Sea Cloud Cruises, reminiscent of a famous past, is an essential vacation bonus – the stuff from which memorable sea sailing dreams are made. Its full 2024 season was recently announced in a 95-page, photo-rich brochure, Authentic sailing trips, which highlights 80 trips lasting four to 16 days.

The company plans itineraries that trumpet major ports, but also intentionally orients its strategic compass toward mostly less traveled destinations in Europe, the Canary Islands and Morocco, the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Florida, Costa Rica, America Central and South America. Indeed, Sea Cloud Cruises' ability to slip its three tall ships into quiet ports, close to off-the-beaten-path hideaways, is a compelling draw, allowing for even more immersive visits. On board its fleet, expect classics best of the best elegance and charm with a good dose of relaxation. The experience is cocooning and chic, but without pretension. Easy camaraderie among passengers is normal, as is accessibility to the captain, officers and crew. Passengers are welcomed behind the scenes of the navigation bridge, where the know-how of sailors is shared by the staff. There are no casinos, big stage shows, or loud pool parties. Instead, enjoy up-close, personal entertainment by musicians from around the world, as well as fascinating lectures by accomplished guest speakers and storytellers. “The original Sea Cloud has such a rich history,” says Sea Cloud President Mirell Reyes. “We continue to identify individuals and institutions who can bring their expertise to the delight of our guests. » Notable guest chefs will also add a delicious punch. “We are in discussions with chefs from across North America who have strong regional followings, Michelin stars and James Beard recognition to cook aboard our fleet in 2024 and 2025,” adds Reyes.

Styles, smiles and miles of tall ships

The beginnings of this company in 1979 were attractive. His first ship acquired, Sea Cloud–a fully and lovingly renovated 90-year-old petite grande dame – is today a singular beauty of nautical chic, 64 passengers and 32 cabins, originally owned by businessman, socialite and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post, former wife of the famous financier EF Hutton.

In many ways, Sea Cloud it still feels like a private yacht with its dedication to first-class hospitality and comfortable passenger mixing. She carries four masts and 29 sails with 32,000 square feet of canvas. For much of this coming winter, Sea Cloud will make her homeport in Sint Maarten and Barbados in the Caribbean, mooring in distinctive palm paradises, such as Anguilla, Bequia, Grenada, Les Saintes Islands, Jost Van Dyke, Mayreau, Nevis, Norman Island, Saint Lucia and Union Island. and Virgin Gorda. In March, its passengers will attend the famous Saint Barthélemy regatta. SO Sea Cloud moves to the islands of the Aegean and Greece, anchoring near tiny gems that make up many treasure-filled getaways, like Amorgos, Astypalaia, Kefalonia, Milos, Monemvasia, Naxos, Otranto and Spetses. Its Athens-Venice itinerary announces a navigation in the heart of the Serenissima and the monumental Grand Canal – a rare privilege, because large cruise ships are now increasingly prohibited from this passage. Sea Cloud also welcomes the summer season in the Croatian ports of Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split and Zadar. In October, Sea Cloud operates in Italy (Naples) and its islands of Sicily (Agrigento, Catania, Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina, Trapani) and Sardinia, as well as the French island of Corsica. Then it heads south towards Spain (Cádiz, Cartagena, Ibiza, Malaga, Majorca) and towards Morocco (Casablanca, Tangier) and the Canary Islands (El Hierro, Grande Canaria, La Gomera, Lanzarote, Tenerife).

Her second four-masted ship, Sea Cloud II, baptized in 2001, has 47 cabins for 94 guests; 24 sails carry 29,000 square feet of fabric. There is a fitness and massage area, as well as a swimming platform which accesses the sea. From January to April, she also has home ports in Sint Maarten and Barbados, sailing to destinations ribs similar to those of Sea Cloud. These two ships meet in full celebration for the Saint Barthélemy regatta. Sea Cloud II begins its European season in April, connecting Lisbon to Barcelona. Passionate about racing cars? Celebrity fan? From May 8 to 15, sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Nice spends glorious times in Portofino and glamorous Monte Carlo, where passengers are offered VIP tickets to the historic Grand Prix. After this spectacular race, Sea Cloud IIThe summer season dazzles Capri, Corsica, Greece, Sardinia, Sicily, the French and Italian Rivieras and the Canary Islands. In December, he returns to Guadeloupe from the Caribbean to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays.

In 2021, the company gives birth to three masts Sea Cloud Spirit, with 69 cabins for 136 guests; 28 sails extend a superb surface area of ​​44,100 square feet. Many cabins have a private balcony. There's additional space to play: a main restaurant with 180-degree seascapes; a gastronomic alternative on the Lido bridge; an impressive Steinway lounge; generous sized sunny terrace; spa with two treatment rooms, steam bath, multi-sensory shower and lounge; fitness center with ocean views; bathing platform; and elevator.

In January and February, Sea Cloud Spirit presents Central America: Belize, Honduras, Panama and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. He sails the Panama Canal and organizes an excursion to Coiba National Park. Celebrity chef Cindy Hutson of Coral Gables, author of From the tip of my tongue cookbook, whose popular “Sunshine Cuisine” is a South Florida favorite, will join San Jose (Puntarenas)/Costa Rica to Panama City (Colón)/Panama, February 5 to 16. “Our culinary team prepares with Chef Hutson and port partners, sourcing local ingredients, including open-water, sustainably raised Panamanian. Cobyfor a ceviche that she will create (during a cooking demonstration) on the Lido Deck,” says Reyes.

From March 4 to 12, prolific and critically acclaimed author Les Standiford (Last Train to Heaven, The Man Who Invented Christmas, See You in Hell, Washington on fire) will be the resident historian on a Sea Cloud Spirit Nassau Round-Trip Itinerary with Eleuthera and Exumas Islands of the Bahamas, during which it will regale passengers with entertaining dramas about the golden age of Palm Beach and Henry Flagler, American industrialist, prominent developer of Florida's Atlantic coast, including Miami and Palm Beach, and founder of the Florida East Coast Railway. (A seasonal WAVE deal for this trip to Nassau includes a 25% savings and $500 onboard credit.) Shortly thereafter, during the summer and fall seasons, Sea Cloud Spirit points its bowsprit towards Europe, with a multitude of choice destinations: Great Britain, Canary Islands, Croatia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Monte Carlo, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Spain and many others .

All this and you'll only unpack once for a personalized dream ocean adventure.