seacloud yacht

How the Sea Cloud went from private yacht to cruise ship

• CruiseMapper
• Small Cruise Lines

Sea Cloud Spirit

Former name: sea cloud hussar.

Cruise line Sea Cloud Cruises (Small Cruise Lines)

Sea Cloud Spirit current position

Sea Cloud Spirit current location is at North West Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 30.05155 N / -37.30341 W) cruising at speed of 11.8 kn (22 km/h | 14 mph) en route to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The AIS position was reported 15 minutes ago.

Specifications of Sea Cloud Spirit

•   Review
•   Wiki

Sea Cloud Spirit Review

Review of sea cloud spirit.

The 2020-built/2021-inaugurated Sea Cloud Spirit cruise ship is a newbuild full-rigged, 3-masted barque owned by Sea Cloud Cruises GmbH/ fleet (1979-founded, Hamburg -based company). 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 Sea Cloud 1 (1931-built sail yacht, cruiser since 1979) and Sea Cloud 2 (2000-built, 3-masted barque).

The vessel (IMO number 9483712, with yard/hull number "FACTORIA 158") is currently Malta- flagged (MMSI 215855000) and registered in Valletta .

Traditionally for Sea Cloud Cruises, Sea Cloud Spirit 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 vessel's inauguration (as "Sea Cloud Hussar") was originally scheduled for 2010. However, its construction was stopped after Factoria Naval de Marin (shipbuilding company specializing in luxury yachts) declared bankruptcy in 2010. The Spanish shipyard (in Marin, Pontevedra-Galicia, Spain) produced only the hull and part of the superstructure.

The shipbuilding order was placed in 2008. The vessel's construction was restarted in 2018 at Metalships and Docks SAU (shipyard in Vigo, Spain ) with scheduled delivery in 2020. The current shipowner Sea Cloud Cruises is a Kiel Germany -based cruise company managed by Daniel Schaefer (CEO).

The vessel (design "C-158") was commissioned by shipowner Fernando Fernandez Tapias (Spanish businessman, shipping companies owner). The contract value was USD 100 million. Sea Cloud Hussar's construction started in 2008, but due to the economic crisis, the shipyard stopped working, and eventually declared payment suspensions. Hansa Treuhand rejected the vessel because of the project's high cost and uncertain future. The vessel was in its final stages of completion when in July 2010 works were halted due to the shipyard's bankruptcy. The new shipowner (as mortgage lender) became BANKIA (2010-founded merger of several Spanish savings banks).

In 2014, the Vigo-based Rodman Group bought the hull from BANKIA. On May 7, 2015, the uncompleted mega-yacht was launched (floated-out from Naval Marin's drydock). It was towed to the Rodman Group-owned shipyard "Metalships & Docks" (Vigo Spain), moored and waiting for a buyer.

In September 2016, the shipyard signed a letter of intent with Hansa Treuhand Finance GmbH (part of the Hamburg -based Hansa Treuhand Holding AG) to complete Sea Cloud Hussar. In 2018, the ship was acquired by Sea Cloud Cruises and its construction was re-started.

The shipbuilder Rodman Polyships SL (a subsidiary of Rodman Group) is one of the largest superyacht-building companies. Rodman specializes in ship-building and repairs, construction of pleasure boats (made from polyester reinforced with fiberglass), production of large pieces in composite materials, construction of semi-rigid boats. Rodman boats as LOA length vary between 2-170 m (7-558 ft). In 2015, Rodman Polyships had under construction 10x passenger catamarans (84-ft, 350 passengers) and 40x high-speed patrol boats, plus numerous 33-ft yachts.

Decks and Cabins

Sea Cloud Spirit staterooms (69 total, in 6 grades) are on 3 decks (out 5 total/4 passenger-accessible) , allow max capacity 136 passengers (plus up to 90 crew). All cabins are outside, including 25 (all on Deck 3) with private, step-out balconies (22x Junior Suites and 3x Owner Suites). The other cabins are in categories Deluxe, Deluxe Lido, Superior, and Superior Single.

All staterooms offer as standard (complimentary) amenities smart HDTV (satellite reception, infotainment system - Internet, movies-on-demand, ship info channel, real-time Bridge Cam views), single or double beds with bedside tables, wall-mounted reading lamps, mirrored dressing table / writing desk with chair, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), seating area (low table with armchairs), wardrobe (slide-open), minibar (refrigerator), coffee machine, en-suite bathroom (WC-toilet, glass-door shower, single-sink with under vanity storage, hairdryer, bathrobes, premium bath products and cosmetics), LED lighting, individually controlled air-conditioning.

Each of the Deluxe Cabins (on Deck 2) is fitted with 2 single beds and 2 small Porthole windows (round-shaped, non-opening). Deluxe Lido cabins (forward on Deck 4) are with large opening windows overlooking the boat's Promenade/Lido Deck.

Junior Suites (on Deck 3) are sized between 315-355 ft2 (29-33 m2) and feature panoramic windows, queen-size double bed (convertible to twins), walk-in closet, larger bathroom (with full bathtub), balcony. Owner Suites (midship on Deck 3) have a Queen-sized double bed (fixed), sitting area (with sofabed), walk-in closet, larger bathroom (with full bathtub), powder room (half-bath / WC-washbasin), balcony.

Two Single Cabins are located forward on Deck 2 and can be booked without single supplement. All other staterooms can be booked as studios (by solo travelers) but with a single supplement 50% (categories D-Deluxe, E-Superior) and 100% (categories A-Owner Suite, B-Junior, C-Deluxe Lido).

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Cruise ship's interiors were designed by the German company Partner Ship Design (Hamburg). Sea Cloud Spirit is the world's first sail ship with an elevator. The lift is located midship and connects all decks (including top-deck). The boat has 3 staircases (forward-bow, midship, aft).

The luxury yacht also features a large Wellness & Spa complex with treatment rooms (for massages), hydro-massage showers, sauna room, steam room, relaxation lounge, beauty salon (hairdresser, manicures-pedicures), Lobby Hall (Reception, Purser, Tours-Cruise Director), Fitness (modern indoor Gym with cardio machines), Promenade Deck (Lido), large Sun Deck with Jacuzzi (whirlpool hot tub), sunbathing area (loungers, tables, deckchairs, daybeds, showers) and 4x Zodiacs (speedboats for coastal cruising and landings).

Other signature facilities are Swimming Platform (extending from Deck 2 aft-starboard), Library (bow-located reading lounge on Deck 4), two Boutique Shops (Decks 2-3 aft), Hospital (Deck 2 forward - Infirmary with doctor and nurse on 24-hour duty), Bar Lounge (Deck 4 midship, with a Steinway grand piano), Dining Room Restaurant (Deck 3 aft, with adjacent Galley/Kitchen) and Lido Restaurant (bar and bistro on Deck 4 aft). Both dining venues feature panoramic 270-degree views.

Onboard dining includes 4-course dinner menus and fresh-made gourmet dishes with mainly locally sourced ingredients and fresh fish. Food and service are exceptional. Weather permitting, al fresco dining (meals served on deck) is also offered.

Dinners are with a fixed menu and waiter-served in the Dining Room. Menus are based on European cuisine but could be tempered depending on passengers' nationalities. Each day on Promenade Deck is provided complimentary Afternoon Tea service with fresh-made snacks, including waffles with ice cream, cakes, made-to-order crepes.

Complimentary wine (by the glass) is offered at all meals.

Sea Cloud Spirit cruise deals are inclusive of onboard gratuities, port fees, accommodation and all meals, welcome gifts (bottle of champagne), Gala Dinner (5-course/once per cruise), two Cocktail Parties with champagne (Welcome, Farewell), unlimited soft drinks and juices, wines and beers by the glass (during lunches and dinners), premium-brand teas and coffees, bottled water (also on land tours), fresh fruits (in cabins/replenished daily), laundry service (free only for categories A-B-C), tour guide and lecturer.

Itineraries

Sea Cloud Spirit's itinerary program and schedule were announced in late-June 2019.

Inaugural cruise program (2021)

The yacht's inaugural season (August through December 2020) was a Caribbean deployment and featured a new destination - the USVI (Virgin Islands). Bookings on Sea Cloud Spirit cruises opened on January 17, 2020.

However, due to the Coronavirus crisis, the ship's inauguration was postponed for 2021 (first for April then for September). The original inaugural itineraries (2020/canceled) included:

• (August 29-September 11) "Maiden Voyage" from Lisbon to Civitavecchia-Rome
• (Sept 28-Oct 8) "Viewing of the Classic Regatta" from Civitavecchia-Rome to Villefranche-sur-Mer (Nice)
• (Sept 18-22) roundtrip from Naples
• (Oct 8-12) roundtrip from Nice
• (Nov 5-9) roundtrip from Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)
• (Nov 9 - 24) "Transatlantic Sailing" / 14-day repositioning cruise from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean (Las Palmas to Philipsburg-St Maarten Island )

The boat's Caribbean season (with the new USVI call port) offered 3 itineraries/departures - Nov 24 - Dec 4, Dec 4-13, and Dec 13-20.

The Maiden Voyage in 2021 was first scheduled for April 22nd, leaving from Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Spain) right after the naming ceremony. The 10-day itinerary (themed "Tour of Spain") was a roundtrip from Palma to Barcelona , Tarragona (Costa Daurada) , and Valencia .

Later, the Inaugural Cruise was rescheduled for June 2, 2021. The 10-day itinerary (leaving roundtrip out of Civitavecchia-Rome) had as call ports Livorno (overnight), Portoferraio (Elba Island) , Olbia (Sardinia Island) , Trapani (Sicily Island) , Palermo (Sicily) , Salerno and Naples . Inaugural Cruise prices (in EUR) were as follows: 12255 (Owner Suite), 10775 (Junior Suite), 9175 (Deluxe Lido), 8145 (Deluxe), 7125 (Superior), 8745 (Superior Single).

In May 2021 was confirmed Maiden Voyage's final date - September 14th (booking code SCS-C21001). The 10-night itinerary (roundtrip from Civitavecchia) included only Italian ports - Livorno (Sept 15-16/overnight), Portoferraio (Elba Island), Olbia (Sardinia Island), Trapani (Sicily), Palermo (Sicily), Salerno and Naples . Prices ranged between EUR 7125 (Superior cabin) and EUR 12255 (Owner Suite).

Itineraries 2021-2022

For winter season 2021-2022 (November through April), the boat was deployed in the Canaries. Winter 2022-2023 season was planned to be in the Caribbean and Central America, with some departures from Florida to The Bahamas.

On February 21, 2023, Sea Cloud Cruises debuted a Florida-Bahamas route with Sea Cloud Spirit homeported in Miami (Florida USA) . The company announced plans for ex-Miami mini-seasons each year (in February and March) when Sea Cloud Spirit will operate roundtrips to The Bahamas' Eleuthera Island (popular for the Princess Cays resort) and Exuma Islands .

Itineraries 2023-2024

Sea Cloud Spirit's 2023-2024 program (November-April) was based on voyages in the Caribbean, Central-South America and Europe/Canary Islands 

(November-December 2023) In the Caribbean, the sailship operated a 7-day itinerary (roundtrip from Philipsburg St Maarten ) visiting Jost van Dyke Island BVI, San Juan (Puerto Rico), St John Island (USVI), Gustavia St Barthelemy Island. An 8-night itinerary (also St Maarten roundtrip/Dec 2023) visits Terre-de-Haut (Guadeloupe), Soufriere (St Lucia), Chatham Bay (Union Island, St Vincent & the Grenadines), Port Elizabeth (Bequia, Grenadines), Cabrits (Dominica).

(January-February 2024) In South America was scheduled an 11-night itinerary (from Puntarenas Costa Rica to Panama City) with call ports in Costa Rica (Quepos, Golfito) and Panama (Coiba NP).

(March-April 2024) In Spain's Canary Islands, the ship had scheduled a 10-night itinerary (roundtrip from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria ) with call ports on the islands of Tenerife (Los Cristianos), La Gomera (San Sebastian) and La Palma (Santa Cruz).

Itineraries 2025

For 2025, Sea Cloud Spirit's Caribbean schedule lists four new itineraries based on homeporting in San Juan Puerto Rico .

Starting in January (2025), the ship operates roundtrips from San Huan, with overnight stays at St Barthelemy Island (Gustavia), and BVI's Virgin Gorda Island and Norman Island.

The new Puerto Rico homeporting program starts with a 6-night relocation voyage from Philipsburg (St Maarten) to San Juan. The itinerary (Jan 4-10) visits Virgin Gorda Island BVI, St Barths (Gustavia), Norman Island BVI.

A 7-night roundtrip from San Juan (Jan 10-17) visits Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, St Barths, St John’s (Antigua), St John USVI.

A 7-night roundtrip from San Juan (Jan 17-24) visits Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, St John’s Antigua, St Barths, St John USVI.

The program ends with an 8-night relocation voyage (San Juan to Phillipsburg/itinerary Jan 24-Feb 1) visiting St John USVI, Norman Island, Virgin Gorda, St John’s Antigua, Nevis ISland (Charlestown), St Barths, and Phillipsburg (St Maarten).

Sea Cloud Spirit - user reviews and comments

Photos of sea cloud spirit.

Sea Cloud Spirit ship related cruise news

Bahamas' Nassau Cruise Port records 7 ship calls in a day

Nassau's cruise port witnessed a historic moment on Tuesday, March 12, as a record-breaking 7 ships docked at the recently renovated downtown port...

Sea Cloud Cruises introduces new Puerto Rico-based/roundtrip itineraries

Sea Cloud Cruises has unveiled its 2025 Caribbean season, featuring 4 new itineraries centered around Puerto Rico aboard the Sea Cloud Spirit. The...

Sea Cloud Cruises unveils 2025 Caribbean voyages out of San Juan Puerto Rico

Sea Cloud Cruises has announced its highly anticipated 2025 Caribbean season, showcasing captivating routes centered around Puerto Rico as the...

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...

Sea Cloud Cruises celebrating a debut route from PortMiami with Sea Cloud Spirit

The small-ship company Sea Cloud Cruises (fleet) celebrated a debut route on Tuesday, February 21st, in US waters with the 2021-built Sea Cloud...

Port of Dover (England) set for a record-breaking year with 130 cruise ship calls

With 130 calls scheduled for 2022, Port Dover (England UK) is set to receive more liners than in any previous year. Of those, 73 are turnarounds...

•   show more news

Other Sea Cloud Cruises cruise ships

• Sea Cloud 2

Sea Cloud Spirit Wiki

The 5-deck superyacht Sea Cloud Spirit has white steel hull, aluminium superstructure, 28 sails (total size ~44100 ft2 / 4100 m2). Main mast's height/air draught is 189 ft (58 m). Max draft is 6 m (19 ft). In addition to the sails, the cruise ship is equipped with diesel-electric powerplant with two MAN-Siemens marine engines running on LS-MGO (low-sulfur marine gasoil). Among the subcontractors are Partnership Design (Boughton UK-based graphic design agency - interior fittings), Bohnhoff GmbH (Halstenbek Germany-based thermal cooking equipment producer - ship's galleys, pantries and bars) and Winteb (Winschoten Holland-based aluminum air vent head producer).

The yacht has 6 service boats - 2x lifeboats (full-capacity) and 4x Zodiac boats (with launching platforms). Zodiacs are large-capacity motorized boats used for coastal exploration tours, landings and passenger disembarkation in anchorage-only ports.

On October 27, 2019, was the vessel's launch (float-out from drydock) at the shipbuilding yard (MetalShips & Docks SAU) in Vigo Spain .

On July 31, 2020, was installed the first (aft) mast (54-m / 177-ft high). The installation was conducted by workers from the shipbuilding company Choren Design & Consulting ( Gdansk, Poland ). All the 3 masts were loaded on the ship with fully equipped rigging (shrouds and stays).

The ship's inaugural cruise was planned for August 29, 2020. However, due to the global health crisis (also resulting in Metalships Shipyard's temporary closure), the vessel's delivery was delayed. When in early-May shipyard operations resumed (in reduced worker capacity), the project-involved European subcontractors didn't return due to the EU's intercountry travel restrictions. For example, the ship's masts (Poland-manufactured) arrived but were not installed, as well as the interior fittings (carried out, but not completed).

The delayed delivery also resulted in major cruise itinerary program changes. The scheduled Caribbean deployment (together with the Translatlantic crossing in November 2020) was canceled and the ship remained through April 2021 in the Canary Islands (Spain).

The ship's first Captain (Master) is Gerald Schober (1966-born). Traditionally for Sea Cloud Cruises, Sea Cloud Spirit is operated with "open bridge" policy that allows passengers to visit the Wheelhouse, communicate with the Captain (officers on duty).

Ship christening 2021

On August 18, 2021, was announced that Sea Cloud Spirit's godmother will be Her Royal Highness Infanta Dona Elena of Spain, Duchess of Lugo (1963-born as Elena Maria Isabel Dominica de Silos de Borbon y de Grecia). HRH is the first child of King Juan Carlos I of Spain (1938-born as Juan Carlos Alfonso Victor Maria de Borbon y Borbon/reign 1975-2014) and Queen Sofia of Spain (1938-born as Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark). Infanta Elena of Spain has a younger sister - Infanta Cristina (1965-born as Cristina Federica Victoria Antonia de la Santisima Trinidad de Borbon y de Grecia) and a younger brother - Felipe VI (1968-born as Felipe Juan Pablo Alfonso de Todos los Santos de Borbon y Grecia) who is the current King of Spain (ascended the throne in June 2014).

The cruise ship's christening ceremony was held on September 3, 2021, in Port Palma de Mallorca (Majorca Island, Balearic Spain) .

• At the beginning of the boat's construction, Javier Arias-Camison (shipping lawyer, Sea Cloud Cruises' legal representative) made a promise to bring on foot two champagne bottles to Santiago de Compostela (Galicia) and bless them there.
• The Champagne for the naming ceremony has been blessed following a 5-day pilgrimage (~120 km / 75 mi) to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
• One of the bottles was traditionally crashed on the hull (during the ceremony). During the Maiden Voyage (September 14 -24, 2021, from Civitavecchia-Rome ), the other bottle was auctioned off for charity.

Unfortunately, as the aristocratic Godmother was unable to participate, her role was taken by Inigo Echenique Gordillo's wife Gabriela Toran. Inigo Echenique is a Spanish luxury yacht designer (1957-born).

Sea Cloud Hussar cruise itineraries 2010-2011

Sea Cloud Hussar's cruise program for 2010-2011 was based mainly on roundtrips in Europe (Mediterranean) and Asia (Red Sea). The inaugural cruise was scheduled for June 6 (2010) roundtrip from Hamburg to Norway. Next, are listed all pre-scheduled for 2010-2011 Sea Cloud Cruises dates for the new Hussar ship.

• June 6 - July 8 (7-day maiden voyage "Southern Norway) roundtrip from Hamburg to Flekkefjord, Risor, Oslo, List auf Sylt (Germany, overnight)
• July 8-11 (3-day "North Sea") roundtrip from Hamburg to List auf Sylt (Sylt Island, overnight)
• July 11-15 (4-day "North Sea") from Hamburg to Edinburgh, visiting Dundee and Leith-Edinburgh
• July 24 - August 3 (10-day "Ireland and southern England") from Dublin to Bilbao, visiting Ireland (Waterford), England (Fowey) and France (Lorient, Le Palais / Belle-Ile Island, and Pauillac overnight). This was a "golf cruise" visiting 4 golf courses - Mount Juliet Golf Club (Waterford), Carlyon Bay Golf Course (Fowey), Golf de Saint-Laurent (Lorient) and Golf du Medoc (Pauillac).
• August 3-12 (9-day "Art and Cuisine around the Iberian Peninsula") from Bilbao to Malaga, visiting La Coruna, Cies Islands (Spain), Leixoes-Porto, Lisbon (overnight), Cadiz
• August 12-19 (7-day premiere voyage "Western Mediterranean") from Malaga to Nice, visiting Ibiza, Mahon (Menorca Island), Ajaccio (Corsica Island), Saint-Tropez
• August 19-26 (7-day premiere voyage "Western Mediterranean") from Nice to Malta, visiting the islands Corsica (Calvi, Bonifacio), Sicily (Palermo), Lipari, Sicily (Syracuse) and Malta (Valletta)
• August 26 - September 3 (8-day premiere voyage "Adriatic") from Malta to Venice, visiting Otranto, Montenegro (Kotor overnight), Croatia (Dubrovnik overnight, Sibenik) and Slovenia (Piran)
• September 3-10, 10-17, 17-24 (7-day premiere voyage "Adriatic") roundtrips from Venice to Zadar, Sibenik, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Korcula, Hvar
• September 24 - October 5 (11-day premiere voyage "Adriatic") from Venice to Piraeus-Athens, visiting Croatia (Sibenik, Trogir, Korcula, Dubrovnik), Kotor, Corfu, Monemvasia, Nauplion
• October 5-12, Oct 28 - Nov 4 (7-day premiere voyage "Eastern Mediterranean") roundtrip from Piraeus-Athens to Greece and Turkey, visiting Mykonos (overnight), Rhodes, Bodrum, Kusadasi, Patmos
• October 12-20, Nov 4-12 (8-day premiere voyage "Eastern Mediterranean") from Athens to Larnaca (Cyprus), visiting Crete (Heraklion), Rhodes, Turkey (Fethiye), Syria (Tartus, Latakia)
• October 20-28 (8-day premiere voyage "Eastern Mediterranean") from Larnaca to Piraeus-Athens, visiting Tartus, Latakia, Fethiye, Rhodes, Heraklion
• November 12-22 (10-day premiere voyage "Red Sea") from Larnaca to Aqaba (Jordan), visiting Syria (Latakia, Tartus) and Egypt - Port Said (Suez Canal transit), Ain Sukhna (overnight), Safaga, Sharm El-Sheikh
• November 22 - December 2 (10-day premiere voyage "Red Sea") from Aqaba to Hodeidah (Yemen), visiting Sharm El-Sheikh, Ain Sukhna, Safaga, Marsa Alam
• December 4-14 (10-day premiere voyage " Middle East") from Mukalla (Yemen) to Dubai (UAE), visiting Salalah (Oman), 3 sea days, Muscat (Oman), Fujairah (UAE), Bandar Abbas (Iran), Kish (Iran)

In January-March 2011, Sea Cloud Hussar was supposed to be homeported in Dubai . The 7-day Middle East cruise program included roundtrips from Dubai, visiting

• Manama (Bahrain), Doha (Qatar), Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE) and Abu Dhabi (UAE overnight) - scheduled for December 14-21, January 4-11, 18-25, February 1-8, 15-22 and March 1-8
• Musandam Peninsula (Oman, with a boat cruise to Telegraph Island), Khasab (Oman), Fujairah and Muscat (overnight) - scheduled for January 11-18, Jan 25 - Feb 1, February 8-15, Feb 22 - Mar 1, and March 8-15.

Sea Cloud Hussar's 14-day "Christmas and New Year Cruise" (Dec 21 - Jan 4) was planned as a roundtrip from Dubai to Muscat (overnight), Fujairah (Dec 25), Musandam and Khasab, Manama, Doha, Abu Dhabi (Dec 31, overnight) and Sir Bani Yas, with all 4 sea days.

Then the new ship had planned Suez Canal repositioning back to Europe.

• March 15-25 (10-day "Middle East") from Dubai to Mukalla (Yemen), visiting Iran (Kish, Bandar Abbas), Fujairah, Muscat, Salalah
• March 27 - April 6 (10-day "Red Sea") from Hodeidah (Yemen) to Aqaba (Jordan), visiting Marsa Alam, Safaga, Ain Sukhna, Sharm El-Sheikh
• April 6-16 (10-day "Red Sea and Suez Canal") from Aqaba to Piraeus-Athens, visiting Sharm El-Sheikh, Ain Sukhna, Suez Canal transit, Rhodes, Bodrum, Kusadasi, Patmos.

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Sea Cloud Deck Plans & Reviews

Activities & entertainment

• Blue Lagoon - Open Air
• Open Bridge
• Snorkel Gear
• Presentations
• Restaurant - Main
• Lido Bar - Panoramic Bar
• Excellent 2
• Very Good 1
• All languages ( 4 )
• English ( 4 )

Sea Cloud Cruises Acquired by The Yacht Portfolio, Part of Ritz-Carlton Start Up

• February 1, 2022

The Yacht Portfolio announced today that it has entered into a letter of intent to acquire Sea Cloud Cruises and its three ships.

“Sea Cloud offers such a unique, environmentally-friendly experience in the cruise space, which aligns well with our continued focus on building a strong portfolio of niche luxury brands,” said Douglas Prothero, CEO of The Yacht Portfolio, which is overseeing the The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise start up.

“We look forward to completing a transaction with the Sea Cloud team and supporting the brand’s next phase of growth in the luxury cruise space.”

The acquisition not only expands The Yacht Portfolio’s presence in the luxury cruise sector, but also creates an opportunity to expand its relationship with Marriott International beyond The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and gives Marriott International the opportunity to enter the cruise industry through its other luxury brands, according to a press release.

“We are excited about the transaction between The Yacht Portfolio and Sea Cloud and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate further with The Yacht Portfolio to bring our luxury accommodations to sea,” said Timothy Grisius, Global M&A and Real Estate Officer at Marriott International.

“We are pleased that The Yacht Portfolio will strengthen Sea Cloud’s market position,” said Hermann Ebel, Managing Director of Sea Cloud Cruises. “The course is set for many more years of successful international marketing and the foundation is laid for further company and fleet growth.”

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

51 Ships | 109,838 Berths | $35 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Pre-Order Offer
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Landing Page
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• View All 3568
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Filter By Destination
• More Filters
• Latest Reviews
• Charter Special Offers
• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Special Offers
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Finding a Yacht Broker
• Charter Preferences
• Questions & Answers
• Add my yacht

NOT FOR CHARTER *

This Yacht is not for Charter*

Or View All luxury yachts for charter

• Luxury Charter Yachts
• Sailing Yachts for Charter
• Amenities & Toys

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

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

S/Y Sea Cloud

Featured Luxury Yachts for Charter

This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3568 motor yachts, sail yachts, explorer yachts and catamarans to choose from including superyachts and megayachts, the world is your oyster. Why search for your ideal yacht charter vacation anywhere else?

136m | Lurssen

from $4,356,000 p/week ♦︎

115m | Lurssen

from $2,824,000 p/week ♦︎

85m | Golden Yachts

from $980,000 p/week ♦︎

88m | Golden Yachts

from $1,198,000 p/week ♦︎

84m | Feadship

from $1,089,000 p/week ♦︎

93m | Feadship

from $1,525,000 p/week ♦︎

Maltese Falcon

88m | Perini Navi

from $490,000 p/week

122m | Lurssen

from $3,000,000 p/week

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

These 3 lesser-known cruise lines offer amazing voyages on sail-powered ships

There is nothing quite as magical — or romantic — as a cruise on a sailing ship.

To stand on the deck of a vessel topped with dozens of billowing sails, propelled through the waves by the power of the wind alone, is to go back in time to an earlier age of travel, when crossing the world's oceans was as adventurous as it was challenging.

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 actually smoother than what you get on a motor ship).

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

In contrast to what you'll find on so many motor-powered ships, cruising on a masted ship is about the simple thrill of traveling across the sea and not about all the many attractions you'll find on board.

Only a handful of small cruise brands — so small that you might never have heard of them — offer trips on sailing ships. Here, we look at the three biggest players in this niche subset of the cruise industry.

Sea Cloud Cruises

If it's an authentic, old-style sailing experience you want, then Sea Cloud Cruises is the line for you. The Germany-based company operates three large sailing ships where the sails are unfurled by hand, just as they were on sailing ships centuries ago.

On the biggest of these three vessels, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit , 18 deckhands scurry high into the rigging on sea days to manually untie and prepare the sails, an amazing sight. Unveiled in 2021 , it's 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.

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

Sea Cloud Cruises' two other vessels — Sea Cloud 2 and Sea Cloud — are smaller but offer a similar show as the sails are set by hand the old-fashioned way. The former is a 23-year-old, three-masted barque propelled by 23 sails (five fewer than Sea Cloud Spirit); the latter is a 93-year-old, four-masted barque with 30 sails and a storied past.

Now configured to carry 64 paying passengers, Sea Cloud was originally the private yacht of Postum Cereals heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and her husband, the famed financier E. F. Hutton. At the time, the vessel was the largest private yacht in the world. It later served the U.S. Navy as a weather ship during World War II, after which it became the presidential yacht for the Dominican Republic. It only began sailing as a cruise vessel in the 1980s.

If you have money to spare, you can still book Post's opulent private quarters on Sea Cloud, now its owner's suite. It'll set you back around $5,000 per day per couple. Her husband's slightly smaller quarters are also available to book at a similar rate.

Post, the wealthiest woman in the U.S. during her lifetime, notably also built Mar-a-Lago, the massive estate in Florida that is now the official residence of Donald Trump.

Sea Cloud Cruises is the most all-inclusive and upscale of the three brands listed in this story, with pricing to match. Expect to pay nearly $1,000 per person per day or more for many sailings.

Sea Cloud Cruises' three vessels offer a diverse array of sailings in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Canary Islands and Morocco, the Caribbean or along the west coast of Central America.

Related: Cruising Costa Rica, Panama with Sea Cloud Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Founded in the 1980s, Windstar Cruises got its start as a sailing ship line. While it now operates traditional motor-powered ships, too, voyages on sailing ships are still a big part of its business.

Three of the Seattle-based brand's six vessels — Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf — are sailing vessels, and they all offer a similar yacht-like, small-ship experience.

Two of the three vessels (Wind Spirit and Wind Star) are particularly intimate, measuring 5,407 tons and carrying just 148 passengers with every berth full.

Related: The 2 types of Windstar ships, explained

The line's third sailing vessel, Wind Surf, is nearly three times the size at 14,745 tons. It's one of the biggest sailing ships in the world (only a sister vessel that sails for Club Med is bigger). Wind Surf carries 342 people, an enormous number for a sailing ship.

Unlike on the vessels operated by Sea Cloud, the sails on Windstar's sailing ships aren't unfurled by hand in the old-fashioned way but by the push of a button from the bridge. It's a fully automated system that is much more modern, if less dramatic.

Still, the experience of slicing through the waves by the power of the wind alone on Windstar ships is as glorious and romantic as it is on the Sea Cloud ships.

Windstar Cruises is less all-inclusive and pricey than Sea Cloud but still offers a relatively upscale experience. Its dining program is done in partnership with the food-focused James Beard Foundation, which also brings James Beard Award-winning chefs to the ships regularly for food-themed itineraries.

For an extra $89 per person per day, passengers can also make the experience more all-inclusive with included Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine and cocktails, and gratuities (three things that aren't included in regular fares).

The line's three vessels typically spend nearly all of their time sailing in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or along the west coast of Central America.

Related: Read more about Windstar's itineraries

Star Clippers

Like Sea Cloud and Windstar, Star Clippers operates three sailing vessels that are among the biggest and most elegant sailing vessels in the world.

The belle of the ball at the line is Royal Clipper, a stunning five-masted ship that is billed as the largest square-rigged ship in the world. Its enormous array of 42 sails has a sail area of 56,000 square feet — significantly more than the sails atop any of the Sea Cloud or Windstar vessels. (Only Sea Cloud Spirit comes relatively close with a sail area of 44,100 square feet spread across 28 sails.)

Built to resemble Preussen, a legendary tall ship of the 19th century, the 24-year-old Royal Clipper shares the spotlight at Star Clippers with two smaller sister vessels, Star Flyer and Star Clipper.

Carrying 166 passengers apiece, the smaller vessels were designed to resemble the speedy clipper ships of the 19th century, which were known for their narrow profile and large sail area. Each vessel has a sail area of 36,000 square feet spread across 16 sails, a large amount for the size.

When it comes to the setting of sails, Star Clippers vessels offer a level of old-style authenticity that is in between the ships of Sea Cloud and Windstar. Like on Sea Cloud vessels, the sails are pulled into position by a team of deckhands using hand power and winches to tighten the "sheets," or ropes.

Unlike on Sea Cloud vessels, the deck hands don't climb high into the rigging to untie and prepare the sails for winching. That part is done automatically at the push of a button from the bridge, as it is on Windstar vessels.

In one key difference, though, Star Clippers lets passengers harness up and climb into the crow's nest of its vessels — a thrilling experience. Just be prepared for your knees to go a bit wobbly as you get to the top; it's way up there.

Star Clippers sailings are the most affordable option among the three sailing brands, in part because the onboard experience is less all-inclusive and upscale.

The three Star Clippers vessels mostly operate sailings in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean and along the west coast of Central America.

Bottom line

It's still possible to get a taste of what traveling the world's oceans was like in the days before motor power. Three small cruise companies — Sea Cloud Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers — offer voyages on large sailing ships that are as majestic as anything that has sailed the seas in centuries past.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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?

• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

• Description
• Choose date

Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

Choose your dates

Who's going.

• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
• Date and time:
• Who's going:

See photo of the meeting point

Maps and Navigation

Getting around and planning your itinerary in Moscow

Bicycle and Scooter Rental

How to Rent Two-Wheeled Transport

You may be interested

• 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

PERFECTLY STRANDED IN THE CARIBBEAN

Florida & Bahamas