Real square-rigged sailing — the way it was, and still is
Sea Cloud (built 1931 for Wall Street financier E.F. Hutton and his wife Marjorie Merriweather Post) and Sea Cloud Spirit (built 2021 in the same tradition) are working four-masted square-rigged sailing ships. 64-94 guests, traditional teak-and-brass design, sails set by hand by the crew. The most authentic sailing cruise experience at sea.
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Six reasons we recommend this line to the right kind of traveller.
No computer-controlled rigging. The crew climbs the masts and sets the sails — visibly, audibly, on most port-to-port days. The "All Sails Set" maneuver is the visual signature, and the engineering of the ships is from a different era.
Built in 1931, the Sea Cloud was the largest private yacht in the world. She has hosted presidents, kings, and the entire Hollywood golden age. Cruising on her is a working museum experience — the wood, brass and atmosphere are original.
Sea Cloud carries just 64 guests, Sea Cloud II 94, Sea Cloud Spirit 136. Crew-to-guest ratio approaches 1:1. Service is German-led, atmosphere is European-refined, evenings are quiet and conversational.
A classic sailing-ship pattern. Winter in the Caribbean (especially the windward islands), summer in the Mediterranean (Greece, Croatia, Italy, France, Spain). Occasional repositioning voyages on the trade winds.
No cruise line is for everyone. Here's where Sea Cloud Cruises might not fit. We'll point you elsewhere if so.
Sea Cloud cabins (especially the originals) are 1930s-design — beautifully appointed but compact. Sea Cloud Spirit's cabins are larger and modern. For pure modern luxury, look at Silversea or Crystal.
Tall ships have steeper companionways, fewer lifts, narrower passages. The original Sea Cloud especially is not wheelchair-accessible. Discuss with us before booking.
No shows, casino, kids' clubs. Quiet evenings, lectures during the day, dinner-and-conversation. The pace is unhurried by design.
The Sea Cloud Cruises fleet at a glance.
The original — built 1931 for Marjorie Merriweather Post as a private sailing yacht. Twenty-nine sails, raised by hand by crew climbing the rigging. Cabins range from historic original (compact) to traditional. A floating piece of sailing history.
Purpose-built in 2001 to extend the Sea Cloud experience with more modern comforts. Same tall-ship sailing tradition, larger cabins, more amenities. Mediterranean and Caribbean.
The newest sail-cruising vessel ever built. Three masts, all-suite accommodation, pool deck, fitness centre and small spa. Combines the romance of sail with contemporary fit-out.
A glance at the on-board experience and the destinations beyond the ship.
Sea Cloud Cruises dines like a private yacht should — open-seating, table service, no surcharges. Provisions are sourced regionally, menus reflect the itinerary. Captain's cocktail receptions and white-tablecloth outdoor barbecues on calm-water nights are the highlights.
Crew climbs the rigging by hand to set 29 sails (Sea Cloud), 27 (Sea Cloud II) or 30 (Sea Cloud Spirit). Watching from the deck — or from the bowsprit — is the experience.
Sail-history specialists, maritime archaeologists, regional cultural lecturers join every voyage. Particularly strong on the historic Sea Cloud.
Swim platforms from the side at anchor; snorkel gear and small craft (where conditions allow). Sea Cloud Spirit adds a small pool.
Sea Cloud II and Spirit have small spas with treatments. Sea Cloud is historic and trades spa space for character — fitness room only.
Every Sea Cloud Cruises fare bakes these in.
Plus a partial drinks package — wine, beer, water at lunch and dinner
Most port-to-port days, often with crew commentary
Historians, naturalists, sailing experts on most voyages
Pre-included on selected itineraries; otherwise charged separately
Sea Cloud's repeat-guest recognition. Given the three-ship fleet and intimate scale, returning guests are personally known to the captains and senior crew.
A Travel Designer who knows Sea Cloud Cruises will pick the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right cabin tier for you. No call centres.