German-owned, Sea Cloud offers a sailing ship lifestyle aboard two substantially different motorsailors. They are sold to individuals and the affinity groups.
Fleet
The original Sea Cloud, built in 1931 as the Hussar, was oncethe world’s private yacht for cereal heiress Marjorie Meriweather Post. Theship, following World War II duties, languished for many years. Then in 1979,she entered cruise service, retaining the original eight lavish cabins andadding 24 more ordinary ones to create a complement of 64 mostly Americans andon individually sold cruises, some Germans and other Europeans. For many years,she has been the darling of museum and affinity groups, and she represents thereal thing, a romantic sailing experience from out of the past albeit oftenassisted by a diesel engine. In 2001, Sea Cloud II arrived to provide asuitable running mate in a larger size (94 passengers) and with more democratic(uniform) accommodations. She is better suited to the charter market because ofthat. While new, her interiors are lavish and loving reminders of the 1920susing quality materials to set the luxurious tone of a private yacht.
Itineraries
The Sea Cloud pair sail mostly seven-day cruises in the Caribbean in winter and the Mediterranean in summer. Positioning trips are nearly port lesstransatlantics and the favorite sailings for the yachting folks.
Dining and Decor
Dining is in elegant settings though not formal, thoughdressing up is part of the fun, especially the penultimate night, when theoriginal cabins aboard Sea Cloud I are on view in a house party atmosphere. Thefood is terrific and lunch time buffets on deck are truly special.
Programs
Sailing Sea Cloud is casual fun and it can be a learningexperience, if the group is interested in sailing or one joins a charter groupwith a special theme.
Onboard Experience
It’s a social cruise, out of doors whenever possible,enjoying each others’ company and the sea and sand, and maybe some of theports, especially in the Mediterranean. If the original Sea Cloud sounds likean attractive proposition, then don’t wait as she is not likely to make it pastthe new Safety of Life at Sea regulations coming into effect in 2010.
Competitors
Star Clippers’ original pair has a more sleek racing yachtstyle and uses sail power more often, but Sea Cloud Cruises offers higherstandards of interior design, food and service. The sail experience is truerthan Windstar though the social atmosphere is much the same.
