#SeaCloudCruises #SailingVessels
Sea Cloud
We at Getaway Dreams Come True Travel Agency are fond of sailing ships – ones like those that Windstar and Star Clippers Cruise Lines sail – true clipper ships with full-masted sails and akin to other brigantine sailing ships of the late 19th century.
Star Clipper’s Royal Clipper with 5 Masts
Fans of those traditional, small-ship sailing vessels will have another option to consider, when Sea Cloud Cruises debuts a new ship in summer 2020. The Hamburg, Germany-based luxury cruise line — whose cruises cater to American and German passengers and focus on smaller, less touristy ports, as do Windstar and Star Clippers — recently revealed plans to build Sea Cloud Spirit, a 136-passenger, hand-steered vessel it says will “set new standards in the luxury sailing cruise market.”
Like its sister ships Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II, Sea Cloud Spirit will feel like a timeless sailing ship, with a modern twist. (Fun fact: Sea Cloud was built in 1931 and was used as a weather ship by the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy during World War II.) Sea Cloud Spirit will be the line’s first ship to offer balcony cabins. Of the 69 total cabins, 29 will have balconies; the rest will have windows. Star Clippers and Windstar have a few cabins with balconies, though not necessarily private.
The ship also will have an expanded fitness and spa area, with three treatment rooms, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath and a salon. For passengers requiring with mobility issues and are unable to use stairs, assistance will be provided by an elevator — a rare feature on ships of this size.
Sea Cloud Spirit is expected to offer Mediterranean itineraries. Additional information regarding dining and public areas, and the proposed additional itineraries, have not yet been revealed.
“Sea Cloud Spirit is arriving at the right time,” said Sea Cloud Cruises’ managing director, Daniel Schafer. “Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II are enjoying a high demand from both independent travelers and in the charter market. An expansion of the fleet, especially in the Mediterranean, is expected and demanded by many guests. With an extended capacity of 136 guests, we can also serve our charter market better with additional offers. However, despite the greater capacity, [the] intimacy of a private-yacht will still be preserved and sailing can be experienced in an authentic manner.”
The Sea Cloud Spirit is being built in Vigo, Spain, and will be ready to start sailing in 2020. An official launch date has yet to be determined.
We at Getaway Dreams Come True will assist you in choosing your ideal cruise ship, be it intimate sailing vessel or mega-size floating resort or a river cruise ship. Call to schedule your cruise planning session at 724.752.2655.
Photos — Sea Cloud courtesy of Sea Cloud Cruises and Royal Clipper by Mimi Auchter
You may wish to view related blog posts:
A Very Special Cruise on the Royal Clipper Sailing Ship
Star Flyer October 2017 15-night Croatia, Montenegro and Greece Port Summary
Looking for an Upper Premium Cruise Line — Choose Windstar
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