Sailing into the Bahamas last week for an inaugural call at Nassau, the new 136-guest sailing ship, Sea Cloud Spirit, proved a head-turner. As Luxury Travel Advisor arrived at the port for a one-night stay on this new Sea Cloud Cruises ship, we gazed across the harbor to spot the three-masted luxury boutique sailing vessel docked in the shadow of the 3,260-passenger Celebrity Ascent.
Visually, it was an incredible contrast. While cruise industry officials tout that cruise vacations offer something for everyone, that it's all about matching the guest to the right product, and that choices are highly diverse, the sight of those two ships side by side certainly validates that thinking.
We headed for the sailing ship for a one-night stay and to check out the ship's spaces. We also attended an inaugural-call commemorative ceremony with Mirell Reyes, president, North America, Sea Cloud Cruises, and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper of the Bahamas; he also serves as minister of tourism, investments and aviation.
So, here's our firsthand look at the new 453-foot-long sailing ship, as well as perspective on the upscale lifestyle brand from Reyes and Kevin Smith, Sea Cloud Cruises' vice president of sales. Both chatted with Luxury Travel Advisor about the line's growth plans and opportunities for advisors in North America. A separate interview with Cooper about cruise tourism in the Bahamas will run soon.
At First Glance
As we gazed further at the exterior of the new three-masted, fully rigged Sea Cloud Spirit, it was certainly easy to conjure up imagery of the majestic wooden sailing ships that transported explorers to the New World centuries ago. But, while traditional in its sailing ship look, the new vessel has the latest technical “bells and whistles” from a maritime, propulsion and sustainability standpoint.
The new ship also offers modern guest amenities and sumptuous accommodations, including 25 staterooms and suites with private balconies. In addition, the ship offers the boutique luxury line's first full-service, pampering spa.
So, this type of cruise will likely appeal to affluent travelers who own their own sailboats or private yachts, or, alternatively, luxury travelers who enjoy renting a yacht when traveling—whether that's Monte Carlo, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore or Miami.
Boaters and yachting enthusiasts will also appreciate that Sea Cloud Spirit is an authentic sailing ship. It has 44,000 square feet of sails, which take about one hour to hoist. The unfurling happens at least one full day on every Sea Cloud Cruises voyage, and guests can even participate if they so desire. But while the ship is an authentic sailing yacht, it’s motorized as well.
Design That's True to Brand
Our top question? As we boarded, we wondered if the new sailing ship would reflect the historic look and feel of Sea Cloud Cruises’ flagship, the beloved 64-passenger Sea Cloud. Originally built in 1931, that sailing ship—originally named Hussar—was built as the world's largest private yacht for heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and her then-husband E. F. Hutton.
Today, that revitalized flagship still sports its original interiors and guests can stay aboard. In fact, we sailed on the historic ship in 2020, just prior to the pandemic's cruise industry shutdown. So, we couldn't wait to find out if the newest Sea Cloud Cruises vessel would be similar in its interior look and feel.
Strolling aboard we immediately felt a sense of continuity—of trueness to the Sea Cloud brand look and style—as we perused the staircase, artwork on the walls, fittings and appointments. It’s not a cookie-cutter, though. Some upholstered furniture, such as that in the lobby area, is more modern but is also comfortable and fits with overall style of design. Frankly, it's amazing how much this ship—from our perspective—fit with the original Sea Cloud look and feel. Yet, it also has modern amenities.
A Natural Fit
There's a reason for that continuity of style and design. For the new-build’s interior design, the boutique luxury line contracted with Partner Ship Design of Hamburg, Germany. Reyes tells us that the firm’s two interior designers tasked with creating the look of Sea Cloud Spirit had in the past restored both the original Sea Cloud and also the 94-passenger Sea Cloud II. “So, they already had all the original background,” she says. "It was a natural fit to engage them for Sea Cloud Spirit" and the design decisions were deliberate in having “the same look and feel like the original.”
Initially, the new-build was also expected to be named Hussar, Sea Cloud's original name, but Reyes says the line instead chose to name the new vessel “after the spirit of the Sea Cloud.” She adds this also “provided cohesive branding, name-wise.”
Sea Cloud Cruises is a German company, and its other design choices also reflect diverse European sourcing. The ship itself was built by Choren of Vigo, Spain, while the technical design was tasked to by Acubens Naval Architects of Madrid, Spain, and the rigging and sailing elements were handled by Zygmunt Choren of Gdansk, Poland.
More New Vessels?
We asked Reyes if Sea Cloud Cruises is planning to build any more new vessels. When considering the capacity for Sea Cloud at 64 guests and Sea Cloud II at 94 guests, adding the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit to the mix almost doubles the small-ship boutique line’s capacity, she notes. In addition, the sailing ship line isn't a mass-market product, but rather a lifestyle boutique brand.
The biggest mission right now? Over the next three to five years, the line plans to build a larger presence in the U.S. and Canadian markets, rather than immediately taking on even more capacity. “We just started and still have much work to do,”Reyes says. To support planned growth in North America, Sea Cloud Cruises has opened a new South Florida office, where Reyes and Kevin Smith, vice president, sales, North America, as well as the line's North American reservations staff are based.
Founded in 1979, Sea Cloud over the decades has been a mostly German product that also has attracted U.S. full-ship charters. Today, while English is the official onboard language of Sea Cloud, the line attracts a largely German clientele, so often both English and German are spoken aboard (such as for the lifeboat drill, for instance). Daily activity sheets placed on the guest's bed at turn-down are in either language, depending on the guest, as are shore excursions.
During our time aboard, one guest told us that Nicole Motylek, the ship’s bilingual cruise director, did a very good job of having guests who spoke different languages come together with programming. In addition, the kind of guests that the product attracts tend to be open-minded, according to Reyes. "Yachters and boaters are also a little more active and they’re curious," she adds, noting that these affluent guests enjoy meeting people of different nationalities aboard.
Overall, think of Sea Cloud Spirit as a casual, boutique luxury sailing product—a traditional windjammer experience in many ways, but also one with 21st-century amenities.
Our Brief Onboard Experience
While our brief time aboard Sea Cloud Spirit didn’t allow enough time for a full review, we did experience the suite service, had several meals aboard and talked with many crew members. Service throughout the ship was excellent: friendly, professional, upscale and proactive. Crew members seem eager to please and everyone we met—from the captain to servers, front-desk staff and deck hands—seem to possess a "can do" attitude where guests are concerned.
For instance, on multiple occasions, my cabin steward Jose proactively raced down the corridor to reach my door before I got there and swiped his card to let me in. Dining room service was just right, with servers bringing this and that and asking guests if they could bring anything else to them, but not becoming overbearing in that regard. Also, the overall staffing levels for the crew seemed just right for the ship's size.
While we only had dinner and breakfast aboard, the cuisine served in the Restaurant was nicely presented and delicious. In particular, we enjoyed one fresh shrimp appetizer. In the evening, guests can dine at the Restaurant or head to a casual al fresco dining spot with great views on the Lido Deck. On embarkation night, there is a buffet in the Restaurant, but it's full table service on other nights.
As mentioned, Sea Cloud Spirit is unique in the fleet as it offers one entire deck with suites that offer private balconies. We experienced one of those, No. 307, a 215-square-foot “Junior Suite with Balcony” (Category B). The 65-foot-square-foot balcony has two cushioned chairs and a small table.
Junior Suite Stay
Our Junior Suite seemed quite spacious for a small boutique ship. This particular category may be a smart choice for clients to consider if they desire to try a sailing ship but, at the same time, can’t imagine life on a ship without a balcony. We also liked that these balcony suites are on the same deck as the ship’s Restaurant, making the walk to meals a breeze.
Upon entering our Junior Suite, our eyes were drawn immediately to the blue carpeting with gold trim accents, creating a classy maritime feel. We also liked the suite's overall color palette, which dovetailed with what we previously experienced on Sea Cloud.
On both sides of the entryway are closets with many cubbyholes for storage, a fairly modest amount of hanging space, a hair dryer, two umbrellas, two sets of slippers and more. Walking beyond the entry, guests encounter a spacious, comfortable living area with a large upholstered couch, one side chair and a tall entertainment center. The latter has a large flat-screen TV, cabinetry with glassware, an ice bucket, a mini-fridge, complimentary refillable water bottles, a ship information booklet and more.
A nice touch on embarkation day is a bottle of Champagne chilling on ice and positioned on the living area's coffee table. Later that same day, we also came back to the suite and found chocolate-covered strawberries on that table. While the living area and bedroom area of this Junior Suite flow together, the rear of the couch is against the bottom of the bed, providing visual separation of the spaces.
Frankly, we liked this layout as it made good use of the square footage inside the suite. The living room had plenty of walking space. In a separate corner of that living room was a makeup area with a stool, a small desk-like surface, elongated mirrors and three tiny drawers (perfect for makeup). Note: As for hooking up techie devices, the suite has European-style plugs and we didn't see USB ports, so bring an adapter.
design on the original Sea Cloud. (Photo by Susan J. Young)
Most notably, we—as past Sea Cloud guests—loved the bathroom for one reason: the rounded vanity sink. No, there aren’t double sinks but it’s a classy look that we remember fondly from Sea Cloud. The bathroom also has a large tub that’s a combination shower.
Whatever accommodations are chosen, though, the line's fares are highly inclusive. All guests will receive welcome champagne and a daily fresh fruit basket in their suite or stateroom; all meals, including a nightly four-course menu and a five-course gala dinner; coffee, tea and soft drinks; fine wines plus an open bar (except for premium brands); bottled water on shore excursions, gratuities and port fees and special “curated moments."
In addition, Sea Cloud provides guests with complimentary beach barbecues in select destinations such as Chatham Bay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Plus, the ship’s marina platform provides easy access for water play, and guests receive complimentary use of snorkel gear, stand-up paddle boards and towable tubes (weather permitting). Suite guests also receive complimentary laundry service.
Sea Cloud Spirit's Public Spaces
We felt that the most sizable difference in public spaces between the new Sea Cloud Spirit and the other two ships in the fleet is the wellness and spa area. Simply put, the other two ships don't have this. We walked through the facilities and found them quite extensive for such an intimate-sized vessel. This spa has a waiting area, several treatment rooms, a salon, pedicure areas, a relaxation room with four loungers, a dry sauna, an attractive blue-tiled steam room and more.
In addition, the new ship has a separate fitness room with sea views. Other public spaces include the spacious Lounge on the Lido Deck and a nearby outdoor (but undercover) Lido Bar area, plus a lovely Library on that Lido Deck. Guests also can find many deck chairs for sunning.
Another addition to Sea Cloud Spirit that’s not on the other two ships is one elevator, which was appreciated by many guests. That said, chat with the line about accessibility before booking any mobility-challenged clients. Not all public areas of the ship are accessible for wheelchairs or walkers, as there are large "lips" to step over to exit through some exterior doors. Also, given the ship's size, the line may need to shut down that singular elevator for safety's sake during bad weather.
Growth in North American Sourcing
Currently, Reyes oversees all sales, marketing and communications in North America, while Smith is focused on consortia, travel advisors, groups and new charter partnerships for the company. In terms of advisor support, “currently, we have a fully staffed and growing reservations team, which we will continue to add to as volume increases,” says Smith.
Both executives tell Luxury Travel Advisor that Sea Cloud has much work still to do in building a greater North American presence. “Obviously, we’re just starting to grow,” says Reyes. So, the team is spending time this year educating travel advisors and focusing on developing new consortia relationships.
Eventually, the goal is to raise the percentage of North Americans traveling aboard—getting up to about 40 percent of guests aboard being either Americans or Canadians, although the timing isn't yet certain when that will occur. “It is going to happen,” Reyes believes, but “little by little.” She says that a lot of sales and marketing programming, collateral and other elements need to come together before getting to that point, and "obviously, we need to educate” people and advisors about the product.
Smith is the point of contact for all trade-related needs right now, including questions and collateral. He's currently seeking a sales support manager to assist with trade-related items and requests. “I have been meeting on the road the past two months with top trade partners across North America,” he explains. This week, he's meeting with trade partners in Texas and hoping to soon visit advisors in Canada.
The executives say their top goal right now is getting Sea Cloud Cruises selected as a “preferred” partner with various consortia. Smith says that once that happens, the boutique luxury line will add a national sales director and business development managers. "When preferred, we will be leading with the highest commission and strong onboard credit for advisors’ clients,” he says.
Expanding the Reach, Themed Sailings
Certainly, the brand is known well in Europe. But “we’re the new kid on the block in North America,” acknowledges Smith. Over the past few months, though, “we’ve been participating in many client nights, which are super successful with our type of lifestyle brand,” he says.
He recently took part in such an event in Naples, FL, and the line is already collaborating with yacht clubs, tennis tournaments, academic institutions and historic museums for Sea Cloud voyages.“Sailing on our yachts is also greatly appealing to adventure travelers who don’t see themselves as ‘cruisers’ and would never think of ‘going on a cruise,’” he adds.
To help build more U.S. and Canadian patronage, the line will offer many themed cruises—culinary arts, music or active voyages—in 2024 and 2025. For example, Sea Cloud Spirit will operate a seven-night “Songs ‘N’ Sail" voyage on December 4, 2024. Guests will enjoy ‘80s music play as the ship sails round-trip from Philipsburg, St. Maarten, to other Caribbean isles.
In particular, advisors may have North American clients potentially interested in four Sea Cloud Spirit sailings during January and February 2025 departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. “For Kevin and I, we’re most excited about the upcoming cruises that go out of U.S. ports,” Reyes says, noting that the geography brings more sales opportunities. “It’s something more comfortable for North Americans to go on a cruise and also go on our product. A lot of people don’t know us.”
Recently, the line also introduced a March 26, 2025 sailing round-trip from Miami. That voyage will call at Exuma and Eleuthera in the Bahamas, as well as Key West, FL. Acclaimed novelist Les Standiford, author of “The Last Train to Paradise,” the story of Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railway, as well as a book about Marjorie Merriweather Post, will be the onboard guest lecturer.
Plus, the line has created a new pre-cruise option with elements connecting to the historical Flagler and Post eras. Guests will stay at The Breakers Palm Beach and then take a Brightline train ride to Miami prior to boarding the ship. That modern train utilizes the same right-of-way corridor as did Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railway more than a century ago. That railway also forged the early tourism flow to Key West, FL,
The goal for the line is to connect an itinerary’s history, cuisine and culture with the specific route of the voyage. “We have a lot of things with history and food that we’ll add on for 2024 and 2025,” Reyes says, pointing to enrichment talks focused on the region, as well as cooking demonstrations and guest chefs. For example, Chef Michael Collanges, a Michelin-star chef, will sail on an October 5 voyage from Nice, France, to Barcelona, Spain. "Those add-ons bring something different," she says,
Third Ship—Opportunity Knocks
The launch of Sea Cloud Spirit almost doubles Sea Cloud Cruises' capacity. From the line's perspective, a third ship "gives us more to sell, and that ship can call into the U.S." as well, Reyes says. Plus, "the amenities of this vessel speak more to the North American market." So, luxury travelers who are yachters, boaters or small-ship enthusiasts now have another vessel to consider.
From our brief time aboard, we're pleased to see that the vessel stays true to the brand and captures the look and feel of the original Sea Cloud. Concurring is Reyes: "It also still has the history—the look and feel of Sea Cloud—and yet all the bells and whistles of a more modern vessel."
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