Sea Cloud to Launch Third Sailing Ship

In summer 2020, Sea Cloud Cruises’ third tall ship will be taking to the seas. The new Sea Cloud Spirit has already passed her first round of sea worthiness tests. “Since the tests were successful and the shipyard is running on time, the new ship’s maiden voyage is on track for August 29, 2020,” said CEO Daniel Schaefer.

Like its sister ships the Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II, the Sea Cloud Spirit combines a genuine passion for sailing with the atmosphere of a private yacht.  The 453-square feet three-masted sailing ship can accommodate up to 136 guests and, like its two sister ships, occupies a special niche within the expanding cruise market, offering a casual elegance sailing experience.

The flagship of the company, the Sea Cloud, was built as a private yacht by the American multimillionaires Edward F. Hutton and Marjorie Merriweather Post in 1931 at the Germania shipyard in Kiel. Following a rich and varied history, the 361 square feet four-masted barque has been used by Sea Cloud Cruises for its luxury cruises for the last 40 years.

The Sea Cloud Spirit is designed as a three-masted fully-rigged ship, with around 13,500 square feet of sail area, which is twice the size of the current US Coast Guard training ship, the Cutter Eagle. Since sailing is not possible all the time, the newly built ship is equipped with two diesel-electric drives. For Sea Cloud Cruises, it was a natural choice to operate all ships with low-sulphur marine diesel from the outset. “The use of heavy oil was never an option for us. We offer a sustainable experience that works in harmony with nature and the people whose countries we visit,” Schaefer says.

Interior construction has already begun at the Metalships & Docks shipyard in Vigo, Spain, and all work is going as planned. The ship’s interior has been designed by the renowned Hamburg planning office PARTNER SHIP DESIGN. Upon completion, the Sea Cloud Spirit shall present all the majesty of a tall ship, offering guests plenty of outdoor space, an exclusive wellness and spa concept, with an elegant interior design in the style of a classic yacht. Out of the 69 outer cabins, 25 will have their own balconies and for the first time ever on a sailing ship, the Sea Cloud Spirit will also feature an elevator connecting the various decks.

In order to enhance the guests’ culinary experience guests on  the Sea Cloud Spirit will have the choice between fine dining in the restaurant and a casual dining experience on the lido deck. Like her sister vessels, the food concept focuses on local fresh food and wine.

Since 1979, Sea Cloud Cruises has been one of the world’s top names in cruises. The SEA CLOUD, celebrating her 90^th birthday in 2021, and its younger sister Sea Cloud II, regularly appear with five stars each in the Berlitz Cruise Guide’s list and ranks under the best five cruise ships in the world.

Sea Cloud is the only cruise line in the world where the sailing is still done traditionally by hand. The ships offer a unique sailing experience, visiting smaller less known ports.