Sea Cloud Cruises: A Unique Sailing Experience in the Mediterranean

While large cruise lines often grab the spotlight, smaller niche companies like Sea Cloud Cruises stand out by offering unique experiences that big competitors can’t replicate. Operating three full-rigged, three-masted sailing yachts, Sea Cloud Cruises is «small but mighty», according to Chris Gray Faust, executive editor of Cruise Critic.

In the past two years, Sea Cloud Cruises has focused on attracting a growing North American audience, resulting in triple-digit growth. This shift has been part of a larger strategy to expand beyond its strong European customer base.

Key Factors Driving Growth:
— Leadership Changes: New leadership has been instrumental in growing the brand’s presence in the U.S.
— Themed Cruises: Offering special experiences that appeal to niche markets.
— Focus on Travel Advisors: Strengthening relationships with travel experts to increase bookings.

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Sea Cloud has appointed Mirell Reyes as its first female CEO of North America, making her one of the few women leading a global cruise line. This spring, Reyes transitioned from president to CEO, bringing a wealth of experience from her previous roles in the cruise industry.

Joining her is Kevin Smith, newly promoted to Chief Sales Officer, where he’ll manage sales relationships with travel advisors worldwide.

The Sea Cloud Spirit’s aft decks and dining area offer luxurious spaces on the largest sailing yacht in the line.

Since joining in 2023, the team has expanded Sea Cloud’s North American business by 400%. Based in Hamburg, Germany, the cruise line attracts a large portion of its market from Europe, particularly Germany.

To diversify the passenger mix, Sea Cloud is focusing more on North America.

In another milestone, Kathryn Whittaker has been appointed as the first female captain of Sea Cloud II. A Canadian, she was promoted from chief officer.

The company is also shifting to all-in pricing and increasing support for travel advisors.

The Aft Deck and Bar on Sea Cloud’s Sailing Yachts

One of the key updates is the shift to all-inclusive pricing. This covers everything from the open bar and gratuities to port fees, water sports, and shore excursions.

All-inclusive pricing simplifies the process for travelers. Gray Faust explains, «When trying something new, like a sailing yacht, clear pricing reduces stress and makes booking easier. It’s especially helpful for those looking for a more adventurous cruise experience.»

Sea Cloud is now a preferred supplier for Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network. With the new Florida office, U.S. agents can get assistance without the hassle of time zone differences with Germany. These efforts have boosted Sea Cloud’s visibility and resulted in more agent bookings.

The crew on the sailing masts of one of Sea Cloud’s ships

Sea Cloud’s tall-mast ships attract travelers fascinated with sailing and boating, but is something that draws in experienced cruisers looking for something different than a traditional cruise, too.

Newly added Cultivated Journeys

Sea Cloud ships grab attention when their sails are fully raised.

Themed sailings, particularly popular among Americans, are a highlight. Gray Faust mentions the line’s new “Cultivated Journeys” initiative, which offers themed cruises like wine and cheese, culinary arts, music, literature, fashion, and art history.

On these trips, guest lecturers, experts, and performers interact with passengers, providing unique experiences. Daily events may include guided shore excursions, wine tastings, educational talks, and musical performances.

Gray Faust highlights that Sea Cloud’s small ships create intimate experiences, making them feel special, unlike mass-produced cruises. The line doesn’t compete with mega ships, offering something entirely different.

Sommelier Nils Lackner, a well-known wine expert from the German island of Sylt

Recent special guests have included veteran NBC News journalist Kerry Sanders, Miami’s Chèvre restaurant and cheese shop owner Mario Naar and its Chef Claudio Giordano, German sommelier Nils Lackner, Miami Book Fair International founder Mitchell Kaplan and recording artist Travis Moser.

Special Chef’s Table dinners occur on every cruise, some in partnership with culinary leaders like Michelin star chef Michael Collantes.

The chef’s dinner is a formal, multi-course dinner that often uses ingredients picked up in that day’s local port.

Part of this themed cruise portfolio has also included a first-ever President’s Cruise, hosted by Reyes and Smith. Sailing last month, it departed from Reyes’ home port of Monte Carlo and circumnavigated Corsica and Sardinia, two islands she particularly enjoys. It was a dedicated wine and cheese trip with daily activities like onshore tours to local wine and cheese venues, onboard tastings with cheese pairings, a special chef’s dinner and the option for guests to interact with all three throughout the trip.

Small ships can do big things

A Sea Cloud ship sails into Venice’s Grand Canal

This is possible because of the small nature of its sailboats, the largest of which only holds 136 passengers. Unlike larger ships, Sea Cloud’s ships can sail into ports that are off limits to others. The newest and largest in the fleet, Sea Cloud Spirit will home port in Venice this summer, providing passengers stunning views of the Grand Lagoon as it sails to a special dock near St. Mark’s Square. It is also a dramatic scene for those on land watching these old-fashioned sailboats glide past.

This is an example of the types of things that a small ship can do that larger vessels cannot, adds Gray Faust.

Discover MWR LIFE with a Unique Vacation Experience

Mario Naar, the owner of Chèvre Miami, recently embarked on a memorable shopping trip for local cheese in Corsica during the Sea Cloud President’s Cruise. Over several days, he served fresh, high-quality cheese to passengers, including preparing panini on one afternoon.

A low passenger count on the ship made it easier for the chefs to take special trips into town, allowing them to purchase enough cheese to serve everyone on board. The chefs even fished directly from the ship and grilled their fresh catches at lunchtime barbecues on deck.

Gray Faust, an expert in cruising and travel for nearly two decades, shares, “Sea Cloud may be small, but it knows exactly what it’s doing. These ships are the real deal — actual sailing yachts where the crew climbs the rigging and unfurls the sails by hand. That alone sets it apart.”

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