The sails onSea Cloud Spirit, a three-mast, square-rigged tall ship, measure a whopping 44,100 square feet.
It takes 22 professional square-rigged vessel seamen and deckhands around 45 minutes to raise all 28 sails.
Sea Cloud Spirit
Dennis Carbocci had done his homework before booking back-to-back cruises aboardSea Cloud Spirit.
Credit:Carlo Raciti
This is, like, real sailing.
With all the sails up and heavy wind, it really is exhilarating, Dennis said.
Sea Cloud Cruises isnt new to boutique luxury sailing.
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More spacious thanSea CloudandSea Cloud II, it retains classic windjammer lines and lacquered timber finishes throughout.
Like every bonafide sailing yacht,Sea Cloud Spiritheels (leans) when the sails are up.
This makes for a smooth ride, even in choppy seas.
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All you hear is the water gliding beneath the hull.
Powered by two silent diesel electric engines, the only noise is the engines generators, which operate intermittently.
During the day, I often left the balcony door open to let the sea breeze flow in.
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Judging by details such as 23-karat goldplated light fixtures illuminating sailing-themed paintings, no expense has been spared.
Black and gold mosaics set off bisque-hued marble tiles.
All 69 cabins offer sea views with ample natural light.
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Veranda and Junior Veranda Suite accommodations include complimentary laundry service.
Beyond the rare magnums, I discoveredSea Cloudplaces a premium on dining.
Departing Marseille, I had my French onion soup prayers answered.
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That evening, Sea Cloud veteran bar manager Anton Campos whipped up a lush pina colada for me.
Learn more about the sailingshere.
Shore Excursions
It was tough choosing shore excursions.
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In Barcelona, I lucked out with guide Evgueni Agaltsev Kosmata, whose passion for Antoni Gaudi was palpable.
On the Lido deck, above the bow, is a stately, well-stocked library.
I couldnt even drag my body to the Finnish sauna after.
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There are no childrens facilities on board.
Accessibility
Given the nature of this ship, there are no ADA-compliant rooms onSea Cloud Spirit.
There is, however, an elevator between decks and bathrooms are equipped with rubber shower mats and handrails.
