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.

wide shot of ship docked at a port

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.

Exterior of ship with sails

Carlo Raciti

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.

Private guest balcony

Carlo Raciti

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.

A guest room on the ship

Carlo Raciti

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.

A dish served on the ship

Carlo Raciti

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.

Restaurant on ship

Carlo Raciti

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.

Guests exploring a port destination

Carlo Raciti

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.

Library on ship

Carlo Raciti

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.