Sea Cloud Cruises

Story

The story of Sea Cloud Cruises begins in 1931, when Wall Street broker Edward Francis (E.F.) Hutton commissions the Hussar, then the largest private sailing yacht in the world. Marjorie Merriweather Post furnishes the four-masted yacht with carefully selected antiques and timeless elegance, creating a distinctive character while sailing to exotic destinations around the world. In 1935, following the couple's divorce, the yacht is renamed Sea Cloud and begins a new chapter under Marjorie Merriweather Post. During 1937 and 1938, the ship serves as a floating diplomatic residence while accompanying U.S. Ambassador Joseph E. Davies in the Soviet Union and later Europe. After the United States enters World War II in 1941, the Sea Cloud supports the U.S. Coast Guard as a weather station before returning to luxury service following an extensive restoration completed in 1949. The yacht changes ownership several times throughout the following decades before German sea captain Hartmut Paschburg and a group of Hamburg merchants rescue and restore the vessel in 1978, returning her to Hamburg and relaunching her as a cruise ship in 1979. A major refurbishment in 2011 ensures the historic windjammer meets modern safety standards while preserving its timeless elegance. Inspired by the original vessel, Sea Cloud II enters service in 2001, followed by Sea Cloud Spirit in 2021, combining traditional square-rigged sailing with modern luxury, private balconies, wellness facilities, and contemporary comforts. Today, Sea Cloud Cruises continues the legacy that began in 1931, inviting you to experience authentic sailing adventures aboard custom-built windjammers that blend maritime heritage with refined luxury.

Mission

Sea Cloud Cruises delivers exclusive sailing journeys that combine historic elegance, personalized service, and authentic windjammer experiences with modern comfort. You enjoy handcrafted voyages aboard beautifully maintained sailing ships while discovering remarkable destinations through timeless maritime traditions and exceptional hospitality.

Vision

Sea Cloud Cruises inspires you to experience the romance of traditional sailing while preserving the legacy of one of the world's most iconic windjammers. By combining historic craftsmanship, custom-built sailing vessels, modern safety standards, and exceptional guest experiences, Sea Cloud Cruises strives to create unforgettable voyages that honor maritime heritage while meeting the expectations of today's discerning travelers.

Sea Cloud Cruises is committed to low-impact tourism by approaching the people, cultures, and environments of every destination with respect. When you travel with Sea Cloud Cruises, you experience destinations mindfully while gaining a deeper connection to the places you visit and the qualities that make each one unique.

The Windjammer Experience is at the heart of every voyage. Whenever conditions allow, Sea Cloud Cruises sets sail using the power of the wind, reducing reliance on engines and creating an authentic sailing experience. To make the most of favorable weather, the captain may adjust the route, allowing you to experience life at sea as many onboard activities take place outdoors aboard the SEA CLOUD tall ships.

When engine power is required, Sea Cloud Cruises uses low-sulphur marine diesel across all three windjammers to help reduce environmental impact. This practice has been part of the company's operations from the very beginning, including aboard the original SEA CLOUD. By minimizing its environmental footprint, Sea Cloud Cruises strives to leave a positive impression on both the destinations you visit and the natural world.

A sustainable approach also guides daily life onboard. Sea Cloud Cruises continually works to reduce plastic use, conserve water, and develop environmentally friendly alternatives. Reusable drinks bottles are one example of how the company reduces waste while enhancing your onboard experience.

Quality not Quantity, with intimate windjammers carrying just 64 to 136 guests, Sea Cloud Cruises visits smaller ports that are often inaccessible to larger cruise ships. This approach allows local communities to welcome visitors without being overwhelmed while giving you access to more authentic destinations. Even when visiting well-known ports, itineraries are often scheduled outside the busiest cruise periods to reduce congestion.

Sea Cloud Cruises also supports local economies by sourcing supplies locally, working with small regional businesses, and paying fair prices. Long-standing partnerships built on trust help ensure that every voyage benefits both local communities and your travel experience. Authentic regional cuisine further strengthens this connection, as chefs purchase fresh seafood, local specialties, and regional spices from local markets, bringing the flavors of each destination directly to your table.

As a member of the Futouris network, Sea Cloud Cruises supports sustainable tourism that protects natural and cultural heritage while improving local livelihoods. Through this global partnership, the company contributes to preserving biodiversity, protecting the environment and climate, and helping shape a more sustainable future for tourism.