VESSEL REVIEW | Sea Cloud Spirit – Three-mast cruise yacht with 136-guest capacity

Hamburg-based Sea Cloud Cruises has begun regular operations of the newest addition to its fleet.

The 138- by 17-metre, full-rigged Sea Cloud Spirit can accommodate up to 136 guests. It is being presented as an alternative offering for all travellers in the premium cruise segment who want to avoid larger vessels of competitors but still wish for the comfort inherent in a five-star luxury ship.

The newbuild is equipped with all the characteristics of a modern cruise liner. Of the vessel's 69 outside cabins, 25 including the three owner's suites are equipped with balconies. A spacious wellness area comes with three treatment rooms, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, and a hairdressing salon. The separate fitness area is located on the sundeck of the ship while dining and entertainment options including a lounge, a restaurant, and a bar with bistro are available as well.

For a quieter recreation option, guests may access an onboard library located forward of the seven de luxe outside cabins on the number three deck.

This premium vessel was designed by Spanish naval architects Sener to meet demanding environmental standards while providing passengers an elegant interior design and improved levels of comfort and convenience. Design work was carried out in compliance to DNV class rules.

Besides providing the full basic engineering of the ship, Sener also performed additional modifications at the owner's request. These included extending the stern length by 1.9 metres, replacement of steel blocks with aluminium blocks, modification of the forward area of the veranda deck, relocation of the accommodation ladder, and changes to the ballast, fuel, and freshwater tanks.

For regular cruising, the vessel is dependent primarily on its three masts with sails that cover a total surface area of 4,165 square metres. Hoisting the sails is done by hand and can be completed in just under an hour. The vessel nonetheless features a backup diesel-electric powerplant that will allow it to reach a speed of 14.2 knots.

The backup propulsion runs on eco-friendly marine diesel and is designed to comply with existing regulations on emissions and environmental protection, ensuring minimal environmental impact even if the sails cannot provide adequate propulsive power.

Sea Cloud Spirit was built entirely at the Vigo facilities of Spain's Metalships and Docks. The vessel was handed over to its new owners in May of this year and sailed out of Rome on its maiden cruise in September. After initial voyages along the Italian coast between Tuscany and Sicily, it will cruise the waters around the Canary Islands from November 2021 to April 2022. For the winter season 2022/2023, it is scheduled to debut in the Caribbean and Central America, and will also offer voyages from Florida to the smaller Bahamian islands for the first time.

Click here for the other news, features and reviews comprising this month's Passenger Vessel Week.