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Sea Cloud Cruises

s/v Sea Cloud

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Reviewed by: Jacqueline Foster
# previous cruises: 10-20
Date of Trip: June 17, 2003
Itinerary: Baltic/Black Sea/Russia

Sailing on a beautiful tall ship, visiting several historic Baltic ports was a most memorable experience. Sea Cloud II is quite possibly the most beautiful sailing yacht in the world. The combination of the excellent accommodations, cuisine, amenities, the marvelous crew and the fascinating lectures, shore programs with special entree to museums and private collections, could not be more perfectly envisioned.

All areas of Sea Cloud II are elegantly appointed without losing the wonderful sense of being on a private sailing yacht. Walking around the deck in the morning, watching the busy crew trimming and hoisting the sails, maintaining the brass and wood, listening to the racheting of winches and the flapping canvas, was a sailor's dream.

The ship has plenty of space for socializing. The Lido deck has a very romantic feel particularly in the early morning and evening. The library, located forward on the promenade deck of the ship is an intimate and peaceful place to catch up on the news and e-mails.

Food service aboard Sea Cloud II was superb. Within the very first day of our voyage, the crew was familiar with all my preferences and were very solicitous. The cuisine was international and delicious. A buffet was generally served in the elegant dining room for breakfast and lunch. Several lunches were served en plain air on the Lido deck. Dinner was usually formal, with several beautifully presented courses.

Our cabin on the promenade deck, was very lovely with a fireplace, seating area, large windows, and stunning marble bath. There was plenty of closet space and a TV/VCR unit. We found the cabin very quiet and a wonderful private space. The stewards and stewardesses met our every need.

Our cruise was a Travel with The Met program sponsored by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. We had two outstanding lecturers, who gave talks daily and accompanied us on all shore excursions. We also had the pleasure of several concerts by two wonderful musicians, true artists, and members of world-class orchestras. In addition to the amazing concerts and lectures, there was a talented pianist who played favorites for us during both tea and cocktail hour as well as late into the night.

Each of the ports, Visby, Talinn, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Copenhagen among them, were wonderful cities where we were treated to exceptional museums and collections as well as a taste of the local flavor. Each destination had artistic and historical relevance to the theme of the trip.

Our fellow passengers were very knowledgeable and very interesting. Clearly, the beauty of the ship, as well as the educational and cultural aspects of the program were the attractions of this tour..