Aboard the Sea Cloud

February 28 – March 7, 2013

When harsh winter months roll in, nothing seems dreamier than escaping to the warmth of the Caribbean. Our Caribbean vacation differs greatly from the run-of-the-mill, tourist-laden experience. For this adventure, you'll travel aboard the legendary Sea Cloud – the world’s most elegant square-rigged tall ship, which flies 30 sails that are hoisted the old-fashioned way, by hand. This romantic tall ship is herself an intoxicating destination.

Join our week-long voyage for time to relax and relish your passage through the Lesser Antilles. You’ll explore the “Nature Island” of Dominica, the French-infused cultures of Iles des Saintes, the renowned landscapes of St. Lucia and the idyllic Grenadines. And you'll do it in small-ship style – the Sea Cloud accommodates just 58 guests.

Trip Itinerary

Note: The expedition itinerary below is a sample of what we plan to do, but the plan will be flexible, to take advantage of cultural, geological and marine life-viewing opportunities that may present themselves along the way.

Thursday, February 28, 2013: U.S. / Barbados / Embark
Fly on your own to Bridgetown, Barbados. Embark the Sea Cloud in the late afternoon and begin the voyage in the Caribbean. (D)

Friday, March 1: Under sail
Discover one of the great pleasures of travel anywhere: sailing aboard our barque, seeing the crew go aloft unfurling the sails the traditional way as we sail the trade winds. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the many amenities of this unique sailing vessel. (B,L,D)

Saturday, March 2: Dominica
Dominica is called the “Nature Island” because of its beauty and many reserves. Hike through enchanting rain forests, see waterfalls, walk up to the ruins of 18th-century Fort Shirley with the onboard historian, or go for a swim and snorkel. The ship will spend the evening docked in the forested tranquility of Cabrits National Park.(B,L,D)

Sunday, March 3: Iles des Saintes 
Iles des Saintes are decidedly French in character. Visit the town’s shops, galleries and cafés, don some snorkeling gear, or take a guided walk to Fort Napoleon for panoramic vistas. In the afternoon, the ship sets sail in the Guadeloupe Channel, where the winds fill the square sails in a glorious spectacle. (B,L,D)

Monday, March 4: Soufriere & Les Pitons, St. Lucia
Spend the morning sailing. Conditions permitting, the crew will lower Zodiacs so you can go alongside and get great photographs of the Sea Cloud. The ship will anchor under the iconic twin peaks of St. Lucia called “Les Pitons.” Drive through the active crater, plunge under a tropical waterfall, explore the beautiful botanical gardens and finish with an incredible view from the hills above. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, March 5: Bequia, The Grenadines
After a morning’s sailing, arrive at tiny Bequia. Stroll the quaint waterfront, swim and snorkel or visit the sea turtle sanctuary. Dinner is served on board, or if you wish, take in the laid-back evening scene ashore. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, March 6: Exploring The Grenadines
Spend the morning aboard the Sea Cloud under sail, as the group continues exploring the idyllic Grenadines and their quintessential tropical cays. Sail on a local catamaran through the Tobago Cays for a chance to snorkel among the reefs and at a green turtle sanctuary, or just relax and enjoy the unforgettable scenery and swim at your leisure. In the evening, head back to Barbados. (B,L,D)

Thursday, March 7: Barbados / Disembark / U.S.
Disembark in the morning after breakfast and transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)