Seacloud Cruise In The Carribean: Sunshine And Smiles Aboard A Ship Of Dreams
Don’t know about you, but I have long hankered after a cruise around the Caribbean. It’s the perfect spot for a touch of winter warmth. Of course, it would be easy to find some square shaped, monster massive cruise ship holding thousands, one that would glide you gently round the sun kissed islands.
But I wanted something more exotic, more unique, more … out of this world.
In short, I wanted an exclusive experience, something to savour for a lifetime. Which is why I was so pleased when I stumbled across SeaCloud cruises.
For a start, their ships are things of genuine beauty. Gorgeous sailing ships holding less than a hundred guests, they actually do sail around the sea, powered by the wind. Allowing you to imagine you have taken a trip back in time, to experience the elegance and wonder of travel from a bygone age, when opulence, grandeur and class came as standard.
But still with all the mod cons and digital trappings of the 21st Century. With these guys, you get to sail around the seven seas, feeling like a king (or queen) or your own little world, all whilst living in the absolute lap of luxury.
Getting there
Our cruise started from Barbados, so we took a direct flight from Heathrow. Have to say, it was the most enjoyable and friendliest eight hour flight I have ever taken.
Whether it was the people sitting beside me, the ones nearby, or the crew cabin, the whole plane was full of smiles and happiness. An amazing way to start the trip.
Barbados
Things got even better when we arrived, stepping out into blazing sunshine, passing quickly through the tiny airport and being met by our transfer taxi.
We drove across the island with the windows wide open, filling our senses with the sights, sounds and smells of adventure before heading to Bridgetown, where our ship was waiting for us.
The Ship – Seacloud 2
Getting a first sight of SeaCloud 2 was enough to take our breath away. Built in 2001, she’s a showstopper, looking for all the world like a traditional, full masted schooner.
She put me in mind of that old TV show, “The Onedin Line.” Although, of course, being only a few years old, she has everything you could possibly wish for on a decidedly upmarket, upscale, luxurious cruiser.
The Stateroom
In all honesty, our stateroom was out of this world. Like something from a film set. I half expected Hercule Poirot to turn up at any minute. It was all gold mirrors, gleaming dark woods and sumptuous furnishings.
The marble clad, gold soaked ensuite, complete with columned bath and ornate fittings would have looked at home in any palace. The rest of the room was equally as excellent too.
With champagne on ice awaiting us beside the comfy sofa. Whilst taking centre stage was an enormous creamy bed with overhead swag curtains and cloud soft pillows, just perfect for dreaming the night away.
There were all the usual suspects too; free minibar, TV, incredibly generous wardrobe space, cuddle cosy dressing gowns and of course, WiFi throughout.
As a side note, if you happen to have a crown, cape and jewelled tiara hidden away at home just waiting for a special occasion, this stateroom would be the perfect place for them. They would totally fit in with the look!
The Food
The food was a very tasty mix of buffet style meals or sit down formal dining. With snacks, top up bites and drinks available throughout the day. Each and every one of the many, (many), dishes we had during the week was superb. With a bit of everything for all tastes along the way.
One of my particular favourites was the lunch we had on deck one afternoon, sitting in the shade, with sunshine blazing down around us, seafood paella on the menu. Delicious.
With food that tastes this good, panoramic views of tropical islands as far as the eye can see, this cruise is the perfect place to pamper your tastebuds with fabulous feasts. What’s more, you can do it several times a day.
We are Sailing
The ship generally motored through the night, but on other days the crew set the sails, taking around forty five minutes to get them up and working. It really was a stunning sight to behold.
Crew members clambering high into the rigging, releasing sails, pulling tight the sheets. Astonishing stuff. Another reminder of how lucky we were, to be enjoying such an exotic island adventure.
Things to Do
There is so much to do onboard, it’s hard to know where to start. Obviously, when we weren’t eating or drinking in the restaurant, lounge or up on Lido deck, we spent time in our spectacular stateroom, just enjoying it.
When you’re done with those delights, you can always take time out on one of the comfy wooden steamer chairs that line the deck. If you’re in the mood, you can head up to the library, or down to the shop.
If you fancy something more hands on and healthy, the spa and fitness centre are ready and waiting to soothe your aches and pains away.
If all else fails, you can sign up to climb the rigging yourself. With full safety harness and help from the friendly crew, some of us got to go up top for a birds eye view of the ship. Another glorious memory to add to the many we were making throughout the week.
Itinerary
The islands of the Caribbean are spread out like a string of pearls, with Barbados somewhere towards the bottom end. Our cruise called at a different island every day, making it’s way slowly up the string until we reached our destination, St Maartens.
On the first morning we sailed to St Vincent, mooring in the middle of a gorgeous deepwater bay. The ships tender then took us to the nearby town of Port Elizabeth. Brightly painted houses, shops and bars clustered round the beach, like a bouquet of flowers.
A pretty walkway went round the headland, to the soft sand and crystal clear waters of Princess Margaret Beach. If this is Caribbean living, no wonder so many people love it.
Next morning we went on an excursion. Different ones run every day and are definitely worth doing. A catamaran transported us to the National Marine Park of Tobago Cays, where we snorkelled in the shallows with a flotilla of sea turtles.
Charming creatures who look for all the world like sleepy old men bumbling about the sea floor in search of their reading glasses.
In the evening, the ship moved on to St Lucia, sailing past it’s famous, mountain capped, headlands before mooring up in a picture postcard, pretty bay.
Taking the tender to the beach, we strolled along beneath the palm trees, staring at pelicans, skimming low across the water before diving for their dinner.
After that, the days drifted by in a delightful rhythm. Lulled to sleep by the motion of the ocean as we ploughed on through the night, we woke to find a new and pretty island paradise outside our window.
After breakfast, we would head off on an excursion. Or, if the mood took us, take a walkabout near the ship, to see how the locals lived. Strolling through street markets, soaking in the sights. Usually ending up with a delicious swim in some secluded spot, before heading back to the ship to be folded into her warm and homely embrace. Where the eternally smiling staff saw to our every need, keeping us in heaven until we our heads hit the bed once again.
As the week unfolded further, we stopped at St Barts, a decidedly upscale island full of high end, designer shops with prices to match. Along with a lovely shell beach just a few minutes stroll from the shops.
Finally, we moored up at St Maartens, said a sad farewell to the ship after breakfast and enjoyed one last excursion. A tour round the island, finishing with a waterside lunch. A wonderful way to end a completely awesome experience.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a cruise experience that lifts you far and above any kind of cruise experience you could imagine. Making you feel like a movie star, or multimillionaire, this could be the one for you.
Everything about it is completely and utterly amazing. The ship, the staff, the sun kissed seas, the postcard pretty islands. It’s something everyone should try at least once. Or, better still, several times.
Only question is – what are you waiting for?.
Booking Information
How much does it cost?
7 night cruises around the Caribbean start from $3,230 per person.
Do SeaCloud go anywhere else in the world?
Yes, they have cruises going all over the place; the Caribbean, the Canaries, the Azores, they also go round the Mediterranean. You can even do a transatlantic cruise if you fancy it. Check out SeaCloud for further details and to book
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