Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, the global leader in expedition cruising, has announced the addition of a new ship to their fleet – Sea Cloud II. The ship, a modern three-mast sailing yacht built in 2001, can accommodate up to 88 guests and offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modern elegance. The ship is inspired by the legendary 1930s yacht Sea Cloud and is the perfect vessel for world travelers looking for a break from everyday life.
Sea Cloud II’s inaugural season with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is scheduled from May 15, 2024, through September 20, 2024. The ship will offer three different mind-blowing itineraries that will take guests on a journey along the beautiful coasts of Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia. These voyages will offer exclusive tours and locally inspired excursions in unique ports of call, balanced by off-the-beaten-path explorations of coastal towns less traveled.
2024 Sea Cloud II Itineraries
One of the itineraries is the Northern Italy Under Sail: Maritime Heritage and Cultural Treasures Aboard Sea Cloud II. This itinerary will take guests on an eight-day journey through Ligurian cities like Genoa and Camogli. They will visit maritime museums, stroll along beautiful harbor fronts, and explore well-preserved waterfront old towns as the vessel travels between Nice and Naples. Pisa and Elba have many offerings beyond the famous leaning tower and sites related to Napoleon, and Amalfi does not disappoint with its legendary villa-covered hills overlooking the azure Tyrrhenian Sea.
Another itinerary is the Coastal Gems of Croatia and Slovenia Aboard Sea Cloud II. During this 10-day sailing, guests will coast along idyllic archipelagos like the 80 forested islands of Kornati National Park and take in the beauty of this storied coastline and the sparkling sapphire Adriatic Sea. Along Croatia’s scenic coast and in Slovenia’s lively capital Ljubljana, guests will visit castles and monasteries, walk through the enchanting old towns of Korčula and Rovinj, and sample regional specialties such as peka (stew) and wine, and explore charming seaside villages like Komiža.
The third itinerary, Navigating Southern Italy and Coastal Croatia Aboard Sea Cloud II, will take guests on an 11-day journey through the transcendent beauty of the Amalfi Coast, Sicily’s storied shores, and Croatia’s lost-in-time walled old towns. As the Tyrrhenian Sea flows into the Ionian and then the Adriatic, guests will discover castles and walled cities, picturesque waterfronts, and intricately ornamented churches. They will have ample time at leisure to enjoy the amenities of Sea Cloud II and to stroll along the cobblestone streets of UNESCO-designated old towns.
On board, guests can take in the raising of the sails by hand, relax on deck with a book while admiring the beautiful coastal landscapes surrounding them, enjoy delicious regionally inspired meals, and explore the stunning, heritage-rich Mediterranean coasts. This new addition to Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s fleet is sure to offer guests an unforgettable experience of luxury, comfort, and adventure.
For more information about Sea Cloud II and to explore available itineraries for the upcoming season, visit Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic online. Book your trip today and be prepared to embark on an unforgettable journey along the coasts of the Mediterranean.
Photo credit: Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
