Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Offers Coastal Europe Expeditions in 2024 Aboard Sailing Yacht Sea Cloud II
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic – the recognized global leader and pioneer of expedition cruising – continues to expand its expedition cruise portfolio with the addition of chartered voyages aboard Sea Cloud II, a three-mast modern sailing yacht that exemplifies nostalgic elegance.
A romantic, 88-guest tall ship built in 2001, Sea Cloud II combines the spaciousness and modern amenities of a contemporary vessel with the grace and sophistication of a square rigger. Inspired by the legendary 1930s yacht Sea Cloud, the ship embodies the Golden Age of Sail, yet reflects today’s standards of luxurious comforts.
“Our guests love experiencing the splendor of Europe under sail, and so we are pleased to welcome a new addition to our fleet with the addition of Sea Cloud II,” said Trey Byus, chief expedition officer at Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic.
“Like the ship that inspired her design, Sea Cloud II is the ideal vessel for world travelers looking for a break from everyday life. On board, they 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 as only a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyage can provide.”
Sea Cloud II will set sail for its first season with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic on May 15, 2024, through September 20, 2024.
Throughout the summer, the ship will sail three unique open-jaw itineraries with exclusive tours and locally inspired excursions in unique ports of call like Hvar, Croatia, and Amalfi and Genoa in Italy, balanced by off-the-beaten-path explorations of coastal towns less traveled as guests have come to expect from Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic.
Northern Italy Under Sail: Maritime Heritage and Cultural Treasures Aboard Sea Cloud II – Over the course of eight days, guests will explore Ligurian cities like Genoa, an important port city full of cultural treasures like the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, believed to hold the relics of St. John the Baptist; and Camogli, known as The City of a Thousand Sails for its impressive shipbuilding history; and 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.
Coastal Gems of Croatia and Slovenia Aboard Sea Cloud II – Under the billowing sails of the romantic tall ship, guests will voyage back in time to medieval walled cities like Hvar, a picturesque reminder of the great Venetian empire. 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, 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.
Navigating Southern Italy and Coastal Croatia Aboard Sea Cloud II – The transcendent beauty of the Amalfi Coast, Sicily’s storied shores, and Croatia’s lost-in-time walled old towns seduce like the sirens that entranced Odysseus on his voyages in this region. Over the course of 11 days, guests will explore the volcanic Aeolian Islands and journey around the foot of Italy’s boot. As the Tyrrhenian Sea flows into the Ionian and then the Adriatic, discover castles and walled cities, picturesque waterfronts and intricately ornamented churches. There will be ample time at leisure to enjoy the amenities of Sea Cloud II and to stroll along the cobblestone streets of UNESCO-designated old towns.
