Sea Cloud

Sea Cloud is a sailing cruise ship owned by Sea Cloud Cruises of Hamburg, Germany. Originally built as a private yacht for Marjorie Merriweather Post, an American entrepreneur and philanthropist, she was launched as Hussar V in 1931 and later served as a weather ship for the United States Coast Guard and Navy during World War II. A striking piece of naval history distinguishes her: she became the U.S. military's first racially integrated warship since the American Civil War. Since 1979, Sea Cloud has sailed as a cruise ship.

Today, Sea Cloud is a small sailing ship, carrying just 64 passengers. The vessel retains the character of a private yacht and features some of the most distinctive cabins and public rooms found on any sailing cruise ship. She has 3 decks and 32 cabins across 8 categories, with all staterooms outside-facing. Higher-category cabins feature antique furniture and marble bathrooms with bathtubs, and rather than screens and bustle, cabins have no televisions at all.

What makes Sea Cloud truly distinctive is her working sails. She carries four masts, 29 sails, and a complex rigging system rising approximately 54 metres above the deck. Unlike modern automated sail ships, all sails are handled manually by a team of around 18 crew members who climb the rigging to set and furl them by hand. For dining, the main restaurant offers open seating, complimentary wine is served during meals, and buffets are served alfresco on the Lido Deck with live music and performances by the Crew Shanty Choir, with cuisine reflecting European culinary traditions. Public spaces include the Lido Bar and a lounge equipped with books, board games and a writing desk.

Sea Cloud suits anyone drawn to sailing heritage, small-ship intimacy, and the rhythm of genuine sail rather than high-energy entertainment.

Set sail aboard this historic four-masted yacht? Log your Sea Cloud voyage on The Cruise Globe to trace the precise route that your specific cruise took!