Sea Cloud Cruises has announced plans to launch a third tall ship in summer 2020. The new ship, which will be called the Sea Cloud Spirit, passed its first round of sea trials this week.
“Since the tests were successful and the shipyard is running on time, the new ship’s maiden voyage is on track for August 29, 2020,” said CEO Daniel Schaefer in a written statement.
Like its sibling vessels, the Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II, the Sea Cloud Spirit will aim to offer a private-yacht style experience on a sailing vessel. The three-masted sailing vessel will be able to accommodate up to 136 guests and, like its two sibling vessels, will aim to offer a “casual elegance” sailing experience, according to the cruise line.
The Sea Cloud Spirit has been designed as a 453-foot-long, three-masted, fully rigged ship, with approximately 13,500 square feet of sail area – twice the size of the current U.S. Coast Guard training ship, the Cutter Eagle, Sea Cloud said. Since sailing is not possible all the time, the newly built ship is also equipped with two diesel-electric drives. Sea Cloud Cruises operates all of its ships with low-sulphur marine diesel, which reduces emissions versus heavy oil.
Interior construction on the new ship has begun at the Metalships & Docks shipyard in Vigo, Spain, and all work is going as planned, Sea Cloud said. Hamburg planning office Partner Ship Design is responsible for the ship’s interior design. Upon completion, the Sea Cloud Spirit will have outdoor space, an exclusive wellness and spa concept and an interior design that aims to recall the style of a classic yacht. Out of the 69 outer cabins, 25 will have their own balconies and, in what Sea Cloud says is a first for a sailing ship, there will be an elevator connecting the various decks.
Guests on Sea Cloud Spirit will have the choice between fine dining in the restaurant and a casual dining experience on the lido deck. Like its sibling vessels, the food concept will focus on local fresh food and wine.
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