Mediterranean Under Sail

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Mediterranean expeditions aboard the Sea Cloud fleet

Medieval walled cities and crumbling hilltop castles, imposing volcanoes, and ancient Roman ruins—the treasures of the Mediterranean are seen in their full splendor when exploring aboard an elegant tall ship from the Sea Cloud fleet. Few experiences on the water rival the sheer joy of sailing on one of these traditional windjammers, where nostalgia imbues every deck and cabin, and the prevailing winds chart your course through a bygone era. Join us aboard the historic Sea Cloud or her modern counterpart, Sea Cloud II, and set off on a timeless journey, where your transportation is as intriguing as your destination.

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Sea Cloud

A legend of both her time and today, the 30-cabin Sea Cloud was built in 1931 for the heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. The last of the private tall ships, she carries 30 sails, which are raised by hand as you venture out to sea. Settle into the banquette of the “blue lagoon,” or enjoy refreshments at the covered Lido Bar. Every detail—from the marble fireplaces to the French antiques—reflects the extravagant charms of American royalty.

Inspired by her splendid predecessor, Sea Cloud II celebrates the time-honored traditions of her fleet: the hand-raising of her sails and nightly sundowners on deck. She combines the elegance of a classic square-rigger and the spaciousness of a contemporary vessel, with each of the 44 outward-facing cabins outfitted in modernized amenities. Expansive outdoor viewing areas tempt guests to savor the romance of traveling under billowing sail.

Expedition Highlights

Sail Europe’s most storied waters on an expertly crafted itinerary, stepping ashore in captivating places from Corsica to Croatia and beyond, where the vestiges of antiquity come vibrantly to life. Discover sights both storied and secret, and gain unique perspectives from our expert guides on the threads that connect the region’s histories and cultures. Enjoy an unhurried pace under sail, with time at leisure to amble picturesque harbors and sample the many culinary delights this region has to offer.

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Life On Board

One of the great joys of traveling aboard a traditional tall ship is witnessing the theater of her spirited crew raise and lower the sails by hand. Watch acrobatic sailors climb the rigging, loosen the heavy cloth, and haul the lines in from the deck—performing a grand choreography that never ceases to mesmerize.

Sail the Legendary Sea Cloud

Wherever she sails, Sea Cloud is a destination and a reason to travel all in one. Experience the epitome of elegance aboard the historic Marjorie Merriweather Post sailing yacht.

Sailing the Mediterranean Aboard Sea Cloud II

Let the Mediterranean's prevailing winds chart your course through a bygone era as we sail to lesser-known sites, such as Napoleon’s home on the isle of Elba, and enjoy exclusive experiences, like a private lunch at a Sicilian castle with a riveting Hollywood story.

Traveling Under Sail with the Historic Sea Cloud Fleet

Sailing aboard a Sea Cloud ship is both a grand and effortlessly casual experience. Whether on the namesake vessel or Sea Cloud II, it's a rare chance to get immersed in old-world elegance and comfort.

Wonders of the World: Exploring 9 UNESCO Heritage Sites

On a voyage through history, certain locations and landmarks stand out as especially monumental, such as the world’s largest Buddhist temple or North America’s earliest known European structures.

The Seductive Allure of Santorini

Strikingly beautiful, Santorini has an equally dramatic history and an intersection of geology and architecture that’s apparent.

Expedition Music

Voyages through the Mediterranean offer abundant opportunities to discover local cultural traditions, including special music and dance performances curated by ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar on select departures. Enjoy a preview of these soulful sounds. Follow Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic on Spotify to find playlists showcasing music from the Mediterranean and beyond, specially curated by Jacob Edgar.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

Expedition Leader

Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.

Historian

Our historians will share the stories, tumults, and triumphs of the people and places we explore. Their colorful personalities and passion for history, from the minutiae to the big picture, make them engaging travel companions.

Cultural Specialist

Sail with cultural commentators aboard who further illuminate local life. They are leaders in their fields, some still engaged in conducting research, who know the region intimately. Learn from them in onboard presentations, and engage with them on a one-to-one basis to learn more about their topic or backgrounds.

Certified Photo Instructor

Every expedition aboard Sea Cloud offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings, and the basics of composition and to help you become a better, more confident photographer.

National Geographic Expert

On select voyages travel with a bona fide National Geographic Expert. These top pros at your side and at your service—providing insight, knowledge, and presentations as you voyage along storied coasts.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Daily Expedition Reports

8/9/2025

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Sea Cloud

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Daily Expedition Reports

9/20/2024

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Sea Cloud

Kotorfjord, Montenegro

Sailing into Kotor, Montenegro is a breathtaking experience. As the ship glides through the narrow fjord-like Bay of Kotor, the towering mountains embrace the crystal-clear waters, creating a majestic natural amphitheater. The medieval town of Kotor slowly emerges, its ancient stone walls and red-tiled roofs a striking contrast against the lush green mountainsides. The air is filled with the scent of saltwater and pine trees, as the ship docks in the charming harbor. A short boat ride from Kotor leads to Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), a tiny, man-made island steeped in legend. The island, crowned by a beautiful Catholic church, is said to have been created by sailors who laid stones in the water to honor an icon of the Virgin Mary. The church’s interior dazzles with intricate paintings and silver votive plaques, each one a token of gratitude for answered prayers. Surrounding the island is the calm, sapphire sea, reflecting the sun’s rays and the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. Visiting Gospa od Škrpjela offers a serene, spiritual pause, enhancing the timeless beauty of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/19/2024

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Sea Cloud

Durres to Krujë, Albania

Early this morning, Sea Cloud docked at the port of Durrës, Albania. After disembarking, we boarded a coach and began our journey inland, driving along scenic roads lined with olive trees and rolling hills. Our destination was Krujë, a historic town perched on a hillside. We soon reached Krujë, where we made our way to the famous Skanderbeg Castle, a fortress that once stood as the stronghold of Albania's national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. We explored the grounds, walking through ancient stone pathways that offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Inside the castle, we visited the Skanderbeg Museum, which housed artifacts, weapons, and historical documents related to the hero's resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Our expert guide explained how Skanderbeg’s leadership had inspired Albanian unity and pride during the 15th century. A fascinating story of the bravery and the enduring legacy of Skanderbeg in Albania. After the tour, we strolled through the bustling bazaar at the base of the castle, admiring traditional handicrafts before heading back to Durrës, reflecting on the rich history we had just witnessed.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/18/2024

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Sea Cloud II

Piran and Ljubljana

Our voyage with Sea Cloud II is coming to an end, and today’s morning saluted us with clear, blue skies and sun as we were anchoring in front of the beautiful coastal town of Piran. On our sailing adventures, we marked one more country on our maps – Slovenia. We took a lovely drive towards Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, where we enjoyed beautiful Austrian architecture in the center of the city, a scenic boat drive along the Ljubljanica River, and a photo walk tour with our Lindblad Expedition Photographer Lisa Hornak. After a big and tasty lunch in the center of Ljubljana, we took a scenic bus drive towards the beautiful, small village of Predjama to visit the largest cave castle. This impregnable medieval marvel was built 800 years ago in the middle of a 400 foot-high cliff. After exploring the hidden corner of Predjama Castle, we took a bus back to Piran where we enjoyed a beautiful sunset and even a longer stay in the city to explore Piran by night.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/18/2024

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Sea Cloud

Butrint, Albania

We arrived in the port city of Sarande to begin our two-day visit of Albania. We first traveled by bus to Butrint, traversing an intriguing landscape of beachside hotels, half-finished houses, Communist-era bunkers, and cultivated fields. Once at the National Park of Butrint, we toured the archaeological site along forested paths, taking in the complex mix of material dating from the Hellenistic to Ottoman eras. The weather was perfect, and the rain from the previous evening left behind shallow pools that reflected the site’s ancient ruins and lush vegetation. Departing Butrint, we traveled to Lekuris Castle, originally built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. We were greeted upon arrival by a musician in Albanian dress, playing a traditional Albanian flute. We had a light snack in the restored castle and enjoyed spectacular views from the terrace. Heading back to the ship, we spent an afternoon under sail, with several guests taking the opportunity to climb along the bowsprit with guidance from Sea Cloud ’s expert sailors. Photo Instructor Jose Calvo offered a talk on key aspects of photography, and we concluded our day with a maritime buffet on the Lido Deck.

There’s nothing sacrificed by having this traditional relationship with sailing. This is the height of luxury; and the height of luxury these days, in many ways, is arguably, your ability to get away from it all.

Sven-Olof Lindblad

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

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