Sea Cloud II" readers' trip: A dream come true

From Daniela

When happiness anchored

The email from 11 March came as a surprise: Sea Cloud Cruises congratulated me on winning the YACHT competition. A sailing adventure for two people on the "Sea Cloud II" from Athens. As an SKS student, I couldn't imagine a more fitting prize - to be able to spend a week looking behind the scenes of one of the most magnificent sailing ships in the world.

What had happened? A month earlier, I had taken part in a YACHT online navigation seminar and entered the competition on the side. Without any great expectations. But sometimes luck turns the bow in the right direction.

Champagne reception in the harbour of Piraeus

15 July 2025: We arrived at the port of Piraeus at midday, where a warm welcome awaited us. After an uncomplicated check-in and baggage drop-off, there was time to savour the anticipation. At 5 p.m., the shuttle to the "Sea Cloud II" - and there, at the gangway, the first magical moment: the captain and crew greeted us with champagne while our boarding pass was issued.

The personal journey to the cabin revealed that this would be no ordinary sailing trip. Our luggage was already waiting, along with a bottle of champagne and a fruit basket. The spacious cabin was more like a room in a five-star hotel than a ship's accommodation - elegant, comfortable and well thought out down to the last detail.

Casting off at sunset

After the obligatory safety briefing at 6 pm - where passengers and crew got to know each other for the first time - it was time to cast off at 7 pm. The "Sea Cloud II" sailed out of Piraeus in bright sunshine, heading for Nafplio on the Peloponnese. The first dinner was served at the Lido Bar while the sun set in a picturesque play of colours. With a glass of wine in hand, we savoured the start of this dream voyage.

A day under full sail

The second day belonged entirely to the sea and our floating home. Those who wanted to could experience the sunrise on deck at 6.30 a.m. with early riser coffee. From 7.30 a.m., an opulent breakfast buffet awaited us in the restaurant, while late risers could help themselves to a continental late-riser breakfast at the Lido Bar from 9 a.m. - the "Sea Cloud II" knows no stress, only pleasure.

Everyday life on board followed a pleasant rhythm: the weather briefing from the captain at 10 a.m., followed by information on the shore excursions from cruise director Tina. The generous lunch buffet at 12 noon. In the afternoon, lectures by lecturer Dr Ortwin Pelc on Greek history - a fascinating introduction to the coming days for us as newcomers to Greece.

Coffee and snacks were served daily from 4 to 5 pm, followed by the highlight at 7 pm: Captain Pfenninger's welcome cocktail, where he introduced his officers, followed by an excellent welcome dinner with selected wines. The evening was crowned by another sunset - this time to the piano sounds of on-board musician Tom Hook.

Nafplio: The first landing

The alarm clock rang early on the third day. We anchored off Nafplio, the harbour town on the Argolic Gulf, at around 8am. A tender service ran between the ship and the harbour every hour until 6.30 pm - flexible, uncomplicated, entirely at the pace of each guest. Organised excursions to Mycenae or cycle tours were offered, but no pressure was exerted. The daily evening programme in the cabin and information at reception also made it easy to plan individual tours.

We decided to take a leisurely stroll through the charming little town and found a secluded bay for a refreshing dip in the sea. We returned by tender in the late afternoon, just in time for the cocktail workshop at 6.30 pm. The subsequent cocktail hour at 7 pm led on to the four-course menu in the restaurant. The evening ended at the Lido Bar - with live music and the feeling of being exactly where life is perfect.

Monemvasia and the ascent into the rig

Early on the fourth morning, we reached Monemvasia - a castle town on a rock off the coast of Laconia, in the south-east of the Peloponnese. The completely car-free lower town with its boutiques and cafés invited us to explore at our leisure. We returned to the Windjammer at around 1 p.m., where the lunch buffet was already waiting.

Then came what I had been longing for for days: "Time to climb". On the second day, the ship's doctor, Dr Stefan, had confirmed that I was fit to climb into the rigging during a medical check. Now, at 3.30 pm, after a detailed safety briefing, I climbed 15 metres up the shrouds to the first platform. Despite my fear of heights and trembling knees, the view from up there was breathtaking - a sweat-inducing but unforgettable experience at almost 40 degrees. This was an opportunity not to be missed. As a reward, a cool drink awaited us at the bar.

Before the cocktail hour at 7 pm, we visited lecturer Ortwin Pelc and his informative and amusing lecture on the islands of the southern Aegean.

But this evening had even more to offer - especially for the crew. After a delicious BBQ on deck, the "Sea Cloud II Shanty Singers" performed their salty sea shanties. The atmosphere was electric and the passengers gradually joined in. The perfect prelude to a long night of dancing with DJ Tom.

Swimming stop off Milos

On the fifth morning, at around 7 a.m., we anchored off Milos, already in the Cyclades. The somewhat more densely populated island is famous as the place where "Aphrodite" was found, which is now in the Louvre in Paris. While a four-hour excursion to the island's highlights and the old capital Plaka was on offer, we again decided to take a stroll around the town on our own.

The real surprise was waiting on board after lunch: the weather and current conditions were ideal - the outdoor platform was prepared. Jumping directly from the ship into the turquoise sea, swimming or relaxing on the floating mats was fantastic. After this refreshment, the sails were set, heading for Paros.

View into the engine room

Paros, our destination on the sixth morning, is the shipping and transport centre of the Cyclades. The whitewashed harbour town was somewhat livelier than the previous islands - Mediterranean hustle and bustle instead of a tranquil idyll.

In the afternoon, we were given an exclusive insight: The chief technical officer gave us a tour of the engine room and engine control room, which are normally off-limits. He explained the various installations and systems in English - a fascinating look behind the scenes. It gave us an idea of the technical precision and expertise required to ensure that a voyage like this runs safely and smoothly.

We enjoyed our penultimate dinner once again on the Lido Deck, accompanied by a marvellous sunset and the gentle piano sounds of Tom Hook.

Spetses: The last island

We got up very early on the seventh morning to experience the sunrise with coffee on deck and watch the anchor manoeuvre off Spetses. The small, largely car-free Saronic island far away from mass tourism welcomed us with tranquil charm. After breakfast, we tendered ashore, strolled through the winding alleyways and bought souvenirs for the people back home.

At around 1.30 p.m., all the passengers were back and the sails were set for the last time. We took the opportunity to visit the bridge - the bridge was open during the entire voyage outside of manoeuvres - and were able to watch Captain Pfenninger set the final course for Piraeus. His patient explanations of the instruments and navigation gave us an impressive insight into the art of steering such a tall ship.

Farewell dolphins

At 7 pm, the entire onboard community gathered on the Lido Deck for a champagne reception. Shortly after the captain had greeted us and we clinked glasses together, something magical happened: a large school of dolphins accompanied us - as if it had been staged - until the start of the farewell gala dinner.

Beforehand, the nautical chart of the voyage, on which the crew had plotted all the courses and destinations, was raffled off. All passengers had been able to purchase raffle tickets during the week, with the proceeds going to the crew. Then the final dinner in the restaurant: fantastically prepared, stylishly served, wistfully savoured. We rounded off the last evening with wine and ouzo on the rocks on deck, filled with unforgettable memories.

547 nautical miles - a sunrise as the finale

At around 6 a.m., after 547 nautical miles (around 1,013 kilometres), the "Sea Cloud II" arrived in Piraeus to a beautiful sunrise. After breakfast together and exchanging telephone numbers, it was hard to say goodbye - to fellow travellers who had become friends and to a crew that combines perfection with warmth.

We disembarked at around 9 o'clock - packed with memories that weigh far more than any souvenir.

Conclusion: A journey that leaves nothing to be desired

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this incredible trip and to everyone who made it possible. It was certainly not the last time we will be guests of Sea Cloud.

A trip with Sea Cloud Cruises GmbH is highly recommended: the concept really leaves nothing to be desired. Even solo travellers will quickly make friends thanks to the manageable number of passengers. There is so much to discover on board that even days at sea are never boring. The crew - whether on land or on the water - do a great job, professionally yet personally.

For me as a prospective SKS holder, it was more than a luxury cruise: it was a lesson in maritime excellence, an inspiration and a privilege to be part of this floating legend. Thank you, YACHT. Thank you, Sea Cloud. And fair winds for all future voyages.

The next "Sea Cloud II" readers' cruise is already waiting for you. It's off to the Caribbean...