Sea Cloud dining room— Photo: Courtesy Sea Cloud

SEA CLOUD CRUISES – WINNER OF THE 2009 CONDE NAST READERS' CHOICE AWARD FOR WORLD'S BEST SMALL SHIP CRUISE LINE!

A remarkable voyage on one of the world's most beautiful sailing vessels; visits all the major islands with an opportunity to see most of the endemic birds, as well as tropical plants and butterflies.

When legendary businessman E.F. Hutton and his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post, launched the Sea Cloud in 1931, many proclaimed her the finest luxury yacht ever built. Considered a masterpiece of shipbuilding, the remarkable four-masted barque was a floating palace, with each detail of construction and design reflecting the skill of her European craftsmen.

Throughout its long and colorful history—as a personal touring vessel; as a stage for international diplomacy; as a Navy-commissioned United States warship; and as a playground for society's elite—Sea Cloud, in all her maritime elegance, was the envy of the high seas. Today, more than ever, Sea Cloud is widely regarded as the world's most beautiful sailing vessel. Restored to its original design, her towering masts, full rigging, and polished wooden decks are testament to her unparalleled beauty. With sails unfurled, she presents a breathtaking sight.

VENT is proud to have chartered this majestic vessel on four occasions. We have had such wonderful experiences on her that we are chartering her a final time for a Caribbean cruise, to the islands of the Lesser Antilles.

Sea Cloud— Photo: Courtesy Sea Cloud

"Small is beautiful" is a common saying in the West Indies, and nowhere is this more apt than the chain of pearls known as the Lesser Antilles. Our special cruise offers a unique opportunity to visit this region, sailing some of the loveliest waters on earth aboard Sea Cloud, and taking numerous natural history excursions on shore with an emphasis on birding. Our ports of call will be St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe.

Forming the eastern boundary of the Caribbean, the Lesser Antilles offer a fascinating study in evolution and biogeography. These isolated islands are tiny, mere specks of land rising out of some of the deepest waters on earth. Scenically they are spectacular. All of the islands are volcanic in origin and dominated by steep forested peaks and rugged terrain. Each island is subtly different from the others, and all of the major islands have endemic birds, especially a remarkable group of striking parrots, including the St. Vincent, St. Lucia, and Imperial parrots. Many of these endemic species are scarce and threatened. Our excursions will visit the forest sanctuaries where they persist.

All nights and meals aboard the Sea Cloud; superior accommodations and cuisine; inter-island cruising; daily shore excursions involve mostly easy walks along roads; mild conditions with warm temperatures expected; some rain possible.