No water slides, no show lounges, no mega atriums. Just wind, wood, sails and the quiet creak of the rigging. Sailing cruises take you back to when travel was a true experience – on real ships with a maximum of 300 guests.
Sailing cruises follow the classic wind systems of the world's oceans. These three regions offer wind conditions, islands and ports that reach their full magic under sail.
Trade winds, turquoise water, small islands strung like pearls. From St. Maarten to St. Vincent, from Antigua to Grenada: the Caribbean has been the domain of great sailing ships for centuries. Anchoring in bays where big ships have no access.
Small ships call at ports no mega-liner can show you: Bonifacio on Corsica, Portofino, Porto Venere, Rovinj, Hvar. Constant breezes in summer, Mediterranean cuisine and the full flair of a journey under sail.
Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti, the Marquesas. Sailing between atolls, snorkelling in lagoons, nights under the southern starry sky. Only a handful of ships cover this region – one of the most exclusive sailing experiences in the world.
Sailing cruises are a world of their own. Those who experience them once almost always return. But they are not for everyone – here is our take.
Those who sit on deck with a glass of wine in the evening, hear the sails flap above them and see the stars sharper than ever before – they understand why sailing cruises are addictive. Perfect for couples looking for real calm.
No bingo nights, no entertainment crew, no mandatory excursions. Sailing cruises are for people who love freedom and shape their own time. If you value individuality over programme, you are home here.
For all those who want to feel the poetry of a tall ship: watch changes, sailing manoeuvres, ropes and wood. On Sea Cloud and Star Clippers, guests are allowed to help set the sails. Once you have pulled a rope, you understand the difference.
A sailing cruise has its own rules. The ship is smaller, the rhythm different, the lifestyle more conscious. With a few simple preparations, the trip becomes pure enjoyment.
The fleet of sailing cruise lines is small and sells out quickly. This pre-filtered selection shows the currently available trips – we are just a phone call away if you have questions.
The market is small and honest: only a handful of lines actually sail under the wind. Here are the most important ones, with their characteristics and target audiences.
The queen of the windjammers: Sea Cloud was built as a private yacht in 1931 and today is the most legendary sailing cruise ship in the world. Two- and three-masters, max. 136 guests, hand-set sails, lounges with oil paintings and marble fireplaces. A living legend.
Modern replicas of the great tall ships, their elegance modelled on historic clippers. Royal Clipper is the largest sailing ship in the world with 42 sails. More sporty, more active, more affordable than Sea Cloud – for those who want to experience sailing and pull their own weight.
French luxury under sail. Le Ponant is a modern sailing yacht with just 32 guests, designed for quiet bays and discreet elegance. Ponant brings French cuisine and art de vivre to the sea – the format is intimate, elegant and exclusive.
US sailing yachts with 148 to 312 guests. Windstar blends real sailing with high comfort and a relaxed, casual style. The choice for guests who want the sailing feeling without giving up the amenities of a larger ship.
A sailing cruise is not a product, it is an experience. We know the differences between the lines, the specifics of each ship and the best sailing grounds per season. Let us find the right trip for you – no obligation, honest, personal.
Optional – multiple selections possible. Leave blank if flexible.
This depends heavily on the line, route and weather. Sea Cloud, Star Clippers and Ponant Le Ponant really do set sail as often as possible. When there is no wind, engines take over – that is unavoidable. In trade wind regions like the Caribbean, the ship actually sails 70–80% of the time.
On Sea Cloud and Star Clippers, yes – guests can pull on the ropes during the morning sail-setting. The crew shows you everything and lets you live a genuine moment of seafaring romance. It is not compulsory, but many guests do it twice – and then they are hooked.
Thankfully, no. The dress code on sailing cruises is relaxed: smart casual in the evening, practical during the day. Sea Cloud has a Captain's Dinner where guests dress up, but a tie is never required. The whole style is unpretentiously elegant.
Far fewer than on cruise ships. Sea Cloud: 64–136 guests. Star Clippers: 170–227 guests. Ponant Le Ponant: 32 guests. Windstar: 148–312 guests. The intimacy is a main reason why guests switch to this format.
The feeling is different. Sailing ships heel (lean) slightly to one side under sail – that is part of the experience, not unpleasant. Small ships feel the swell a bit more directly than big liners, but modern stabilisers help. If you are prone to seasickness, we give you a route recommendation.
Most sailing ships have a small pool or dipping pool. Sea Cloud does not – but instead has a swim platform at the stern for snorkelling and bathing stops. That is often even nicer than a pool, because you are directly in the sea.
Sailing cruises are in the premium to luxury segment. Sea Cloud and Ponant Le Ponant are pricier than classic cruises, Windstar and Star Clippers somewhat more moderate. But the ships are intimate, the experiences unique and often a lot is included. We run the numbers in detail for you.