This article originally appeared in the July issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.
Sea Cloud Cruises has operated since 1979, but in the past year, the boutique company charged up its sales and marketing efforts in the North American market.
Sea Cloud Cruises operates three four-masted sailing vessels – the 90-year-old Sea Cloud, her younger sister Sea Cloud II, and Sea Cloud Spirit, built in 2021 – that carry 64, 94 and 136 guests, respectively.
AGENTatHOME caught up with Kevin Smith, vice president of sales, to find out more about the company.
The 136-guest Sea Cloud Spirit. (Source: Sea Cloud Cruises)
You are approaching one year since building the North American market. How have travel advisors responded?
As we meet with travel advisors across the country, their reaction to Sea Cloud Cruises has been amazing. I am especially proud of becoming preferred by Signature Travel Network and congratulate the entire team for that effort. It shows how much confidence there is in the market for our authentic sailing experiences at the highest level.
We have built a strong team, continue to grow and are positioned to deliver truly authentic luxury sailing experiences.
“From the moment I stepped onto the sun deck of Sea Cloud Spirit for the first time, I looked at our president, Mirell Reyes, and we both smiled knowing we had something very special to introduce to the North American market.
Mirell and I call the Sea Cloud ships unicorns. A legendary creature with magical powers – legendary because of the Sea Cloud built in 1931 by Marjorie Merriweather Post and fully restored to its old glory. Our magical powers are our sails, still traditionally hand-raised today.
What will surprise agents about Sea Cloud Cruises?
Travel advisors and their clients are most surprised that our riggings and sails are operated by hand – seeing is believing. Over 20 skilled crew operate Sea Cloud Spirit sails, climbing up and down her masts, handling ropes and riggings. There are no buttons.
Advisors also are amazed at the tenure of our crew. Sea Cloud Cruises’ crew retention rate is almost 90 percent for 2024, and we have 11 crew who have been with us for over 25 years and another 11 over 20 years.
Sea Cloud Cruises has leaned into partnerships with cultural institutions, chefs and media. Why is that?
Mirell and I know how important it is for guests, especially today’s North American luxury traveler, to have a unique and special experience. Some of the truly special moments we offer include a Steinway concert pianist performing after dinner or a discussion with the curator organizing an exhibition on Sea Cloud at the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden.
As we set out to create a lifestyle brand around Sea Cloud, we are collaborating with chefs like Michael Collantes, storytellers like veteran reporter Kerry Sanders and author Les Standiford, and iconic institutions including George Washington’s Mount Vernon. These events are what today’s luxury traveler yearns for.
What’s in store for the 2025 Caribbean season?
Puerto Rico! Sea Cloud Cruises will offer a new San Juan Guest Chef Series on board Sea Cloud Spirit’s January 2025 Puerto Rico sailings. Curated by award-winning food writer Kathleen Squires and husband Ronnie Rodriguez, proprietors of Chef ’s Dinner Table in New York, each of the four new itineraries will be hosted by an acclaimed Puerto Rican chef handpicked to showcase the island’s culinary culture.
Guests on board can expect all-inclusive regional dishes, chef-led cooking demonstrations, rum tastings and culinary discussions. We are working closely with Discover Puerto Rico and can’t be more excited.
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