grand voyage
FROM LEFT: The Monastery of Hozoviotissa, carved into the cliff face; the Lido deck on Sea Cloud II PICTURES: Shutterstock/Aneta Moscicka; diginetmedia
was so clear and inviting, the scenery so picturesque, with Sea Cloud II hovering in the frame not far from a dazzling white church with its blue- domed cap. This was a place made for falling in love – with Greece, with your companion, with your own life.
MELLOWING OUT The other islands provided similar opportunities for moments of complete contentment. There were more churches, including, on Patmos, the Cave of the Apocalypse where St John is said to have had the visions that would become the Book of Revelations. Plus more lazy beers in tavernas alongside aged men counting out the hours in backgammon games and staring, comfortably silent, out to sea. Life on board the ship was equally
mellow. In contrast to gargantuan floating resorts, Sea Cloud II and its sisters – Sea Cloud and Sea Spirit – bring calm, elegance and refinement to the oceans. Gentle and genteel Sea Cloud II accommodates 94 passengers in 47 traditionally decorated cabins – polished dark wood, heavy full-length curtains, large windows with sea views and marble bathrooms – offering
a design aesthetic that evokes the golden age of sail. Its teak decks do not host yoga at dawn or sunset, nor tribute bands and bingo nights. Instead they have wooden tables and loungers where passengers can relax, catch the sun or catch up with reading. The entertainment comes from conversations with fellow passengers, the occasional lecture and activities, including an olive oil tasting and a cocktail masterclass. The nightly live piano music on the Lido Deck is a joy – and for one night only, the passengers had a chance to join in, first by singing along to sea shanties and then prancing around to middle-aged classics from Abba, Tom Jones and Black Lace’s Agadoo, to which I most certainly Agadidn’t. Other activities included climbing
the rig, swimming off the ship within a safely demarcated area and enjoying the theatre of watching the crew releasing the 23 sails – a drama that never tires. Given the ship’s dimensions, it
was impossible not to meet people. Mealtimes – with drinks included, even at breakfast where a bottle of fizz waited on ice alongside the fresh juices and smoothies – were a convivial affair as friendships formed
around the dining tables, some of which sat 10. The food at all times was superb: a generous buffet at lunch that always had a wonderful selection for vegetarians, as well as beautifully prepared whole fish, poultry and meat, even a roast hog at one sitting. The dinners were sumptuous four-course affairs, except for the gala dinners, when that count went up to five. They lacked just one thing, though: the pomp and ceremony of evening dress. For someone like me, who is much more at home in walking shoes with a wardrobe ill-prepared for razzle dazzling, this relaxed atmosphere was what elevated the cruise from excellent to absolutely perfect.
BOOK IT: Sea Cloud Cruises’ Summer
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seacloud.com
26 October 2025
travelweekly.co.uk/cruise
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