Read Authentic Ratings for the Sea-Cloud-Ii

Sea Cloud Cruises is making waves with its recent announcement naming Kathryn Whittaker as the captain of the luxurious 94-passenger vessel, Sea Cloud II. This significant promotion marks Whittaker as not only the first female captain for Sea Cloud but also a trailblazer as the first female Canadian to hold a captaincy on a passenger cruise ship. Whittaker's journey to this esteemed position is far from traditional. Hailing from a family with no maritime background, she embarked on her seafaring career later in life. While attending university in Toronto, she took a break from academics to explore her passion for sailing, spending three years on touring boats in Toronto Harbor. Her dedication and hard work led her to join Sea Cloud in 1996 as a deckhand. This pivotal role ignited her passion for the sea and set her on the path to achieving her captain's license, ultimately leading her to this groundbreaking appointment.

The illustrious Sea Cloud II, identifiable by IMO number 9171292 and registered under the Malta flag, is currently docked in Aviles after journeying from Lisbon as part of a nine-day excursion organized by a US-based Christian society. This enchanting voyage includes a planned stop in Bilbao before reaching its final destination of San Sebastian. This isn't the first time the Sea Cloud II has navigated the waters of the estuary—launched in March 1999 at the Gondán shipyards in Figueras (Castropol), it first sailed to Aviles in May 2000. In Aviles, the vessel was fitted with three magnificent masts and intricate rigging, along with its stunning wooden deck and opulent interiors tailored to meet the most discerning tastes. After spending eight months completing sea trials and final touches, including a hull repainting in Ferrol, the grand naming ceremony took place in Las Palmas in 2001, marking the beginning of its journey with the Sea Cloud company. Measuring 117 meters in length (102 meters without the bowsprit), 16 meters wide, and with a draft of 5 meters, this magnificent ship weighs approximately 3,130 tons. With an impressive set of 20 rigged sails, she boasts a cruising speed of 7 knots under average wind conditions, and can reach up to 16 knots in favorable winds. For calmer days and maneuvering in port, the Sea Cloud II is equipped with two powerful engines that produce a total of 2,480 horsepower. Since leaving Lisbon, the Sea Cloud II has made stops in Oporto and the picturesque Cies Islands, with excursions to Santiago de Compostela, and will make a stop in Bilbao before heading to San Sebastián. For those interested in disembarking on their own cruise adventure, Sea Cloud offers a special promotion for a four-night journey from Barcelona to Nice in September, starting at 2,225 euros per person. Embark on a journey of luxury and exploration aboard the Sea Cloud II, where every voyage is a new adventure.