Sea Cloud Spirit to Host 2027 President’s Cruise

The appointment of Kevin Smith in 2026 signaled a strategic push by Sea Cloud Cruises to strengthen its presence in the North American market. By hosting this President’s Cruise, Smith aims to foster a deeper connection between the brand’s leadership and its most loyal guests. The voyage is structured to be more than just a transit between ports; it is an immersive social experience where the president and his spouse will engage with travelers during nightly dinners, sunset gatherings on the teak decks, and informal discussions about the future of the cruise line. This level of executive accessibility is a hallmark of the ultra-luxury segment, where personalized service and community-building are paramount.

The Sea Cloud Spirit itself is a marvel of naval architecture that pays homage to the golden age of sail. Launched in 2021, it is the newest member of a fleet that began with the legendary Sea Cloud, a ship commissioned in 1931 by Wall Street businessman E.F. Hutton and heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. Unlike many modern cruise ships that use decorative masts, the Sea Cloud Spirit is a true sailing vessel. Its 28 sails, covering an area of approximately 44,100 square feet, are set by hand by a skilled crew who climb the rigging just as sailors did centuries ago. This commitment to manual sailing creates a unique atmosphere on board—a quiet, rhythmic progression through the water that resonates with travelers seeking an escape from the mechanical noise of traditional engine-driven vessels.

The 2027 itinerary begins in Bilbao, a city that has undergone a radical transformation from an industrial hub to a global center for art and architecture. The centerpiece of the Bilbao embarkation is a private, after-hours visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry, the museum’s titanium-clad curves have become an icon of the "Bilbao Effect," demonstrating how cultural investment can revitalize a region. Guests on the President’s Cruise will have the rare opportunity to explore the museum’s galleries without the typical crowds, offering an intimate viewing of both the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

To further enrich the experience, Sea Cloud Cruises offers an optional pre-cruise program from July 18–20, 2027, focusing on Bilbao and the nearby Rioja wine region. This extension allows guests to delve into the traditions of one of the world’s most prestigious wine-growing areas. Rioja is famous for its Tempranillo-based blends and its historic "bodegas," some of which were designed by renowned architects like Santiago Calatrava and Zaha Hadid. This pre-cruise addition sets the tone for the voyage’s emphasis on regional gastronomy and viticulture.

As the Sea Cloud Spirit departs Bilbao and sails westward along the Cantabrian Sea, the itinerary highlights the rugged beauty of Northern Spain. The first port of call, Gijón, serves as a gateway to the province of Asturias. Guests can explore the historic fishing quarter of Cimavilla or take an excursion to Oviedo, the provincial capital known for its pre-Romanesque churches, which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Asturias is also famous for its cider culture; the traditional pouring of "sidra" from a height to aerate the liquid is a local ritual that guests may witness during their time ashore.

Continuing into Galicia, the ship calls at A Coruña. This city is home to the Tower of Hercules, the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world still in use. A Coruña also serves as a starting point for excursions to Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The cathedral there, a masterpiece of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, holds the remains of St. James the Apostle and remains one of the most important spiritual sites in Europe. For those staying in A Coruña, the "Galerías"—enclosed glass balconies that line the waterfront—provide a stunning example of 19th-century urban design.

The voyage then moves toward Vigo, located in the Rías Baixas region. This area is characterized by its deep coastal inlets, or "rías," which are ideal for the cultivation of mussels and oysters. The Rías Baixas is also the heartland of Albariño wine, a crisp white variety that pairs perfectly with the local seafood. A highlight of the stop in Vigo is the opportunity to visit the Islas Cíes, a protected archipelago that forms part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. Often referred to as the "Galician Caribbean," the islands boast turquoise waters and white sand beaches, such as Rodas Beach, which has frequently been ranked among the best in the world.

The transition from Spain into Portugal is marked by a call at Porto (via the port of Leixões). Porto is a city synonymous with the history of global trade, particularly the export of Port wine. The Ribeira district, a labyrinth of narrow streets and colorful facades along the Douro River, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guests can visit the historic wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia to learn about the aging process of fortified wines and sample vintages that have been produced in the Douro Valley for centuries. The Douro Valley itself is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, and its terraced vineyards represent a triumph of human labor over a challenging landscape.

Onboard the Sea Cloud Spirit, the culinary program is meticulously curated to reflect the geography of the voyage. The "President’s Cruise" will feature a menu that evolves as the ship moves south. In the Basque Country, guests will be treated to "pintxos"—the sophisticated Basque version of tapas. As the ship reaches Galicia, the focus shifts to "Pulpo a la Gallega" (octopus with paprika) and fresh shellfish. Throughout the journey, the wine list will highlight the diversity of the Iberian Peninsula, from the mineral-heavy whites of the Atlantic coast to the robust reds of the Douro.

The final leg of the cruise involves a day under full sail, allowing guests to fully appreciate the mechanics of the ship and the serenity of the open ocean. This "day at sea" is often the highlight for sailing enthusiasts, as it provides an opportunity to watch the crew navigate by the wind. The voyage concludes with a dramatic passage along the Tagus River into Lisbon. Entering Lisbon by water offers a perspective that most tourists miss; the ship passes the Belém Tower and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries), which commemorate Portugal’s role in the Age of Discovery.

The Sea Cloud Spirit accommodates a maximum of 136 guests, ensuring an intimate atmosphere where the crew-to-passenger ratio allows for highly personalized service. The ship features 69 outside cabins, 25 of which have private balconies—a rarity for a traditional sailing vessel. The interior design blends classic nautical elements, such as fine woods and brass fittings, with modern amenities including a spa, a fitness center, and a bistro on the lido deck.

Economically, the 2027 President’s Cruise is positioned at the upper echelon of the travel market, with rates starting at $7,995 per person based on double occupancy. This pricing reflects the all-inclusive nature of the experience, which covers gourmet dining, selected wines and beers with lunch and dinner, and specialized shore excursions like the Guggenheim visit. The niche of "sail cruising" has seen a resurgence in recent years as travelers look for more sustainable and authentic ways to explore coastal regions. Wind-powered propulsion significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the voyage compared to traditional motor vessels, appealing to the growing demographic of environmentally conscious luxury travelers.

In summary, the 2027 President’s Cruise on the Sea Cloud Spirit is more than a vacation; it is a celebration of maritime heritage, leadership, and the enduring allure of the Iberian coast. By combining the expertise of Kevin Smith with a carefully crafted itinerary through Spain and Portugal, Sea Cloud Cruises continues to define the standards of modern luxury sailing. Whether it is the architectural wonder of Bilbao, the spiritual weight of Santiago de Compostela, or the simple majesty of a ship under full sail, this voyage offers a profound connection to the sea and the cultures that have been shaped by it for millennia.