Itinerary
Tour description Capri, Italy Popular since Roman times when the emperors built their villas on Capri, this island is surely one of the world’s most famous and beautiful spots. Visiting Capri, it is easy to see why the ancient Romans fell in love with this place 2,000 years ago – the craggy mountains, the sea caves and grottos and the brilliantly colored flowers cast a magic spell then and still capture the admiration of today’s travelers. There are sleek yachts moored in the deep blue waters of the bays, and beautiful villas and tiny villages cling to steep slopes. An excellent year-round climate and a breathtaking landscape complete the picture of a storybook island. There are two main villages – Capri Town, site of the popular meeting point “Piazzetta,” and Anacapri, the upper town, dominated by 1,750-foot-high Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. Both remain the “in” scene for international travelers. By spending millions on comfort and style, the island has ensured its continuing success. After a trip to upper-level Anacapri, visitors enjoy strolling the narrow, cobbled streets of Capri Town, browsing in chic boutiques and spending time in the Piazzetta with a drink in one of the outdoor cafés. There is a funicular from the main port of Marina Grande to Capri Town; from Anacapri, a chair lift whisks visitors to the top of Monte Solaro for a spellbinding view. The magical Blue Grotto can be reached by boat from Marina Grande, but entrance into the grotto depends for the most part on sea conditions. Please Note: For your convenience, the shore excursions offered for this port of call are available to reserve in advance at www.silversea.com until August 8 , as well as offered for purchase on board, unless otherwise noted in the description. Going Ashore in Capri Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor off Capri’s main port, Marina Grande. Guests will be taken ashore via local tenders, arriving at the pier just a short distance from the funicular to Capri Town. Taxis and minibuses are also available near the pier area. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting out. Shopping Capri is a shopping mecca, though by no means inexpensive. Upscale shops and boutiques offer an array of jewelry, designer fashions, resort wear, straw articles and souvenir items. Start from the Piazzetta and the streets fanning out from the square. Some shops may be closed between 12:30/1:00 p.m. and 4:00/4:30 p.m. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine Capri features plenty of open-air eateries in addition to top rated restaurants. Fresh seafood and delicious pasta dishes make for a nice lunch; for a quick meal there are tempting sandwiches and pizza. You might enjoy a hearty Italian table wine with lunch. Other Sights Capri Town La Piazzetta is the main square of Capri Town located just opposite the upper funicular station. The square is an ideal place from where to start exploring or shopping. Sidewalk cafés around the square provide residents and visitors with a popular pastime – people-watching while sipping a drink or enjoying a coffee. Anacapri Reaching Capri’s second town is via local minibus. In addition to numerous souvenir shops and designer boutiques, attractions include Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michele and the chair lift to Monte Solaro. Blue Grotto Boat excursions to the Blue Grotto can be booked locally at Marina Grande. Be aware that it is necessary to transfer into smaller boats in front of the grotto. Also, entrance to the grotto is subject to weather and sea conditions. For this reason, tours to the Blue Grotto are frequently cancelled. Private arrangements are not available in this port.
The largest and most developed of the Aeolians, Lipari welcomes you with distinctive pastel-color houses. Fields of spiky agaves dot the northernmost tip of the island, Acquacalda, indented with pumice and obsidian quarries. In the west is San Calogero, where you can explore hot springs and mud baths. From the red-lava base of the island rises a plateau crowned with a 16th-century castle and a 17th-century cathedral.
The medieval cliff-hanging town of Taormina is overrun with tourists, yet its natural beauty is still hard to dispute. The view of the sea and Mt. Etna from its jagged cactus-covered cliffs is as close to perfection as a panorama can get—especially on clear days, when the snowcapped volcano’s white puffs of smoke rise against the blue sky. Writers have extolled Taormina’s beauty almost since it was founded in the 6th century BC by Greeks from nearby Naxos; Goethe and D. H. Lawrence were among its well-known enthusiasts. The town’s boutique-lined main streets get old pretty quickly, but the many hiking paths that wind through the beautiful hills surrounding Taormina promise a timeless alternative. A trip up to stunning Castelmola (whether on foot or by car) should also be on your itinerary.
Siracusa, known to English speakers as Syracuse, is a wonder to behold. One of the great ancient capitals of Western civilization, the city was founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and soon grew to rival, and even surpass, Athens in splendor and power. It became the largest, wealthiest city-state in the West and a bulwark of Greek civilization. Although Siracusa lived under tyranny, rulers such as Dionysius filled their courts with Greeks of the highest cultural stature—among them the playwrights Aeschylus and Euripides, and the philosopher Plato. The Athenians, who didn’t welcome Siracusa’s rise, set out to conquer Sicily, but the natives outsmarted them in what was one of the greatest military campaigns in ancient history (413 BC). The city continued to prosper until it was conquered two centuries later by the Romans.Present-day Siracusa still has some of the finest examples of Baroque art and architecture; dramatic Greek and Roman ruins; and a Duomo that’s the stuff of legend—a microcosm of the city’s entire history in one building. The modern city also has a wonderful, lively, Baroque old town worthy of extensive exploration, as well as pleasant piazzas, outdoor cafés and bars, and a wide assortment of excellent seafood. There are essentially two areas to explore in Siracusa: the Parco Archeologico (Archaeological Zone), on the mainland; and the island of Ortygia, the ancient city first inhabited by the Greeks, which juts out into the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by two small bridges. Ortygia is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, and is starting to lose its old-fashioned charm in favor of modern boutiques.Siracusa’s old nucleus of Ortygia, a compact area, is a pleasure to amble around without getting unduly tired. In contrast, mainland Siracusa is a grid of wider avenues. At the northern end of Corso Gelone, above Viale Paolo Orsi, the orderly grid gives way to the ancient quarter of Neapolis, where the sprawling Parco Archeologico is accessible from Viale Teracati (an extension of Corso Gelone). East of Viale Teracati, about a 10-minute walk from the Parco Archeologico, the district of Tyche holds the archaeological museum and the church and catacombs of San Giovanni, both off Viale Teocrito (drive or take a taxi or city bus from Ortygia). Coming from the train station, it’s a 15-minute trudge to Ortygia along Via Francesco Crispi and Corso Umberto. If you’re not up for that, take one of the free electric buses leaving every 10 minutes from the bus station around the corner.
Cabin 1 – Probably the most legendary ship’s cabin ever. Marjorie has furnished the luxury suite herself. Whenever she traveled with the SEA CLOUD, these rooms were her home. Fireplace and bathroom in white Carrara marble, gold-plated swan necks as fittings, valuable Louis Philippe chairs, a large bed of varnish in old white decorated with gold, elaborate ceiling ornaments and a room-high dressing mirror: the furnishings she selected with exquisite taste reflect the successful American entrepreneur’s desire to spend time on her private yacht in a luxurious ambience.
Cabin 2 – In addition to her exquisite taste, Marjorie’s attention to detail is evident in the interior of the owner’s cabins. This is also reflected in the suite of her first husband Edward Hutton, who gave her the unique SEA CLOUD as a gift. The maple wood panelling gives the cabin a feeling of warmth and solidity; the light coffered ceiling gives the room a certain lightness. Special highlight: Edward Hutton’s beautiful “Bureau Bookcase” secretary with mirrored glass.
Cabin 3 – The original guestrooms reflected the generous hospitality of the Huttons. Each of these cabins was individually designed with carefully selected furniture and precious materials. The original colonial-style cabin no. 3 with its comfort is a testimony to this tradition. Famous personalities from the nobility, business and show business have already bedded their heads in this and the other spacious original cabins.
Cabin 4 – During the construction period of the SEA CLOUD in Kiel and later, when Marjorie already lived on board, she collected precious antiques all over the world. The original cabin No. 4 is one of the many examples of how skillfully she integrated the valuable pieces into the interior of her private yacht.
Cabin 5 – Marjorie’s declared goal was to make her family and her guests feel at home every minute on board the SEA CLOUD. Accordingly, she has designed the rooms like this de luxe original cabin to be spacious and comfortable. Spacious antique mahogany chests of drawers, marble in the bathroom and by the fireplace and antique unique pieces spread a cosy elegance.
Cabin 6 – Every vacation on the SEA CLOUD is also a journey through time. As in all original cabins, in this de luxe cabin you will feel transported back to the time of the elegant world customer of the 1930s. The selected antique mahogany furniture is small and delicate. Thanks to the color selection of the fabrics, the room has an extremely warm, sunny and light atmosphere.
Cabin 7 – As the first owner, Marjorie also furnished the SEA CLOUD with so much love for detail because she wanted to offer her daughter Dina Merrill a wonderful and safe home on board. This is especially noticeable in cabin no. 7: here Dina spent a large part of her childhood. The furniture made of fine maple has mahogany inlays. The unusual floor plan with the sloping fireplace makes the cabin appear even larger.
Cabin 8 – The original guestrooms reflected the generous hospitality of the Huttons and still contain the soul of the SEA CLOUD. Cabin no. 8 is a fine example for the character of the exclusive private yacht as which the ship was designed from the very beginning.
Cabins 9 and 10 are located in the original area on the main deck. Both rooms were redesigned into large De-Luxe outside cabins. The design is based on historical models with a modern accentuation and is kept in warm fabrics and wood tones. Both cabins are located at the end of the original area and are connected to the promenade deck by a separate staircase.
Like all the cabins on the captain’s and lidodeck, these two rooms were only built in the late 1970’s and offer a great deal of comfort. Their outstanding feature is the panoramic windows placed over the corners, which make the overall impression bright and friendly.
Even though the cabins on the captain’s and lidodeck were harmoniously integrated into the SEA CLOUD only later, they naturally follow the standards set in the original area. Their tasteful interior design is a contemporary interpretation of the interior designed by Marjorie Merriweather in the 1930s. The comfortable interior corresponds with the wonderful view of the wide sea.
These comfortable cabins have a special maritime charm due to their location between the manoeuvring stations for hoisting and lowering the sails. The deckhouse, which was added during the renovation of the SEA CLOUD, is an oasis of peace, but due to its location on the promenade deck, the cabins are also only one step away from the restaurant and lounge in the superstructure amidships.
In addition to the comfort and luxury that characterize the SEA CLOUD, both cabins offer a special feature: the most charming place on the tall ship – the so-called Blue Lagoon – can be reached directly from them. The semi-circular, blue cushions that give the ship its name are the traditional place on board for relaxing sunbathing or – at night – for a dreamy view of the impressive starry sky above the ocean.
These cabins are the right place for sailing enthusiasts. In Marjorie’s time, the officers of the SEA CLOUD were accommodated here. Their furnishings are correspondingly nautical. The clou: The doors of the cabins below the bridge deck lead directly to the promenade deck, so that at night you can sleep in the perfect maritime ambience with open doors and fresh air.
Guaranteed double cabins: The range of accommodation starts from Cat. 5. You will receive your exact cabin number when arriving on board. The allotment for this category is very limited.
Sea Cloud’s dining room is panelled in warm woods and hung with original oil paintings. It is on the Promenade Deck, in Sea Cloud’s former salon, where Marjorie Merriweather Post received her guests. The chefs come from renowned, first-class restaurants, and offer fresh, contemporary cuisine inflected with regional flavours. They use fresh ingredients sourced locally, from sustainable providers whenever possible. By adding local flavours to a menu that also includes traditional favourites, the chefs aim to give you a greater sense of the cuisine and culture in the region you’re exploring. An array of fresh fruits and delicious, fresh juices are key components of the breakfast buffet. Wines from well-known regions are served with lunch and dinner, and are included in the expedition price. There are fish or meat choices at every meal.
There’s no assigned seating in the dining room; in fact, many tables accommodate uneven numbers. This makes for easy mingling and the fun of sharing breakfast, lunch, or dinner with different new friends, or staff. And independent travellers can count on a welcome everywhere they turn.
Smaller ships, greater possibilities
Among the many joys of travelling smaller: a quick spin on a zodiac, enjoying the beach barbeques in secluded bays, photo safaris, pausing for a dip in the azure sea. And on selected tours, some exclusive experiences are included – a private concert, an opera house or a palace tour, a culinary visit to a special vineyard, or a front-row seat at a legendary regatta.
Dive in and be active
Whether you want to start your swim directly from the ship or explore the colorful world on the reef – water sports are even more fun under the Caribbean sun. Equipment is available for everyone: Snorkels, fins and stand-up paddles are waiting for you. If you are in the mood for even greater action, let yourself be glided across the crystal clear waters by tubing in the Caribbean.
Selected picture books, high-quality literature, popular board games and a writing desk with a laptop can all be found in the cosy lounge on the promenade deck.
If the weather is fine, you might like to sit on the lido deck at lunch time. The tasty snacks served at the buffet in the open air will both whet and satisfy your appetite. At certain times, our onboard pianist will provide pleasant background music to your conversations. The lido bar is a cosy place to wind down the evening. Quite befitting for any traditional sailing ship, the atmosphere can also get rather vibrant when the Crew Shanty Choir makes an appearance.
Not only is the promenade deck a quick route from one end of the ship to the other; in good weather, you will also find some very tasty refreshments there. The coffee, tea and light snacks are ideal for those who rise early, but also to provide sustenance in the afternoon between meals. Just imagine a freshly made waffle with ice cream under the white sails of a ship – that really is pure paradise!
Excellent views of the sea and the 30 majestic sails can of course be enjoyed from the SEA CLOUD’s bridge, where a range of historic nautical instruments almost conceal the modern technology. Operational circumstances permitting, the officers on the bridge will also be happy to answer questions about “their” sailing ship.
On board the SEA CLOUD there are many wonderful spots where you can relax and unwind: from countless deckchairs, to elegant mahogany benches and the blue lagoon, where you can gaze up at the masts. Watching the movement of the sails and all the traditional tasks associated with a majestic sailing ship is one of the most wonderful activities on the high seas. The traditional rules of cruise travel might be thrown overboard; on board the SEA CLOUD you can travel the way you prefer. If you like, you can jog around the outer promenade deck or borrow snorkelling equipment for a trip ashore. The SEA CLOUD’s onboard zodiac boats do not just take you ashore and back but are also used to tow “Fun Island”, our inflatable water sled. And when conditions are calm enough, the gangway becomes a direct access point for the most beautiful swimming pool in the world: the sea.
The chef will happily accommodate special diet requests—please let us know about any requests in advance so that we may prepare.
During the day, and depending on the weather, a sophisticated summer look is suitable. For the evening, we recommend smart-casual wear. We also kindly request that guests refrain from wearing shorts at evening meals. The Captain’s Dinner (an event which normally takes place twice on each trip – once on short cruises) is a time when our guests tend to opt for a more elegant look. We recommend a suit for men and appropriate smart dress for women. Please remember to take some non-slip shoes with you.
Our tall ships SEA CLOUD and SEA CLOUD II are not accessible for all people with disabilities and are not suitable for wheelchair users. Please contact our cruise consultancy for further details.
Smoking is permitted only on the outer decks outside of meal times. We kindly request that smokers take the comfort of other passengers into consideration. Smoking is prohibited on the blue lagoon deck and covered areas of the spanker and lido deck at all times.
A laptop is available for use on board in the lounge (SEA CLOUD) or in the library (SEA CLOUD II). You can use this laptop or your own laptop to connect to the internet (Wi-Fi) using the access code, however please note that there is a charge for this. The code can be obtained from reception or the purser.
Laundry services available on board are limited to washing and ironing. There is no dry-cleaning available. The washing and ironing service is provided at an additional charge and is carried out overnight. For guests with bookings in Cat. A-C (SEA CLOUD) or Cat. A+B (SEA CLOUD II), this service is free of charge. For safety reasons, passengers are not permitted to iron in their cabins.
Children are of course very welcome on our ships, however there is no supervision or entertainment available for children.
We approach the people and their cultures with respect in all the regions we visit, travelling mindfully through the local environment. By doing this, we can bring our guests closer – in the truest sense of the word – to these places, and what makes each one special.
THE WINDJAMMER EXPERIENCE
For you and us alike, the key attraction of our trips is the chance to sail on the open seas.
We therefore take every opportunity to set sail and be propelled by the sheer power of the wind. That is why the captain will sometimes change the route if the weather requires it. On board our SEA CLOUD tall ships, you’ll experience the elements, as many of the day-to-day activities take place outside.
HAVING AS LITTLE IMPACT AS POSSIBLE
When we do have to start the engines, we utilise low-sulphur marine diesel on all three of our windjammers.
For us, this is standard practice. Even the SEA CLOUD, our very first windjammer, was equipped with this technology right from the start. Our motto: to minimise our impact on the environment yet still make a profound and positive impression on those around us.
A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO LIFE ON-BOARD
Avoiding plastic, reducing water usage and protecting the environment.
These are the factors that guide us in the day to day operation of our ships and our ongoing development of eco-friendly alternatives. To cite just one example, our reusable drinks bottles are not only easy on the eye, but also easy on the environment.
QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY
Our ‘small but perfectly formed’ windjammers are able to visit smaller ports, away from the busy routes frequented by large cruise liners.
With a maximum of 64 to 136 passengers, we’re always welcomed in those locations thanks to our approach of visiting local communities rather than overwhelming them. Needless to say, our itineraries also include some classic destinations, though we usually visit these only when the mega-liners have moved on.
BOOSTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY
Procuring supplies locally, working with local, smaller-scale agencies and paying fair prices.
By taking this approach, we see ourselves as a partner for our local service providers, with whom we’ve built relationships based on trust over many years. After all, we want our voyages to benefit both our guests and the communities we visit around the world.
AUTHENTIC CUISINE
Our menus are always a true reflection of the regional cuisine.
This is because our chefs enjoy buying exotic spices, local specialities and freshly caught fish from local markets to bring you – even in a culinary sense – closer to the places we visit.
A MEMBER OF THE FUTOURIS NETWORK
Heading into the future with Futouris.
Preserving the natural and cultural heritage of our world and shaping the future of tourism in a sustainable way is what Futouris stands for. Members of the network are working globally to improve people’s living conditions, preserve biodiversity and protect the environment and climate.
All three ships have a hospital, which is supervised by a ship’s doctor. Medical consultation hours can be found in the daily program. In case of an emergency, the doctor can be reached at any time by calling 911.
- Bridge
- Lido Bar
- Lido Deck
- Spanker Deck
- Category 1 Cabins (Double Bed Cabins)
- Category 2 Cabins (Twin Bed Cabins)
- Purser
- Hospital
- Restaurant
- Lounge
- Category 3 Cabins (Twin-Bed Cabins)
- Category 4 Cabins (Twin-Bed Cabins)
- Category 5 Cabins (Upper-/Lower-Bed)
- Deluxe Category A Cabins (Luxury Owner’s Cabins)
- Deluxe Category B Cabins (De Luxe Original Cabins)
- Deluxe Category C Cabins (De Luxe Outside Cabins)
Get in touch with our team to start planning
Call and speak to a member of our experienced team today on +44 (0)1491 528 988 or email info@authenticcruises.co.uk.
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