The Authentic Cruise Company

Itinerary

Day 1: Valletta
Day 3: Trapani, Sicily
Day 4: Palermo
Day 5: Lipari
Day 6: Taormina
Day 7: Siracuse, Sicily
Day 8: Valletta
Day 1: Valletta

Malta’s capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta’s compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures.

Day 3: Trapani, Sicily

Trapani, the most important town on Sicily’s west coast, lies below the headland of Mount Erice and offers stunning views of the Egadi Islands on a clear day. Trapani’s Old District occupies a scimitarshaped promontory between the open sea on the north and the salt marshes to the south. The ancient industry of extracting salt from the marshes has recently been revived, and it is documented in the Museo delle Saline. In addition to the salt marshes,Trapani’s other interesting environs include the beautiful little hill town of Erice, the promontory of Capo San Vito stretching north beyond the splendid headland of Monte Cofano, the lovely island of Motya and the town of Marsala. Trips farther afield will take you to the magnificent site of Segesta or the Egadi Islands, reached by boat or hydrofoil from Trapani Port.

Day 4: Palermo

Once the intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo has always been at the crossroads of civilization. Favorably situated on a crescent-shaped bay at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, it has attracted almost every culture touching the Mediterranean world. To Palermo’s credit, it has absorbed these diverse cultures into a unique personality that is at once Arab and Christian, Byzantine and Roman, Norman and Italian. The city’s heritage encompasses all of Sicily’s varied ages, but its distinctive aspect is its Arab-Norman identity, an improbable marriage that, mixed in with Byzantine and Jewish elements, created some resplendent works of art. No less noteworthy than the architecture is Palermo’s chaotic vitality, on display at some of Italy’s most vibrant outdoor markets, public squares, street bazaars, and food vendors, and above all in its grand climax of Italy’s most spectacular passeggiata (the leisurely social stroll along the principal thoroughfare).

Day 5: Lipari

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.

Day 6: Taormina

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.

Day 7: Siracuse, Sicily

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.

Day 8: Valletta

Malta’s capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta’s compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures.

Luxury Owner Suites (Cat. A)
Junior Suites (Cat. B)
De Luxe Double-Bed Cabins (Cat. C)
De Luxe Double-Bed Cabins (Cat. D)
De Luxe Double-Bed Cabins (Cat. E)
Upper-/Lower-Bed Cabins (Cat. F)
Guarantee Cabins
Luxury Owner Suites (Cat. A)

Our two owner suites follow the tradition in the maritime world of always having their own cabins ready for the ship owners. We have reserved these living areas for those of our guests who appreciate special comfort and cosiness even on board a tall ship. Both light-flooded suites are located on the lidodeck and with their large panoramic windows offer a unique view of the sea even from a four-poster bed. The spacious ambience includes selected individual pieces of furniture, four large cupboards, the fireplace – and last but not least the large bathroom with bathtub and separate shower, marble washstand including the legendary golden fittings.

Junior Suites (Cat. B)

With their rosewood furniture, stucco elements on the walls and a decorative marble fireplace, the Junior Suites are the epitome of Hanseatic solidity. The simple elegance corresponds in gentle tension with the maritime atmosphere in front of the panorama windows, which offer a view of the vastness of the sea. A separate sitting area and a walk-in closet round off the comfortable ambience. Bathtub, marble washbasin and golden fittings are of course also standard in this category. The junior suites are located on the promenade deck, so that the restaurant, boutique and reception can easily be reached.

De Luxe Double-Bed Cabins (Cat. C)

This De-Luxe outside cabin combines the comfort and solidity that characterizes the suites with a special maritime cosiness. Thanks to its location in the front area of the promenade deck, the floor plan follows the elegant line of the SEA CLOUD II and thus additionally conveys the feeling of security on a luxury private yacht. The panorama windows offer a wonderful view of the sea.

De Luxe Double-Bed Cabins (Cat. D)

The three large porthole windows give our De-Luxe Category D outside cabins a special maritime flair. Together with their luxurious yacht ambience, these cabins underline the feeling of being part of an extraordinary journey on an extraordinary ship. Stylish individual pieces of furniture and a beautiful seating area make the spacious room cosy. The six De-Luxe outside cabins are located amidships on the same deck where the massage and cosmetic treatments, the fitness room, the bathing platform and the hospital are located.

De Luxe Double-Bed Cabins (Cat. E)

These outside cabins on both sides of the cabin deck are the epitome of cosiness on board the SEA CLOUD II. This is where you can retreat, switch off and relax while enjoying the unique luxurious ambience for which our yachts are famous. Like the other cabins, Category E is equipped with TV/DVD, a mini-bar and a safe. An interesting detail: the double bed can be divided into two single beds on request.

Upper-/Lower-Bed Cabins (Cat. F)

This outside cabin on the cabin deck is still modelled on the officers’ cabins as on traditional windjammers and is equipped with an upper and lower berth. Warm woods and a comfortable sitting area radiate a cosy, maritime atmosphere and offer you a cosy retreat. Our recommendation: this cabin is ideal for single travellers.

Guarantee Cabins

Guaranteed double cabins: The range of accommodation starts from Cat. F. You will receive your exact cabin number when arriving on board. The allotment for this category is very limited.

Restaurant
Lido Deck
Restaurant

In the restaurant you will find tables for couples and groups of four, six and eight. The lido deck is often an inviting place to have lunch or an evening barbecue out in the open air. No matter whether you are sitting inside or outside, you can all enjoy this feast for the senses together in the same sitting. And since you are dining on a tall ship with the character of a private yacht, you are free to choose your place and company at the table. Our culinary creations are sure to impress even the most discerning of connoisseurs – it is easy to see why the SEA CLOUD II was chosen to join the exclusive Chaîne des Rôtisseurs group.

Lido Deck

You will find a dining area and Lido Bar on the Lido Deck.

Zodiacs
Watersports
Zodiacs

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.

Watersports

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.

Lounge
Library
On Deck
Lido Deck with Bar
Bridge
Lounge

In the middle of the lido deck you will find the spacious lounge. At certain times you will hear gentle music from the Steinway piano and, on selected cruises, you can listen to some interesting talks.

Library

Also on the Lido Deck, you will find the library on the lido deck which contains selected literature, DVDs, popular board games, the SEA CLOUD II’s intriguing guest book and a laptop with internet access. But this is not just a place to get engrossed in reading; you should also enjoy the breathtaking all-round view of the ship’s forecastle – do not forget that you are on board a majestic tall ship!

On Deck

To watch the movement of the sails and all the traditional tasks associated with a tall ship is for many people one of the most wonderful experiences on the high seas. On all the decks you will of course find many traditional deckchairs and benches on which you can sit alone or in a small group, gazing out to sea. On the sun deck you will also find two large sun loungers and the bridge. The officers will be happy to welcome you into the command centre – manoeuvres permitting.

Our snorkelling equipment can be taken ashore at any time. The on-board zodiac boats do not only take you ashore and back to the SEA CLOUD II, but are also used to tow the “Fun Island”, our inflatable water sled for those who fancy some high-speed fun! Depending on sea conditions, the swim platform provides direct access to the largest swimming pool in the world: the sea. And in the evening, the lido deck is a wonderful place to wind down with a nice drink. You might also be entertained by our Crew Shanty Choir.

Lido Deck with Bar

The Lido bar is open daily from 11:00 am. Soft drinks, coffee, tea, water and juices are available all day free of charge.

Bridge

The Bridge can be located on the Sun Deck.

Swim Platform
Fitness and Sport
Massage & Cosmetics
Swim Platform

The Swim Platform is located on the cabin deck.

Fitness and Sport

Fitness enthusiasts can use the 100-metre long lido deck as their running/walking circuit while taking in all the different views which you can expect on board a tall ship. For others, our morning exercise sessions are just the way to start a new day. In the smart fitness studio, you will find dumbbells, bikes, treadmills and step machines for more focused workouts, and the adjoining sauna area will enhance your general well-being.

Massage & Cosmetics

We provide a range of spa services on board the SEA CLOUD II (massages and beauty treatments at additional cost), using the finest products from Maria Galland.

Special Dietary Requirements
Dress Code
Disabled Access
Smoking Policy
Wi-Fi
Laundry Services
Children on Board
Sustainability & Low Impact Tourism
Medical Facilities
Special Dietary Requirements

The chef will happily accommodate special diet requests—please let us know about any requests in advance so that we may prepare.

Dress Code

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.

Disabled Access

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 Policy

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.

Wi-Fi

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

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 on Board

Children are of course very welcome on our ships, however there is no supervision or entertainment available for children.

Sustainability & Low Impact Tourism

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.

Medical Facilities

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.

Sun Deck
Lido Deck
Promenade Deck
Cabin Deck
Sun Deck
  • Captain
  • Bridge
Lido Deck
  • Lounge
  • Lido Bar
  • Lido Deck
  • Library
  • Luxury Owner Suites
Promenade Deck
  • Restaurant
  • Boutique
  • Purser
  • Reception
  • Junior Suites
  • De luxe double-bed cabins
Cabin Deck
  • Fitness Area
  • Massage and Cosmetics
  • Hospital
  • Swim Platform
  • De luxe double-bed cabins
  • Upper/Lower-bed 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.

Alternatively, leave your details and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.