We recently caught up with Anja Ringel, Director of International Marketing and Sales at Sea Cloud
Cruises. Anja shared more about Sea Cloud Cruises’ hand-sailed ships, and the high crew-to-guest ratio onboard, creating a personal experience.
We also learned about the unique experiences available on board, including the option to climb the rigging with the crew or get into a zodiac and sail around the ship under blue skies and full sail, and unique open bridge policy.
Sea Cloud Cruises are famous for using sails to create a unique experience prioritising low emissions and gentle tourism. We were keen to learn more about this.
Anja explained that Sea Cloud, their traditional sailing ship which is currently in the shipyard for an extensive renovation, was built as a private yacht in 1931 before being used as a cruise ship by Sea Cloud Cruises. Later in 2001 and 2021, Sea Cloud II and Sea Cloud Spirit were built with every amenity and need of a cruise ship, but also keeping some of the unique aspects of the original Sea Cloud, which the brand ‘always wanted to transport over to the newer ships’.
The main aspect which was transported over to the newer ships was the traditional sailing. Sea Cloud Cruises are the only cruise lines sailing ships that are sailed in the traditional way. This includes having the crew stepping into the rigging, which Anja described as ‘a very big part of the onboard experience’ which is ‘so unique’ and fascinates guests.
Sea Cloud Cruises ships are designed to travel under sails for a meaningful portion of every voyage, using wind power whenever conditions allow. When weather or routing call for it, modern diesel-electric engines take over, running on low-sulfur marine fuel to reduce emissions while maintaining reliability.
Additionally, Sea Cloud Cruises’ itineraries feature a greater proportion of sea days than most other cruise lines. Most voyages will begin with a day at sea, allowing guests to settle in and enjoy the full sailing experience. Then the ships usually spend half a day in each port, before setting the sails for the second half of the day. For many guests, the ship itself is a destination as well.
A unique experience offered on board the ship is the opportunity to climb the rigging and experience the power of Sea Cloud Cruises’ tall ships. After watching the crew climbing into the rigging to set the sails, many guests decide that they too want to climb, as many have their own sailing ships at home!
Before climbing, all guests must pass a fitness test with the ship’s doctor. Once guests have passed this test, the climb is ‘great fun for both the ones climbing and the ones watching’. Climbers are accompanied by crew members who take pictures of the experience and ensure they are safe throughout.
Another unique experience offered by Sea Cloud Cruises is a zodiac experience. Weather permitting, guests can get into a zodiac and cruise around the ship under blue skies and full sail. Anja shared that whilst this can’t be announced in advance, it’s an experience that many guests reflect on when they return home, and something that repeat guests request to do again and again.
A significant advantage for Sea Cloud Cruises is the fleet’s ability to access smaller, more remote ports. While Venice has tightened restrictions on larger cruise ships, the size of Sea Cloud Cruises yachts allows them to dock at San Basilio in the heart of the city. Anja noted that this is a ‘great benefit’ for guests, as the docking location is accessible by foot, water taxi, or car.
The arrival itself is a highlight; as Anja describes, “the ship fits in well with the surroundings,” creating a “great ambiance” as guests enjoy a glass of champagne on deck while departing the port.
This is also the case at other ports. For example, in Dubrovnik, Sea Cloud Cruises avoids the main commercial port. Instead, they anchor in front of the Old Town in the late afternoon after the daytime crowds have left. If conditions allow, they can even offer a “swim stop” directly from the ship, providing a “completely different experience” to the standard cruise visit.
For travel agents, the crew-to-guest ratio is a primary selling point that defines the onboard experience. Sea Cloud Cruises maintains an exceptionally high level of service by limiting passenger capacity; Sea Cloud II features just 47 cabins for a maximum of 94 guests, while Sea Cloud Spirit offers 69 cabins for a maximum of 136 guests. With approximately 65 crew members on Sea Cloud II and approximately 85 crew members on Sea Cloud Spirit, the resulting ratio ensures a “private ambiance” where attentive, personalized service is the standard.
Anja emphasized that while the company is German-owned, the product is ‘very international’ particularly given the brand’s historical ties to the United States. The original Sea Cloud was built for an American couple, and she remains well-known in the States for this heritage. To support this global appeal, the crew is intentionally international, and all services—from shore excursions to daily programs—are provided in both English and German.
Beyond the staffing, the ships offer a level of access rare in modern cruising. Anja highlighted the open bridge policy as a particularly special feature; outside of maneuvering or nighttime hours, the bridge is open to guests, allowing them to chat with the officers and learn the nuances of traditional navigation.
This transparency, combined with an open seating dining policy, fosters a social environment where guests—including a significant number of solo travelers—quickly form lasting connections. “You see people getting closer together within the week,” Anja noted, emphasising that many guests form such strong bonds that they return to sail together year after year.
Sea Cloud Cruises has partnered with Widgety for several years to manage their data distribution. For a smaller company, the platform is an essential tool for maintaining consistency across various websites. Anja shared that Widgety allows them to reach the right niche agents and ensures they are “confident they are getting the correct information.” As an “emotional product,” it is vital for Sea Cloud to connect with enthusiastic agents who truly understand the unique nature of their voyages.
Anja first worked for Sea Cloud Cruises in hospitality, on board Sea Cloud, sharing that she ‘loved it so much, it didn’t feel like work’. Years later, due to her love of the ships, she came back on board Sea Cloud Cruises working in the office. She shared ‘when I go on board, I think it’s great that this is what I’m working for’.
This personal dedication is reflected in the brand’s high guest satisfaction, with Anja noting that 99.9% of the feedback they receive is positive. Because the yachts of Sea Cloud Cruises are such an “emotional product,” the brand relies on genuine relationships with both repeat guests and long-term partners. “We have crew who have been with us for 30 or 40 years,” Anja explained. “For some of them, the ship is their home, which adds a very special warmth to the onboard atmosphere.”
To conclude our interview, when asked what guests often misunderstand before stepping on board, Anja pointed to the transformative nature of “slow travel.” In a world where many feel the need to be constantly entertained, Sea Cloud Cruises offer the rare luxury of quietness. Whether it is a transatlantic crossing, or simply watching the stars from the expansive deck of the Sea Cloud Spirit, the experience is about rediscovering the beauty of doing nothing. As Anja concluded, “You only realize how special just sitting and watching the stars is once you are on board.”
