I have been invited to sail on Sea Cloud Spirit for the third time in about a year. This time, it will be an eight-night Caribbean sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to St. Maarten. You know I love being on this luxury three-masted windjammer sailing ship traveling through the Central American Pacific Coast/Panama Canal and Western Mediterranean. But the Caribbean…especially schlepping from the West Coast? (It is easier and faster to travel to Europe.)
Well, add Nils Lackner, Sea Cloud’s Executive Sommelier and one of Germany’s top sommeliers, and Mario Pagan, one of Puerto Rico’s top chefs and James Beard Foundation Award winner, and it is pretty compelling.

By the way, this water fun-intensive experience, is truly a working cruise for me. About a week ago, I had the Inspire sleep apnea/anti-snoring device surgically implanted. When I agreed to sail, I hadn’t yet spoken to my surgeon about swimming in the ocean. On the day of my surgery, I asked him. His response was, “Absolutely not. If you get an infection, it could be catastrophic!” Now, I don’t know about you, but when your surgeon uses the word “catastrophic,” you tend to listen to him…and so I shall!

That does not mean I will not enjoy one of my favorite ships, some amazing wines, and culinary delights onboard Sea Cloud Spirit or that I won’t venture onto beaches and into some funky restaurants and bars on land. But I won’t be able to enjoy Sea Cloud Spirit’s marina, snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming options. (Are you feeling sorry for me? lol)
The itinerary is very much one that extolls the sailing and yachting style of Sea Cloud.
- Fri Jan 24 San Juan, Puerto Rico Depart 10:00 pm
- Sat Jan 25 Cruz Bay, St. John 12:00 pm 11:00 pm Sun Jan 26 Norman Island, British Virgin Islands 8:00 am 4:00 pm
- Sun Jan 26 North Sound, Virgin Gorda 8:00 pm
- Mon Jan 27 North Sound, Virgin Gorda 6:00 pm
- Tue Jan 28 Day under full sails
- Wed Jan 29 St. John’s, Antigua 8:00 am 6:00 pm
- Thu Jan 30 Charlestown, Nevis 8:00 am 1:30 pm
- Fri Jan 31 Gustavia, St. Barthélemy 8:00 am 11:00 pm
- Sat Feb 1 Philipsburg, St. Maarten Disembark 8:00 am

I do have to mention that flying to San Juan, Puerto Rico and from St. Maarten is very easy from the East Coast and Midwest. However, from the Lake Tahoe area…not so much. I figured out my best option was to drive the 3.5 hours to San Francisco, park my car at the Homewood Suites near the airport, Uber over to SFO, then take a red-eye flight to Newark, New Jersey, and then another flight to San Juan. My return is a flight to Chicago and then to San Francisco arriving at midnight. I’ll spend the night at the Homewood Suites and then drive the 3.5 hours back home. (Otherwise, my return would take over 33 hours with horrible layovers.)
As I said, this is work but it isn’t terrible work. In fact, I am confident I will enjoy myself too. And, of course, I will write an article or two about my experience as well.
I know this is very last minute, but if you would like to join me, call me or send an email, text, WhatsApp or Facebook message!