Sailing aboard the magnificent three-masted tall ship Sea Cloud Spirit, the seven-night voyage will run from July 20 to July 27, 2027. The itinerary carries guests along the dramatic Atlantic coastline of the Iberian Peninsula, departing from the vibrant northern Spanish port of Bilbao and concluding in the historic Portuguese capital of Lisbon. Throughout the week at sea, Kevin Smith will be joined by his wife, Christina, as they host a series of exclusive onboard events, intimate dinners, relaxing evenings on deck, and a special sundowner gathering designed to give guests ample time to converse, exchange stories, and share their travel ideas with the leadership team.
For Smith, the connection between the ship’s crew, leadership, and passengers is deeply symbolic of the overarching spirit of Sea Cloud Cruises. Reflecting on the unique operational nature of a true windjammer, Smith shared his anticipation for the upcoming journey and the distinct atmosphere found aboard the company’s vessels. When the crew begins the intricate process of manually setting the vast expanse of sails, everyone on deck naturally looks up to watch the spectacle unfold. It stands as quite a sight and serves as a powerful reminder that nobody moves a ship like this forward alone. Smith noted that the exact same philosophy applies to Sea Cloud Cruises as a whole, emphasizing that the dedicated team makes the onboard experience what it is, while guests also play a genuine part in shaping what comes next for the cruise line. Both he and Christina are greatly looking forward to welcoming everyone aboard and spending a wonderful week together under sail.
The carefully curated itinerary blends maritime heritage with rich cultural exploration, featuring a series of fascinating ports of call along the northern coast of Spain and the western coast of Portugal. After embarking in Bilbao, the Sea Cloud Spirit will make calls at the picturesque Spanish coastal cities of Gijón, A Coruña, and Vigo, followed by a stop at Porto, specifically docking at Leixões, in Portugal. These stops are designed to offer travelers immersive opportunities to venture inland and discover iconic regional destinations, including Oviedo, the historic pilgrimage center of Santiago de Compostela, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Islas Cíes. The voyage will culminate with a memorable and scenic passage along the historic Tagus River, smoothly bringing the ship and its passengers into the heart of Lisbon.
For those looking to extend their European journey, an optional pre-cruise program will be available from July 18 to July 20, 2027. This specialized land program takes travelers through Bilbao and the world-famous wine region of Rioja, with complete itinerary details and rates available upon request for interested guests.
Among the standout highlights of the main voyage is an exclusive, private evening hosted at the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. During this special event, guests will be granted after-hours access to explore the architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, along with selected world-class artworks, completely away from the daytime crowds. This private cultural immersion sets an elevated tone for the week ahead, blending avant-garde art with the timeless elegance of traditional seafaring.
The culinary program aboard the voyage has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate the rich culinary traditions of northern Spain and Portugal. Travelers can expect a menu highlighting authentic regional flavors, such as delicate Basque pintxos, fresh and flavorful Galician seafood, and expertly curated wine pairings featuring selections from the verdant Rías Baixas wine region and the sun-drenched vineyards of the Douro Valley. These regional gastronomy elements will be seamlessly integrated into both the onboard dining experiences and special events throughout the week.
Fares for the President’s Cruise aboard the Sea Cloud Spirit start at $7,995 per person, offering travelers an exclusive opportunity to sail alongside company leadership while experiencing the unique romance, camaraderie, and luxury of traditional windjammer cruising along the Iberian coast.
