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Royal Yacht Hotel

St. Helier, Jersey

• Full Review
• Great location on the harbor
• Luxurious modern rooms, many with balconies
• Large spa with steam room, sauna, and salt room
• Indoor pool and whirlpool
• Fine-dining restaurants and popular bars
• Tasting room in the wine cellar
• Meeting rooms with outdoor balconies
• Modern fitness center
• Free Wi-Fi and breakfast
• Modern addition is at odds with its historical surroundings
• Noise from bars and taxi stand outside
• Standard Rooms are small

Bottom Line

The Royal Yacht Hotel is nearly as posh as it sounds, located right on the waterfront in St. Helier with a view of the harbor. Despite the luxe spa and exclusive atmosphere, the newer glass-heavy additions and wild interior decor make it look over designed, especially in the context of its neighbors. Still, with its modern rooms and stylish, popular restaurants, it fares well when compared with other upscale hotels in the area. The rates are generally higher than those at the nearby Pomme d'Or, but the Royal Yacht Hotel has a spa, pool, sauna, and whirlpool on-site, along with private balconies. It tends to be a hot spot for business travelers and party-goers, which creates a late-night mix that can get raucous. 

Hotel & Amenities Photos

Platinum room.

Restaurants and Bars

Silver Basic Room

Gold Deluxe Room

Fitness Center

Oyster hotel review, nautical pomp washed in neon club lighting.

A newer addition of wavy glass-fronted balconies abuts the original Royal Yacht Hotel building in a pairing that seems at war, but the hotel still bustles with business travelers year-round. Local residents and leisure tourists also flock to the cool bars and restaurants, making the carnival of printed upholstery and colored mood lighting on the ground floor a St. Helier social hub.

Overlooking St. Helier marina

The hotel is located on the water, just a short walk from St. Helier marina and close to many shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the Maritime Museum. The waterfront gardens are nearby, and all the island's best shopping and cafes are within easy walking distance, as are such notable attractions as the Victorian-era Central and Beresford indoor markets, the Jersey Museum, and Jersey St. Saviour's Church.

Range of sizes with modern decor

Playing on the hotel's nautical theme, the stylish rooms combine a chic decor with copious amounts of natural wood. Tiered categories range from Silver and Gold to Platinum Rooms, all with satellite flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning,  electric tea makers, and minibars. Cream and white, with touches of blue, complement the partial parquet walls and wood furniture. Silver Rooms are on the small side, with Gold Rooms giving more space to the small work desks and sitting area. Gold Deluxe Double Rooms have either an extra living room space, or a balcony. The larger Platinum Rooms have a large balcony overlooking St. Helier harbor. The bathrooms are modern, with subtle lighting, walk-in showers, and toiletries; some have separate soaking tubs.

Popular bars and restaurants with outdoor patios, indoor pool, full-service spa, free breakfast

Like an indulgent cruise ship, the Royal Yacht Hotel is home to three restaurants and three different bars that draw locals in every weekend. The flagship restaurant, Sirocco, serves British cuisine with a modern flair, while Cafe Zephyr has a brasserie menu with a focus on seafood. Both have outdoor patio seating. The Grill focuses on steak and wine, with lunches that are a big hit with the business crowd. The tiny P.O.S.H Bar's cigars and Champagne menu is as nouveau as The Cabin, with it's exposed wooden timbers, is timeless. The Drift Club in the back of the hotel, which becomes a scene on the weekends with live entertainment and DJ's, keeps revelers going late into the night. There's also a small wine tasting room in The Cellar, which can be booked for private functions for up to six people, and the hotel has a number of modern meeting rooms, including a conference hall that can accommodate up to 300 attendees.

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Business Center

Dry cleaning, free breakfast, kids allowed, meeting / conference rooms, poolside drink service, rental car service desk onsite, room service, separate bedroom / living room space, tennis court.

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.

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The Royal Yacht

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 1,886
• Very Good 754
• Average 232
• Terrible 89
• All languages ( 3,077 )
• English ( 3,004 )
• French ( 50 )
• German ( 28 )
• Dutch ( 2 )

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THE ROYAL YACHT - UPDATED 2024 Hotel Reviews & Price Comparison (St. Helier, Jersey) - Tripadvisor

The Royal Yacht

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• Excellent 1,886
• Very Good 754
• Average 232
• Terrible 89
• All languages ( 3,077 )
• English ( 3,004 )
• French ( 50 )
• German ( 28 )
• Dutch ( 2 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

THE ROYAL YACHT - Updated 2024 Reviews, Photos & Prices

Royal Yacht Hotel, Jersey: Cosmopolitan hotel with luxury spa Save to My Favourites

The Weighbridge, St. Helier, JE2 3NF

• Car hire not included

"Awarded ‘Jersey’s Leading Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards 2022＂

Call now to book :

+44(0) 203 955 5050

• What's Included

Travel Details

The Royal Yacht Hotel is a stylish modern hotel overlooking Liberation Square and the marina and right by the centre of St Helier, Jersey’s capital. Nearby are the boutique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants of St Helier along with museums and other sights, right on the doorstep are the Jersey Museum , the Maritime Museum and Elizabeth Castle as well as the Georgian House museum at 16 New Street, beautifully restored to give an insight into Regency life on the island. Or why not stroll down to the beach at St Aubin’s Bay, in fact you can walk right along the sea front to the pretty harbour village of St Aubin in just over an hour, alternatively it makes for a leisurely cycle or an enjoyable trip on the Petit Train .

The Royal Yacht has many delights of its own, there’s the award-winning Spa Sirene if you want to indulge yourself in some serious relaxation. The hotel’s restaurants are very popular and cater to every taste, from local seafood at the Sirocco, Asian-inspired exotic delights in the Zephyr to the finest cut of steak any way you choose at The Grill. In the evening, the sophisticated lounge-bar, The Drift, will leave you spoiled for choice with a fully-stocked bar, as well as cocktail and Champagne bars. Free parking is available nearby from 5.00pm to 8.00am, outside of which a voucher system operates, see the hotel reception for vouchers and further information.

St Helier is a great location from which to discover the rest of Jersey too. Travel up the east of the island to the picturesque bays at Gorey and Rozel , or inland to the famous Jersey Zoo or to La Hougue Bie , one of the ten oldest buildings in the world. There’s also the Jersey War Tunnels and, to the west, the beautiful beaches at St Brelade’s and Beauport as well as Corbière Lighthouse . The north is home to some wonderful rugged coastline, Plemont and Greve De Lecq are particularly lovely.

Room Type :

Gold Deluxe room with balcony/sitting area

Extras Included :

Return flights from your chosen airport Full cooked breakfast each morning Transfers on arrival from the airport to your hotel, and back again for your return Car hire can be added for £59.00 per day, just let us know after your booking is confirmed and we can arrange this for you

La Mare Wine Estate

Stays over 4, 5 or 7 nights between 01 May and 30 September 2024 include a complimentary Jersey Vineyards tour. La Mare Estate guided tours take you around their beautiful vineyards, orchards, the Cognac style distillery and the chocolate production kitchen. Tours and tastings include a behind the scenes view of the estate winery, production areas and the chocolate kitchen where Genuine Jersey products such as traditional Jersey Black Butter, Chocolates, Fudges and Biscuits are made. You can also enjoy a tasting of a variety of delicious estate products.

The Jersey Duchess

5 and 7 night stays between 01 May and 30 September 2024 include a tour of the southern coast of Jersey on board the Jersey Duchess with commentary from the Captain. Get a unique perspective of the island from the sea, including Elizabeth Castle and Corbière Lighthouse, not to mention some incredible coastal scenery and marine life, you may even see some dolphins!

Jersey War Tunnels

7 night stays between 01 May and 30 September 2024 include complimentary entry to the Jersey War Tunnels . Discover the true story of life in Jersey during the German occupation in the words of the people who were there, housed within an extraordinary underground tunnel complex built deep into the hillside by forced workers from nations across Europe. Take a moment in the Garden of Reflection, explore the War Trail or relax in the charming 1940s style tearoom, Vega Café.

Especially Pleasing :

The views out over the marina are magnificent

Meal Basis :

• Full cooked breakfast each morning

Other Informations :

Based on two people sharing

We’re happy to accommodate individual travellers, families, large groups, or tailor a break to suit you, give us a call on 0203 955 5050 to discuss your options

Bus travel in Jersey

Cycle hire from St Helier

Cycle hire from St Aubin

Jersey Heritage

Channel Islands Occupation Society

Food and drink in Jersey

Jersey’s beaches and bays

Outdoor activities with Jersey Adventures

Watersport activities with Absolute Adventures

Beach equipment hire and activities on St Brelade’s Bay

What’s on in Jersey

Flights are included from London Gatwick, Southampton, Bristol, London Luton, Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, East Midlands, Exeter, Birmingham, Guernsey, Norwich, Belfast to Jersey, Channel Islands.

Please note that the specific flights allocated to your booking may be any of those indicated below, depending on availability and date of travel. Your flight details will be confirmed to you by email once your booking has been processed. Timings shown reflect the times when the flights operate which differ daily, so not all of the times shown operate every day.

Due to restrictions imposed by Blue Islands Airline which operates Southampton, Bristol, Exeter, Birmingham, Norwich, East Midlands and Guernsey to Jersey, booking online is not possible within 15 days of departure for these routes. Please call 0203 955 5050 to book departures within this period.

From Southampton to Jersey, with Blue Islands:

Outbound: departing at 08.30, 08.40, 08.50, 13.00, 13.20, 15.20, 18.50, 19.20

Return: departing at 07.10, 07:20; 07.30, 11.40, 12.00, 14.00, 17.30, 18.00

From London Gatwick to Jersey, with easyJet:

Outbound: departing at 06.50, 07.10, 09.05, 10.40, 11.30, 12.25, 13.00, 15.20, 17.15, 18.50, 19.05

Return: departing at 08.45, 09.05, 10.40, 12.15, 13.05, 13.55, 17.00, 14.35, 18.50, 20.25, 20.50

From Liverpool to Jersey, with easyJet:

Outbound: departing at 07.00, 08.40, 10.30, 13.10, 13.45, 15.10, 16.00, 17.00, 18.50

Return: departing at 08.40, 09.20, 10.20, 12.10, 14.55, 16.55, 17.10, 17.40, 20.30

From Bristol to Jersey, with Blue Islands:

Outbound: departing at 11.30, 14.00, 16.40, 18.10

Return: departing at 10.00, 12.30, 15.10, 16.40

From London Luton to Jersey, with easyJet:

Outbound: departing at 11.35, 12.45, 15.10, 16.40, 19.20, 19.40 (on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays this is always an evening departure)

Return: departing at  13.05, 14.15, 16.40, 18.10, 20.50, 21.10

From Glasgow to Jersey, with easyJet:

Outbound: departing at 07.30, 10.30, 11.10, 11.45, 13.55, 15.55

Return: departing at 09.30, 13.10, 13.45, 15.55

From Manchester to Jersey, with easyJet:

Outbound: departing at 07.30, 12.30, 13.40, 14.20,

Return: departing at 09.20, 14.20, 15.30, 16.10

From East Midlands to Jersey, with Blue Islands:

Outbound: departing at 11.20, 15.50

Return: departing at 09.30, 14.00

From Exeter to Jersey, with Blue Islands:

Outbound: departing at 11.15, 14.50

Return: departing at 10.00, 13.30

From Birmingham to Jersey, with Blue Islands:

Outbound: departing at 14.25, 15.10

Return: departing at 12.30, 13.20

From Belfast to Jersey, with easyJet:

Outbound: departing at 09.35, 12.25, 15.35, 19.35

Return: departing at 11.30, 14.15, 17.25, 21.25

One piece of hand luggage (maximum size 45x36x20cm, including any handles or wheels, which must fit under the seat in front of you) per person is included for easyJet . No hold baggage is included.

For Blue Islands , hand luggage allowance per person includes one standard cabin bag measuring no more than 55x35x20cm, including wheels and handles, and one small personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag/briefcase, which can fit under the seat in front of you. The combined weight of your cabin baggage and smaller personal item must not exceed 10kg. 1 x 23kg hold luggage is also included per passenger with Blue Islands.

Additional hold luggage can be added at the amount charged by the airline, after you receive your flight confirmation from us by email. Just respond to the email to arrange this.

Please take a moment to read through our terms and conditions .

Hotel Facilities

• Spa Sirene With Swimming Pool
• Swedish Sauna
• Aromatherapy Steam Room
• Salt Steam Therapy
• Experience Showers
• Sirocco and Zephyr Restaurants
• A Choice of 5 Bars

Room Facilities

• Satellite TV
• Air Conditioning
• Turn-down Service
• 24hr Room Service Menu
• Bathrobe & Slippers

Select Holiday Options:

Choose your departure airport, show available airports.

• Southampton
• East Midlands

Select number of nights

3 night stay, transfers included.

• Return flights from your chosen airport
• Gold Deluxe Room
• Transfers from the airport to your hotel and back

4 night stay

• Stays between 01 May and 30 September 2024 include vineyards tour

5 night stay

• Stays between 01 May and 30 September 2024 include scenic boat tour

7 night stay

• Stays between 01 May and 30 September 2024 include Jersey War Tunnels visit

Choose number of rooms

Select your dates.

Duration: Night(s)

Arriving/leaving

• Check-in time 2:00 pm
• Check-out time 2:00 pm

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Call Us: +44(0) 203 955 5050 or email: [email protected]

Weighbridge, St Helier, Jersey     T: +44 (0) 1534 720511

• About  | 
• Contact  | 

Penthouse Suites

Island style luxury.

Our Penthouse Suites, Mooncatcher and Stargazer, have all you need for a special stay or holiday in Jersey.

These luxurious penthouse suites are decorated in a modern fashion with stylish furniture and space for guests to dine and relax in comfort. The spacious terraces feature a large Jacuzzi, lounging pods and spectacular views over St Helier, the capital of Jersey. Enjoy your holiday in Jersey in complete luxury.

Penthouse suites feature superking beds (6′).

A full buffet breakfast is included in the room rate. Alternatively, you can enjoy breakfast in your room for a £10 surcharge per room.

Please keep in mind that the following features are not included if Penthouse is booked at a reduced rate:

• Transport and driver to and from Jersey Airport
• Champagne on Arrival

Please check with reservations for further information before booking.

Check our  special offers  or search your dates in our booking engine for best available rates & offers.

For queries please call +44 (0) 1534 720511 or leave your name here and we will call you.

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The Royal Yacht

Weighbridge, Saint Helier, JE2 3NF, United Kingdom

Enter your dates to view today's low rates and promotions.

Check Rates

Rooms & Rates

Gold Twin Room

Room amenities, details, and policies

This room features an private bathroom with slippers, bathrobe and hairdryer, a mini-bar and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.

• Room Service
• 24 hour front desk
• Fitness Center
• Hot Tub or Spa
• Swimming Pool - Indoor
• Masks are available to guests
• Swimming Pool - Outdoor
• Contactless check-in and check-out are available
• Guests are provided with free hand sanitizer
• Social distancing measures are in place
• Non-Smoking Facility
• Business Center

Gold Double Room

A spacious room with stylish furniture.

This room can accommodate a maximum of 2 people. it cannot accommodate extra beds or additional guests.

Gold Deluxe Double Room

Rooms featuring either a lounge area or a terrace with courtyard views.

Standard Double Room

Featuring free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. This double room has air conditioning, a mini-bar, flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit has 1 bed.

Platinum Double Room

Large room with balcony overlooking St Helier harbor, with a seating area.

Superior Double Room

This air-conditioned double room is consisted of of a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace. The unit has 1 bed.

Silver Small Double Room

This simple, air-conditioned room features free WiFi, an private bathroom and a flat-screen TV.

This room can accommodate a maximum of 2 people. It cannot accommodate extra beds or additional guests.

The room is located in the original building and is accessed via a staircase.

Platinum Double

Platinum Double is 355 square feet and includes a king-size bed 150-183 width plus balcony.

Deluxe Queen Bed

Gold Deluxe Double

Gold Deluxe Double is 312 square feet and includes a queen-size bed 150-154 width plus terrace.

Gold Twin is 280 square feet.

Room Deluxe

find available rooms

About The Royal Yacht

Well-placed in central St Helier, The Royal Yacht offers stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a brasserie cafe. On-site Spa Sirene includes a pool, steam room and beauty treatments. Rooms boast modern design, each featuring an LCD TV with pay movies, a safe and tea/coffee facilities. Some rooms have a balcony or terrace, while all rooms have a luxury private bathroom. The adult-only Spa Sirene provides therapies and treatments using Phytomer products. With a relaxing sauna, aromatherapy room and spa bath, there is also a state-of-the-art gym. For children, the hotel offers passes to Aquasplash, a pool and water slide center that is 5 minutes' walk away. A range of shops, restaurants and galleries are in the immediate area, and the ferry terminal is 0.5 miles away. 2 sandy beaches can be reached with 5 minutes’ drive. Sirocco Restaurant serves a contemporary menu, while Café Zephyr offers outside dining. The friendly Royal Yacht also has a grill restaurant and 4 stylish bars, some with live music.

Frequently Asked Questions

The property is located at Weighbridge in Saint Helier.

Prices vary based on dates and availability. Select the dates of your stay above to find the best price on all available rooms.

Yes, this hotel has an indoor pool as well as an outdoor pool for guests to enjoy, along with other amenities. Please see the hotel description above for more information.

Yes, this hotel does have at least one on-site restaurant to enjoy during your stay. Room service is also available should you prefer meals from the comfort of your room. Check out the hotel description above to learn more about the dining options available at The Royal Yacht.

Breakfast may be available at The Royal Yacht, and may come free with your room, depending on your selection. Please check for dates and room availability above to see what's included with your stay.

Guests at The Royal Yacht can enjoy wide range of amenities such as:

• indoor swimming pool
• outdoor swimming pool
• fitness center or gym

Check out the hotel description above to learn more about the amenities available during your stay.

Families can enjoy kid-friendly amenities such as a indoor swimming pool and outdoor swimming pool during their stay. Check out the hotel description above to learn more about the family-friendly amenities available during your stay.

We offer a wide variety of rates on The Royal Yacht. Discounted rates are available throughout the year, depending on your travel dates. Search for your dates above and we'll show you our lowest prices.

By logging into our site using the login banner above, you'll receive an instant discount of 5% on your booking today with no limit to how much you can save. Log in, claim your promo code, select your dates and room and apply your code at checkout.

The Royal Yacht Weighbridge, Saint Helier , JE2 3NF, United Kingdom

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• The Rough Bit
• Diamond Lil's

Golden Rivet

• Thread starter Scud
• Start date May 19, 2006
• May 19, 2006

We've all heard about the Golden Rivet, we've all been warned about it - has anyone actually had it tried on them on board ship?  

I heard that someone painted a gold rivet in the engine room of the royal yacht for a laugh, dunno if this is true or not, though I was told safeguard.  

Father_Famine

Lantern swinger.

Never been shown or shown the Golden Rivet, but, did show a young USN sailorette a good time on the Captains Chair on the bridge of a T42 in jebel Ali after the cessation of activities in 1991. 8) Another USN sailorette was caught with a stoker growing out of her mouth in one of the Olympus Module, this is however hearsay, and I cannot guarantee its authenticity. On another ship, much smaller, buff funnel line in the late 70's, a deaf and dumb "lady" from a small port in Holland, allowed her head to be put in the vice in the chippys workshop so she could entertain members of the duty watch, and very good she was too. :wink:  

I was on the old Ark when a stoker was found showing the Golden Rivet to the NAFFI manager!. Both were off the ship within 8 hours.  

NozzyNozzer

A word of warning though, which nobody here seems to have mentioned yet. On the parade ground there is what resembles, to civvy eyes at least, a small plaque. They have one at the site of the old HMS Ganges which many contributors here did their training in as innocent 15 year olds. (Well some were innocent, the rest just looked innocent.) This plaque is situated just below the Mast. In the Andrew this is called a rivet. In 1976 some civvy contractors started digging round it and in the process broke the top of the rivet off. This special, golden, rivet kept the parade ground rivetted to the Earth's crust. Once loosened all hell broke loose. The parade ground cracked up and a whole cluster of trainees' messes, adjacent to the quarterdeck, slipped into the sea complete with their compliment of sleeping matelots. The Navy Board, in their wisdom, covered what had happened up by claiming they were decommisioning Ganges because of the raising of the school leaving age back in '73 - but this isn't true . The place is still haunted by their ghosts. DON'T, WHATEVER ELSE YOU DO at Raleigh, damage the top of this golden rivet, if indeed you are able to find it (it is well conceiled), or the same thing will happen. Click to expand...

Geoff_Wessex

Shakey said: I heard that someone painted a gold rivet in the engine room of the royal yacht for a laugh, dunno if this is true or not, though I was told safeguard. Click to expand...

• May 20, 2006

Geoff_Wessex said: Shakey said: I heard that someone painted a gold rivet in the engine room of the royal yacht for a laugh, dunno if this is true or not, though I was told safeguard. Click to expand...

• May 22, 2006

NozzyNozzer said: Geoff_Wessex said: Shakey said: I heard that someone painted a gold rivet in the engine room of the royal yacht for a laugh, dunno if this is true or not, though I was told safeguard. Click to expand...

GW has been transported to the Colonies for some aspect of his behaviour, it may be a while before we hear His answer 8O 8O 8O  

• May 23, 2006

janner said: GW has been transported to the Colonies for some aspect of his behaviour, it may be a while before we hear His answer 8O 8O 8O Click to expand...

Nemo said: What a fine question.......can't wait for the answer. Click to expand...

Just because it's legal doesn't mean it's compulsory...  

all_purple_now

Fletch said: The Golden Rivet story IS true though. A certain member of the Royal Family heard the legend and wanted to see it so one was gold leafed with the same gold leaf that was used for the gold line around the hull !!. Click to expand...

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I had arrived for a four-night “taster sailing” from Nice, France, to the Ligurian region of Italy, designed to entice passengers to sign up for a longer cruise. Here’s what I found.

The ship and cabins

The Spirit has many comforts and luxuries, including a fitness center, library, hair salon and a spa with a Finnish sauna that overlooks the sea. The deck layouts are spacious, with nooks carved out for privacy and relaxation.

Sixty-nine spacious cabins have windows that open onto the sea. My room, a junior suite on the third deck, had two large arched windows, mahogany tables, a balcony and a comfortable couch and armchair. The marble bathroom was lavish, with a gold-plated sink and large jetted bathtub.

The elegant interior design is inspired by the original Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for Marjorie Merriweather Post, the American heiress of the General Foods Corporation, with glossy wooden panels and gold trimmings. The Sea Cloud was the largest private sailing yacht in the world before Post handed it over to the U.S. Navy for use as a weather-reporting vessel during World War II. The four-mast, 64-passenger ship has since been restored to its former glory and will sail across the Aegean and Adriatic this summer.

The experience felt authentic — even before the sails were set — with a detailed safety drill. On most cruises, the drill entails a safety video and signing in at an assembly point. But here, passengers put on their life jackets and walked through emergency scenarios that included rationing food supplies and fishing from the lifeboat.

Each day, the sails were set, even during heavy rain and wind speeds over 30 knots. Guests wanting to participate in the rigging are usually invited to do so, but the weather conditions made it too risky for this sailing.

“It was amazing to watch the work go into putting the sails up and down and to experience the wind power pulling the ship so fast without the engines,” said Malte Rahnenfuehrer, a 50-year-old psychologist from Zurich, who was traveling with his partner and two children.

The captain

It is rare for cruise passengers to see the ship’s captain after the initial welcome drinks or gala dinner. But Capt. Vukota Stojanovic was omnipresent throughout the cruise, from setting sails to lifeguarding to mingling with guests.

Originally from Montenegro, Captain Stojanovic piloted container ships for years. When he was asked to consider helming the original Sea Cloud nearly 10 years ago, he hesitated because he had no experience sailing. Even after he learned the ropes — and there are 340 ropes (known as running rigging) on the vessel — he was unsure. “I grew to love the sailings, the boats, the crew the lifestyle, but I still felt I belonged on container ships,” he said. “It would be a big adjustment, especially because I would have to shave every day,” he joked.

Eventually, he accepted the opportunity and worked tirelessly to learn how to sail and operate the ship. Today, he keeps an “open bridge” policy, allowing passengers to visit the control room, even when he is wrestling with the wind.

“The crew and the passengers are all part of the experience, and I like to meet people and receive their feedback,” Captain Stojanovic said.

Environment

Sea Cloud Cruises aspires to take a “gentle” approach, using wind power to drive its ships wherever possible, even if that means changing course for optimal weather conditions. When sailing is not possible, the Spirit has two diesel-electric engines that run on low-sulfur marine diesel fuel. The company is also working with ports that have shore power capabilities to plug into the local electric power.

Onboard, there is an emphasis on reusable bottles and paper straws, and crew members separate solid waste to be compacted and removed when in port.

Excursions and Activities

We made stops in Portofino, San Remo, Italy, and St.-Tropez, France, anchoring offshore and getting to land by tender — a contrast to the big cruise ships with their loud horns and thick plumes of exhaust spewing from their funnels.

For passengers wanting to take a dip (there is no pool), the crew marked an area in the water with floats and an inflatable slide. The water was frigid, but many passengers took the plunge from the swimming deck. Guests could also take “Zodiac Safaris” around the ship to get views of the vessel from the water.

Excursions ranged from food and wine tours to e-biking and beach trips. In Portofino, passengers were free to explore the sights independently, including the Castello Brown Fortress and the lighthouse on Punta del Capo rock. There was ample time to eat meals on shore as the ship did not depart until 11 p.m. Over the summer, the Sea Cloud Spirit will sail to Spain, Portugal, France and the Azores, among other destinations. On Nov. 11, she will depart for St. Maarten in the Caribbean for the winter.

Wherever the vessel goes, said Mirell Reyes, president of Sea Cloud Cruise for North America, the company tries to “stay away from the crowds and ports where big cruise ships spit out 6,000 passengers.”

Summer prices, which include food and beverages, range from $3,995 for a four-night sailing in a superior cabin to $9,420 for a veranda suite. Seven-night sailings cost between $6,995 and $16,495.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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