Greece Under Full Sail: Aboard Sea Cloud II

VENTUR TRAVEL DIARY

By Briony Rennison, Ventur Luxury Travel

Ventur Travel Advisor Briony Rennison recently set sail through the Greek islands aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II, experiencing a week of life at sea, beautiful island stops and the unique charm of travelling under full sail.

From sailing beneath a canopy of billowing sails to swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring lesser-visited islands and enjoying unforgettable evenings on deck, this was a journey that offered a wonderfully relaxed way to experience Greece.

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The Adventure Begins

Day.1

After boarding Sea Cloud II in Athens, the adventure began with a sail-away Champagne as we set off towards our first stop, Ios. There was something special about watching Athens disappear into the distance as we settled into life on board.

That evening, we enjoyed a Greek buffet dinner on deck, accompanied by the resident pianist. With the sea stretching out around us and the evening breeze setting the scene, it was the perfect introduction to the week ahead.

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Day.2

Today was all about sailing. By 9 am, all of the sails were up, giving us the chance to experience Sea Cloud II at its most spectacular. I also had a medical check in preparation for one of the highlights of the trip – climbing the rigging!

That evening was the Captain’s Dinner. We were invited to join the Captain’s table, beginning the evening with cocktails on deck before heading into the restaurant as the wind picked up. It was a wonderfully elegant evening and a great opportunity to get to know some of our fellow guests.

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Day.3

Our first island stop was Ios, where we anchored off a beautiful beach and made our way ashore by Zodiac for a wet landing.

The beach was one of my favourite moments of the trip. There was something wonderfully adventurous about stepping straight from the ship into the Zodiac and arriving on the beach surrounded by the incredible Greek scenery.

Later that afternoon, it was time for my rigging climb. After completing the necessary preparations, I climbed up the rigging of Sea Cloud II – an unforgettable experience and certainly not something you get to do on every cruise!

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Day.4

Today we arrived at Amorgos, one of the smaller and more peaceful Greek islands on our itinerary.

There were organised excursions available, but I decided to do my own thing and spend the day exploring and shopping. I really enjoyed having the freedom to discover the island at my own pace, rather than feeling tied to a set schedule.

One of the things I particularly loved about this itinerary was the opportunity to visit smaller islands that aren’t always as straightforward to reach from Athens.

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Day.5

Next stop was Milos. The island has an active port, and we quickly discovered that timing is everything when larger ferries are arriving!

We had just boarded the lifeboat, which doubles as the ship’s tender, when we received the call that a ferry was coming in. Rather than waiting on board, we enjoyed an impromptu little boat trip around the bay while the ferry made its way out.

That evening, dinner was served on deck with a fantastic fish buffet, followed by sea shanties performed by the sailors. It was one of those evenings that perfectly captured the character of Sea Cloud II – relaxed, sociable and completely connected to life at sea.

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Day.6

We arrived in Nauplio on another beautifully warm day. As temperatures were high, we decided to explore in the morning before the hottest part of the day.

We also had the chance to swim directly from the ship, with the water reaching an incredible 29 degrees. It was the perfect way to cool off and make the most of being at sea. Later that evening, Greek dancers came aboard to entertain us before dinner, adding another taste of local culture to the experience.

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Day.7

Our final island stop was Paros. Once again, we headed out in the morning and returned to the ship in time for lunch – where a delicious pasta station was waiting for us!

That evening, the Captain joined us for cocktails before we headed into the restaurant for our Farewell Gala Dinner.

After a week of exploring the Greek islands, sailing under full sail and getting to know the crew and fellow guests, it was a lovely way to finish the journey.

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Day.8

We woke up in Athens on our final morning. After one last breakfast on board and saying goodbye to some of the lovely friends we’d made during the week, it was time to disembark and head to the airport. It was certainly a bittersweet goodbye after such a memorable week at sea.

LIFE ABOARD SEA CLOUD II

One of the things I loved most about Sea Cloud II was how relaxed the experience felt. There was plenty to enjoy, but never any pressure to fill your day. Whether joining an activity, lingering over a meal or simply watching the sea, there was always time to unwind.

Breakfast offered a choice between the main buffet in the restaurant and a continental option on deck for late risers. Lunch was served buffet-style on deck, while dinner was generally a four-course experience in the restaurant, or on deck when the weather allowed.

The days followed an easy rhythm, with afternoon tea around 4 pm, cocktail hour each evening and late-night snacks brought out on deck around 10:30 pm.

Entertainment was understated but enjoyable, with the resident pianist, a lecturer, local Greek dancers and the crew’s sea shanties creating plenty of atmosphere.

Our Junior Suite was a wonderful base for the week. After days spent exploring islands, swimming and enjoying the ship, it was lovely to return to a comfortable space of our own – and another highlight of the trip.

Overall...

There were so many memorable moments throughout the week, but the Zodiac trip to the beach on Ios was a particular favourite. I also loved visiting the smaller Greek islands, each with its own character, and experiencing them from the perspective of a sailing ship made the journey feel very different from a traditional Greek island holiday. But perhaps the biggest highlight was the crew. Everyone was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and helpful, creating a warm atmosphere on board and making the experience feel genuinely special.

The beauty was in the combination of adventure and relaxation. There was the excitement of climbing the rigging, arriving on a beach by Zodiac and exploring new islands, balanced with long lunches, cocktails on deck and evenings watching the sun go down over the Aegean. With its smaller islands, wonderful crew and intimate atmosphere, Sea Cloud II offers a truly special way to discover Greece – one that I would happily experience all over again.