wantagig

I just found out I'm going on the Sea Cloud ll in December which will depart from St. John's and stop at Bequia, Tobago, St. Lucia and Dominica. I've never been on a sailing ship like this before with only about 40 cabins. I'd love to hear from someone out there in Fodor land who has any experience with this adventure. Thanks!

Laoghaire

Hello...A Doctor friend and his wife recently sailed the Sea Cloud II, out of Barbados and loved every minute of it! He couldn't stop raving about it. They have "bare boated" in the Caribbean, but thought this was certainly the way to go. They thought the ship was magnificent, as was the service.

Have a wonderful sail, and let us know how you enjoyed it.

Helen

Pilates

Laoghaire, Thanks so much for taking time out to reply. I'm excited to see these ports of call where I've never visited before, although I have been to St. Johns. This sounds like a real adventure. And you're right, I should (and will) let you know what it is like. It could be helpful to the next person who may inquire.

What does bare boating mean?

wantagig

Ol' dopey me, I posted this under wantagig, but 95% of the time, I open my Firefox browser which has my "Pilates" handle memorized on Fodors. Well, I'm a Gemini so it kind of makes sense to have a split personality ;-)

Laoghaire

Hi Again..."Bare Boating" means renting or chartering a sailboat or motorized boat without a crew. Usually someone who has a sail/motor of their own, but wants to sail in an area too far for them to take their own boat. Such as a person in Seattle wants to do their own sailing in the Caribbean. They rent/charter, and do all their own "captaining", food shopping and preparation. In other words, no sitting back and relaxing, and letting someone else "do the driving".

Living in the Seattle area, we have friends that "bare boat" often in the Caribbean. Only wish we could afford to do it.

You will have a remarkable time, I'm sure. Can hardly wait to hear about it!

Helen