Small ships come in many shapes and sizes, but surely the most dramatic and romantic trips are those that are sail powered. Even within the sailing ships that we list, there is great variety; the modern Ponant & Panorama, and the luxurious Sea Cloud are visually stunning and very comfortable, but the classic lines of the Rembrandt van Rijn, a converted herring lugger, take the romantic's vote.
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Rembrandt Van Rijn
The Rembrandt Van Rijn, a 100 year old converted herring lugger, is currently plying her trade around the coast of Greenland and has 9 twin cabins, each with an en-suite shower. The vessel underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program in 2011.
The Rembrandt van Rijn carries a maximum of 32 passengers.
Click here to read more about the MV Rembrandt van Rijn and where she cruises
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Cachalote
Cachalote is a comfortable and beautifully decorated motor/sailor built to accommodating 16 passengers in her 8 cabins and offering guests plenty of space to relax in the spacious common areas located on her three different wooden decks.
Cachalote plies her trade in the Galapagos Islands.
Click here to read more about the Cachalote and where she cruises
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Noorderlicht
The Noorderlicht was originally built in 1910 in Germany as a three-masted schooner. In 1991she was re-rigged and refitted her thoroughly. The Noorderlicht now has a well-balanced two-masted schooner rig and is capable of sailing the seven seas.
Noorderlicht carries a maximum of 20 passengers and plies her trade around Spitsbergen.
Click here to read more about the Noorderlicht and where she cruises
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Katharina
Katharina is a mix of traditional and modern design. Her hull and rigging are traditional, while the deck house and interior were custom designed to adapt to Western tastes of space, privacy and comfort. Traditional Indonesian sailing vessels are customarily referred to as Bugi Schooners, but strictly speaking Katharina is rigged as a Ketch, the foremast being higher than the aft mast.
Katharina carries a maximum of just 14 passengers, and plies her trade around Bali & Komodo.
Click here to read more about the Katharina and where she cruises.
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Panorama I & II
The Panoramas are 3 masted sail cruisers which can accommodate up to 49 passengers in 25 cabins. The Panorama I was launched in 1993 and was renovated in 2009; Panorama II was launched in 2004. They are both modern and very comfortable, and all cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone, hairdryers, mini-fridge and safe boxes.
Panorama I plies her trade around Cuba, and Panorama II sails the Greek Islands with occasional forays to Turkey.
To read more about these ships, click Panorama I or click Panorama II.
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Le Ponant
Le Ponant's elegant lines make her stand out from most similar sized ships. The ship capacity is limited to just 64 passengers, and she is small enough to be able to sail into many smaller bays and harbours.
Le Ponant sails the Mediterranean in the northern summer and the Caribbean for the rest of her year.
This 68' ketch was originally built as a luxurious private yacht in 1984, she completed a major renovation in 2003 to update the cabins and all safety systems. She features 8 private cabins each with double occupancy, 3 heads with hot showers and a comfortable salon with a natural history library. On deck, the large deckhouse provides a comfortable spot to watch for wildlife.
Island Odyssey plies her trade on Canada's west coast and up to Alaska.
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The Island Roamer is a custom 68-foot ketch, launched in 1983. The boat's design, safety and comfort make her perfect for these trips. She features 8 private cabins (double occupancy), 3 heads with hot showers, a large comfortable lounge with an extensive library, and a well-equipped galley. On deck, the large covered seating area provides protection in all types of weather. The Island Roamer is large enough for comfort, privacy and safety, and small enough to create a good rapport among passengers and crew.
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The Ombak Putih is a traditional Indonesian schooner custom built from Iron wood by Buginese ship builders. The Ombak Putih is 42 metres long and provides accommodation for up to 24 guests in 12 comfortable cabins. Ombak Putih offers both open and covered space in abundance, allowing for privacy and serene relaxing.
All cabins are located below deck and offer private bathroom, portholes, individually controlled air conditioning, and ample storage space including safety deposit box.
Read more about Ombak Putih's cruises around Bali, Komodo and Papua New Guinea
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Sea Cloud I
Sea Cloud is a ship with a soul, imbued by the original owners, Marjorie Merriweather Post and her husband E.F. Hutton in the 1930’s. The ship has played host to royalty, known service in wartime, and sailed the world over. She is a vessel of incomparable grace that harks back to the golden age of ship travel.
Sea Cloud accommodates 58 guests in 28 outside cabins including two original owner’s suites that still feature original marble baths and fireplaces.
Read more about Sea Cloud's cruises in the Mediterranean & the Caribbean