Surely there can be nothing better on a Monday morning than waking up and knowing you’re about to get on a ship. Leaving home as if we were off to the office, instead we drove the 180 miles to Dover cruise terminal. The last time we had been here was for the Saga Spirit of Discovery naming ceremony in July 2019 and I had forgotten just how beautiful this old terminal building is. We arrived shortly after lunch at our allotted time and before parking our car we queued up to undertake a Covid test. After a 20 minute wait in our car we got the all clear and were directed to the cruise parking where the porters took our luggage and we were directed through security and onto the ship.

Boarding the ship on the open decks you are immediately greeted by the magnificence and splendour that exudes this ship, with the masts and sails towering above you and the beautifully crafted traditional teak decking under your feet. After a warm greeting from the Captain and Sailing Master, we were accompanied along the deck to the steps which lead you down into the main atrium area, housing the Piano bar and elegant two storey dining room. Down another set of steps and we were at guest relations where we were checked in and given our room key. As if by magic another of the wonderfully attired crew appeared at our side to walk us to our room.

We were in room 504, a balcony cabin located at the front of the ship on the marina deck. As soon as we opened the door to our room we knew this trip was going to be rather special with the decor reflecting the historic nature of this replica of the SS France II ship. The room is all dark glossy wood with lots of mirrors, wall lights and gold trimmings, an almost complete opposite of the chic, contemporary decor of so many modern ships. The bathroom is large, offering a jacuzzi bath with a shower overhead, a large marble topped vanity unit, a toilet and rather unusually these days, a bidet. The toiletries are all Noble Isle so there is no need to take your own, though ladies beware, if you like to style your hair you may want to take your own hair dryer, the one provided is rather woeful.

Throughout the bathroom and the suite there is plenty of storage with cupboards everywhere, though beware ladies, there isn’t much full length hanging space so limit the number of dresses you bring. In our room we had two desk chairs, a two seater sofa and a bed that was adorned with eight sumptuous looking pillows and cushions that I couldn’t wait to sink into later that day. Being a traditional sailing ship the door out to the balcony was a heavy raised double door which leads out to a large teak floored balcony complete with table and chairs, a metal fronted front and two heavy duty steel supports leading up to the masts.

No sooner had we explored our room than our luggage arrived so we unpacked and headed off to explore more of the ship. Our room was perfectly situated with a short walk to a set of stairs which led directly up to the top deck. It’s worth noting that there are no elevators or lifts on this ship, at all. There are four main decks including the top deck so you never really have to climb many flights of stairs to get where you are going but if you struggle with climbing stairs you might want to think about whether this ship would suit you.

Up on the top deck and the weather was gloriously sunny so we headed to the Pool bar which is located towards the back of the ship, besides the main of three outdoor pools. The main pool is reasonably large with a lovely stepped arrangement so you can sit around the edge without having to go all the way in, which was quite a challenge since the salt water is not heated! Another feature of this pool is its glass bottom which sits at the top of the atrium flooding the restaurant and Piano bar with shimmering light from the water in the pool. There is a smaller hot tub pool towards the front of the ship (which wasn’t being used on our voyage) and a four metre deep PADI diving pool right at the back. The PADI pool spans three floors with viewing windows in the Function room and its glass bottom fitted into the library ceiling on deck two.

The Muster was carried out on the open decks and with the ship sailing less than half full and such an expansive top deck there was plenty of space to try on our life jackets as we gathered around our allocated lifeboat, one of the four on board. Since we were due to leave Dover at 7pm and the sails were being put up at 8pm we headed for an early dinner in the main restaurant. Very quickly the crew were getting to know the passengers and whether they liked to dine alone or with others. Service was attentive but not obtrusive and although the menu is not large the food is good, with tonight’s highlight being a deconstructed cannoli.

Leaving Dover under engine power we had to be out of the main harbour area before the sails could be deployed. So as we finished our meal and the sun started to set we headed up to the top deck to be mesmerised by the sails coming down, accompanied by some emotive music played out on deck and the glorious backdrop of a beautiful summer’s evening at sea. And as day turned to night the sails were lit up, our only regret being that we couldn’t see the magnificence of this sight from afar.

The next day we remained under sail and even thought there was very little wind the engines stayed switched off and we maintained a speed of about 2-3 knots an hours which would be more than enough to get us to our next destination, the Isle of Wight, off the coast of Southampton. Rich started his day in the small gym which is located towards the back of the ship in deck one. The gym is very well equipped for the size of the ship but it does act as a bit of a corridor for guests to get to the spa and marina deck so chose your gym times carefully. Whilst Rich was in the gym Helen headed to the Compass deck which is located at the very front and top of the ship, where there was an open deck yoga session, a perfect way to start the day.

There are two main options for breakfast on board unless you are in a balcony room or suite which allows you to order room service breakfast. Most people head to the main restaurant for breakfast which offers a large array of hot and cold food all served to you by the magnificent crew. There is also a small selection of pastries, muffins, fruit and cold cuts available in the Piano bar where there is also a 24 hour self service tea and coffee station. During the day this little buffet area also serves a simple afternoon tea and delicious cookies are available most of the day and night.

Whilst there was a pretty decent programme of events arranged for our sea day, including some interesting lectures taking place in the small Function room, we were most fascinated by watching the sailing crew as they worked on the rigging, climbing the masts and constantly changing the direction of the sails. Working on the top deck must be a logistic Health and Safety nightmare with all the ropes and rigging equipment everywhere but even as a complete sailing novice it’s absolutely fascinating to watch. One of the most popular events of the day was the ‘Masts, Sails and Nautical Tales’ talk out on the open deck with the lovely and knowledgeable Ash, the water sports manager.

With the morning flying by it was soon lunchtime and there are again two main options for lunch (aside from room service). The main restaurant serves a 3 course meal with some ‘always available’ items as well as a starter, soup, a choice of 3 or 4 main courses and a dessert. Although the options are limited we were never disappointed with the lunch menu and the pasta dish soon became a firm favourite and something to look forward to almost as soon as breakfast was out of the way! The other option for lunch is The Horizon bar which is a quirky little area at the back of the Piano bar which is open to the sides and open to the deck above (although it is covered with a canopy on the top deck so that it can be used if the weather is less favourable than we had it). The menu here is the same every day and offers a light salad to start with and grilled options (beefburger, chicken burger or hot dog) followed by fruit or ice cream.

After lunch and with the top deck being in full sun we took a quick swim in the main pool before heading down to the spa to enjoy some time in the complimentary spa area which consists of a sauna, steam room, rainfall shower area and snow room, complete with actual snow. Down in the spa there are also a few treatment rooms and though we didn’t have any spa treatments from what we saw they were very reasonably priced. Just above the spa deck is another relaxing indoor venue, the Library, home to a variety of books and games which can be borrowed throughout the voyage. Also located here is a small shop and the destinations desk.

After a wonderful day at sea and with the evening being so warm we decided to eat our dinner in the Horizon bar this evening. Dinner, much like lunch, is served in the main dining room and the Horizon bar. Like lunch the Dining room offers a few ‘always available’ dishes alongside a choice of a couple of starters, a daily soup, a choice of three or four main dishes (there is always at least one vegetarian option) and a choice of desserts, though I would highly recommend the delicious cheeseboard, served with a lovely glass of port wine. The Horizon bar is much more informal offering simply steak, chicken or fish of the day served with roast potatoes and vegetables, with the desserts being the same as in the main dining room.

After a glorious dinner out on the open deck with the sunsetting in the background we stayed where we were to enjoy the live entertainment from the Welsh husband and wife duo It Takes Two who regaled us with an acoustic guitar set followed by some rocking party songs late into the night. though the evening entertainment on board is quite limited what they do have is very good and enough to keep the guests occupied. Every evening there is a themed quiz in the Piano bar which is sandwiched between piano music sets which continue late into the night. There is also a movie shown every evening in the Function room for those who prefer something a little less musical. But the highlight of the evening entertainment for us was always the live music on the open deck with plenty of guests dancing and having fun with this interactive duo.

Following a late night dancing in the Horizon bar we woke late the next morning to see that we had arrived in the Isle of Wight and were anchored off the beautiful sailing haven of Cowes. We had no idea if we would be allowed ashore so awaited an announcement which finally came at about 10am. We learnt from talking to other guests that there had been two shore excursions on offer but both had been cancelled. We really hope that rather chaotic communication was simply the crew finding their feet rather than the norm, we sometimes missed things going on around the ship simply because we weren’t told they were happening. However, despite the fact we weren’t allowed ashore independently, the crew worked together to bring us a revised daily programme including a tender ride around Cowes harbour and this gorgeous ship. It really was a delight to see the ship from the outside and the tender rides proved very popular.

Although we were a little disappointed not to go ashore the tender ride and the glorious weather made up for it, enjoying a wonderful afternoon out on the open deck playing rope quoits, drinking refreshing cocktails made by the wonderful Rudy in the Pool Bar and sailing passed the Needles on our way to Plymouth. As this was an inaugural voyage all guests were treated with a complimentary bar throughout the voyage and the crews incredible knowledge in mixology made this a wonderful perk. However, we did get a look at the drinks list and were delighted to see that the drinks on offer were actually very reasonably priced, alongside the fact that all voyages includes soft drinks and wine/beer with lunch and dinner.

This voyage had two planned stops and the next day we arrived in Plymouth, again anchored just outside the inner harbour. Although we hadn’t booked onto it there was a walking tour that went ahead on this stop, which it seemed the guests who partook in this really enjoyed, coming back on board with a lovely looking gift bag courtesy of Plymouth tourist board. Unfortunately again we were not allowed ashore independently but we did have a tender ride into Plymouth harbour accompanied by the shore excursion manager who gave us some history and information about some of the sights we could see from the tender. 

As Plymouth was less tidal than Cowes, the water sports team had also arranged for the paddle boards to be out from the marina deck so coming back from the harbour on our tender we caught sight of some guests having a small group lesson in paddle boarding. Unfortunately for us by the time we got back on board all the spaces for this had gone so we never got to have a go (though to be fair in  think I’d rather try this in the Caribbean than the jellyfish infested waters off the coast of Plymouth!)  

During another glorious day on deck enjoying the sunshine the wind started to pick up so as we set sail from Plymouth to make our way back to Dover the sailing crew were all hands to deck hoisting the sails to make the most of the winds, reaching the heady heights of around 6 knots purely under sail. Watching the sails being hoisted is really one of the highlights of this ship and it was incredibly romantic sitting out on the open decks at night with the sails hoisted and the lights on. 

Unfortunately the sails didn’t stay up for our sea day the next day, the wind was in the wrong direction and we had a way to go to get back to Dover in time. During the day the wind picked up even more and the weather turned, with storms brewing on the horizon. One of the things I had been a little concerned about sailing on a tall ship was the potential for the ship to move more than a traditional cruise ship on high seas. As the waves rose and the wind picked up we were pleasantly surprised to note that the ship moved no more than an ordinary cruise ship, in fact it even seemed more stable. 

As we approached Dover the weather got even worse, putting paid to the planned farewell party on the open decks. However, the party simply moved indoors and all the guests turned out to enjoy the signature cocktails and a speech from the Captain. That evening we had been invited to have dinner with the Sailing Master who is the second in command to the Master of the ship, one being responsible for the navigational operations and the other the sails. 

Upon retiring to bed that evening we were again treated to an inaugural gift from Tradewind Voyages which included a water bottle, a mug, a commemorative plate and a shot glass. Although we had been given disembarkation information the whole process was a very relaxed affair. We were simply asked to put our luggage out upon retirement, vacate our room by 9am and leave the ship before 10am. Breakfast was served in the main dining room as usual and we simply disembarked when we were ready. 

Overall, for a brand new line launching a brand new ship in quite extraordinary and challenging times, the crew and experience on board was wonderful. We had a very relaxing cruise with some of the friendliest fellow travellers we have ever met, where everyone was happy to just go with the flow and enjoy their time on board as much as possible. As a cruising experience this was different to anything we had ever experienced before and we loved the romance of it, meeting many people for whom this was there first ever cruise, appealing as it does to non-traditional, as well as traditional cruisers.

We would like to say thank you to Panache Cruises and Tradewind Voyages for inviting us on this complimentary cruise to experience this stunning ship.

If you are interested in booking a cruise with these or any other luxury cruise lines then we would recommend contacting a connoisseur at our trusted cruise partners Panache cruises - please mention that you have been referred to them through Visit With Us.

If you enjoyed this blog review and would like to read more like this, we would recommend our review of a week on board Silversea’s Silver Galapagos. If you would like to receive notification of any new blog posts, updates of our travels or links to our vlogs we would love for you to sign up to our mail list below. Thank you.