by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:00 PM ET, Mon October 26, 2026
Sea Cloud Cruises will host its 2027 President’s Cruise aboard Sea Cloud Spirit, with Kevin Smith, president of the Americas, leading a seven-night voyage from Bilbao, Spain, to Lisbon, Portugal.
The sailing, scheduled for July 20-27, 2027, will mark the first anniversary of Smith’s appointment and his first time hosting the cruise. Smith and his wife, Christina, will join guests for dinners, evenings on deck and a special sundowner during the voyage.
“When the crew begins setting the sails, everyone on deck looks up,” says Smith. “It’s quite a sight and a reminder that nobody moves a ship like this forward alone. And that’s true for Sea Cloud Cruises, too. Our team makes the experience what it is, and our guests have a real part in shaping what comes next.”
Smith says two of his priorities for the company in the Americas are introducing the brand to a broader audience of luxury travelers who may not traditionally consider a cruise and strengthening relationships with travel advisors.
The itinerary combines cultural excursions, regional cuisine and traditional sailing experiences along the Iberian coast. One highlight is an exclusive, after-hours evening at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, giving guests an opportunity to experience Frank Gehry’s landmark architecture and selected artworks away from the usual crowds.
Onboard dining will feature flavors from northern Spain and Portugal, including Basque pintxos, Galician seafood and wines from Rías Baixas and the Douro Valley.
Ports of call include Gijón, A Coruña and Vigo in Spain and Porto (Leixões) in Portugal. Guests can also explore destinations such as Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela and the Islas Cíes. The itinerary includes a full day under sail before a scenic passage along the Tagus River into Lisbon.
Sea Cloud Spirit is a three-masted, full-rigged sailing ship that accommodates up to 136 guests. The vessel combines traditional sailing, with sails set by hand, and contemporary comforts in an intimate, yacht-like setting.
An optional pre-cruise program in Bilbao and Spain’s Rioja wine region is available July 18-20, 2027.
The seven-night President’s Cruise starts at $7,995 per person, based on double occupancy. Rates are subject to availability and change.
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