The Caribbean Under Sail with Lindblad Expeditions.

 For well traveled explorers who want to discover the Caribbean by sea there is not a ship afloat that can match the Sea Cloud’s ambience, illustrious history or the experience she offers. New for 2013 Lindblad Expeditions will introduce three 8 day/7 night departures through the Lesser Antilles on this legendary vessel, on February 28, March 7 and March 14, 2013.

The world’s most elegant square-rigged tall ship carries just 58 guests. The Sea Cloud flies 30 sails, hoisted the old-fashioned way — by hand. This romantic tall ship was built in 1931 by Wall Street businessman E. F. Hutton for his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post. Offering an incomparable mix of sophistication, fine service and informality, it is the epitome of barefoot elegance.

The week-long voyage will explore the “Nature Island” of Dominica, the French-infused cultures of Iles des Saintes, the renowned landscapes of St. Lucia, and the idyllic Grenadines. As the Sea Cloud visits colonial towns, historic forts and botanical gardens, guests will discover a surprising mosaic of French, Dutch, English and Spanish, who all left an indelible imprint on the historic culture and architecture. For those interested in the undersea, there will be several opportunities to learn about reef ecology, and to snorkel among colorful corals and tropical fish in the marine reserve of the Tobago Cays and the idyllic Grenadines.

During the voyage, Lindblad – National Geographic’s exemplary staff will illuminate and navigate these cultures, both historic and contemporary, through the expertise of veteran expedition leader Tom O’Brien; Naturalist Albert Montaudon, a biologist by training, conservationist by passion and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor; and historian Thomas Heffernan, an expert on Caribbean history and languages. Also joining on the March 14^th voyage is Kenny Broad, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer and an environmental anthropologist who dives in some of the world’s most challenging underwater caves on scientific missions.

Guests embark and disembark the Sea Cloud in Barbados. Rates begin at $6,990 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin. For more information or to book your Lindblad Expeditions experience today, visit www.expeditions.com, call 1-800-EXPEDITION or call your travel agent.