Sailing and water sports are a perfect match, and the world’s largest five-masted yacht, Club Med 2, likes to promote this exclusive facility while cruising in luxury. Anchoring in a quiet bay in the Caribbean Islands or the Mediterranean and opening the massive aft door mobilises a multitude of water activities, including water skiing, sailing, snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, pedal paddle boarding, plus the recent introduction of Tiwal inflatable sailing boats.

Michelle Davies.

Back on board, enjoy cocktails, champagne, or the mixture of your choice before a three-course dinner with fine wines followed by a show. It still requiring some action, there’s a DJ with some magnetic dance music, and that is just day one of a seven-day Mediterranean cruise beginning and ending in Nice.

After a short stop in Sete we motor overnight to dock in historic Barcelona at 8.00 am on day three. Guests can explore the Spanish culture of one of the most popular destinations on the itinerary or stay on board and catch some sun with a maximum of 23 degrees and with attentive staff around the two saltwater pools it doesn’t get much better than this … or does it?

Repeat bookings give an indication of the popularity of Club Med 2 and many of the guests are seasoned cruisers. Former Sydney resident, now residing near Paris, Lynette and her French husband Bernard have cruised many times on Club Med 2, and Lynette could be likened to the ship’s matriarch, with passengers quizzing her on the history of the vessel and their previous experiences.  A day of onboard activities could go like this: 8.30 am muscular awakening, and as we go through the day we could enjoy yoga circuit training, a sporting walk around the deck, a Spanish speaking course, Tabata training class, a cooking show with executive chef Rudy, a visit to the bridge, poker competitions and afternoon tea. At 7:30pm an appetizer and live music on the back deck and after a leisurely dinner a live 80s dance party will start up at 10pm for the resilient.

Lynette and Bernard-repeat cruisers

The friendly staff are from a multitude of nationalities and have the endorsement to engage the guests. Unlike most cruise staff many of the senior officers and wait staff are encouraged to socialise and join the passengers for drinks, meals, and discussions, which creates an added dimension to this exceptional cruising experience. All the staff from room attendants to the F&B manager, Concierge to the Chef de Village are charming and informative. Meals are in the gourmet category with a French touch. Dinner is an experience with three or four choices for entrees, mains and sweets plus alcohol offerings including Champagne from 6.30 every evening.

Recent research shows one in 17 Australians are cruisers, says Michelle Davies, General Manager, Club Med for the Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand. Her team will implement a plan to increase awareness of the yacht with the public and aim at Australian couples who want to experience small ship cruising. “There is currently a high demand for smaller ship cruising and Club Med 2 can provide this,” she said. “Agents can benefit from a package which is 100% commissionable, with all pre-bookable services included. Club Med offers commissions on packages including air.”

Club Med 2 was revamped last year at a cost of AUD$15 million. She has eight decks with 184 cabins and suites, all of which have ocean views and it caters for a maximum of 380 passengers with 207 crew.

The yacht sails the Mediterranean from April to September and the Caribbean from November to March. She also offers transatlantic voyages in the spring and fall.

Captain introducing his crew

There are mini cruises of just four days up to a maximum of 21 days. A new 21-day cruise from Nice with stops in Turkey, Israel, Egypt and finishing in Greece is proving very popular.

A seven-night Caribbean cruise starts from AUD $3936. A 12-day Greek island cruise from AUD $6970. Cruises are all inclusive with an open bar, gourmet meals, activities, entertainment, entrance to the nautical hall, cooking, language, salsa classes and six yoga classes each day. All these luxurious add-ons are in accordance with the original Club Med and Club Med 2’s long-standing ethos to be all-inclusive, and that has been one of the enduring facets of the brand.

For further information or details, contact your professional travel manager or visit www.clubmed.com.au.

Written by: John Savage

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