The starting point for this short North Sea cruise is the harbour town of Elsfleth on the Lower Weser, which is, in a sense, a "glimpse into the past" for the Eye of the Wind. Just a few kilometres down the river from here, the ship was launched 115 years ago under its former name, Friedrich. From the Wesermarsch, the journey continues down the Weser towards the German Bight. Within a day's journey, we reach the high seas island of Heligoland, where a day in port with shore leave is planned. After another day at sea, we reach the maritime city of Bremerhaven. During your stay on board, you will enjoy the comfort and excellent cuisine, experience genuine traditional seafaring craftsmanship and learn how it feels to go ashore in the evening after a day at sea.

Our crew will welcome you on board at 7 p.m. In the evening, you will move into your cosy cabin on the passenger deck and get to know your fellow travellers and our regular crew over dinner. Would you like to finally fulfil your dream of sailing on a windjammer? This short trip is a great way to get a taste of the adventure of seafaring!

Sail actively or take it easy – the choice is yours

The Eye of the Wind is not a ship that likes to stay in port for long; late in the morning of the following day, it's time to cast off! After a safety and sailing briefing by the friendly crew, you can actively participate in life on board. Active assistance on deck is always voluntary and done with great enthusiasm. Of course, you can also simply relax and watch the sailing manoeuvres and other daily routine activities on board.

Our sailing area: North Sea and Weser estuary

Through the grey-green waters of the Outer Weser, we head out onto the charmingly rough North Sea. Soon, the Roter Sand lighthouse greets us on the horizon. The steady rocking of the ship's hull in the waves, the vastness of the sea and the quiet creaking of the rigging are the best ingredients for a wonderful holiday experience. The swell and the fresh sea air are known to make you hungry – from morning to night, our ship's cook will surprise you with varied recipes from the galley cookbook. And, of course, a cup of tea or coffee is always available to warm you up.

Sailor's reward: shore leave!

A stopover with an extended shore leave on the high seas island of Heligoland is planned. The exact route of each day's stage is decided by the captain on the basis of the weather forecast, often on the same day, and – whenever possible – also taking your wishes into account.

Heligoland: Germany's offshore island

The red rocky island with its landmark, the free-standing rock "Lange Anna", visible from afar, also offers larger ships a safe harbour and its visitors numerous opportunities for duty-free shopping. Make the most of your full-day stay with a walk through the natural surroundings of Heligoland's Oberland, a visit to the North Sea Aquarium or a boat trip to the bathing island of "Düne", where visitors to the island can share the beach with seals.

After a few more "tacks" (as sailors call manoeuvres to change course) on the North Sea, we see the distinctive harbour backdrop of the maritime city of Bremerhaven on the horizon. Here, you bid farewell to "your" ship, the crew and your fellow travellers with wonderful memories of your journey.

The route described here may change at short notice due to prevailing wind and weather conditions. The ship's command will decide on stopovers and the course of the voyage, taking your wishes into account whenever possible. This way, you will experience the trip as a pleasant mix of adventure and comfort, participation and enjoyment.

• 4 nights on the traditional sailing ship Eye of the Wind.
• Accommodation in a comfortable double cabin (single cabin at extra cost, if available).
• Full board (incl. all meals; water / coffee / tea).
• Saloon with TV / DVD player and extensive on-board library.
• Hot and cold running water, shower and toilet in each cabin, bed linen, towels and air conditioning.