Club Med 2 Review: Is This French Sailing Yacht the Right Holiday for You?

I recently spent three nights on board Club Med 2 and came away with a much clearer idea of who this distinctive sailing experience suits best. There was plenty I loved, but there were also a few things I think are important to know before booking.

Here is my honest review, based on my own experience.

Life on board Club Med 2

One of my favourite things about Club Med 2 was the relaxed pace of life on board.

Days could be spent sunbathing on deck, enjoying the sunshine and watching the world go by. In the early evening, sitting outside with drinks and canapés was a lovely way to unwind after a day exploring ashore.

Breakfast and lunch on the restaurant terrace were particular highlights, with beautiful views across the ocean and our ports of call. There is something rather special about enjoying a meal outdoors with the sea all around you.

The food was fantastic, with a distinctly French influence and plenty of high-quality food and drink throughout the day. As someone who particularly enjoys fish and seafood, I was very happy with the choice available.

There was also the opportunity to enjoy water sports from the aft of the yacht when we were at anchor, alongside facilities and activities including yoga, a gym and a spa.

It all contributed to a holiday that felt more about enjoying the surroundings, relaxing and making the most of each destination than rushing from one activity to the next.

The destinations were a real highlight

Of course, the destinations are a huge part of the appeal of a sailing holiday, and this itinerary certainly delivered.

Portofino was a particular highlight for me. Its colourful waterfront, beautiful harbour and unmistakable Italian Riviera charm made it somewhere I was especially pleased to visit.

I also loved my excursion to Èze, the beautiful medieval village perched above the French Riviera. With its narrow streets and spectacular views, it was a wonderful place to explore.

These are the sorts of destinations that make a smaller-ship sailing experience so appealing. You can enjoy beautiful ports and memorable excursions while returning to a yacht that offers a very different atmosphere from a larger cruise ship.

Is Club Med 2 family-friendly?

This was probably the biggest surprise of my time on board.

Having experienced Club Med's land resorts, many of which are well known for their family facilities and children's activities, I had expected Club Med 2 to feel more family-oriented.

In reality, the atmosphere felt much more geared towards adults.

During my three nights on board, I spotted just one child, travelling with their parents and grandparents. Of course, that was only my experience on one sailing, and the passenger mix may vary depending on the itinerary and time of year.

However, based on what I experienced, I think families need to consider carefully whether this is the right holiday for their children.

My own tween-age children would probably have become bored quite quickly. I can see Club Med 2 working better for older teenagers who are happy with a more relaxed holiday, although it would depend on their interests and expectations.

If you are looking for a family cruise with plenty of dedicated children's activities, entertainment and facilities to keep younger family members occupied, I would want to explore other options with you before making a recommendation.

There are some fantastic cruise ships that cater specifically to families, and choosing the right one can make all the difference to everyone's holiday.

What about the French atmosphere?

Club Med 2 has a very distinctive French character, which is part of its appeal.

All the announcements during my sailing were in French, although the crew spoke very good English. The entertainment also had a distinctly French feel.

Personally, I enjoyed experiencing something different. It added to the character of the sailing and helped make it feel quite unlike a conventional cruise.

However, it is worth knowing about this before booking, particularly if you are considering a longer voyage. The language and style of entertainment are important parts of the overall experience, and what feels charmingly different to one traveller might not suit another.

If you enjoy French culture, food and a sociable European atmosphere, this could be a real positive.

Who would I recommend Club Med 2 to?

Based on my experience, I think Club Med 2 is particularly appealing to:

• Couples looking for a relaxed and distinctive sailing holiday.
• Friends travelling together who enjoy good food, sunshine and beautiful destinations.
• Adults who appreciate a more intimate atmosphere than a large cruise ship.
• Travellers who enjoy French food, culture and entertainment.
• People who want a balance of time ashore, relaxation and opportunities to enjoy the sea.

It is less likely to be the right choice for families expecting the same range of children's facilities and organised activities offered by many Club Med land resorts or family-focused cruise ships.

That does not mean it cannot work for families. It simply means it is important to understand the experience you are booking and whether it matches what everyone wants from their holiday.

Would I recommend Club Med 2?

Absolutely, for the right traveller.

I had a fantastic three nights on board and would happily sail on Club Med 2 again with the right people. I loved the food, the relaxed atmosphere, the time spent outdoors and the beautiful destinations we visited.

But I would not recommend it simply because someone enjoys cruising or has previously enjoyed a Club Med resort. The experience is distinctive, and understanding those differences is essential.

That is one of the reasons I value experiencing different ships and holidays for myself. Brochures and websites can tell you about the facilities, itineraries and accommodation, but first-hand experience helps me explain what a holiday actually feels like.

As a Travel Counsellor and Family Cruise & Travel Specialist, I want to help my clients find the right holiday for them, not just a holiday that looks good on paper.

Sometimes that means recommending something a little different. Sometimes it means suggesting an alternative that will suit the family better.

Ultimately, the best holiday is the one that matches your expectations, your interests and the people travelling with you.

Thinking about a cruise or sailing holiday?

If Club Med 2 has caught your eye, or you are comparing different cruise experiences for your next holiday, I would be delighted to help.

Whether you are planning a couples' escape, a family adventure or a special multigenerational trip, I can help you explore the options and find the right fit.

Call or WhatsApp me on 01403 473833, or email anna.murrell@travelcounsellors.com to start planning.

Anna Murrell
Travel Counsellor | Family Cruise & Travel Specialist