Cruising Fun!

Is there a better way to spend the summer than sailing the ocean on board the Sirius? Picture the scene for a moment: our intrepid reporter Tintin, the irascible Captain Haddock, Thomson and Thompson playing at being sailors at the last minute, Snowy already busy swiping a few ship's biscuits, and Professor Calculus...fast asleep in a row boat, having stowed away without anyone knowing! You have to admit, it’s the stuff dreams are made of. Well... provided you aren't looking for a relaxing holiday. Because aboard the Is there any better way to spend the summer than sailing the oceans aboard the Sirius? Just picture the scene for a moment: our intrepid reporter Tintin, the ‘grumpy’ Captain Haddock, the Thompsons who fancy themselves as sailors at the last minute, Snowy already busy stealing a few biscuits from the ship’s stores, and Professor Calculus… fast asleep in a dinghy, having stowed away without anyone’s knowledge. You have to admit, the poster is the stuff of dreams. Well… as long as you’re not looking for a relaxing holiday. Because on board the Sirius, the calmness never lasts very long.

Even before setting sail, the expedition is already setting the tone. Between the self-proclaimed descendants of Red Rackham arriving to claim their share of the treasure, the Thom(p)sons tasked with ensuring the voyage's security, and Calculus insisting—come what may—on bringing on board his astonishing shark-shaped submarine (albeit in pieces), the departure looks more like a chaotic free-for-all than a well-organised cruise. Captain Haddock, initially reluctant, has no idea of the twists and turns this whole affair has in store.

Once the moorings are cast off, the Sirius becomes far more than just a ship. Its deck, bridge, hold, and even its small boats serve as a veritable playground for Hergé. Here, we find Captain Haddock torn between the thrill of the adventure and occasional bouts of irritation—unsurprisingly—especially when he discovers that his precious crates of whisky have mysteriously been replaced by spare parts for Calculus’s invention. As for Tintin, he keeps his eyes fixed on the horizon, ready to spot the slightest clue. And then there are our two famous detectives… Without them, a voyage across the waves certainly wouldn't be the same.

The Thom(p)sons, for that matter, would almost deserve their own sailing certificates! Decked out in sailor suits topped with pom-pom caps—and with a affecting the air of old sea dogs—they primarily vie with one another in ingenuity when it comes to doing everything one shouldn't do on board a boat.

Between a crab deciding to maim someone and a cane crashing down onto an unfortunate colleague's foot, the crossing is certainly not for fair-weather sailors. And even back on dry land, there is no rest: they are immediately pressed into service to pump water—this time alongside a farmer, far from the open sea. Aboard the Sirius, their careers as police officers end up looking more like those of carnival buccaneers

And what cruise would be complete without a stop at a picture-perfect island? Sure, the sand is there, but there is no need to unpack the beach towels. Here, the goal is to dig and explore, hoping to finally get one's hands on Red Rackham’s treasure. An 'X' marks the spot, doesn't it? As the dinghy glides toward the shore and the Sirius stands silhouetted against the horizon, our adventurers embark on an endless search. And that’s not to mention the parrots that tirelessly call our heroes Sea-gherkin!", or “Pickled Herring!”, and other similar phrases. No matter: there’s the love of travel, the call of the unknown, and that irresistible urge to set foot on a land still shrouded in mystery. The Sirius takes care of the rest.

And so the days go by... yet still, not a trace of treasure. You’d think Red Rackham was having a laugh, leading the whole crew on a wild goose chase. But what if the adventure’s true wealth lies elsewhere? In those suspended moments—sailing from one cape to the next, sharing a meal on deck, preparing for a dive, or simply gazing out at the vastness of the ocean. More than just a treasure hunt, Red Rackham's Treasure is a magnificent invitation to travel. Hergé takes the time to let his story breathe and to bring us along with his characters well before the final discovery. So, if you are dreaming of a cruise this summer, perhaps you should skip the giant ocean liners. The Sirius may offer less comfort... but it certainly promises far more adventure—plus a deep-sea diving suit as a bonus.