Far from Ordinary with Star Clippers

At times when ships are getting bigger, we invite you to experience Star Clippers, a brand which has been bringing romance back to the high seas aboard their three sailing ships for over 30 years. Watch as 36,000 square feet of sail majestically unfurls above you, feeling the same elation of mariners of centuries past. Like them, you are soon bewitched by the wind and the sea. 

“All I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by." John Masefield: Sea Fever

Star Clippers’ Star Clipper and Star Flyer are true sailing ships worthy of their clipper heritage. Built in a Belgium shipyard in 1991/1992, they are long and narrow with extremely tall rigs which enable them to carry vast expanses of sail. These twin 360-foot long gems, each carrying only 166 guests, are as fast as the winds and as graceful as swans, proudly reflecting their nautical heritage, from the fully functioning decks, masts and sails to the understated glamour of the cozy Edwardian style library with Belle Époque fireplace.  Their interiors are furnished in deep wood paneling accented with gold and royal blue hues, with antique prints and paintings of famous sailing ships hanging on the walls. Small by today’s cruise standards, with just one dining room, a piano bar, outdoor tropical bar, and library making up the public spaces, they are still modern cruise ships in every way, with creature comforts and amenities of present day, accompanied by friendliness and enthusiasm of hospitable officers and crew. 

Life aboard is blissfully relaxed, much like travelling on a private yacht with a group of your best friends. The ambiance is intimate, yet spacious and you’ll never feel confined as these ships offer ample outdoor space.  Their expansive teak decks, two small swimming pools and the outdoor tropical bar are the hub of the ship, where guests flock for the daily delicious cocktails and conversations, happily chatting about their day ashore.

Inspired by the legendary tall ship, Preussen, the company’s flagship, Royal Clipper, joined the fleet in 2000 and has the proud distinction of being the largest five-masted full-rigged sailing ship built since her predecessor was launched at the beginning of the last century (1902). With her complement of 42 sails spanning 56,000 sq. ft., Royal Clipper is a breathtaking sight to behold. For connoisseurs of sail cruising, this 439 foot long vessel offers the ultimate sea-going experience, balancing the grandeur, adventure and tradition of sailing with the superb service, amenities and accommodations of a fine modern yacht. Royal Clipper carries just 227 guests and offers 19,375 square feet of open decks dotted by three swimming pools, creating a wonderfully spacious and expansive outdoor environment for guests to enjoy. The ship’s interior spaces are just as dazzling with its three-deck tall atrium that funnels sunlight into the elegantly appointed 3-level dining room, large enough for all guests to enjoy their meals at the same time. A convenient marina platform lowers from the ship’s stern for watersports. And for the ultimate unique Royal Clipper experience, enjoy the one-of-a-kind Captain Nemo Lounge, with underwater portholes. It is also where you will find the ship’s spa and health club.

When sailing on a Star Clippers cruise, you will find that there is no rigid schedule, and moving around the ship is faster and easier due to its size. Pop back to your stateroom to grab something you forgot or come back from port to enjoy a lunch on board, before heading back out to explore again.  Clearly, this is not a cruise ship in the ordinary sense. Up on deck, watch the sun drop slowly into the deep blue ocean, as seagulls circle the darkening sky. Is there anything more enjoyable and peaceful than this? The dress code is fairly low key, although you may want to dress up a little bit on Captain's Night. No shorts or flip flops in the dining room at dinner, otherwise it's all pretty casual. Don’t forget your Captain Jack Sparrow apparel to participate in the popular Pirate Night, and bring something white for White Night.

Stiletto heels aren't allowed on deck, and you should consider bringing closed toe shoes if you want to climb up to the crow's nest. More on that further down.

The Captains are very friendly and their daily briefing on deck is wonderfully informative and a chance to hear some great story-telling as well.  Adventurous sorts will love climbing the mast to the crow’s nest for the grandest view of all (with safety harness provided and wearing those closed toe shoes) or relaxing on the bowsprit netting suspended above the ocean, the lucky ones marveling at dolphins playing in the waves beneath. Discover sailing techniques, help to hoist the sails as Vangelis’ 1492 Conquest of Paradise plays through the ship’s speakers (giving you goosebumps no matter how many times you hear it) and brush up on your marine knots in a sailor-led class. Learn the names of the different sails - Upper Top Gallant, Main Fisherman, Spanker or the Flying Jib - and how to use a sextant, in unique hands-on activities. Or sit back and watch the hilarious crab racing contest. It’s this laid-back, casual ambience that makes a cruise with Star Clippers all the more enjoyable, with a live band encouraging you to get on your feet and dance. These ships are what we call Good Sea Ships, stabilized by a system of anti-roll tanks, bilge keels and sails, to keep them steady, cutting through the waves in relative comfort even for the non-sailors among us. 

On beach stop days, the ship’s sports team offers you complimentary kayaks, paddle boards and dinghies as well as water skiing, and windsurfing. On Royal Clipper, you can enjoy some of these activities directly from the ship’s marine platform, which can be lowered to sea level. Star Clippers’ tenders or Zodiacs allow you to go ashore in comfort and disembark either in port or directly on the beach, where you are free to set off and explore on your own or as part of an optional shore excursion.

On Star Clipper and Star Flyer, all but six of the ship’s 83 staterooms are ocean-view and offer all the amenities you need during your stay. A comfy king-sized bed which converts to two twins, spacious marble bathroom with shower, a private safe, flat screen TV with a DVD player and complimentary movie rentals, in-room phone, hairdryer and comfortable, well-appointed furnishings you will enjoy coming back to after a busy day at the beach. Eight Deluxe Deck staterooms offer minibar, bathroom with bathtub and doors that open directly onto the deck. And for relaxing indulgence, a 237-square-foot Owner's Suite offers you a separate sitting area, minibar, marble bathroom with a tub, a fixed double bed as well as 24-hour room service. Everything is immaculately maintained, and the staff is far from intrusive.  Of course, with a smaller sized ship, while the accommodation is light and airy, the staterooms and suites are not as large as you would find on larger cruise ships. On Royal Clipper, all but six of the ship’s 114 staterooms are ocean-view, 14 Deluxe Suites feature private verandahs, mini bars, bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and 24-hour room service, and for the ultimate indulgence, two 430-square-foot Owner's Suites may be combined to accommodate up to eight guests comfortably. The staterooms and suites on Royal Clipper have 220-volt (European) plugs and require converters while staterooms/suites on the Clipper and Flyer provide both 110 and 220-volt plugs.

On all three ships, feel free to dine whenever and with whomever you want—including the ships’ Officers, who join guests in the dining room each night. For breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive buffet of continental and cooked options with fresh tropical fruits, croissants, French toast and omelets cooked to perfection. Lunch is also served buffet style in the dining room or on shore, with traditional fare of hot dogs, hamburgers, tasty salads, hog roast station as well as themed options such as sushi, teriyaki or noodles. In the afternoon, gather in the Tropical Bar for an impressive array of snacks to keep you satiated.  
Dinner is a more formal affair, with a multi-course à la carte menu and plenty of options, including vegan and vegetarian fares. Each night, samples of decadent dishes are placed in the piano bar to help you decide what you fancy eating for dinner. Steak and lobster are always among the most popular. Everything is beautifully presented and accompanied by a good selection of well-priced wines. If, somehow, you’re still hungry, there is a midnight snack also available.

Star Clippers will take you to the Caribbean, Central America, the Panama Canal, the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, including the Suez Canal Crossings and Grand Voyages. Itineraries are designed to maximize time under sail. For those with more free time, 14 to 28-night long Ocean Crossings offer long lazy days with nowhere to rush. If you’ve dreamed of sailing the Atlantic, this is a chance not to be missed. 

Free spirits, outdoor, sport and sailing enthusiasts, and pretty much just about anyone not wanting to follow a strict schedule, will enjoy a Star Clippers vacation. There is not one particular age group which is suitable. From families with younger children, to honeymooners, empty nesters and even a 90-year old who at one point has single-handedly sailed around the world, you will find an enchanting mix of fellow shipmates to share relaxing times on board. 

Whether celebrating an anniversary (you can arrange a vow renewal on board), birthday, or any other milestone, a Star Clippers sailing experience can infuse any special event with lasting memories. Honeymoon couples receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne, a plate of sweet treats, and an assortment of fresh fruit. Just make sure to mention it when making your booking!

How fortunate to be among the select few that will experience life aboard these legendary ships as they ply the world’s oceans. Come aboard for an unforgettable journey you’ll treasure for a lifetime. 

Contact your Travel Professional for details or visit here.