Star Clippers
Star Clippers
Independent Expert Reviews by Professional Travel Journalists
Star Clippers enjoys a reputation for the once-in-a-lifetime holiday that passengers want to experience over and over again.
The company offers a tall ship “mega-yacht” experience aboard authentic re-creations of classic sailing clipper ships that ruled the waves during the 19th century.
Star Clippers operates three of the largest fully-rigged sailing ships in the world - Star Clipper, Star Flyer and flagship, Royal Clipper.
The four and five-mast sailing ships provide the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht at a price which is often less than one would pay on a large, mass-market cruise ship.
Royal Clipper is the largest true sailing clipper ship in the world and joined the fleet in 2000.
The vessel carries 227 passengers and 105 crewmembers, of whom 20 are needed to handle all sails. The remaining 85 crewmembers serve passenger needs or are on support duty.
The ageless Edwardian style of the ship fits perfectly with its warm, welcoming atmosphere and traditional, nautical flourishes.
At sea, Royal Clipper is always under sail power except when weather or sea conditions require it be assisted by twin 2,500 horsepower diesel engines.
Royal Clipper balances magnificence, adventure, luxury and tradition to create the ultimate seagoing experience. With 19,000-square feet of open deck area and three swimming pools, passengers enjoy a spacious outdoor environment that exceeds the individual space provided by most conventional cruise ships.
Three pools offer cool refreshment for sunbathers on deck. The pools can use either salt or fresh water. The main pool is inset into the Piano Bar Lounge ceiling and has a uniquely designed glass bottom and side porthole design which filters light down through a three-level atrium to the dining room below.
Star Flyer and Star Clipper are both four-mast vessels and carry up to 170 passengers and 75 crew.
The two ships filled a niche in the market calling for the casual yet elegant style of a private yacht sailing vacation as opposed to the bigger-is-better theory of the huge floating hotel-cruise ships.
Star Clippers ships feature open-seating dining, a convivial indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar with an intimate Piano Lounge, and an Edwardian style library.
A marina platform conveniently lowers from under Royal Clipper’s stern for diving and water sports while Star Clipper and Star Flyer offer similar activities from a tender service or on-shore facilities.
Passengers wishing to climb to the lookout posts slip on a ship supplied safety vest tethered to a watchful crew member on the deck, who keeps the safety line secured as they make the easy ascent up one of the ratlines. All three Star Clippers ships offer this exciting activity as one of the highlights of the cruise.
Summer itineraries cover cruise the French & Italian Rivieras, Spain’s Catalonia and Balearic Islands and the ports and coastal resorts of Greece and Turkey.
Royal Clipper is based in Bridgetown, Barbados in winter with Star Clipper in St. Maarten for Caribbean cruising. Star Flyer operates itineraries out of Phuket in Thailand.
