Star Clipper Cruise
The Star Clipper cruise could be your ideal choice if you’re searching for a truly unique and intimate cruising experience. Embodying the charm of classic nautical adventures, this full-rigged sailing ship is part of the Star Clippers fleet, which offers a distinctive alternative to the typically larger and more impersonal cruise liners. In this blog, let’s delve into the journey aboard and know the Star Clipper Cruise Review highlighting everything from the dedicated crew to the unforgettable destinations.
When it comes to sailing cruises, few can rival the offerings of Star Clippers. Their fleet includes three magnificent tall ships, each meticulously designed to evoke the spirit of 19th century clipper ships. These vessels boast thousands of square feet of sails, beautifully crafted teak decks, and polished brass fittings that shimmer in the sunlight. The sight of unfurled sails is nothing short of breathtaking, and it truly allows the Star Clipper to showcase its prowess on the open waters.
Star Clipper Cruise Review: 5 Best Experiences on a Tall Ship
Unlike most traditional sailboats and sailing vessels, cruising on the Star Clipper delivers a sense of carefree comfort. With spacious cabins, elegant dining areas, and inviting lounging spaces, guests can relax and enjoy the stunning views as the ship glides gracefully across the waves. The atmosphere aboard is both relaxed and refined, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the sea while receiving top-notch service.
Every detail, from the carefully curated itineraries to the friendly interactions with the crew, contributes to an exceptional experience. Each port of call feels like a new adventure waiting to be explored, making every day aboard the Star Clipper ship a memorable chapter in your cruising journey. Whether you’re an avid sailor or a first-time cruiser, the Star Clipper promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the romance of sailing.
First Impressions of the Star Clipper
Stepping aboard the Star Clipper, you will be immediately struck by its elegant design, reminiscent of 19th-century tall sailing ships. The dark wood interiors and public rooms exuded charm, creating a cozy atmosphere that felt worlds away from larger vessels. The open decks offered panoramic views, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze while lounging in a deck chair.
The Star Clipper is a truly unique experience among cruise offerings. As one of the few tall sailing ships in operation, it blends the charm of traditional sailing with modern comfort, offering an experience distinct from the larger, more conventional cruise ships.
Here are a few first impressions passengers often have:
Stunning Aesthetic: The sight of the Star Clippers cruise under full sail is breathtaking. With tall masts and billowing sails, it feels like stepping back into the golden age of sailing, giving it an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. Passengers love the romantic look and feel that’s a far cry from the usual floating hotel vibe of larger ships.
Intimate Atmosphere: Star Clipper carries fewer passengers compared to standard cruise liners—typically around 170 guests. This smaller capacity creates a more intimate, personalized experience. You quickly recognize faces, form friendships, and receive more attention from the staff, which feels especially warm and welcoming.
Unique Sailing Feel: The ship’s design allows passengers to experience the sensation of true sailing. While modern amenities are in place, the ship is often propelled by wind, meaning guests feel the gentle rocking of the ocean, adding to the adventure. Some passengers describe it as calming, though it might take a little getting used to for others.
Hands-On Experience: A highlight of the Star Clipper, the larger cruise ships that guests are encouraged to be involved. You can help raise the sails, climb the mast for views, or just relax and watch the crew at work, which gives a sense of being part of a living, working ship rather than just a passenger.
Casual Elegance: Unlike larger luxury ships, the Star Clipper has a relaxed dress code and atmosphere, creating a laid-back but still stylish vibe. It’s sophisticated without feeling stuffy, so guests can unwind and enjoy without strict formalities.
Access to Remote Destinations: The ship’s smaller size allows it to reach ports that larger ships can’t access. Itineraries often include lesser-visited islands and harbors, giving guests a unique perspective on more secluded locations.
Eco-Conscious: The wind power used by the ship reduces fuel consumption, making the Star Clipper a more environmentally friendly option. Passengers who prioritize sustainability often appreciate this feature.
The Star Clipper offers a very special blend of nostalgia, intimacy, and adventure, perfect for travelers seeking something distinctive and hands-on in the world of cruising. You can even make a vlog of this travel to monetize and make a connection with people all over the world.
Accommodations: Comfort at Sea
The outside cabin is both comfortable and functional. With limited space, it was well-designed to maximize storage, allowing anyone to unpack and settle in. The cabin will be a quiet place to retreat after a day of exploring, providing all the essentials for a great time onboard.
Accommodations on the Star Clipper are designed to balance the nostalgia of traditional sailing with the modern comforts expected on a cruise. Though the cabins may be cozier than those on larger ships, they’re thoughtfully crafted to offer an enjoyable and unique experience at sea.
Key Aspects of Star Clipper Accommodations:
Classic Nautical Design: The decor in each cabin embraces a nautical theme, with polished wood accents, brass fixtures, and marine-inspired colors that make you feel like you’re on a classic sailing vessel. This design touch brings a timeless charm to the onboard experience, aligning with the ship’s overall aesthetic.
Comfort and Functionality: While cabins are generally compact, they make smart use of space. You’ll find comfortable bedding, ample storage for essentials, and thoughtful design choices like built-in furniture to maximize room. Most rooms come with portholes or windows, giving you glimpses of the sea and natural light.
Room Types: There are four main cabin categories:
Owner’s Cabin: A luxurious choice with more space, located in a prime area of the ship, providing the highest level of comfort.
Deluxe suites: These have extra space, often with additional sitting areas, ideal for those who want a bit more room.
Standard Cabins: Comfortable, with essentials like a small seating area, TV, and storage. These are well-suited for most guests, offering cozy yet stylish surroundings.
Inside Cabins: Compact but well-designed, ideal for solo travelers or those who prefer a budget-friendly option without compromising on comfort.
Modern Amenities: While the Star Clipper stays true to the experience of classic sailing, it doesn’t skimp on essential modern conveniences. Cabins come with air conditioning, private bathrooms with showers, hair dryers, and TVs. This balance allows guests to enjoy the sailing experience without forgoing comfort.
Private Bathrooms: Each cabin includes a private bathroom with a shower, which is a convenient feature considering the ship’s small size. The bathrooms are compact but functional, providing toiletries, towels, and space for essentials.
Attentive Service: Housekeeping ensures the cabins are tidied daily, and staff are attentive to guest needs, often going above and beyond to make the stay comfortable. From leaving small, thoughtful touches to anticipating needs, the crew’s care contributes to a warm and enjoyable stay.
Sound of the Sea: For those who love the romance of the open ocean, cabins provide the gentle lull of waves as a natural soundtrack. The Star Clipper’s smaller size and sailing design mean guests can experience the subtle, rhythmic motion of the sea—an immersive, peaceful experience for many.
Dining Experience
The main dining room featured open seating, encouraging us to mingle with fellow passengers from different nationalities. Each meal was an opportunity to savor delicious dishes, with plenty of time to enjoy the culinary offerings. The daily cocktail hour was a great way to unwind and socialize, often leading to impromptu gatherings at the piano bar.
Dining on the Star Clipper is a warm, inviting experience, combining the elegance of fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere fitting for a sea voyage. Meals are designed to complement the adventurous spirit of sailing, offering a variety of cuisines, fresh ingredients, and the flexibility of open seating that fosters a friendly, social environment.
Highlights of the Star Clipper Dining Experience:
International Cuisine with Local Flavors: The ship’s chefs bring together international dishes with ingredients and recipes inspired by the ship’s itinerary, incorporating local flavors from the regions visited. This adds variety and a cultural touch to the meals, giving guests the chance to experience new flavors daily.
Open-Seating Policy: Dining on the Star Clipper is open seating, which means you can choose where and with whom you want to dine, making it easier to mingle with other guests and form friendships. This setup reflects the intimate, community-driven atmosphere on board and is perfect for those who enjoy meeting new people.
Daily Breakfast and Lunch Buffets:
Breakfast: Mornings start with a buffet that offers everything from fresh fruits, pastries, and cereals to made-to-order omelets and hot dishes. The range of options caters to various tastes, whether you prefer a light breakfast or something more substantial.
Lunch: Lunchtime is a themed buffet that changes daily, featuring dishes that may reflect the culture of the current destination or provide a mix of familiar favorites. There’s often a live cooking station and a variety of salads, meats, seafood, and vegetarian options.
Elegant Dinners: Dinner on the Star Clipper is a sit-down, multi-course meal served in the main dining room. The atmosphere is relaxed but refined, with a rotating menu that includes appetizers, soups, main courses, and desserts. There are usually several choices for each course, from seafood and meats to vegetarian options, allowing you to tailor your meal to your preference.
Afternoon Tea and Snacks: Each afternoon, a tea service is provided on deck, with a selection of teas, coffee, and small bites like finger sandwiches, pastries, and fresh fruit. It’s a delightful pick-me-up after a day of exploring or relaxing on the ship and adds a touch of old-world charm to the day.
Special Events and Barbecue Nights: Weather permitting, the Star Clipper sometimes hosts deck barbecues, where food is prepared and served outdoors in a casual, festive environment. These evenings are memorable and create a fun, social experience with grilled meats, seafood, salads, and desserts served al fresco.
Friendly and Attentive Service: The dining staff are known for their attentive service, often remembering guest preferences and going the extra mile to make meals enjoyable. The staff’s warm, friendly demeanor adds to the overall experience, making you feel at home on board.
Casual Elegance: Unlike larger, formal cruise lines, the Star Clipper maintains a casual dress code for dinner, allowing you to relax while still enjoying an elegant meal. Most guests dress in “smart casual” attire, reflecting the ship’s blend of sophistication and laid-back style.
Well-Stocked Bars: Star Clipper’s bars offer a wide range of wines, cocktails, and beers, and they often create drinks inspired by the destination. There’s a main bar and a tropical-style deck bar, both ideal for sipping a cocktail and enjoying the views after dinner
Being the younger sister of the Royal Clipper, the Star Clipper dining experience feels thoughtfully curated to provide a variety of flavors and settings while reflecting the ship’s adventurous, elegant spirit.
Activities and Water Sports
One of the main attractions of the Star Clipper cruise was the variety of activities available. From water skiing to snorkeling, the marina platform made it easy to enjoy water sports. You should take advantage of the bowsprit nets for sunbathing and even climb the rope ladder to the crow’s nest for stunning views. The crew members were always on hand to assist and ensure a safe experience, making it ideal for first-time cruisers and seasoned sailors alike.
The activities and water sports on the Star Clipper cruise offer a unique mix of onboard entertainment, immersive sea experiences, and opportunities to explore destinations more intimately. Unlike traditional cruises with elaborate onboard activities, the Star Clipper emphasizes a connection to the sea, adventure, and hands-on sailing elements, providing a more personalized and outdoorsy experience.
Highlights of Star Clipper Activities and Water Sports:
Water Sports Program: The Star Clipper offers a range of complimentary water sports at various ports, giving guests direct access to the ocean.
Snorkeling: A favorite among guests, snorkeling equipment is available to explore vibrant coral reefs, marine life, and underwater landscapes at select stops.
Kayaking: Single and double kayaks allow you to paddle through calm bays, explore coastlines, and get close to nature in a way that’s peaceful and self-paced.
Paddleboarding: Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a popular option for guests who want a balance of exercise and fun. It’s great for admiring coastal views and can be surprisingly relaxing.
Dinghy Sailing: For those interested in a closer sailing experience, the Star Clipper offers small dinghies for guests to sail themselves. It’s an exciting activity for novices and experienced sailors alike, giving a taste of handling a sailboat.
Windsurfing: For the more adventurous, windsurfing is available at select locations, giving you the thrill of harnessing the wind on a smaller scale.
Beach Excursions and Barbecues: Weather permitting, Star Clipper often organizes beach days or deck barbecues at beautiful, secluded beaches. Here, guests can enjoy the ship’s water sports program, relax on the sand, or join a beachside lunch or barbecue, creating a memorable day under the sun.
Onboard Sailing Activities: One of the most exciting parts of being on the Star Clipper is the ability to engage in actual sailing activities:
Help Hoist the Sails: Guests are invited to help the crew raise the sails, which is a truly unique experience that connects you to the traditional art of sailing. It’s a moment that makes you feel like part of the crew.
Climb the Mast: For the adventurous, the ship offers the chance to climb the mast (with safety gear and supervision). At the top, a small crow’s nest platform provides spectacular panoramic views—a perfect photo op and memory-maker.
Navigation and Sailing Lessons: The captain and crew occasionally offer informal lessons on navigation and sailing basics, giving you insights into traditional sailing methods and maritime lore.
Daily Briefings and Lectures: Star Clipper hosts destination briefings and occasional lectures to provide insights into upcoming ports, the ship’s sailing route, local culture, and marine life. These sessions are informative and enhance your appreciation of the places you’ll visit.
Casual Onboard Activities:
Deckside Relaxation: The ship has a saltwater pool, a favorite place for a quick dip. The spacious deck areas offer comfortable lounge chairs and shaded spots where guests can sunbathe, read, or simply relax.
Evening Entertainment: Star Clipper’s entertainment is low-key and intimate, often featuring live music from a piano player or guitarist in the Tropical Bar or indoor lounge. There are also themed evenings, casual talent shows, and other relaxed social events.
Captain’s Story Time: A memorable highlight is when the captain shares personal sailing stories and maritime knowledge, giving guests an inside look at the life of a sailor. It’s a laid-back but fascinating addition that adds depth to the experience.
Shore Excursions: While the ship’s small size allows it to visit more unique ports and smaller islands, Star Clipper also organizes shore excursions (available at an additional cost). These can include guided island tours, cultural experiences, nature hikes, or visits to local markets, providing an immersive way to experience each destination.
Evening Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, evenings on the Star Clipper are perfect for stargazing. Guests often head to the deck to enjoy the night sky, sometimes with guidance from the crew on identifying constellations, making it a tranquil and awe-inspiring way to end the day.
Shore Excursions and Ports of Call
With a better-crafted itinerary, you will have enchanting destinations such as the lush paradise of Saint Lucia, the charming coastal town of Ile Rousse, and the pristine, remote beaches of Costa Rica. Each stop will be thoughtfully selected to ensure a rich and immersive experience.
During the shore excursions, you will explore the breathtaking national park, where you will be marveled at vibrant flora and fauna, and delve into local culture through guided tours that highlight the unique traditions and histories of the regions you visit. At each port, there will be opportunities to unwind on golden sandy beaches, basking in the warm sun and turquoise waters of the French Riviera.
The Star Clipper cruise stands out with its unique itinerary that emphasizes stunning destinations and often prioritizes access to smaller, lesser-known ports that larger vessels simply cannot navigate. This intimate approach allows passengers to truly immerse themselves in authentic local cultures, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, and engage in a diverse array of activities during shore excursions.
Expect a well-rounded experience, from strolls through picturesque towns and invigorating hikes in lush jungles to cultural exchanges that bring you closer to the heart of each destination. On a Star Clipper cruise, every moment is curated to provide extraordinary memories and a deeper connection to the enchanting locales along the way.
Ports of Call
The specific ports visited can vary based on the cruise itinerary, but some common regions and ports include:
Caribbean Islands:
St. Barts: Known for its beautiful beaches and upscale vibe, offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring charming shops and restaurants.
Antigua: Famous for its 365 beaches, Antigua is ideal for water sports, sailing, and beach days.
Barbuda: A quieter island with stunning pink sand beaches and opportunities for birdwatching, particularly at the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
Mediterranean Destinations:
Greece: Ports like Mykonos and Santorini offer picturesque landscapes, rich history, and local cuisine. Excursions may include exploring ancient ruins, local wineries, or beach visits.
Italy: Ports like Positano or Taormina provide stunning coastal views, historical sites, and vibrant local culture, with excursions that may include guided tours or cooking classes.
Central and South America:
Costa Rica: Offers lush rainforests and wildlife encounters. Excursions may involve zip-lining, hiking, or visiting coffee plantations.
Panama: Guests can explore the Panama Canal, visit indigenous communities, or enjoy nature walks in national parks.
Southeast Asia:
Thailand: Ports like Koh Samui or Phuket are great for beach activities, cultural experiences, and culinary tours.
Indonesia: Bali offers a rich cultural experience, with opportunities to explore temples, rice terraces, and local crafts.
Shore Excursions
Star Clipper offers a variety of shore excursions, allowing guests to choose activities that suit their interests. Some popular options include:
Cultural Tours: Many excursions focus on local culture, including visits to historical sites, museums, and traditional markets. Guides often provide insight into the local customs and history, enriching the experience.
Beach Days: Relaxing at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world is a highlight of many itineraries. Excursions might include transportation to beach clubs or picnic areas with sun loungers, water sports, and local cuisine.
Water Sports Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, and diving excursions are common, especially in tropical destinations. These activities allow guests to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Nature Adventures: Hiking excursions through rainforests, national parks, or volcanic landscapes provide an opportunity to connect with nature. Wildlife watching is often included, with opportunities to see unique flora and fauna.
Culinary Experiences: Cooking classes or food tours can be part of the itinerary, allowing guests to sample local dishes and learn about traditional cooking methods.
Shopping and Crafts: Many ports feature local artisans and markets where guests can purchase unique handmade crafts, jewelry, and local products. Organized excursions often include visits to these markets.
The Star Clipper Experience
Life aboard large cruise ships is an immersive celebration of the art of sailing, where every moment is steeped in maritime tradition. This majestic ship operates entirely on wind power, no engine power featuring an impressive expanse of sails that billow beautifully against the blue sky—a breathtaking spectacle especially when they’re unfurled in full sail. This commitment to classical sailing techniques distinguishes the Star Clipper from more conventional, engine-driven vessels, offering passengers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the sea.
Onboard, the slower pace of life fosters meaningful interactions, allowing for genuine engagement with both the attentive crew and fellow travelers. This creates a vibrant sense of community that is often lacking on larger cruise ships, where anonymity can overshadow connection.
The cruise experience on the Star Clipper is a harmonious blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. Each itinerary is carefully crafted to take you to stunning destinations, from secluded coves to historical ports, inviting exploration both on land and sea. The intimate atmosphere onboard encourages camaraderie, with opportunities for engaging in diverse activities, be it deck games, workshops on sailing techniques, or cultural presentations.
Personalized service adds another layer of uniqueness to the journey, ensuring that every guest feels valued and catered to. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or experiencing your first cruise, time spent aboard the Star Clipper promises to create lasting memories. You’ll cultivate a profound appreciation for the beauty of both sailing and the mysteries of the sea, all while relishing a journey that balances excitement with tranquility.
Final Thoughts
The overall experience on the Star Clipper will be exceptional. The combination of stunning destinations, friendly crew members, and a relaxed atmosphere made for an unforgettable journey. If you’re looking for a cruise that offers a unique blend of adventure and luxury, the Star Clipper and its sister ship, the Star Flyer, are perfect options. With limited space, smaller ships like these provide an intimate atmosphere that larger cruise lines simply cannot replicate.
Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or planning your first trip, a Star Clipper cruise promises a great time filled with memories and a sense of wonder. It’s a perfect way to discover the beauty of Central America and beyond while enjoying the thrill of sailing. The Star Clipper is a sailing ship that holds the Guinness World Record as the largest square-rigged ship currently in service, with an impressive 5,202 square meters (55,990 square feet) of sail. Experiencing such a sail would be a memorable gift.
