Sailing or Cruising!

Last week we had some training on Star Clipper Cruises, this is a  niche product and is more of a sailing experience rather than a cruising experience. This is a family owned company and there are 3 ships in the fleet, Star Clipper, Star Flyer and Royal Clipper.

Star Clipper and Star Flyer were launched in 1991 and 1992 respectively and are identical ships, 360ft long carrying 170 passengers in 85 cabins and has 74 crew members. Each ship has 2 pools which are relatively small but are sufficient to take a dip in when you are in the warmer climates like the Carbbean. Each also feature a piano lounge, library and 2 bars one of which is outside. The decor on Star Clipper and Star Flyer is reminiscent of the grand age of sail. Antique prints and paintings of famous sailing ships please the eye,while teak and gleaming mahogany rails are richly reminiscent of Star Clippers’ proud nautical heritage.

Royal Clipper is the largest fully rigged sailing ship in the world and was launced in 2000. This has 227 passengers and 106 crew so has almost a 2:1 ratio and is 5 masted and  square rigged. Like the Star Clipper and Star Flyer the Royal Clipper are all manned by hand. For anyone who is a sailing enthusiast then this could be the ideal experience for you as passengers can get involved and can help with the raising and lowering of the masts and a visit to the bridge is allowed also as all the ships have an open bridge policy. There are not any rigid schedules and you are free to do as you wish with your days and evenings. To entertain you local perfomars are brought onboard to give passengers and authentic taste of the local music and arts.

Like a fine resort, all the amenities are here: double bed or twin beds that can be converted to queen, marble bathroom, private safe, television with in-cabin video, DVD player, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer and comfortable furnishings. The decor is tastefully traditional. You’ll find the accouterments of a luxurious classic yacht, where everything is ingeniously designed for comfort, ease and efficiency. Burnished brass fittings and mahogany brightwork recall our nautical heritage.

On Royal Clipper, 14 deluxe suites offer the ultimate in cruising comfort, with private verandah, whirlpool tub and 24-hour room service. All but six of her 98 cabins are outside, and for the ultimate indulgence, two 355 square foot owner’s suites may be combined to accommodate up to eight guests.

The ships are based in the Caribbean from November to March and sail around the Winward and Grenadine Islands and then do a transatlantic sailing to bring them back to Europe for the summer. In the Summer they will sail around the Mediterranean and Greek Isles.

This is trully an experience that shouldnt be missed so why dont you give it a try!