Ahoy Me Mateys, Hoist The Sails!

Now this is not something you would expect to here in the day to day sailing of your average Cruise Line, but on some ships this is the day to day running on board Star Clippers. Star Clippers operate three of the World’s largest and tallest sailing vessel. Now if you have done the glitz and glamour of the larger ships, why not try something superbly different and what is an one in an lifetime experience they offer or maybe two or three…

Visiting ports of called that normally can not reached by the larger and more commercial cruise lines, Star Clippers offer a more intimate experiences and the atmosphere of a private Yacht it is certainly one which you wont forget in a while, so what are they are about.

Star Clippers have 3 ships in there Fleet the Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and the Star Flyer. The Royal Clipper is the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world. She was Inspired by the Tall ship Preussen which was launched in 1902 and only sailed on the high seas for a few years but the years she said she dominated the oceans she sailed in, the Royal Clipper has the individualism and distinction of being the only ship at sea having five-masts and being fully rigged since her predecessor the Preussen, she may have been inspired by a ship in 1902 but the technology and décor is nothing like the Preussen.

The Royal Clipper as do the other ships in the fleet boasts at State of the air navigation system and the ultimate luxury you would expect on a private yacht. I suppose you could say this is very similar to the River Cruising market and offers a very intimate and boutique cruising experience but where are River Cruising is on more Contemporary ships, Star Clippers offer a more traditional yet Luxurious experience for the Connoisseur of cruising. The Royal Clipper has accommodation for just 277 guests and offers its guests 19,000 square feet of open deck including three swimming pools and a expansive deck for you to relax and take in this amazing ship, as it is the masts that have create such a special cruise experience it so it would be foolish not to sit on deck and take this amazing sight in,

The Royal Clipper

Whilst on-board there are plenty of places to hide away including one of the hidden balconies on either side of the front of the ship or if you want the best view at sea why not climb the mast to one of the crows-nests!

And imagine this being somewhere in the Caribbean, docked off shore for the day, make use of the marina platform for your water sports or make you way to the one of a kind Captain Nemo Lounge, and see the underwater Glass portholes and she what sights you can see!!

The Star Clipper

The Star Clipper and the Star flyer are known as the stars of the sea, these two ships reflect the proud heritage of the tall ships offer lots of polished brass. When you step aboard these unique and amazing ships you will find the old age traditions of the past mix with the comfort and high standards we have come to expect in the 21st Century. Both the ships are 360 feet long and each carry just 170 guest in ultimate bliss!

Your will always find an eliminate of space on-board, with expansive teak decks and two swimming pools, it has been said that you get more space on board the decks than some conventional cruise ships of todays era.

The Star Clipper and Star Flyer have been finish to the highest standard and is reminiscent of the grand age of sail.

But if you are in to the more commercial aspects of cruising then not to worry as the Star Clippers Ships offer plenty, including Elegant and Sophisticated dinning areas, a convivial indoor-outdoor tropical bar and piano bar, and an Edwardian style library complete with a Belle Époque fireplace. You will also find Spa and gym Equipment, and evening Entertainment to keep you happy and content on these amazing ships.

Now just imagine this, sitting on the teak deck, cocktail in hand reading a book with the sun beaming down and suddenly a member of the crew shouts out, Hoist the sales!! As most of the power would moves the ship is wind power so the masts are very important to the ship getting to the next port of call and they need you help! For those that are slightly more adventurous you can help the crew do the rigging and ensure the ship is ready to go, now you can’t do this on many ships can you?

Hoist the Sails will you help?

To add to the fun of it all why not climb the mast to one of the Crows Nest and enjoy the outstanding views,

Will you dare to climb the Rigging?

Well and for not that are not of the adventurous type, Star Clippers are one of the only cruise lines that offer a 24 hour open bridge policy meaning you can go to the bridge and even help steer the ship – Under supervision of course, not to worry your fellow traveller, Imagine next port of call Nice and you end up in Mallorca!!

So when you are on board and you are sitting soaking in the evening sun, why not be amongst friend and gather round the Piano bar and sing a few favourite, I am sure they will throw out a few pirate songs, or for the more shy going person make your way to the tropical bar where the bar tender will make you up a strange concoction or two.

As Star Clippers do state ‘Clearly this is not a cruise ship in the Ordinary Sense’ On Star Clippers there are no rigid schedules, you can pretty much do what you wish to do with your day and evenings. For the evening entertainment they will bring the local performers on board to give you an authentic and cultured taste of the local music and arts.

But if you just want to sit and take it all in there is a live band which play tropical tunes, the Captains daily briefing on deck, yes not over the PA but on deck is a wonderfully experience to hear all about where you are and some great story telling as well. There are other events and activities during the day and night that have evolved from Star Clippers’ sailing heritage. In fact, ‘our passengers tell us that it’s the easy-going informality of Star Clippers that makes a cruise with us so special.’

Now I know what you are thinking you are going to need to go out clothes shopping, No you don’t!! So no stressful clothes shopping is needed prior to cruise as the dress code is casual elegance, although if you wanted to dress up you would not feel out of place. So what can you expect, in the mornings when you rise you can have a wander on the teak decks before going and helping your self to a continental breakfast or maybe treat your self to a full cooked breakfast, at Lunch you will be left deciding what to treat yourself to or you may find your self eating just to savour the fresh delights which will include a seafood buffet, salads and grilled favourites and if you stop at one of the paradisiacal islands they visit on a frequent basis, you might also be treats to a festive outdoor barbecues on shore.

The evening is more of an Elegant affair although still there is the Casual Elegant dress code so you never have to spend ages getting all dress up, you will be wined and dines in the appointed dinning room featuring a invaluable selection of fine art. You will be treated to the chefs finest culinary delights , designed and created to please not only the eye but the palate too and all finally complemented by fine wines,  and of course you do not need to worry about picking a dining time you just time up and sit whomever you wish including the officers who dine there most nights and not a seating plan in sight.

When it comes to the Grand Staterooms not a penny has been spared, you will have 2 twin beds convertible to a queen bed, marble bathroom, private safe, television and dvd player, hairdryer, direct dial telephone and in set in comfortable settings. The rooms have been designed for comfort and efficiency. Brass fitting and mahogany grace the staterooms to recall the nautical heritage, soft natural fabric have also been you to represent the sun, sea and sky.

On the Royal Clipper she has 14 deluxe suite offering the ultimate tall ship experience with private veranda, whirlpool tub and 24 hour room service. The two 355 square foot owners suites may be combined to accommodate up to eight guests.

As Star Clippers say ‘All in all, your Star Clippers cabin or suite is a perfectly arranged abode for day dreams and nights of blissful rest and relaxation’

www.tomstravels.co.uk – 0800 408 6143 – [email protected]