Written By: Mirell Reyes, President of Star Clippers Americas
In 1989, Swedish entrepreneur Mikael Krafft turned his boyhood dream into a reality when he founded Star Clippers, the only modern-day cruise line dedicated to re-creating the golden age of the tall sailing ships while providing passengers with a mega-yacht experience.
Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels, visiting ports often untouched by larger cruise ships. Guests enjoy delectable cuisine in one unhurried seating and pampering services in a casually elegant atmosphere. Whether climbing the mast for a better view or relaxing in the net off the bow, guests step into a world where unique experiences abound and new adventures await.
THE SHIPS
Star Flyer and Star Clipper entered service in the early 1990s as the tallest clipper ships ever built, with main masts rising 226 feet and a maximum sailing speed of 17 knots. In July 2000, the twin sister-ships were joined by Royal Clipper, the line’s flagship and the first fully rigged square-rigger with five masts built since Preussen in l902. The two smaller ships, Star Flyer and Star Clipper, take 170 passengers each, with a crew of 74, while Royal Clipper carries 227 with a crew of 106.
In May 2015 the line announced that it has started building a fourth ship to add to its fleet of graceful square-riggers. The new vessel, will be the biggest and most ambitious project to date and will be launched in the second half of 2017, carrying 300 passengers, measuring 8,770 tons and powered by more than 6,350 square meters of sails. The new ship will technically be a five-masted, square-rigged barque. The new member of the fleet will be a near-replica of the impressive France II, commissioned in 1911 and the largest square rigger ever built.
LIFE ONBOARD
On Star Clippers you will find that there are no rigid schedules and no overwhelming sense that there’s not enough time. For our guests, time slows down and worries are left ashore. You are free to do as you wish with your days and evenings. Fill your day with activities or nothing at all, the choices are always yours to decide. To entertain you, we bring local performers onboard to give guests an authentic taste of the local music and arts. The Captain’s daily briefing on deck is wonderfully informative and a chance to hear some great story telling from our enthusiastic leaders. And there are other events and activities, such as knot tying and navigation classes, that have evolved from Star Clippers’ sailing tradition.
CULINARY
When you rise, help yourself to a continental breakfast with croissants, toasted baguettes or sweet Danish pastries. Or savor a full breakfast with fresh tropical fruits and crisp bacon, grilled sausage and omelets cooked to perfection in the dining room. At lunch, a marvelous buffet of seafood, salads and grilled favorites awaits your pleasure in the open-seating dining room. If the day includes a stop at one of the paradisiacal islands we frequent, you might also be treated to our festive outdoor barbecue on shore. In the afternoon, congregate in the Tropical Bar for an impressive snack buffet to tide you over until dinner. When evening comes, our elegantly appointed dining room, becomes the setting for the chef’s finest culinary presentations. On all three ships, you are free to dine when and with whomever you wish – including officers, who join our guests in the dining room most nights. No need for formal gowns and black tie, casual elegance is the order of the day and every single night.
REST ASSURED
There’s nothing so easy and pleasurable as falling asleep to the gentle rhythms of the ship and sea, unless it’s awakening refreshed the next morning to a new day. Like a fine luxury hotel, all the amenities are here: double beds or twin beds that can be converted to a king, marble bathrooms, private safes, television with in-house video, DVD player with complimentary movie rentals, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer and comfortable furnishings. On Royal Clipper, 14 deluxe suites offer the ultimate in cruising comfort, with private verandahs, mini bars, whirlpool tubs and 24-hour room service. All but six of the ship’s 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 comfortably.
HONEYMOON & SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Honeymooners can celebrate their wedded bliss in the ultimate romantic setting while sailing to gorgeous and unique locales worthy of this once-in-a-lifetime milestone. There’s nothing more romantic then watching the sails inch up the mast as the ships gently glide out of port. Looking for some adventure onboard your honeymoon? Climb the mast, with the help of the sport’s department, and experience unbelievable panoramic views. If you are searching for the perfect way to begin your lives together, a Star Clippers honeymoon offers an idyllic combination of adventure and romance in a setting that inspires romance. For our honeymoon couples, there’s a complimentary bottle of champagne, plate of sweets, a special gift, and a certificate signed by the Captain for all honeymooners who have proof they married within three months of their sailing.
THEMED CRUISES
Star Clippers offers free daily yoga and meditation classes on select sailings.
Yoga classes take place on Star Clippers’ sun warmed teak decks under thousands of square feet of billowing sails – making the experience the ultimate relaxation for the body and soul. In addition, Star Clippers also invites an exclusive list of international celebrity chefs and sommeliers with a wide range of experience to give specialized lectures and cooking demonstrations onboard. To delight our guests’ discerning palates, the chefs’ signature dishes will be featured on the menu.
DESTINATIONS: CARIBBEAN AND PANAMA CANAL
During the winter the ships sails throughout the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Royal Clipper sails from Barbados on alternating voyages to explore the Spice Islands of the Grenadines and the Windward Islands with enchanting ports like Basseterre and Terre de Haut.
Aboard Star Clipper, guests sail from St Maarten on alternating itineraries that offer a fantastical sailing adventure in optimal conditions. This St. Maarten route will be available in 2017 on the Star Flyer. Star Flyer will also be offering new departures from Jamaica’s gem, Montego Bay in 2017.
The Panama Canal is still considered an amazing feat of engineering that is acclaimed as one of man’s greatest triumphs—and an avid cruiser’s right of passage. With a breathtaking backdrop and tropical climate, transiting the lakes and locks of the 51-mile Panama Canal aboard the Star Flyer is an adventure unlike anything you’ve ever experienced and a sight that only a select few in the world have witnessed. The Star Flyer will be offering numerous Panama Canal voyages in November 2016.
DESTINATIONS: MEDITERRANEAN
The ships reposition to the Mediterranean for the summer and fall seasons.
On Royal Clipper, guests can choose from a range of itineraries with departures from Civitavecchia (Port of Rome), Malaga and Venice, which include colorful Sicily, stops throughout the volcano-dotted Aeolian Islands, routes along Italy’s ever-romantic Amalfi Coast and the alluring ports of the Croatian Archipelago and Dalmatian Coast.
Star Clipper’s itineraries, range from three to nine nights, with departure from Venice exploring Italy, Tunisia, Malta, Croatia & Slovenia and Montenegr, as well as a Spring departure and disembark in the magical city of Barcelona.
Star Flyer’s itineraries, range from three to nine nights, with departure from Venice and Valletta exploring Italy, Tunisia, Malta, Croatia & Slovenia and Montenegro. In Summer 2016 Star Flyer will also have Venice round trips voyages with stops in Amalfi and Sicily, and longer routes with stops in Tunisia and Malta.
DESTINATIONS: GRAND VOYAGE
Seven countries in a single voyage. A Grand Voyage is a journey of splendid proportions, combining back-to-back itineraries to form one epic adventure. Set sail on an in-depth exploration to some of the most intimate and exclusive destinations spanning the Mediterranean. With extended itineraries ranging from 12 to 21 glorious nights and calls at an interesting collection of ports, guests are able to explore several countries in one sailing and become deeply immersed in the culture, beauty and history of the region. The three ships sail Grand Voyages from the peak of summer into the idyllic climes of fall.
DESTINATIONS: NEW FOR 2016 ASIA
Starting in December 2016, the Star Clipper will spend the winter and spring in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. The 170-passenger Star Clipper with cruises out of Phuket, operating seven-night round trip cruises with two Thailand itineraries, northbound and southbound, as well as seven departures that either begin or end in Singapore. Star Clipper will explore the many islands scattered off the coast of Phuket, accessible only by water, with some of the most beautiful beaches and dazzling marine life in the world. There will be numerous opportunities for sunbathing, snorkeling, watersports, exploring on foot, and taking photo safaris in the ship’s Zodiacs.
READY TO SELL STAR CLIPPERS?
Please visit us at www.starclippers.com or call 800-442-0551 for more information and brochures.