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Star Clippers fleet

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Star Clippers Ltd Corp (starclippers.com) is a Swedish/ Miami Florida USA -headquartered company and "tall sailing ship cruise" travel brand with a fleet of three luxury motorized sailing yachts. All vessels are fitted with computer-controlled sails in addition to the diesel engines.

The company's current fleet includes Star Clipper (4-masted barquentine/1992-built), Star Flyer (4-masted barquentine/1991-built), Royal Clipper (5-masted ship/2000-built). The brand's newest vessel (under charter) was planned to be Flying Clipper (now Golden Horizon) . However, the 5-masted sailship (2019-built) was instead chartered to Tradewind Voyages UK.

The company's owner and President is Mikael Krafft (1947-born in Stockholm Sweden ).

The "tall ship cruise" company officially started operations in 1991, since when it provides 5-star luxury (private yacht-like) vacation travel products and services to its sophisticated clients, with ~60% customer repeat rate.

Founded by Mikael Krafft, Star Clippers Ltd Corp now owns and operates the world's largest full-rigged sail ships. Star Clippers' flag-states are Malta (registered in Valletta ) or Luxembourg - unlike large cruise liners which are usually flagged Panama or Bahamas.

Each of the Star Clippers ships has an aft-located marina platform that is lowered (when the ship is anchored) to serve the company's complimentary scuba diving and water sports activity program. The marina also serves the passenger tendering operations in areas without port infrastructure and facilities (piers, quays, wharves, terminals). When the ship is anchored (at sea), passengers are disembarked via tender boats or Zodiacs (inflatable high-speed boats also used for landings). Each ship has 2-3 outdoor swimming pools (on Sun Deck) which are filled with seawater and open only if weather permits. All the clippers are fully stabilized and with two bilge keels (on both sides of the vessel) to reduce rolling.

The dedicated Water Sports staff assists and guides passengers on water-based activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, banana boating, sunfish/dinghy (sailboat) sailing, kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing. Onboard pre-scheduled on each cruise activities (also provided complimentary to all cabin category passengers) include outdoor aerobics and yoga classes, swimming pool (sundeck), deck BBQ parties, talent nights, crew show, fashion shows, local (itinerary/ports-based) entertainment (live folkloric performances by local artists boarding the yacht).

Above-deck lookout stations (mounted on each mast) are equipped with safety rails and comfortable lounge seats to allow passengers 360-degree observation. Access to these stations is via climbing the masts - with supplied safety vests and dedicated deck crew supervision and assistance.

Shore excursions are optional and cost extra (not cruise fare inclusive). Optionally can be also booked pre-cruise and/or post-cruise tours in both homeports (departure ports) and non-port cities. The vessels can be also privately chartered. Ship charter deals are with unique (customized) itineraries and tailor-made activities both onboard and ashore.

Onboard purchases can be made in cash, with travelers' checks or via international credit cards (Visa, American Express, Mastercard) and will be added to the passenger's invoice (debited in EUR). Cash or travel check payments require a EUR 300 deposit. Gratuities (onboard tipping) are not included in the fares (suggested EUR 8 pp per day).

The company's provided cruise documents also include luggage tags, which must be filled out with the passenger's name and attached to his/her bags before checking in. Bringing alcoholic beverages on the ship is forbidden. Ashore-purchased alcohol (in call ports) will be taken at the gangway (upon reboarding the ship), stored and returned upon debarkation.

All staterooms are fitted with twin beds (convertible to a double Queen bed), smart HDTV (with DVD player), satellite phone, electronic safe box, dressing table with an armchair, en-suite bathroom (WC, washbasin, shower, hairdryer), 110V flat plugs (for a deposit, adapters can be borrowed from the Reception Desk) and 220V European plugs (on the 5-masted ships).

During summer, Star Clippers cruises as itineraries visit some of the best-known coastal destinations in Europe's Mediterranean, including the Italian and French rivieras, Balearic Islands (Spain), Adriatic Sea's Dalmatian Coast (Croatia), Greece, Turkey. European homeports include Civitavecchia-Rome , Venice , Cannes , Piraeus-Athens ,

During winter, the fleet is deployed in regions like the Caribbean (Central America) and Southeast Asia. Star Clippers Caribbean homeports are Bridgetown/Barbados and Philipsburg/St Maarten . In Asia, the company homeports in Phuket/Thailand , Singapore , Benoa/Bali-Indonesia .

In mid-June 2024 the company completed the fleetwide installation of high-speed Starlink WiFi connectivity. The available for purchase onboard WiFi packages include a 1GB plan (EUR 18 pp/valid for 7 days), a 3GB plan (EUR 50 pp/14 days) and a 5GB plan (EUR 80 pp/21 days).

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Star Clippers canceled all Asian cruises with pre-scheduled departures in 2020 March 21, 2020, through August 2021.

Operations restarted in 2021 on August 3 (Royal Clipper/Mediterranean from Piraeus-Athens), August 7 (Star Flyer/Mediterranean from Athens) and November 20 (Star Clipper/Southeast Asia).

All affected bookings received full refunds in FCC (future cruise credit) available for rebooking.

Itinerary of Star Clippers

During summer, Star Clippers cruises as itineraries visit some of the best-known coastal destinations in Europe's Mediterranean, including the Italian and French rivieras, Balearic Islands (Spain), Adriatic Sea's Dalmatian Coast (Croatia), Greece and Turkey. European homeports include Civitavecchia-Rome , Venice , Cannes , Piraeus-Athens ,

During winter, the fleet is deployed in regions like the Caribbean (Central America) and Southeast Asia. Star Clippers Caribbean homeports include Bridgetown Barbados and Philipsburg St Maarten Island , In Asia, Star Clipper's homeports in Phuket Thailand , Singapore , Benoa Bali-Indonesia .

When seasonally changing the regions, Star Clippers schedules ship relocation voyages including Transatlantic crossings and Suez Canal transits on longer but low-priced voyages (RepositionCruises.com).

itineraries 2023-2024 (Mediterranean)

For those seeking an extensive and effortlessly curated vacation experience, Star Clippers offers a series of "Grand Voyages" ranging from 13 to 19 days. These voyages grant travelers the opportunity to explore a diverse array of exotic ports across multiple Mediterranean countries, all while indulging in the authentic ambiance of a tall sailing ship.

The leisurely pace of these signature Grand Voyages ensures ample time for in-depth exploration of ports both prominent and hidden. This unhurried approach enables guests to immerse themselves in the allure of ancient ruins, savor panoramic vistas, and relish the culinary treasures of the region. These extensive itineraries encompass a remarkable spectrum of destinations, encompassing the quaint islets of Greece to the vibrant, cliffside hamlets that grace the Italian coastline.

Star Clippers presents this opportunity across all three of its genuine sailing vessels throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

A captivating example is the 19-night journey aboard the  Star Flyer , commencing from  Valetta (Malta)  and culminating in  Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) . The voyage encompasses ports in Malta, Italy, Spain, and Morocco, before transitioning to the Atlantic crossing. The highlights include the picturesque island of  Gozo  in Malta,  Palma in Mallorca  with its splendid Gothic cathedral, Motril in Spain with its stunning beaches, and the vibrant Tangiers.

For an immersive exploration of the Greek isles, Star Clippers offers a 14-night round-trip sailing from  Athens (Piraeus) , encompassing ports in both the Northern and Southern Cyclades, along with Turkey. This journey traverses islands like  Skopelos  and  Skiathos , recognized from the famed Mamma Mia series. The romantic ambiance of  Spetses  unfolds through its beautiful beaches and winding cobblestone pathways, while the historical significance of  Patmos  is underscored by its association with the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine. A stopover in  Kusadasi, Turkey , opens the door to a tour of the ancient Ephesus ruins.

The  Royal Clipper 's 14-night  Venice  to  Rome  voyage embarks along the Adriatic, unfolding with stops along the captivating Croatian coastline. The itinerary offers a day in  Kotor, Montenegro , renowned for hosting one of Europe's most breathtaking harbors, enveloped by towering mountains.  Taormina in Sicily  boasts historic charm and captivating vistas, perched on the shoulders of Mount Etna. The journey continues along Italy's western coast, punctuated by visits to smaller ports such as  Ponza  and  Palmarola , before culminating in Rome.

For over two decades, Star Clippers has been an ambassador of modern tall ship sailing, offering travelers access to remote ports across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indonesia, and the Far East. The company operates three of the world's largest and tallest sailing vessels:  Star Clipper  and Star Flyer, traditional clipper ships equipped with modern comforts and accommodating 170 guests; and the Royal Clipper, an awe-inspiring five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship that can host up to 227 guests, holding the prestigious Guinness World Record for its unique stature. All three vessels feature extensive teak decks, swimming pools, relaxed dining venues, convivial tropical bars on deck, and inviting piano lounges.

Star Clippers related cruise news

Star Clippers integrates high-speed Starlink WiFi fleetwide

Star Clippers has announced the integration of high-speed Starlink WiFi across its fleet, enhancing internet connectivity for guests and crew on all...

Star Clippers unveils expert-led Theme Cruises for 2024-2025

Star Clippers, renowned for its tall ship sailing experiences, has unveiled an impressive lineup of speakers, chefs, and fitness instructors for its...

Star Clippers announces Grenada as new homeport for Star Clipper

Star Clippers has unveiled plans to designate Grenada as the new homeport for its 166-guest Star Clipper during a series of upcoming sailings in...

Star Clippers expands Caribbean itineraries with homeporting in Grenada

Grenada, renowned for its scenic beauty and warm hospitality, has been chosen as the latest Caribbean home port for Star Clippers, an esteemed tall...

Star Clippers unveils “Grand Voyages” to exotic ports in the Mediterranean

For those seeking an extensive and effortlessly curated vacation experience, Star Clippers offers a series of "Grand Voyages" ranging from 13 to 19...

Star Clippers opens bookings for all cruises until March 2025 on their 3 tall sailing ships

Star Clippers is now accepting bookings for all sailings until March 2025 on its three majestic tall sailing ships. New destinations available for...

Star Clippers lifts COVID vaccine mandates for cruise passengers

Star Clippers announced a new set of health & safety protocols with regard to the prevention of COVID for their fleet of tall clipper ships. The...

Tradewind Voyages UK cancels all Golden Horizon cruises in the Mediterranean (May-October 2022...

Tradewind Voyages, the UK-based operator of the tall-sail ship Golden Horizon, canceled all sailings through October 2022 as it pursues a...

Tradewind Voyages pauses Golden Horizon ship due to EU's sanctions against Russia

The UK-based operator of the tall ship Golden Horizon, Tradewind Voyages, has decided to suspend sales as sanctions against Russian entities had...

Port Bastia (Corsica France) welcomes a double call with tall-sail cruise ships Royal Clipper and...

Port Bastia (Corsica Island, France) welcomed a double ship call with Star Clippers' Royal Clipper and Ritz-Carlton's Sea Cloud. Both tall-sailing...

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Caribbean (All)

More ships cruise the Caribbean islands than any other region in the world, and Caribbean cruises treat vacationers to crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, abundant water sports and duty-free shopping. Caribbean cruises are divided into three regions: Western Caribbean cruises, Southern Caribbean cruises and Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Western Caribbean cruises can take you to see Mayan ruins on Mexico's Yucatan coast, snorkeling in the barrier reef off the coast of Belize or to Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach. Southern Caribbean cruises can take you to the beautiful beaches of Aruba, the rain forest of Martinique or the beautiful beaches of Barbados. Eastern Caribbean cruises may call on ports in the Bahamas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos.

Because so many people cruise the Caribbean islands, you'll find the most competitive pricing and the best per-diem rates on a Caribbean cruise. This is especially true in the fall -- just before the start of the peak Caribbean cruise season -- when ships return to the Caribbean from Alaska and Europe.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, but with the sophisticated radar and weather-tracking systems found on larger Caribbean cruise ships today, there is little cause for concern. Ships can easily change course to avoid storms and will substitute alternate Caribbean cruise ports as necessary.

For more information on the Western Caribbean, click here . For more information on the Eastern Caribbean, click here . For more information on the Southern Caribbean, click here .

• The Caribbean is blessed with continuously balmy, pleasant weather, making it a year-round cruising destination.
• Caribbean cruises last 4 to 14 nights.
• Many ships will alternate 7-night eastern and western itineraries, giving passengers the option of purchasing back-to-back cruises and remaining on one ship for a 14-night sailing.
• Caribbean cruises are particularly kid-friendly, making them ideal for family getaways. Most ships have children's programs, youth counselors and children's activity centers.

Hot Topic: Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas

Essential Star Clippers Review: Sailing Ship Cruise

Our Star Clippers review proves that there truly is a cruise for everyone. A small ship with Star Clippers can accommodate up to 170 guests, and its sails allow you to feel nature’s gentle push on the open water. 

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience on one of the cruise line’s three classic sailing ships, Star Clipper. There were surprises we weren’t expecting (like how spacious our room was), and those we were hopeful for that were proven accurate (like how friendly the crew and other passengers were). 

This post will walk you through Star Clipper, sharing everything you may be wondering about this sailing experience so you can book your next trip with them, from the cabins to entertainment, expected cost, some itineraries, and more things to expect. 

Disclosure: We thank Star Clippers for generously hosting us. We also may make a small commission from affiliate links in this post (at no cost to you), but all opinions are ours, and we bring you genuine content with real facts, photos, thoughts, and recommendations. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Star Clippers Review Overview

Our overall experience on the Star Clipper ship was phenomenal, and we had a great time. It's one of the only true sailing ships where the sails are manually raised and lowered, there's a casual vibe with an international crowd, we had plenty of time onboard, and the shore excursions were enjoyable.

Star Clipper is one of three ships in the Star Clippers fleet. (The other two ships are Star Flyer, which is a sister ship of Star Clipper in its architectural design, and the elegant Royal Clipper.) 

This tall ship is beautiful. It’s modeled after a classic Clipper ship (not one in particular, simply a Clipper ship in general, during the classic days of sailing). Though it can take a minute or two to get used to the vibe of this classic vessel, if you’re accustomed to sailing on modern cruise ships, you soon realize the beauty of her details.  

The sailing cruise ship experience gently reminded us of our American Eagle Schooner experience with Maine Windjammer Association. But most of the similarities stop at their sails and beautiful craftsmanship since their size, crew, and where they sail differ greatly.

Our cabin was spacious, the crew members were incredibly friendly, and the food was good. The onboard activities were just enough to give us options that kept us entertained but did not overwhelm us so that we had so much to choose from we couldn’t pick. 

We enjoyed an afternoon nap once or twice during our 7-night cruise, which, we admit, is a favorite cruise activity we indulge in when we get the chance. 

Star Clippers Cruise Cost

Depending on the itinerary and time of year , expect the cruise to start at $1,560 per person. 

Prices vary based on a few factors, including the time of year, length of the cruise, and what category cabin you book.

The Owner's Cabin, for example (there is one on each ship, and it's the highest category level), can be up to $10,000 for the cruise. There is a budget for every cruiser on Star Clippers, whether you have $2,000 to spend per person, $3,000, or $5,000, for example.

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Does Star Clipper Include Alcohol and Excursions? 

They do not include these things. Alcohol, however, is very affordable onboard. (Read on for detailed beverage information.) 

If you want to book excursions, be sure to factor in around $75 to $150 per person per excursion, depending on your cruise itinerary. 

You do not have to buy the excursions if you want to stay on the ship or explore the port on your own. 

Star Clipper Itineraries 

Our itinerary was one of two offered in Costa Rica. It sailed along the Pacific Coast of this spectacular Central American country. 

However, they have plenty of itineraries. For example, they have options in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, the Caribbean (where they can sail 70% of the time – a high percentage – because of the helpful Tradewinds in that area), and the Panama Canal. 

You can also sign up for an ocean crossings cruise 

Star Clippers Review of the Ship's Interior Design

The ship’s motifs are nautical. If we had to mention the ship’s color palette, we’d say it’s navy blue, crimson, and yellowish gold. The colors reveal themselves in things like the carpet, the dining room upholstery, and the carpet and bedspreads in the cabins. 

Star Clippers Cabins

We were in cabin 130, which is a Category 4 Outside Stateroom. We were pleasantly surprised with how spacious it was. Details follow about our room…. 

Cabin Access

You use a good ‘ole physical key to access your room. When you embark on your cruise, the Purser checks you in. 

He or she gives you keys when you embark in exchange for your passport. The Purser also records a credit card to have on file for your expenses and takes a digital photo of you for the ship’s digital ID system.

This is an easy way for a crew member to match your digital ID card with a face when you enter/exit the ship during port days, like any cruise ship does. 

The bed was very comfortable — not too hard, not too soft. We were provided two pillows each (a total of four pillows), which was exactly what we normally sleep with. If you’re particular about pillows and you’re curious what kind they were, they seemed to have a cotton filling of some sort.

Two comforters were laid on the bed for us so we could each have our own. 

Cabin Porthole

Most cabins have one porthole unless you are in one of the 11 inside cabins. The window let natural daylight in when the sun was up. 

At night, the cabin steward closed curtains over it as part of turn-down service, so when the sun rose the next morning, we could still sleep in darkness until we opened the curtains.

Cabin Storage

There was plenty of storage for our clothes, shoes, and the like, with closet shelves and hanging room for clothes. We appreciated that the closet door had full-length mirrors on the outside. There was also a pull-out drawer under the seat that was next to our bed and under-bed storage for luggage. 

A large mirror in our room was above a vanity shelf of sorts. Under that shelf were two outlets and a sitting stool. 

Our cabin, in particular, had another shelf under the television simply because of the architectural location of our cabin on the ship. 

Safety Deposit Box

Each cabin has a safety deposit box in the closet, controlled by a digital code you choose the first time you use it. We put jewelry and cash in ours. There was no need to store our passports because the Purser’s office has them for your entire cruise. 

We were glad we packed carabiners (as we always do) to clip our toiletry bags up on the bathroom hooks so they could be near us without taking up the small sink space around our corner sink. 

Some cabins have more sink space, and some have less.

Two shelves above the toilet fit our toiletry bags, but they weren’t where we wanted to have them handy. Thus, we used our carabiners to have them as close to the sink as possible. We easily clipped them to the hand towel hooks. 

The shower in our cabin was simply an adjustable shower head on a stationary rod above a floor drain, with a curtain to enclose the corner. 

The whole bathroom floor ever-so-slightly sloped towards the shower drain. 

Cabin Air Conditioning 

Each cabin has its own air conditioning unit that you can adjust by dial. It’s literally a dial to let more or less air into the room from the vent that is on the ceiling.

When we first went to our cabin, it was very stuffy, even though we opened the dial all the way to maximize the airflow. However, once Star Clipper got moving, the air started to circulate more, much like an airplane’s ventilation system being better once the plane’s engines start.

Television and DVD Player

Star Clipper cabins are equipped with both. The television only had two channels that we were able to tune into. One continuously played an old video of Star Clippers Royal Clipper ship.

We recommend renting a DVD from the Sloop Shop if you want to watch something in your cabin or checking out our Star Clipper Packing List, which recommends downloading shows and/or movies to your iPad before you leave home. 

Electrical Outlets

Hidden underneath the vanity shelf was one outlet with two plugs. They fit both European and US two-prong plugs. 

We recommend bringing an outlet extender to create more plugs if you know you’ll have lots of electronics to charge. It’s one of the useful things we included in our handy Star Clippers packing list.

Onboard Laundry Service

Should you wish to have the Star Clipper crew do your laundry while on board, there is a laundry bag and price list in your closet. It takes 24 hours for the laundry to come back to you.

Prices vary from around €0,50 to launder underwear to €5 for a nice shirt or €3 for a t-shirt. 

Noise and Cabins Above the Engine Room

It’s important to note that Cabin 130, and those nearby, are above the Star Clipper engine room. (It’s the same on Star Flyer, her sister ship.) Overall, this wasn’t an issue during the cruise. 

There was one evening, however, that we began sailing at midnight. That night, the ship engine could be heard very loudly from our room, and the heat from the engine room could definitely be felt! 

If you sail during the day, this likely won’t be an issue unless you’re trying to nap. Also, if the ship can run on sail power instead of engine power, the captain and engineers opt for that. In that case, the engine wouldn’t be running anyway. 

The cabins on Deck 2 (the 200 numbers) and the decks above are not on top of the engine room. Additionally important to note is that not all the 100 number cabins on Deck 1 are above the engine room; only some of them.

Owner’s Suite on Star Clipper

We had the pleasure of seeing inside the Owner’s Suite cabin on Star Clipper. It’s a beautiful cabin with a deep bathroom tub and wrap-around built-in couches. 

An important note is that Dan wouldn’t have been able to stay there for an extended period of time.

He’s very tall (6’2”), and his head touched the ceiling of the Owner’s Suite. But, judging from his height, if you’re 5’10” or shorter, then it’s truly a lovely cabin that any guest would be lucky to stay in. 

Star Clippers Review of the Food

The food on Star Clipper was very good. There were a few food standouts, with some appetizers and entrees being better than others, as can be expected. All the buffet signage is written in English and German. 

There is only one main dining area on Star Clipper, which has open seating. There’s table seating with chairs and booth seating. The buffet area is in the center of the space. 

Two breakfasts were available daily: An early riser’s option and the full breakfast buffet.

We loved the omelet station that was part of the full buffet. We had one daily, along with fresh fruit, bread, cheese, and potatoes. Protein was also readily available, including things like smoked fish, bacon, or sausage. 

The buffet was usually from 7:30 am to 9:30 am, give or take 30 minutes, depending on the day’s schedule. 

The Early Riser’s Breakfast was in the Piano Bar area. It offers small pastries, including croissants and danishes, and some fruit. Coffee and tea were always nearby and available all the time. (Drinks like cappuccinos and lattes cost extra.) 

A buffet lunch was available for two hours a day. Times vary slightly depending on the port schedule, but generally, lunch was between noon and 2:30 pm.

The buffet had something for everyone, with plenty of delicious options from fish to meat, vegetables to pasta, and a salad bar. 

Dinner was always served at your table as plated appetizers, soups, and entrees, ending with dessert.

One of the interesting things about Star Clippers is that they set out display food in the Piano Bar area approximately an hour before dinner so that you can see the appetizer and entree options for the evening. This very much helped us decide what we wanted to eat for dinner.

Some entree hits were Chateaubriand Steak, Pork Cordon Bleu, and Salmon with Sundried Tomatoes. 

Appetizer-wise, we really liked their Mushroom Soup (we must say, Star Clippers had surprisingly flavorful soups), zucchini-wrapped feta cheese, and Smoked Salmon with Capers. 

Their ice cream sundae bowls were always yummy. They have a cheese option each night as well that we enjoyed. (We love a cheese dessert, especially after barge cruising and river cruising in Europe so much, with plenty of delicious cheese to spare!) 

Snacks were available every day at 5:00 pm, accompanied by acoustic guitar music. This included fresh fruit, tiny finger sandwiches, and a small hot item, like egg rolls or chicken skewers. One day they treated us to a snack taco bar – it was a hit!

A snack was available again at midnight if you were still awake and wanted a nosh.

Star Clippers Review of Drinks

Drinks are done a bit differently on the ship than you may be used to if you’re a big ship or river cruiser because they don’t offer drink packages. Instead, they are priced reasonably per drink. 

Some you pay for, and others are complementary, like filtered water from a water station by the Tropical Bar. It is great for filling reusable bottles. Coffee and tea are complimentary and self-serve outside of dining hours. 

There are two bars on board: Piano Bar and Tropical Bar. The Tropical Deck welcomes guests starting from 8:00 am. 

Coffee and Tea 

There is a station for coffee and tea that is always available.

Teas including Earl Grey, Lipton’s, English Breakfast, Mint, Peach, and more are set out. They did not have any decaf tea on our sailing, so if you enjoy a cup, be sure to bring some of your own tea bags. 

Drinks like lattes, espressos, and cappuccinos can be purchased on the ship from the bartenders and are not complementary. 

All the varieties of alcohol you would expect are available on board, including vodka, gin, tequila, Aperol, and rum. Drinks are an average of €5 to €6 each, depending on what you get. I ordered a vodka dirty martini with several dinners; each was only €6. 

There is always a “Drink of the Day” for €5. It’s usually some sort of fruity cocktail, like a Rum Punch, Pina Colada, or Melon Ball. 

If you buy alcohol in the ports or bring it on board during embarkation, you cannot consume it on the ship. (They do not search your bags when you first board, nor do they search your bags when you board after time in the ports.)

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Star Clipper offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including sodas (coke, ginger ale, sprite, and orange soda, for example), sparkling water, and non-alcoholic beer, priced per drink. 

Star Clipper Public Areas

Aside from the dining room and two bars mentioned above, there is also the following on board: 

• Sloop Shop (Star Clipper Store) 
• Two Pools 

Bowsprit Net

Smoking area.

The library is lovely (and very air-conditioned). Its dark-red upholstery, carpet, and dark wood give it a nice warmth, finished with a framed painting of a sailing ship. 

Library books are free for guests to enjoy. There are books in several languages, including Dutch, English, French, and German. 

The library also has games, like Scrabble, for guests to play. Lastly, it’s where the excursion sign-up sheets and booklets are during the cruise. 

Sloop Shop 

Star Clipper had some of the best items to purchase we’ve seen on any cruise ship, large or small. It’s stuffed to the brim with linen shirts, t-shirts, cufflinks, watches, silk scarves, bags, etc.

It’s all very tastefully designed, with small “Star Clippers” logos and insignia incorporated into the design. There was a sale on some of the older “season’s” apparel on the last full day of the cruise, which was the day before disembarkation. 

They also sold toiletry items, like sunscreen, over-the-counter medication, and tampons. 

Two pools filled with salt water are open during most hours. It’s unavailable overnight, and, weather permitting; it is not available when the sea is rough .

At the front of the ship is the bowsprit net, which is often open for guests to lay out at the front of the ship. It’s not a place to bring your phone or items that could fall through the net into the ocean! 

There is a small area for smokers on one side of the outdoor Tropical Bar, where ashtrays are provided. 

On Board Afternoon and Evening Entertainment 

One of our favorite surprises on Star Clipper was live music and entertainment. 

Music During Late Afternoon Snacks

The daily schedule included music in the Tropical Bar area from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm and afternoon snacks. We’d be remiss not to mention Kirby for our Star Clippers review, who was the fantastic musician onboard.

Despite his youth, he delights with a decades-long songbook, including Frank Sinatra chart-toppers. 

Late Night Entertainment

Dinner started at 7:30 pm every night and lasted a good two hours. After dessert, you could either mingle with guests, go to bed, or stay up for the 10:00 pm nightly entertainment. 

We had a variety of entertainment throughout our 7-night cruise, including a dance party, trivia night, and a light show on the sails. The show has solid colored lights projected on the cloth. While it’s not Disney-quality entertainment , it’s still a fun experience, especially if the weather is nice.

One of the last evenings was a talent show. Guests and crew alike could sign up to show off their talents.

The hit of the show wasn't just the singers and musicians among us who revealed their talents during the two-hour show but particularly the activities crew, who were all teenagers enjoying a summer job as crew on the ship. They were inventive and fun-loving with their act creating costumes and singing traditional Scandinavian songs from their home country of Denmark for the show. It was very entertaining!

On multiple evenings, guided stargazing was held on the top deck at 11:00 pm with the Third Officer. They shut the deck lights off so you can see the night sky more clearly. 

Daytime Activities

Aside from simply enjoying your cabin and the ship’s pools and library during the day, additional programming is onboard. 

This includes things like a morning workout or a knot-tying class led by someone from the Sports Team. We enjoyed a Q&A session with the captain and appreciated the opportunity to climb to the Crow’s Nest platform about ⅓ of the way up one of the masts. 

The Crow’s Nest climb was so popular they held it twice during our cruise. Unfortunately, we were the last two people on the signup sheet and didn’t get to climb before sunset on the second day. We look forward to doing it on our next Star Clippers cruise! 

On Board Wellness

There is a massage therapist on the ship. Massages are extremely affordable at €60 for a 60-minute massage. The massage room is a lovely tented area on the top deck that is very tranquil inside. It's decorated with electric candles, shells, and a comfortable massage table.

Is there a gym on Star Clippers?

While there is no gym or workout room on the ship, a fitness class was offered every morning around 8:00 am, with instruction by one of the Sports Team members.

Star Clipper Tendering and Excursions

Excursions vary depending on what itinerary you are signed up for. Regardless of the ports you visit and your excursion options, several things are universal: 

• If you’re not directly docked on a cruise ship pier where you can step from the boat to the land, you’ll either have a dry landing or wet landing to get to the port from the boat.
• Excursions are priced per person per excursion.  

Tendering to Shore

A boat like Star Clipper often “docks” by dropping anchor in the open water and mooring at sea, as it’s called. This is opposed to docking directly on a cruise pier and means guests must be transferred to the shore. This is done via tender boat or “Zodiac” boat. 

One of two shore landings can happen in this case: 

• A wet landing is where you step off the boat, into shallow water, and then to shore. 
• Dry landing, where you step from the tender boat or Zodiac onto a dry dock of some sort. 

In the case of situation #2, you often need to walk up or down stairs to get on/off the boat to the dock in small port towns. 

You always need to walk down steps to get from Star Clippers boats to the tender boat, which takes you from the second deck down to the water level. 

Wet-Landings 

We had several wet landings during our cruise in Costa Rica on Star Clipper. They tell you you’ll have a wet landing ahead of time so that you can prepare with the proper footwear and clothes. 

We either took off our shoes to go into the water barefoot or went in with our water shoes on. 

We preferred wearing our water shoes because it can be risky to step into murky water barefoot if you cannot see what’s beneath the surface, like a rocky or shell-filled shore. Because of this, we recommend water shoes on our Star Clippers packing list . 

Note:  Don't cheap out on a pair of water shoes if you want to use them in the future after your first trip. Pairs that are $10-$20 rip easily. Plan to spend around $30 on a pair of water shoes , which will last a long time!

Our clothes got a little wet in some cases. One such instance was when we were on our way back to the ship in a tender boat when a wave from the wake of another boat splashed over us.

Another time was when we had to step into the water to get to shore. The water was thigh-high for shorter people (like Mikkel) but shallower for tall people (like Dan). 

Luckily, if you’re in a hot climate (and Star Clippers usually is), your clothes will dry quickly. 

Dry Landings

This type of landing is easier, of course. In this case, the tender ship can pull up right next to a dock, and you can step from the dry tender onto dry land or a dry structure. 

During our Costa Rica cruise, we had a dry landing four times. Twice for embarkation and disembarkation in Puntarenas, another time in Golfito, and once more in Quepos. 

We did a mix of things in ports during our week-long cruise. We signed up for excursions in some ports while we simply walked around on our own in others. 

The excursions very much differ from port to port and itinerary to itinerary. For this reason, we won’t get into the details of our excursions other than to say they were well orchestrated. 

Generally, the cost of the excursions was between $75 to $150 per person, depending on the experience. This included transportation, entrance to the experience if applicable (like a fee to get into a national park), a guide, and a meal if the excursion spanned lunch or dinner time. 

You sign up for excursions in a very simple old-fashioned way: while you’re on the ship by putting your name down on a sign-up sheet in the library. The excursion sign-up sheets are in a binder with 8.5×11” paper, with each excursion printed on its own sheet. They may cancel it if too few people sign up for it.

Star Clippers will inform you via email if any excursions need to be booked before your cruise. In our case in Costa Rica, the Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour had to be signed up for in advance. 

There was a short daily port talk to discuss the port we’d be visiting the next day and answer any guests' questions. 

Star Clippers AccessIbility

If you need the assistance of a walker, a cane, or a wheelchair to move around, we do not recommend Star Clippers.

There are simply too many stairs with no option to use an elevator and too many places you can potentially trip if you're mobility-impaired.

Additionally, it would be difficult to exit and re-enter the ship in ports where you need to go down stairs to get on a tender to reach the shore in 99% of the cases during the cruise.

Star Clippers Review, in Conclusion

A Star Clippers cruise is a wonderful experience for people who want a relaxing, small-ship cruise that truly sails and operates the old-fashioned way with a crew that hoists sails. 

Star Clipper goes to beautiful destinations. With the crew and fellow passengers you’ll meet, the enjoyable activities and food on the ship, and the wonderful itineraries, your vacation is sure to be memorable.

Read this next:

• Star Clipper Cruise: Interesting Facts about the Sailing Vessel
• Star Clippers Packing List (And Dress Code) with a Printable
• Coastal Maine Windjammer Cruises: Overnight Schooner Sailing Vacations

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Great post with a ton of detailed info for our upcoming Star Clippers cruise! Thanks for all of the great tidbits for packing and what to expect!

Thank you so much for your comment, Lauren. It means so much to us!

Having been on the Royal Clipper in January, your review was spot on when explaining what it’s like to experience a Clipper ship. Great job! Nancy C.

Thank you, Nancy!

Hi, Just about to book Star Flyer (hopefully) and your Great review and tips were really helpful. We’re ex sailors who lived on a boat for 15 years, so are fully aware what to expect, but nice to know about these particular boats (food, what to wear, entertainment etc). Hopefully I can report back once we’ve been on board.

We can’t wait to hear about your Star Flyer trip, Michele! Thank you so much for your comment and looking forward to your trip report. 🙂 – Mikkel + Dan

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Winter 2025/2026 Preview Brochure

We are delighted to announce the arrival of Star Clippers 2025/2026 winter preview , showcasing fresh and inspiring itineraries alongside the return of beloved favourites aboard three majestic tall ships. 

As already announced, Star Clippers' newest home port will be Grenada! Known as the 'Spice Isle', Grenada offers lush landscapes, friendly locals, and a wealth of experiences. Star Clipper will set sail on 10 and 11-night adventures from this beautiful island, stopping at exciting new destinations including Charlottesville and Castra Bay in Tobago, Carriacou's Paradise Beach, Charlestown Bay in Canouan, Saint Pierre in Martinique and Saline Bay in Mayreau. 

The ever-popular Panama Canal Transits return, with a brand new itinerary from Panama to Jamaica aboard Star Clipper. Following her transit, Star Clipper will spend Christmas 2025 in Costa Rica , visiting beautiful ports of call such as Golfito and Islas Tortugas , offering guests   the opportunity to soak up the sunshine amongst luscious green surroundings. 

Royal Clipper and Star Flyer will remain operating their ever-popular 7-night roundtrip voyages from Barbados and St. Maarten , with multiple sail dates available throughout the season. 

For those seeking the thrill of a Transatlantic Crossing , Star Clippers offer journeys from enchanting European ports to the captivating Caribbean, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the rhythm of life on the open sea. 

Click here to read the preview and begin planning your Winter 2025/2026 Star Clippers adventure! 

Check out our amazing new search engine featuring itineraries, maps, deck plans, cabin layouts, image galleries and much more.

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