![]() ![]() Plan to spend a lot of time on deck soaking in the sun, sea, and sky. Crew members are happy to demonstrate how to splice a line, reef a sail, or tie a proper knot.Īs attractive as the ships’ interiors are, the focal point of Star Clippers cruises is the outdoors. The bridge is always open, and passengers are welcome to peer over the captain’s shoulder as he plots the ship’s course. The lack of rigid scheduling is one of Star Clippers’ most appealing attractions. The day officially begins when the captain holds an informative daily briefing on deck with a bit of storytelling tossed in. Minimal heeling, usually less than 6%, is achieved through judicious control of the sails.Ī boyhood dream became a cruise-line reality when Swedish entrepreneur Mikael Krafft launched his fleet of authentic recreations of classic 19th-century clipper ships. Filled with modern, high-tech equipment as well as the amenities of private yachts, the ships rely on sail power while at sea unless conditions require the assistance of the engines. Star Clippers vessels are four- and five-masted sailing beauties-the world’s largest barkentine and full-rigged sailing ships. In 1991, Star Clippers unveiled a new tall-ship alternative to sophisticated travelers whose desires include having an adventure at sea but not on board a conventional cruise ship. It’s the covered outdoor lounge adjacent to the open deck space, where local entertainers often perform. The Tropical Bar, one of the most popular areas on board, is the center of social activity for predinner cocktails and late-night dancing. The centerpiece of the vaguely Edwardian-style library is a belle époque–period fireplace. Porthole-shape skylights create an atrium-like effect in the Piano Bar, which leads to a graceful staircase and the dining room one deck below. Those moments felt magical as the song would always inspire me to race up to the sun deck to listen and watch the ship's sails unfurl.With its bright brass fixtures, teak-and-mahogany paneling and rails, and antique prints and paintings of famous sailing vessels, the interior decor of these ships reflects the heritage of grand sailing vessels. My favorite memories of the cruise were when we'd depart for the next port-of-call, and theme music from the movie "1492: Conquest of Paradise" played over the ship's speaker system as we headed out to sea. ![]() We could also borrow the ship's snorkeling gear. Some days, the crew would bring water toys, like tiny sailboats and paddleboards, on shore for passengers to use along the coastline. In the Corsica town of L'Ile Rousse, I stopped to admire the Marinella Mermaid, a life-size bronze mermaid statue on a large rock in the harbor, before heading to a nearby white-sand beach. In Portofino, Italy, I trekked narrow stone pathways to a 15th-century castle, ate gelato by the harbor, and admired the city's pastel-colored homes. I never planned an itinerary, and instead just explored on my own before heading back to the ship for dinner. ![]() The Marinella Mermaid, a life-size bronze mermaid in the harbor of L’Ile Rousse.Īlthough I went ashore most mornings or afternoons, it was often only for a couple of hours, either to sit on a beach or take a walk through the local village. Without that fee, I paid the standard rate of $1,890 for a private cabin for seven nights, and flew from my home in San Francisco to France to start the cruise. This fee is often charged to solo travelers as it helps the cruise line make up for the lost revenue that would have come from a second person onboard, the LA Times reported. This meant the single-supplement surcharge for being a single passenger in a room meant for two would be waived. While researching on Star Clipper's website, I was sold on their French Riviera cruise when I saw that the company was offering a solo rate for my desired dates. I've haven't cruised on a mega ship before and never wanted to, since I think I'd be overwhelmed by the onboard casinos, amusement parks, and mall-like promenades.īut in the past few years, I have enjoyed sailing on smaller cruise ships, which I find to be more enjoyable and relaxed due to their modest size and limited entertainment options, like one movie theater and one to three pool areas, at most. Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, for example, which is currently the world's largest cruise ship, has a capacity for 7,000 guests, and includes 18 decks, multiple dining options, pools, and recreational spaces.īy comparison, Star Clippers' Star Clipper has a capacity of just 166 guests. Small ships typically carry under 1,000 passengers, while larger vessels can usually accommodate several thousand guests. The author paid $1,890 for a private cabin. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.
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