Star Clippers to sail to Indonesia for the First Time

10th March 2016

Star Clippers tall ship cruises provide an insight into a bygone era of sailing, with itineraries operated in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and across the Atlantic on board three spectacular ships. Last year, it was announced that Star Clippers would also operate itineraries out of Far East Asia between December 2016 and April 2017 on board the Star Clipper. These seven-night sailings will take passengers to a range of stunning and untouched destinations across Thailand and Malaysia, with selected sailings also taking passengers to Singapore.

In addition to these sailings, Star Clippers recently announced that they will be enhancing their Far East Asia sailings with a range of 7, 10, 11 and 14-night Indonesia cruises. These exciting journeys, which will commence from May 2017, will be reminiscent of adventures embarked upon by Robinson Crusoe, with port calls to many tiny jungle-and-sand islands. One of the many highlights of these itineraries will involve being able to see Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat on the Indonesian islands.

The small size of the Star Clippers vessels provides a unique opportunity to visit smaller islands that larger ships are unable to reach. These include the volcanic island of Pulau Satonda, which was formed by a volcanic eruption on the sea floor millions of years ago. Today, it is home to towering mountains which hold a beautiful salt-water lake in the crater.

On the subject of volcanic islands, there will also be the option to embark on an optional excursion to Mount Bromo – a 2,329m high active volcano based in East Java. On the 14th day of the Hindu Festival, Yadnya Kasada, locals throw offerings of fruit, rice, vegetables and livestock sacrifices into the caldera as an offering to the mountain gods.

Travelling to the southern part of central Java, guests will have the opportunity to visit the impressive Borobudur Temple, which was built between the 8th and 9th centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a renowned Buddhist temple, which was built in three tiers: with a pyramidal base, five square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and a monumental stupa, which sits at the top.

Other cultural sites of significance visited on select itineraries include Pura Ulun Danu Bratan water temple on Bali, which was built in 1663 and is used for ceremonies to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess, Dewi Danu.

As well as visiting remote islands and cultural landmarks, passengers onboard these cruises will be able to delve into Hindi culture and explore bustling streets and exotic markets. They will also be able to see ‘Pinsi’ boats, which are traditional Indonesian sailing ships which feature twin masts, a wooden hull and seven billowing sails.

Following the tradition of Star Clippers itineraries, cruisers will have the unique opportunity to enjoy a series of water sports. Cruisers will be able to try snorkelling, kayaking and canoeing off many of the stunning island beaches.

Star Clippers founder and owner, Mikael Krafft, said "The Indonesian waters will really bring out the very best of a Star Clippers cruise and the natural scenery and spectacular sights will provide an exceptional back-drop for our beautiful ship, Star Clipper. Guests will enjoy the most memorable sailings in some of the most beautiful waters in the world, while daytime activities will be eclectic, exotic and each day will bring opportunities for new adventures."

The Circumnavigation that proved the World was Round

3rd March 2016

Many ancient cultures throughout history considered the world to be flat, with depictions including a floating in the ocean. Although it was not widely accepted until the 16th century, the Greek philosopher, Pythagoras, was thought to be the first to suggest the world was round in the 6th century BC.

In 1494, at a time where many educated circles still remained in doubt over the curvature of the earth, the Treaty of Tordesillas was signed by Pope Alexander VI. This divided the world in half, with the Americas and surrounding islands being promised to the Kingdom of Spain and sovereignty of the eastern hemisphere handed to the Portuguese.

Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese sailor, had gained a name amongst the people as a successful sailor and explorer for his role in the conquest of Malacca (Indonesia). He returned to Portugal in 1512 but ended up falling out of favour with the Portuguese monarchy for taking leave without permission. King Manuel I of Portugal repeatedly refused Ferdinand Magellan’s persistent requests to lead an expedition to the Spice Islands from the east.

He studied recent charts with the help of cosmographer, Rui Faleiro, in an attempt to determine a gateway from the Atlantic to Pacific which would avoid damaging relations with Spain. The passage he planned on sailing would take him through the southern tip of South America and is known to this day as the Strait of Magellan. In 1517, Magellan, along with his partner, Rui Faleiro, made successful contact with Juan de Aranda of Spain. With his support, they presented their project to the Spanish King, Charles I (also known as Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor).

The Spanish crown accepted and funded the project based on their terms and conditions. King Manuel I of Portugal was furious and ordered a naval detachment to pursue Magellan, but he managed to evade them. A fleet of five ships was sent on the expedition, which departed Spain in 1519 on a journey that later became an attempt to complete a circumnavigation of the globe.

It is worth noting that Magellan was Christian evangelist, which could well have been the cause of his death. After successfully navigating the Strait of Magellan and sailing across the Pacific Ocean, he reached the Philippines, where he remained adamant on converting all those that he met to Christianity. King Lapu Lapu of the Philippines, however, refused to convert, so Magellan burnt his village on the island of Mactan. The king continued to refuse and an ensuing battle saw Magellan struck by a spear and stabbed multiple times. To this day, the Philippines regard Magellan as a tyrant, rather than a hero and the Battle of Mactan is re-enacted every year.

Lesser known Basque mariner, Juan Sebastian Elcano, commanded the return voyage on board the only ship that would survive the circumnavigation. He and 18 survivors of the original crew of 260 arrived in Seville on September 6, 1522. Upon arrival, Elcano was presented with a coat of arms by Charles I of Spain. It featured the motto: “Primus circumdedisti me”, which is Latin for “You went around me first”.

Although the circumnavigation alone did not entirely prove the earth was spherical (it could have been cylindrical or irregularly globular), this journey provided a concrete example of the possibility of being able to sail around the planet. It would be 58 years until another attempt at a circumnavigation would be completed. This took place in 1577; when the well-known English navigator, Sir Francis Drake, became the first survive a complete circumnavigation. He returned to England on board the Golden Hind in 1580.

Despite many technological advances being made in the way we move around the world, cruising remains a popular way to travel. Today, Star Clippers can provide an opportunity to revisit a bygone era of traditional sailing, whilst taking you to blissful destinations in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Caribbean, Cuba and Far East Asia.

Experience the Azores with Star Clippers

25th February 2016

Those who enjoy finding hidden gems and quiet paradise islands will be impressed with the range of Star Clippers itineraries available. For example, a cruise to Cuba and the Cayman Islands will see you visit renowned ports including Cienfuegos (Cuba) and George Town (Grand Cayman). However, a Cuba cruise will also allow you to visit untouched areas, such as the Turtle sanctuary on the relatively untouched island of Cayo Largo (Cuba).

Star Clippers also offer a range of transatlantic journeys, which will enable you to visit a bygone era of trade and experience the essence of historic tall ship sailing. These journeys will also reward you by providing access to a range of smaller and peaceful islands in the Atlantic, including the Azorean island of Sao Miguel. This nature lover’s paradise is home to breathtaking volcanic landscapes, natural hot springs and thunderous waterfalls. We take a closer look at some of the highlights you can expect to see during a visit to the lush green islands of the Azores.

Nature

The island of Sao Miguel is volcanic and this becomes clear upon seeing the impressive geological formations. There are six volcanic zones in total, but none of which have endured an eruption for over 100 years. The by-product of volcanic activity on the island has resulted in the emergence of hot springs, and a visit to the Furnas will allow all your aches and pains to simply float away.

One of Portugal’s Seven Natural Wonders can be found in Sao Miguel. According to legend, the blue and green waters of the Sete Cidades Lake were formed from the tears of a shepherd and a princess, who shared a forbidden love. Certainly, the mixing of these two bodies of water, combined with the surrounding green landscape will take your breath away.

It is also worth noting that the island of Sao Miguel is home to a well-known pineapple plantation, and a tour will enable you to see the production process and even sample some of these exotic fruits for yourself.

Palaces and Churches

Sao Miguel’s capital, Ponta Delgada, is home to a range of lavish palaces and churches, many of which were built during a period of significant economic growth between the 16th and 17th centuries. The three imposing churches of ‘Matriz de Sao Sebastiao’, ‘Sao Pedro’ and ‘Sao Joao’ are must-visit landmarks for anyone seeking to delve into the history of the Azores.

In terms of palaces, there are many impressive landmarks to visit including the ‘Palacio da Conceicao’, ‘Fonte Bela Palace’ and the ‘Santa Catarina Palace’. The 19th century ‘Sant’Ana Palace’ is surrounded by stunning gardens and is currently home to the President of the Regional Government of the Azores.

What makes the Azores all the more special is the fact that you will get to experience them after spending several days traversing the Atlantic Sea. On board selected eastbound transatlantic itineraries, you will reach the Azores after spending nearly two weeks sailing across the Atlantic out of the Caribbean. After departing the Azores, selected itineraries will also enable you to soak up the sun in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Two Shortcuts that changed the World of Sailing

17th February 2016

1860 - Illustration depicting a dredger in Port Said working on the construction of the Suez Canal.

During a time that saw Europe explore the wider world in search of exotic products, clipper ships dominated the seas. Many sailors would head east into Asia for spices, tea and silk; whilst others would head west to California in search of gold. The routes were treacherous, with many sailors spending hundreds of days at sea travelling through fierce weather and tidal conditions.

Those seeking the tastes and fragrances of Asia had no other option than to sail around the southern tip of Africa – the Cape of Good Hope. Sailors hoping to dig for gold in California were forced to endure one of the most notoriously difficult routes. Cape Horn, at the southern tip of South America, is regarded as the Mount Everest of sailing routes.

In 1869, a new shortcut between Europe and Asia was introduced that would redefine the world of sailing forever. The Suez Canal opened a route through Egypt that connected the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. No longer would sailors have to traverse the difficult route around the Cape of Good Hope in order to access the lucrative products Asia had to offer.

In the same year, one of the world’s most renowned clipper ships was launched: the Cutty Sark. However, due to the opening of the Suez Canal, this prestigious vessel was never able to achieve as much as its predecessors. She operated a tea trade route for a few years, but this was brought to an abrupt end, in 1873, upon realising steamships traversing the Suez Canal were able to complete the journey 27 days quicker.

The construction of the Suez Canal took ten years to complete and required the labour of one million people. Sadly, 120,000 were lost during this time through various diseases. In spite of the number of workers lost in the process, it would only be a few years before another ambitious project would commence.

1912 - Panama Canal construction showing huge locks before the gates were installed.

In 1880, France began work on an enormous project that would see the construction of a new waterway through the Isthmus of Panama. Ten years later, they abandoned the project as a result of yellow fever, malaria, cholera and other technical problems. It is thought that 22,000 people died during this period of early construction.

The project was later picked up by the United States in 1904, and great efforts were made to combat the threat of tropical diseases. Over the course of the next ten years, a further 5,500 people would lose their lives. Although the layout of the canal was altered slightly to include artificial lakes and locks, it was finally inaugurated in 1914.

As was the case with the Suez Canal, steamships made full use of the Panama Canal to avoid traversing the treacherous Cape Horn route. Interestingly, though, Cape Horn continued to be used by many sailors, including those from Chile, who were looking to transport saltpetre – a key ingredient in fertilizer and gunpowder. To this day, Cape Horn remains widely regarded the fastest route from the Atlantic to Pacific or vice versa. In fact, in the early 20th century, many sailors would opt to avoid it, so as to not have to pay the expensive fees the Panama Canal presented.

Although the world of sailing and cruising has developed considerably since the ‘age of exploration’, Star Clippers provides a unique insight into the world of traditional tall ship sailing. You can even experience the magnificent achievement that is the Panama Canal for yourself on board one of our selected itineraries. Or, alternatively, you can admire cultural Egyptian landmarks with a unique Suez Canal cruise on board the Star Clipper in October 2016.

Watching Wildlife from the Star Flyer in Asia

By Andy Lovering

21st January 2016

It’s 6AM on a balmy November morning and I am stood on the teak sun deck of the Star Flyer, watching a deep red sunrise over the Andaman Sea. The ship left Phuket harbour last night and, this morning, the air is warm with enough breeze to eliminate humidity, yet fill the sails.

Early mornings are always the best time of day for birdwatching and today is no exception. Looking from port to starboard, hundreds of Bridled Terns are perched on the many floating branches, occasionally taking to the air on short fishing forays.

Overhead, the pirates are waiting; Frigate birds hang bat-like aloft, waiting for their chance to harry a passing Tern and steal this morning's catch. Lesser Frigate birds are the most numerous in these waters, but careful observation picks out a few, much rarer, Christmas Frigate birds; the white belly of the males being diagnostic.

An afternoon beach stop at Ko Adang in the Butang Archipelago and many passengers are enjoying the watersports facilities set up on the white coral sand beach. Whilst holidaymakers sunbathe, many birds of prey are slowly migrating southwards, using these islands as landmarks. Grey-faced Buzzards mix with the larger, Crested Honey Buzzards as they use thermals from the islands to rise high and glide over the next section of open sea.

There is a small lagoon behind the beach and here I find a pair of Indian Rollers, flashing their iridescent blue flight feathers, and also a small flock of Blue-tailed Bee Eaters, each hawking for dragonflies over the brackish water.

Sailing to Penang brings Brahminy Kites, their rufous wings contrasting with their white head and breast. Once common on the mainland, the coastline and islands of the Thai-Malay Peninsula is now the best area in which to find them. As Star Flyer glides gracefully through the glass-like water, I see a huge White-bellied Sea Eagle swoop down and grasp a Sea Snake from the water and head for the nearest island.

There is still an area of rainforest remaining on Penang and butterflies abound here. If lucky, you can sport a White-handed (or Lar’s) Gibbon swinging through the trees, it’s whooping calls resounding eerily across the forest canopy. Gibbons are elusive, but can also be found on Langkawi, plus, they have been reintroduced, on a handful of small islets in Phang Nga Bay.

We set sail, via Ko Lipe, to the myriad limestone outcrops of Phang Nga Bay, spotting Dollarbirds, Pacific Reef Egrets, more Brahminy Kites and Sea Eagles. Dolphins ride Star Flyer’s bow waves and, when we stop for snorkelling at the idyllic beach on Ko Hong, they join us; their curiosity and playfulness as great as ours.

Our last call is in the Similan Islands, where azure waters give way to the whitest of beaches, fringed by Evergreen forest. Along an inland nature trail, spectacular butterflies float by and, birdwatching, I spot Common Koel, Cinnamon Bittern and my ‘bird of the week’, the metallic blue, and very rare, Nicobar Pigeon. Found only on the Nicobar Islands and a few of the more remote Thai islands, this colourful bird is truly endangered. A holiday in Asia aboard Star Flyer brings some stunning scenery, yet, unnoticed by many, there is a host of wonderful wildlife all around.

Star Clippers Caribbean Cruise - Part 9 - Return to Barbados

14th January 2016

Back in Barbados, the Royal Clipper docks early in the morning, around 7am, so after a quick breakfast, most passengers are disembarked by 9am. Our flight was due to leave later that day, so we had organised a day of activities in Barbados. The ship offers a couple of excursions for passengers, including an island tour or a beach stop, before dropping you off at the airport in time for your flight, if you’ve not chosen to do a post-cruise stay.

Our first stop was the Hilton Barbados, where we were able to have a good look round the grounds and the rooms. I have to say, I was very impressed with this hotel and would thoroughly recommend for a one or two night pre/post cruise stay. It’s close to both the port and the airport, on a beautiful beach with a good choice of bars and restaurants and very good sized, clean bedrooms.

Our Island Safari Tour began at around 11am, and took us around the beautiful island of Barbados. From the familiar south coast, we headed round to the rugged east coast line of Bathsheba, where the waves are dramatic against the rocks stood out in the sea, such stunning scenery and an immense contrast between the east and the west, where the waters are serene and calm. Bathsheba is a real tourist spot for photographs, although not many hotels on the east, it’s worth a visit whilst you’re in Barbados, its natural beauty truly unmissable.

A few rum punches along the way and a very friendly, knowledgeable guide made this trip all the better, driving us through Speightstown on the North West of the island, another bustling community with a local fish market similar to Oistins and many shops, we were happily taking in as we drove down the West, finishing eventually back at the Hilton ready for a quick shower and change prior to our flight home.

We were dropped off at the airport just in time for our flight (and a little duty-free shopping) the perfect placed to stock up on Mount Gay Rum and other souvenirs to take back home to blustery Britain!

All in all, we had a fantastic trip. The Caribbean cruises on board Star Clippers carry so many unique aspects, with smaller islands, dolphin sightings, nautical activities and more, the experience of the ship matches the destination perfectly. I would highly recommend a stay in Barbados either pre or post (or both!) your cruise. It’s an incredible island with so much to offer and the perfect way to unwind either side of your sailing. We can book all of the hotels mentioned above, but we are also happy to look at other requests you may have and can tailor-make every holiday to suit you individually!

Back to Part 8: Martinique

Star Clippers Caribbean Cruise - Part 8 - Martinique

14th January 2016

Martinique is also a French town within the Caribbean, and where we docked today was right in the heart of the capital. It was only a short walk from the ship to the town, where it was a real busy and buzzy atmosphere. There were local guides on every corner offering free advice and maps, pointing out places of interest, such as the cathedral and the main square. Everyone was very friendly and approachable, which you don’t often find in a big city!

I would personally recommend looking at doing a shore excursion today, as you would probably get to see more of the natural beauty and history of the island, than a short walk around the town will allow, however, it could be a good opportunity to stock up on some shopping and gifts.

It’s an early departure on the last day, as the journey back to Barbados commences. An afternoon of lazing around up on deck with a few sun downer cocktails seemed a popular choice, whilst we watched the brave among us climb the mast to the first crow’s nest (in a harness of course). This is another complimentary activity that Star Clippers offer and another great example of how we have the ‘get involved’ aspect on board. As well as climbing the crow’s nest, our open bridge policy and opportunity to lend a hand raising the sails, you can also take tours of the engine rooms and listen to ‘Captain’s Storytime’ all to be found in the daily programme.

After an hour of packing, everyone meets for one last time in the Royal Clipper’s dining room for the final dinner, a farewell dinner, where the crew sing ‘We are the World’ to all guests, making for a special way to end the cruise.

Read Part 9: Return to Barbados

Back to Part 7: Illes des Saintes

Star Clippers Caribbean Cruise - Part 7 - Illes des Saintes

14th January 2016

A real gem, just off of Guadeloupe where the famous ‘Death in Paradise’ is filmed, Illes des Saintes is a gorgeous port of call, and potentially my favourite on this particular itinerary. After a short tender ride, we arrived at the beautiful harbour, lined with multi-coloured boutiques either side of the narrow cobbled streets. The French influence here was clear to see (and hear) with it being the first language on the island too. It’s quite bizarre to be on a tiny island in the midst of the Caribbean and hear the French language and pay in euros, however, there is definitely something really charming and intriguing about it too.

We strolled around the quaint gift shops before retiring for a cool drink overlooking the marina, with a perfect view of the Royal Clipper positioned between a few privately owned yachts that were anchored here today too. After lunch on board, we took the second tender of the day, this time, over to a very small beach. Star Clippers passengers were the only people to step on this stretch of beach today, giving it a real exclusive feel. The water sports team were on hand to offer guests a helping hand if anyone was feeling active enough, but plenty of us were happy enough to lie back and enjoy the beaming hot sunshine…

This evening was particularly special, as ‘Captain’s Night’ was upon us. Even now we don’t enforce a formal dress code, ‘Casual Elegance’ remains as it always does throughout the voyage, however, some people do choose to dress up a little more tonight, so you can if you like. As well as a mouth-watering menu including chateaubriand, lobster tail and baked Alaska, the atmosphere in the dining room is electric, with the famous march of the waiters with the baked Alaska, a real tradition on any cruise and we certainly don’t miss it out!

The captain will raise a toast with the complimentary glass of champagne provided to everyone before everyone makes their way back up to the bar for the ‘Talent Show’. From the Goan waiters showcasing a local dance from home to keen passengers showing off their musical skills and a light-hearted comedy sketch from the sports team, our evening was filled with laughter, tears and dancing, which continued late into the night, all under the stars!

Read Part 8: Martinique

Back to Part 6: St Kitts

Star Clippers Caribbean Cruise - Part 6 - St Kitts

7th January 2016

The beautiful island of St Kitts awaited us, with an early arrival; we all met at 0800 in the Tropical Bar ready for our second excursion of the week, the island jeep safari! Christian, our guide, met us at the port – I had actually done this exact excursion four years ago, and was delighted to see Christian again as he was also my guide last time! With his multicoloured beard and undeniable knowledge of his island, we were in for a real treat.

Stopping at the historic ‘Romney Manor’ and its pristine gardens was very insightful. The flowers and plants were outstanding here and the entire grounds kept in perfect condition, the small gift shop was welcomed by all, with local crafts being purchased as souvenirs – a great pit stop! After the obligatory photo stops, with some incredible views, we were dropped back off at a beach club, where the ship had moved too, ready to collect us from the end of the tour. We were back just in time to enjoy the buffet lunch!

Lunches on board Star Clippers vary each day, with a different nationality providing the theme daily, from Italian banquets to Oriental cuisine and of course a Caribbean feast, there is something to appeal to every appetite! Other than the beach BBQ and the once weekly deck lunch that we offer, all of the lunch buffets are held in the main dining room with the waiters on hand to provide drinks to the table should you wish.

Read Part 7: Illes des Saintes

Back to Part 5: Antigua

Star Clippers Caribbean Cruise - Part 5 - Antigua

7th January 2016

Today, for me, was a true highlight. On the majority of our long-haul itineraries, we offer a beach BBQ on one of the days, and today was the day on the Windward Island route. Again, we are trying to offer different destinations, so instead of docking in St John’s, Antigua, where all the big ships go, we drop anchor in Falmouth Harbour, which really is the St Tropez of the Caribbean, littered with billion pound yachts and home to the famous annual yacht races, the perfect setting for Star Clippers.

Tenders left for the harbour every 30 minutes from the ship, and the beach was just a short walk away from the small marina, so after a cooling drink, we made our way to Pidgeon Beach.

Something new for me on this cruise was the offer of a ‘beach massage’ bringing the spa to the beach! I loved this idea, to enjoy a full body massage whilst listening to the sea, the ultimate relaxation. After an hour long treatment by the very experienced masseuse, I sleepily walked to where we had set up a camp for the day and took in the stunning bay. The beach BBQ saw all of the chefs come across to the beach and cook a variety of meats fresh on the grill, with an array of salads and bread all available too. The bar also made an appearance with drinks available to be charged back to your room, so no cash was required. Beach BBQ day is always an amazing day, and we certainly enjoyed it to the max!

Read Part 6: St Kitts

Back to Part 4: Dominica

Star Clippers Caribbean Cruise - Part 4 - Dominica

7th January 2016

Sailing into Dominica was particularly special today, under full sail, we met one of the other Star Clippers ships, the Star Clipper herself! Her four masts became slowly more and more visible as we sped towards the next island, which was also to be Star Clipper’s destination for the day. The Star Clipper is smaller than the Royal, holding a maximum of 170 passengers and only bearing 4 masts instead of the Royal’s five. She is a stunning ship, a barquentine yacht, exuding elegance and style in every swift movement with the waves. She is actually taller than the Royal Clipper and usually faster – as the two race side by side towards Dominica, stood barefoot on the teak deck, the magic of Star Clippers really comes alive!

Today, as a group, we signed up to the ‘Indian River’ shore excursion. Just a short taxi ride from the ship we were met by friendly locals and divided into smaller groups to board the handmade wooden boats. I thought they seemed similar to the punting boats you would find in Cambridge, but on an even smaller scale. Our guide rowed us with wooden oars down the Indian River, which made for some spectacular scenery along the way. The calm and serene surroundings continued with us on our journey where we saw wildlife in its natural habitats; birds, spiders and crabs were introduced to us by our knowledgeable guide (from a distance of course).

After an hour, we stopped at an old bar, set in the middle of the rainforest, and serving a fantastic glass of Rum Punch, the perfect refreshment. It was nice to get off and stretch our legs and indulge in the local life. Dominica is a plush island, incredibly green with beautiful landscapes and quite untouched by the tourist market, I felt that this excursion was a great snapshot into Dominica and an excellent way to spend the few hours we had in this place. Back on the boats, we meandered back down the river, this time taking a different route so we were able to see the hut which featured in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and was purpose built for the film. It still stands there and was quite eerie to see it in real life – we all expected Johnny Depp to pop out at any moment!

We set sail at 4pm today, but only for a short while so we could re-anchor at another part of Dominica, to pick up other passengers that had done a different excursion. We decided to take full advantage of this daytime sailing and headed straight to the front of the ship…

Lying in the nets of the bow-spirit is an incredible experience. Although daunting at first, as you clamber over the front of the ship and unsteadily find your feet in the netting, once you have found your spot, it is so worthwhile. Royal Clipper sailed towards Roseau, as we sat in the nets looking back up at the masts, with the Caribbean breeze all around us and the beaming sun hitting our faces, what could make this moment more perfect? All of a sudden, one of our group spotted a small pod of dolphins directly beneath us, following the ship and jumping in the waves, only feet away from where we sat up in the netting. Excitement doesn’t quite cut it, we were all almost hysterical with happiness at being part of this very special journey.

Another fun filled evening awaited us, a lot of the menu was inspired by the Caribbean, and the fish was particularly good. Wine in the evening is from an extensive list, with house wine priced at just 15 euros per bottle, very reasonable indeed. Following dinner every night we would make our way up to the buzzy bar area for a few more cocktails and to enjoy the entertainment. A few of our group were great sports and got involved with the fashion show, sporting items from the sloop shop along with the crew.

Read Part 5: Antigua

Back to Part 3: St Lucia

Star Clippers Caribbean Cruise - Part 3 - St Lucia

22nd December 2015

Our arrival in to Rodney Bay was at midday, which allowed for us to enjoy a beautiful morning of sailing in daylight, as well as a delicious buffet breakfast and even a little bite for lunch, before taking the tender to shore to enjoy an afternoon on the beach. One of the real selling points for taking a Star Clippers sailing is that the smaller size of our ships allows us to access ports of call and islands that big ships cannot. Of course, lots of cruise ships dock in St Lucia, but not many (if any?) anchor off of Rodney Bay, giving guests the opportunity to see a different side to each any every island we stop at.

A short tender ride and we were stepping off the boat straight in to the shallows of the sea and straight on to the beach. In our Caribbean itineraries, a lot of our days incorporate ‘wet landings’ meaning you will be stepping from the tender on to the beach, a real quirky aspect, enjoyed by everyone. The beautiful beach was busy today, as it was Sunday; a lot of the locals were down enjoying time with friends and family. The local bars were open and a bottle of ‘Piton’ beer named after the islands famous mountains was available for little over £1, never better than drank on the beach in St Lucia I’d say…

Star Clippers include complimentary watersports; kayaking, wake boarding, water skiing and snorkelling are all available every day (weather depending) and today the sports team were on the beach with all the equipment, ready for guests to take advantage of these free activities. After a lazy afternoon on the beach, soaking up the rays and enjoying the local atmosphere on this pristine bay, we took the last tender back to the beach for our departure at 6pm.

Sail away takes the same format every day, so everyone gathered back up on deck, still in beachwear, clutching a cocktail from the Tropical Bar, we bid a fond farewell to Rodney Bay before heading down to change for dinner.

After dinner every evening there will be a very light hearted and low key piece of entertainment taking place up in the Tropical Bar. There are no Broadway shows on board Star Clippers, instead we involve the crew, the locals and our guests (if they so wish) with an array of steel bands, fashion shows, pirate night’s and of course the infamous Talent Show which always follows the Captain’s Dinner. The nights are always good fun and create an informal atmosphere for our guests to relax in and enjoy the bartender’s specialities to the sound of music under the stars.

Read Part 4: St Lucia

Back to Part 2: Royal Clipper