5 Smaller Ports To Enjoy On Your Star Clippers Cruise
30th November 2018
As you may already know, the small size of the Star Clippers fleet means that the three ships can dock in ports that are inaccessible to the larger cruise vessels. There are plenty of these destinations littered across our itineraries, so whether you choose to visit the Caribbean, Mediterranean or Panama Canal, you’ll have the chance to explore without the crowds.
Here are just five of the charming smaller ports you may get to discover on your tall ship cruise.
Marigot Bay, St. Lucia
The majority of ships visiting the beautiful island of St. Lucia will dock just off the coast of the capital city, Castries. However, when you sail with Star Clippers, you’ll arrive further south in stunning Marigot Bay, the setting for the original Dr Doolittle film. When you learn that this is the only bay on the island that provides shelter during a hurricane, you’ll realise just how secluded it is.
Step foot ashore and you’ll immediately become aware of the serenity this paradise has. The steep hills provide the chance to hike to the top for a great view or the opportunity to experience local life in the little town at the summit.
Ponza, Italy
Situated almost halfway between Naples and Rome, rising out of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ponza is one of two inhabitable islands in the Ponziane archipelago. Known to the rich and famous like Beyoncé and Rihanna, it remains a remote unknown to everyday citizens. This is where the Romans would send those exiled from the city and legend says it was once the lair of Circe – a deceiving witch from Greek mythology.
Reminiscent of both the Amalfi Coast further south and Cinque Terre further north, Ponza town is perched high on a cliff top and is characterised by pastel-hued houses that cling to the edge as if trying to pluck up the courage to dive in. A maze of zig-zagged alleys leads to the top, where traditional restaurants offer somewhere from which to admire the bluest of blue oceans below. Back down at harbour level, keep an eye out for the ice cream boat as it floats by with well-timed refreshments.
Spetses, Greece
Spetses is a patch of land that belongs to a group called the Argo-Saronic Islands. Far less known than Greek archipelagos like the Cyclades and Dodecanese, the islands are home to summer houses owned by Athenians who make the short hop across the sea from Piraeus every year.
As well as the romantic feeling of the Old Town brought about by the fact that no cars are allowed and tourists can get around using horse and carriage, Spetses has plenty of historical importance too. It was here that the revolution flag was raised in 1821, following the War of Independence, and many sights showcase the island’s naval importance. You can visit both The House of Bouboulina (a war heroine) and The House of Hatzigiannis Mexis to see historical artefacts relating to the conflict and 4,000 years of Spetses’ past. It’s also possible to see the site where the flag itself was raised at the Cathedral of Ayios Nikolaos.
San Blas Islands, Panama
Just before you transit the famous canal on our Panama Canal cruises, you will dock in the beautiful San Blas Islands for a taste of local culture. This is a great way to see what Panama is like beyond its iconic shipping shortcut and see a remote region that is off the menu for most cruise vessels.
These islands have been protected from the effects of mass tourism thanks to the efforts of the native Kuna people. The area is governed by this community and has separate laws to mainland Panama. They have set up their own eco-friendly accommodation, operate restaurants serving traditional food and proudly make garments called molas that depict folk art. This really is a slice of off-the-grid paradise.
Koh Adang, Thailand
With the word ‘koh’ meaning island, you’re probably familiar with plenty of destinations in Thailand that have this naming convention. However, the chances are that you’ve never come across Koh Adang, one of the more secluded islands to be found in the Andaman Sea. When you arrive here, you will soon realise that you have the place to yourself – something which only serves to increase the peacefulness and the beauty of the beaches.
It’s possible to hike to a number of lookouts and waterfalls to discover the natural side of Koh Adang, but most people come here to relax on the white sands. It’s also a good place to try some of the water sports offered on board the ship. The waters here are perfect for diving and snorkelling.
To find out how you can visit these, and any of the other smaller ports on our itineraries, speak to the team today. You can call us on 0845 200 6145 or chat to an advisor through the website.
