Caribbean Cruise on the Royal Clipper
21st March 2015
Day Two - Barbados
Today was a very exciting day. I embarked on the Royal Clipper, the world's largest tall ship in service. We arrived after a whirlwind of a day that included a short flight from Antigua to Barbados. I spied Royal Clipper as we were descending into Bridgetown, her iconic 5 masts standing proud and her distinctive nostalgic themes noticeable even from the sky. She looked as charming as ever.
We were picked up from Barbados airport and taken to Colony Club, a resort only 20 minutes from the port, for a delicious lunch and a well needed refreshing drink as the sun beamed down on us. The hotel was beautiful and characterised the modern yet traditionally Bajan feel - it prides itself on- on the grounds they grow their own vegetables which they then use in their kitchen. A great little touch to any menu.
After lunch and a general refuel we headed to our final destination, our home for the next 7 nights, the elegant Royal Clipper. A swift check-in process followed and before I knew it I was wrapped in nostalgia. The rich mahogany of the woodwork and deep reds and blues of the main atrium immediately made me feel as though I had been transported back in time 100 years to the grand age of sail. Greeted with a glass of rum punch and the smiling faces of the crew I felt as though I had returned home.
We were scheduled to sail away from Barbados at 10pm, so after a delicious vegetable curry in the only restaurant on board (crew and officers also dine in this restaurant) I was up on deck for the moment that epitomises any Star Clippers cruise- sailing away to Vangelis' Conquest Of Paradise. A haunting and enchanting piece of music that plays every day as we leave a destination, whether this is at 4pm, 7pm or later into the evening under a blanket of stars. A goosebump inducing experience that you can just never tire of and one that makes the Star Clippers experience even more memorable.
