Christmas Cruising with Star Clippers
10th December 2015
With the winter season well and truly settling in and Christmas just around the corner, now is the time to heat up the fireplace, have the family over and carve the turkey. The Christmas period is filled with these traditions and many more similar ones, but it doesn’t have to be. If you would rather be relaxing on a beach in the Caribbean with a cocktail in your hand, you will be pleased to know that Star Clippers operate a range of itineraries throughout the Christmas period.
So why not consider breaking the traditions and embarking on a tall ship cruising experience that you will never forget. Star Clippers has three itinerary options available over the week of Christmas and this week we take a closer look at each of them.
Leeward Islands
Departing out of Philipsburg, St. Maarten, on 19 December 2015, the Leeward Islands cruise will take you on a seven-night cruise on board the Star Clipper. The Leeward Islands get their name from the word Sotavento, a term given during the Spanish age of exploration to the islands west of Puerto Rico.
After sailing out of St Maarten, you will travel to Nevis, Dominica, the Iles Des Saintes, Guadeloupe, and Antigua before spending Christmas Day in Gustavia, on the island of St. Barts. This secluded paradise is the perfect place to be during the festive period, with French culture combined with Swedish efficiency. You will be able to enjoy fabulous food and spend the afternoon on the white sand beaches.
Windward Islands
Whilst the Leeward Islands are situated to the west of Puerto Rico, the Windward Islands have a similar place in history after being labelled as Barlovento, which means to south and east. Passengers sailing on this itinerary will have the honour of being able to sail on board the magnificent five-masted Royal Clipper.
This seven-night itinerary departs from Bridgetown, Barbados, on December 19th and will take you to stunning Caribbean islands including St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts and the Iles des Saintes before arriving in Fort de France, Martinique, for Christmas Day. Martinique offers a real sense of “joie de vivre” with excited children opening presents, carol singing and superb creole food.
Cuba
Cuba is the largest of all the Caribbean islands and offers a strong sense of passion, which is portrayed through music and dance. This seven-night cruise will see you embark on a journey on board the Star Flyer. Departing from Cienfuegos on December 20th, you will sail to a variety of stunning beach destinations around Cuba before spending Christmas Day in the Cayman Islands.
Docking in the city of George Town in Grand Cayman, you will soon realise this island has more to offer than just a financial banking district. There is a wonderful spirit in the air here, as the locals take white sand from the beach and cover the garden to simulate having a white Christmas. Find a spot on one of the endless beaches or quiet lagoons and soak in your surroundings. You may even have a friendly encounter with a tame sting-ray.
Make this a Christmas to remember by embarking on a Star Clippers tall ship cruise around the Caribbean this winter. We have many Caribbean cruises on offer over the winter period, with each itinerary taking you to a different series of islands. If you would rather wait until the summer, however, we also operate a range of East and West Mediterranean cruises. Additionally, you could spend next Christmas in Far East Asia, with our new Asia itineraries – commencing December 2016.
