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From Ancient Temples to Modern Towers

Thailand cruises.

Whether you're seeking paradise islands or contemplative temples, Thailand has it all.

Thailand is unique in Southeast Asia — it's the only country that never capitulated to a foreign power, so its culture and character remain distinctive and intact. You'll see it as you eat your way through varieties of spicy noodles at Bangkok's street food markets, take an hour for quiet contemplation in the temples of Chiang Mai or bask in the vibrant colors of Krabi and Phuket. Cruise to Thailand to explore stunning beaches like Kata Noi and Ya Nui near Phuket, glide down the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok in a traditional Thai boat, or adventure through the country's historic spots and see the Buddhas at the Grand Palace and the Wat Pho Temple.

En-gulf Yourself In Adventure

Serene temples, pristine beaches and spicy noodles await you on a cruise

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LEAVE THE LAND BEHIND

No matter where your Thailand cruise calls, a beautiful beach isn't far away. Sun yourself on the beaches of Krabi, or head out on a boating expedition in Bangkok or Phuket. Either way, you'll fall in love with the turquoise waters of Thailand.

THAI TAXI TRIPS

Long-tail boats are more than just pretty things to photograph, though you'll surely be called to snap a few photos of them. As far as southern Thailand's seafarers are concerned, they're the original taxi. If you're up for a getaway, hop on one of these water taxis for a day trip from Krabi or Phuket to quiet islands like Koh Poda or party spots like Koh Phi Phi.

BEACh-YA YOU WON'T WANT TO LEAVE

All of Thailand's beaches are amazing, but you're sure to notice some important differences. While the islands of the Andaman Sea (to the west and south of Phuket) feature dramatic cliffs and fluorescent waters, white sand and more muted shades of turquoise define the experience of swimming in the Gulf of Thailand south of Bangkok . No matter where you take a dip, though, you'll be in paradise.

SEAS THE DAY

Thailand's Koh Tao island is one of the world's most affordable and enjoyable places to SCUBA dive or get certified. Don't have time for a course? You can get amazing underwater views when you snorkel, so be sure to bring your underwater camera.

INLAND ADVENTURES

Thais are rightfully proud of their heritage, from the long-ruling Chakri dynasty to hundreds of years of Theravada Buddhism. From ancient culture to the pulse of modern Bangkok, you'll find a unique mix of the historic and the contemporary in Thailand with your cruise vacation.

SAVOR THE FLAVOR

Thailand's street food scene boasts quick, delicious meals to fuel you as you adventure through the cities. Don't be afraid to dive into local delicacies during your vacation, or pair familiar favorites like Pad Thai noodles and green curry chicken with tangy  Som Tam  papaya salad or crispy  Khaaw Muu Grop  pork belly with rice.

MONKEY AROUND IN THAILAND

Thailand offers a ton of opportunities to responsibly get wild. Ethical establishments like the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center in Phuket allow visitors to honor nature as they observe it, and at Khao Yai National Park, a less-than-two-hour drive from Bangkok, you can see elephants roam the land before you raft below thundering waterfalls.

CITY AND COUNTRY

While Thailand's temples give you a peek into ancient history, its cities offer more modern adventures. Explore award-winning shopping malls like Bangkok's Siam Paragon, or enjoy a panorama from the viewing deck of Baiyoke Sky Tower. To glimpse local culture, visit rice fields outside Chiang Mai or the villages of Phuket.

Start Your Southeast Asian Adventure in Thailand

While Krabi and Phuket have world-class beaches, you can find beautiful views all over Southeast Asia. Continue sailing southward toward Malaysia, where islands like Langkawi and Penang fuse amazing Andaman scenery with a mix of eclectic cultures. Southeast Asia is a wonderland for urban travelers, too. See the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi, explore ancient cities like Hong Kong or take advantage of world-class shopping, from Singapore's upmarket Orchard Road to the rough-and-tumble markets of Ho Chi Minh City.

THE PHUKET PERARL

While Phuket is where many travelers arrive in Thailand, it is also the perfect start to a Southeast Asian journey. Take long-tail boat trips to Koh Phi Phi or Koh Khao Phing Kan (aka "James Bond Island"), or explore the inland part of the island, where you can walk the streets of old-town Phuket or enjoy a panorama from atop the aptly named "Big Buddha."

STEP INTO SOUTHEAST ASIA

Thailand is both a cross-section of Southeast Asia and a gateway to the region. Cruise through the Andaman Sea to Malaysia, or sail into the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea to explore destinations like Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines . By adventuring through Southeast Asia, you're sure to see the region come alive.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO The Thai-Land of Paradise

Thailand is as much of a revelation for new Southeast Asia travelers as it is for those who are experienced in the region, and you can tailor your experience to your preferences — whether you're into nature trekking, beachside relaxation or urban exploring. Not impressed by the sprawling markets of Bangkok or the towering limestone cliffs of Krabi? Phuket's Old Town and Chiang Mai's Golden stupas should do the trick.

With their incredible hospitality, the Thai people embody the nation's nickname, the "Land of Smiles." Whether they greet you at your hotel with a friendly wai and bow or deliver you delicious local cuisine, Southeast Asia's most independent people are also its most welcoming.

5 Reasons Why Cruises Fit Any Family

Basic English is broadly spoken in areas of Thailand where tourists often visit, but learning some basic Thai will earn you many smiles.

Service of alcohol in Thailand is prohibited before 11 a.m. and between 2-5 p.m., so be sure to head to the bar at the right times.

To show respect for local customs, remove your shoes whenever entering a temple or a local person's home.

CUISINE HOW TO SAY "DELICIOUS" IN THAI

Thai can be a difficult language for non-natives, but you should definitely learn the word  aroi , which means "delicious." It'll be the perfect way to describe the indulgent cuisine of the area, full of bright spices, pungent fish sauce and tangy vinegar.

WOK ThIS WAY

Whether you eat it with shrimp, pork or chicken, few Thai dishes are more satisfying than stir-fried noodles, also known as pad thai. Stop by one of the food stalls on Charoen Krung Road or another of Bangkok's popular street food spots, where pad thai is traditionally cooked up with tangy-sweet paste of tamarind, a tropical fruit.

Spicy, creamy green curry is even more delicious in Thailand than it is at home. The creamy coconut milk base of this comforting Thai classic is made with fragrant green chilies, lemongrass, ginger and garlic. Make sure to order rice, since the dish is served a la carte here.

PAPAYA PRIDE

There's no better way to get a taste of Thailand's northeast Isaan cuisine than som tam, a salad made with shredded green papaya, fresh tomatoes, dried shrimp, a squeeze of lime juice and as much or as little chili as you like.

Related Ports

Explore the bustling streets of Bangkok, tasting your way through street-food vendors and side-stepping tuk tuk rickshaws. Swim in crystal clear blue waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rocks in Phuket. Or make your way to neighboring Malaysia to experience Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

Phuket, Thailand

Bangkok (Laemchabang), Thailand

Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia

Langkawi, Malaysia

Penang, Malaysia

Malacca, Malaysia

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Star Cruises

History, review, itineraries, ships, deck plans, news.

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Star Cruises fleet

Star pisces, review of star cruises.

Star Cruises (starcruises.com/sg/en) is owned by Genting Hong Kong (GHK) and is ranked world's 3rd biggest cruise company, following Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD . The company dominates the Asia-Pacific market and is listed on the Singapore Exchange and Hong Kong Stock Exchange. In 2015, GHK introduced the corporation's newest cruise line brand - Dream Cruises . The new company started with 2 newbuilds - both top-luxury mega-liners, built specifically for the Asian / Chinese market.

Another large Chinese cruise brand is the new company (2015-founded) Adora Cruises/CSSC Carnival China Cruise Shipping . At the following link can be found listed all CruiseMapper's news related to Star Cruises owner Genting Hong Kong .

IMPORTANT : On January 19, 2022, the parent company GHK-Genting Hong Kong Ltd (Malaysia) filed for bankruptcy. On Jan 10th, for insolvency filed the two GHK-owned shipbuilding companies in Germany - MV Werften and Lloyd Werft. On Jan 27th, Dream Cruises filed a winding-up petition with the Bermuda Court for liquidation. and the appointment of the provisional liquidators working with GHK.

NEWS : In late-April 2022, was announced that the docked in Malaysia ships Star Pisces (1990-built), SuperStar Gemini (1992) and SuperStar Aquarius (1993) are listed for scrapping and soon to the beached at Alang India . SuperStar Libra (1988) was last AIS reported on April 7th (in Wismar Germany). The three liners' last crew signed off on May 17th, as new/skeleton crew were hired to take them to the scrapyard for dismantling and recycling.

On August 31, 2022, GHK's Star Cruises Asia Holding Ltd announced entering into a SPA/Share Purchase Agreement to sell its wholly-owned Star Market Ltd (100% of its shares) for US$3,5M/RM15,84M to the company Resorts World Inc Pte Ltd. Resorts World is 50-50 owned by Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay (GHK's former Executive Director) and Genting Berhad (Genting Group's parent company, if which Lim Kok Thay holds ~30% shares). Star Market owns trademarks and intellectual property rights.

Company history

The company's introduction on the global cruise shipping market allowed Star Cruises to tap into profitable and more mature markets in Europe and North America. Its services cater to Asian guests, as well as to Europeans, Australians and North Americans, interested in Asian destinations. Star Cruises chairman was Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, son of the late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong (founder of Genting Highlands, Malaysia).

Star Cruises was established as an associate of Genting Group of Malaysia, incorporated on November 10, 1993, in Bermuda, with corporate headquarters in Hong Kong China . The first ships of the company were two cruise ferries bought from the bankrupted estate of Swedish Rederi AB Slite. Star Cruises was the world's first major cruise company to recruit Filipinos for its ships.

The company purchased several other used vessels in the following years. In 1998, it took delivery of the first newbuild - SuperStar Leo (now Norwegian Spirit) . Sistership SuperStar Virgo (Explorer Dream/Resorts World One) followed in 1999. The same year Star Cruises acquired Sun Cruises.

In 2000, Star Cruises also acquired NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) , including the subsidiaries "Norwegian Capricorn Line" and "Orient Lines", becoming the biggest global cruise line in the world. Norwegian Capricorn Line's operations were soon merged into Star Cruises. Before the NCL purchase, Star Cruises had several other newbuilds (either under construction or planned), but following the merger, most of them joined NCL's fleet. However, in August 2007, Star Cruises sold 50% of NCL (for USD 1 billion) to Apollo Management, retaining just 28% stake in NCL.

In 2001, Star Cruises founded the sister company "Cruise Ferries", which started operations in July with the passenger ferry Wasa Queen on short itineraries between Hong Kong and Xiamen. These were followed by overnight gambling cruises - roundtrip from Hong Kong and from Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur). Wasa Queen stopped operating and was sold to another company in 2007, and eventually was scrapped in 2013.

The then-largest ship in the fleet - SuperStar Leo - was transferred in 2004 to Norwegian Cruise Line to take over Norwegian Sky voyages. Since 2006, the trend has been that newbuilds were to be constructed for NCL, and the old ships in the Norwegian fleet would be transferred to Star Cruises fleet in Asia.

In 2008, both Orient Lines and NCL America brands were discontinued, with Orient's sole ship, ms Marco Polo, sold to the Greece-based Global Maritime. The same year, the first ship from NCL Norwegian was transferred to the fleet of Star Cruises as SuperStar Libra .

In 2011, Star Cruises received a brand new hull art. SuperStar Aquarius , Star Pisces , and SuperStar Virgo won their new attire. On April 27, 2012, it was announced that Norwegian Dream will join Star Cruises fleet and be renamed to SuperStar Gemini starting service in 2012.

On October 7, 2013, Star Cruises announced that together with their parent company, Genting Hong Kong had entered into an agreement with Meyer Werft, Germany for the construction of one new vessel. The vessel will be able to accommodate 3,364 passengers at double occupancy and will be delivered in Fall 2016.

On February 10, 2014, Star Cruises announced that a second ship was ordered and scheduled for delivery by Fall 2017. On February 9, 2015, the first steel cutting ceremony was held for Genting World at Meyer Werft shipyard. Both newbuilds will weigh 150,000 GT.

In May 2018, Genting Cruise Lines signed a partnership deal with Wirecard (digital payments / online shop development company) for implementing a fleetwide onboard payment system. The system ("Quick Pay") was first installed on World Dream and Genting Dream, then launched on SuperStar Virgo. "Quick Pay" allows the passenger to be in full control of their onboard money spending - including pre-authorized limits, account management, monitoring, paying the total bill at disembarkation. The technology is based on scanning individual QR codes (during check-in, in staterooms or via the ship's intranet network, then selecting the "Quick Pay" option. Payments can be made via Alipay (Chinese online payment platform) and the credit cards Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, UnionPay. The mobile app allows passengers to set up pre-authorized amounts for themselves, as well as for friends and family members.

On March 2, 2018, via letters and emails sent to all booked customers, GHK announced that the liner SuperStar Libra ends its passenger shipping operations for Star Cruises on June 27, 2018. Since August 2018, the vessel serves as a hotel ship in Wismar (Germany) for the shipbuilding company MV Werften. SuperStar Libra is permanently docked (moored) at MV Werften Wismar shipyard's quay. Since April 2016, GHK fully owns MV WERFTEN - a new company incorporating the 3 Nordic Yards in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - the shipyards in Rostock , Stralsund , and Wismar.

(new) Genting Global-Class cruise ships

On May 10, 2016, the parent company GHK (Genting Hong) signed with Lloyd Werft Group in Wismar Germany a shipbuilding contract for all 10 new cruise vessels . In 2015, GHK purchased a majority stake in Lloyd Werft (dockyard in Bremerhaven Germany ). In 2016, GHK purchased Lloyd Werft's remaining 30%, plus the three shipyards owned by Nordic Yards (Wismar, Warnemunde, Stralsund), thus forming Lloyd Werft Group.

Of the 10 newbuilds, 6 are riverboats plus 2 ocean-going (all 8 for the GHK's subsidiary Crystal Cruises ) and 2 are mega liners (for Star Cruises and Dream Cruises). The new GHK liners are sisterships of the Global-Class, each with gross tonnage 204,000 GT tons, LOA length 341 m (1120 ft) and passenger capacity 5000 (lower berths). Ship deliveries were scheduled for 2020 (for Dream Cruises) and 2021 (for Star Cruises). The ship-order has optional 2 more vessels of the same class.

Global Class ships feature artificial intelligence technologies (including facial and voice recognition for expedited passenger services - boarding, disembarkation, payments), robots (performing mundane tasks), Cineplex (theme park), Asian spa complex, multiple Asian dining venues (including fast food), both affordable and premium retail shopping facilities, roller coaster, water park (with 5 slides), surf simulator. Staterooms are designed for Asian families and can sleep up to 2-4 persons. Most cabins are with two (split) bathrooms. Each liner has 8 sets of escalators and 28 elevators.

Vessel's waste and water management system was provided by Evac (world's leading company building integrated waste-wastewater-water management systems). The company's Complete Cleantech Solution package includes a vacuum collection system, wastewater treatment plant, dry and wet waste treatment plant, freshwater desalination plants (based on reverse osmosis). The freshwater generation plants have the capacity to produce over 3000 m3 of freshwater per day. The contract with Evac was signed on January 3, 2017.

On January 9, 2017, was signed a contract with ABB for delivery of Azipods (power-propulsion units), automation systems and the marine software for all 5 new Genting cruise ships ordered for both brands - Crystal and Star. The 3x Crystal vessels are from the Crystal Endeavor series (polar-class expedition yachts).

These are the first purpose-built ships for the contemporary Chinese market regarding onboard amenities and services (food, cultural events, shows, enrichment programs, shopping, tours/excursions. Cruise ticket prices will be affordable. In May 2019 were unveiled more Global-Class vessel details. The ships will have industry's first theme park at sea, largest cinema at sea, world's longest roller coaster at sea, self-guided robotic assistants, industry's largest standard staterooms (sized 20 m2), Bluetooth cabin door locks, touch-screen control panel, smartphone-control of different en-suite functions (mood lighting, air-conditioning, etc).

On March 8, 2018, at MV Werften shipyard ( Bremerhaven Germany ) started the construction of the first of the two Global-Class Genting cruise liners.

The GHK-owned Lloyd Werft Group has the capacity to produce annually 2 mega liners (over 200,000 GT tons each) plus 1 mid-sized vessel (around 50,000 GT tons). Lloyd Werft has 2 new covered drydocks, a new ship launching platform and over 0,5 million m2 of covered fabrication halls.

In December 2018, Genting Cruise Lines announced plans to build smaller-sized (Contemporary-class) ships for Star Cruises from the German shipbuilder MV Werften. The first liner will be delivered in 2023. In 2019, SuperStar Virgo was renamed "Explorer Dream" and transferred to Dream Cruises in April 2019.

Star Cruises shipboard experience

The big appeal to western clients of Star Cruises is that its ships not only take guests around Asia but also let you experience an Asian lifestyle.

"SuperStar" ships were the first to offer the largest number of restaurants afloat. This innovation later passed on to Norwegian's "freestyle dining". SuperStars Virgo and Leo offer Italian, Asian, Japanese and Chinese restaurants. Virgo also has the only Indian restaurant afloat. Naturally, Star Cruises ships offer the usual formal dining room, casual buffets, and poolside grills. All dining venues offer open seating for ultimate flexibility.

Shipboard entertainment features spectacular shows by Chinese acrobats, card rooms (Mah Jong), private rooms for parties, karaoke rooms. Onboard service is friendly, impeccable, discreet. Star Cruises has a no-tipping policy and brags with one of Asian cruising industry's highest crew-to-passenger ratios - one staff member for every two passengers.

Star Cruises predominantly markets Asian travelers. The internationally focused SuperStar Virgo attracted passengers from Japan, Malaysia, Australia New Zealand, as well as adventurous-spirited North Americans and Europeans.

In 2018, Genting Cruise Lines signed an agreement with Okinawa Agricultural Cooperatives Association and Leospo Inc. Following the partnership, on select GHK-owned cruise liners is offered Okinawa-sourced food and local produce.

• The new onboard dining options include the famous Okinawa Wagyu beef and Okinawa Agu pork. The offer is available on select ships and during summer when they cruise to Okinawa.
• In 2018 (April through November), these premium food specialties were available on three boats (World Dream, SuperStar Aquarius, SuperStar Gemini, SuperStar Virgo). The exclusive gourmet dishes were served via specially designed theme menus. They also included the traditional Japanese dishes Shabu Shabu (with ingredients stirred in cooking pot) and Teppanyaki (iron griddle cooked food), as well as BBQ Okinawa Agu Pork and the wok-fried Okinawa beef (with bitter gourd garlic) and Okinawa beef rib eye (with sweet plum sauce).

Genting fly-cruise deals

In June 2017, Genting Cruise Lines (grouping the companies Dream Cruises and Star Cruises) and Asia's largest airline "China Southern Airlines" signed a Memorandum of Understanding/MoU on an exclusive "flight and cruise" partnership in China.

• The deal is for discounted fly-cruise deals on cruises leaving from homeport Guangzhou-Nansha - a premium travel hub and cruise homeport in Asia.
• By this strategic agreement, both China Southern Airlines and Genting combined their resources in sales, marketing, promotions, and product development, creating a competitive travel product by the new "Air+Cruise+Travel" program. The program targets both individual and group travelers.

Free Birthday cruise

Star Cruises offers free Birthday cruise deals on select ships and departure dates. Company's "Free Birthday Celebrant Package" consists of:

• Cabin decorations (set up on the embarkation day)
• 0,5 kg chocolate cake
• Birthday card
• Cruise voucher (at the ship's Reception) is applicable at onboard retail shops and spa/wellness outlets. To use the voucher, you need to swipe your access card at the outlets. When you settle your bill during checkout, the voucher's value is deducted from the total amount due.
• Free Wifi vouchers for 2 passengers for the entire cruise (at the ship's Reception). Wi-Fi connections on Start Cruises ships are available in all public areas and in staterooms.

Genting Cruises Private Island Resort

In early November 2017, GHK corporation signed an agreement with the Macleod Island 's owner "Tint Tint Myanmar Group" (headquartered in Yangon Burma ) to jointly built new cruise ship facilities on this private island.

Cruise line private Islands are among the best-known assets of the world's largest cruise shipping companies ( Carnival Corporation , RCCL-Royal Caribbean , NCL , MSC ). However, most such private island resorts are located in the Caribbean.

GHK's partnering with Tint Tint Myanmar Group makes Macleod Island the first Asian private cruise resort destination. It is opened exclusively for Genting cruise ship tourists visiting the island via ships operated by the GHK-owned Dream Cruises and Star Cruises. Among GHK's other Asian projects are Guangzhou-Nansha Port development (in China) and Port Danang (in Vietnam).

Macleod Island was first visited by a Star Cruises ship (SuperStar Libra) on November 3, 2017. The 5-night / 6-day itinerary also included Penang Malaysia  and Phuket Thailand .

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Despite the global Coronavirus crisis , Genting Cruise Lines (shipowner) didn't suspend its fleet's passenger shipping operations. Instead, the company (parent of Dream Cruises and Star Cruises) expanded its cancellation policy with "Cruise As You Wish". It allowed all existing and new bookings made before or on October 30, 2020 (initially July 31), to be canceled penalty-free up to 48 hours (prior departure).

These bookings were fully refunded (100%) via FCC (future cruise credit). With rebooking, the amount of the fare paid is automatically transferred to any Dream Cruises or Star Cruises itinerary starting before or on March 31, 2021 (initially December 31 2020).

Itinerary of Star Cruises

Following on Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit held in Qingdao, Star Cruises celebrated the inaugural cruise of SuperStar Aquarius from her new homeport Qingdao on June 13, 2018. Guests from the Shandong peninsula and neighboring cities are now able to enjoy journeys to Japanese destinations like Beppu , Fukuoka City , Nagasaki , and Sasebo . The flagship SuperStar Virgo also offered Qingdao homeport itineraries (November 2018 through March 2019).

Star Cruises officially set a record number of homeport deployments done by the same brand in Port Qingdao. By homeporting here SuperStar Virgo, the company became the only cruise line in history to have 2 ships homeported in Qingdao during the same year.

While cruising at sea, passengers enjoy a hassle-free experience onboard SuperStar Aquarius, complemented by Asian hospitality and delicacies unique to Star Cruises. The flagship of Star Cruises, SuperStar Virgo, calls Qingdao homeport starting in November 2018, taking passengers on 4-night voyages to Kagoshima , Fukuoka, and Nagasaki.

Note: Starting operations for Dream Cruises in mid-April 2019, SuperStar Virgo was renamed "MS Explorer Dream" and homeported in Shanghai (China). For the winter season 2020, Explorer Dream was deployed in Australia-New Zealand.

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Star Clipper Cruise in Thailand

With our beach bags and snorkeling gear slung over our shoulders, we filed down the metal staircase extended along side the 170-passenger Star Clipper  and into a tender that would transport us to a Thai beach for the day. A short ride later, the boat was nudged into the sandy shoreline and we climbed out of the forward hatch, up and over the bow, and down a short ladder into the surf. These wet landings would be the norm for the week, part of the adventure of visiting beaches without infrastructure. This was precisely why most of us had signed up for the 7-night Andaman Sea cruise in the first place, to go somewhere warm, sunny and remote, and to get there on a cool tall ship. star clippers in thailand Wet landings are business as usual on the Thailand itineraries. 

Star Clippers‘ four-masted Star Clipper itself was a destination. In fact some passengers didn’t care where the ship was going, they were there for the nostalgic sailing ship experience. About 25% to 50% of the time the engines are shut off and the ship moves under sail power alone — otherwise a combination of the two are used to propel the ship at speeds of about 9 to 14 knots — and it’s a sight to behold. On the Star Clipper cruise I recently took with two friends Beth and Sheila, each evening, usually before dinner, passengers gathered on deck, many of us with a glass of wine or tropical concoction in hand. We were there to watch the Indian sailors nimbly handle coils of thick rope, wrapping and unwrapping it from pegs and cleats and pulling it along winches, to unfurl whichever of the 16 sails the captain wished to release to help us on our way. As the sails inched skyward, the solemn theme song from the film “1492: Conquest of Paradise” was broadcast to set the mood. Passengers fixed their gaze on the sails and the twilight sky as the canvas flapped in the wind and the ship creaked through the waves like ships did centuries before. star clippers in thailand Sunsets through the rigging are breathtaking. 

This appreciation for the experience is exactly what Swedish businessman Mikael Krafft had in mind when he started Star Clippers. He spared no detail or expense to design and build his fleet of three square-rigged clippers in the likeness of their speedy predecessors. Krafft and his team were guided by the original drawings and specifications of Scottish-born Donald McKay, a leading naval architect of 19th-century clipper-ship technology. The result is a trio of tall ships with few rivals and lots of repeat passengers. The four-masted Star Clipper and twin Star Flyer were launched in 1992 and 1993, respectively, while in 2000, came the 227-passenger five-masted Royal Clipper. A fourth new tall ship, the Flying Clipper, is being built and will debut later this year. The fleet plies the waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asia, aiming for yacht harbors and remote bays and islands. star clippers in thailand The Star Clipper cruise sails round-trip from Phuket (yellow star) to islands in the Andaman Sea. 

Each day took on a similar rhythm. After breakfast was a port talk up on deck by the captain or the funny and unflappable Brazilian Cruise Director Monica who loved repeating each morning on the approach to a new port: “Let’s go to paradise.” The first visit was to KOH SURIN to the north of Phuket. We first snorkeled around reefs some distance from the beach, hopping in the sea right from a tender, ogling giant clams, brain coral and rainbow-striped fish. Then we hit the beach, where the ship’s watersports team had set up kayaks, sailboats and paddleboards. After successfully paddleboarding, a pleasant triumph when you’re no longer a spring chicken, we relaxed on the sand sipping water from coconuts. star clippers in thailand Beth gets up on the paddle board after the first try! *

The busiest beach we’d encounter all week was in the SIMILAN ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK archipelago. As one German passenger joked after attempting to snorkel: “There were 3 fish and 2,000 legs.” Dozens of buzzing speedboats brought the mostly Chinese tourists on day trips from Phuket or Krabi, their revving outboard engines spitting water as they dropped off and collected their passengers from the beach. We joined the multitude, finding a space for our towels in the soft, white sand that was surprisingly clean. We enjoyed the people watching, smiling at the throngs in their orange lifejackets taking endless selfies and playing in the sand. Most of the boats had departed by 4pm, leaving the beach nearly deserted with just a handful of Star Clippers passengers. star clippers in thailand An afternoon in the Similan Islands with lots of day trippers. 

The perfect ending to our favorite beach day of the week was a half-hour walk across the island to the other side and down a steep path to a secluded, rock-framed cove that could have been the setting for a cover of a Harlequin romance novel. star clippers in thailand Where’s the film crew??

The week’s two non-beach days included LANGKAWI, the one Malaysian port of the week. Beth and I signed up for the guided kayaking through the mangroves of the Kilim Geopark followed by lunch and then a sweaty 3km jungle hike in the Raya mountains with an enthusiastic machete-carrying guide Hizam who pointed out monkeys and exotic birds the likes of the Great Horn Bill and Longtail Macaque. Sheila chose a thrilling tour I couldn’t have handled — a mile-long 2,000-foot-high cable car ride between the peaks of the Machincang Mountains on Langkawi’s west coast. Star Clippers in Thailand A kayaking excursion through the mangroves of the Kilim Geopark on Langkawi.

We anchored in AO PHANG NGA (Bay) on the final day or our cruise and signed up for the “James Bond Island” speedboat excursion. We stopped at the Panyi Muslim village on stilts for a walk around the maze of small wooden shops and homes crammed together on rickety boardwalks. The other stop was scenic James Bond Island, otherwise known as Khao Phing Kan, where parts of the “Man With a Golden Gun” were filmed back in the 1970s thanks to its spectacular rock formations, some resembling giant dripping icicles. star clippers in thailand James Bond Island.

The best part of the tour was sitting at the back of the boat near the outboard motors as the speeding vessel bounced through the water for several hours between stops. The views of the karsts, some smooth, some rough and covered with tufts of green foliage, unfolded like a 3D movie. star clippers in thailand The breathtaking speedboat ride to James Bond Island.

Besides the handful of excursions offered during the week, there were optional daily diving opportunities with the ship’s dive master. There was also Star Clippers’ beloved “photo safari,” when passengers pile into the tenders to circle the ship and take photos under full sail. star clippers in thailand The ship’s two tenders circled the Star Clipper for more than an hour on the beloved photo safari. 

With three of us sharing a cabin, we didn’t spend much time hanging out in the room, a cozy 130-square-foot abode with portholes, twin beds and a bunk-style third berth. Designed in nautical navy blue fabrics and wood trim, there was a TV, safe, decent storage space, and bathroom with showers. The ship also has eight deluxe cabins that open right up to deck; one large owner’s suite with a sitting area, mini bar and whirlpool bath; and six inside cabins. Star clippers in thailand Some standards cabins have a third berth.

A SOCIAL AFFAIR Chatting and mingling on a small ship like the Star Clipper is inevitable. We became buddies with Monica and Doug, two easy-to-talk-to fellow Americans in their 50s, and Mark, a good-natured 30-something English chap traveling solo. A group of Germans, led by the gregarious Roland, had an infectious sense of humor that made many of us laugh out loud. Of the 114 passengers our week, a third were Germans, 18 were from the UK, a dozen from North America, and the rest a mix from Australia and other corners of Europe — most were 50+. Mealtime encouraged socializing as tables were open seating for 6 or 8. Breakfast with a made-to-order omelet station, and lunch with a featured pasta or meat, were buffet-style and generous, while dinner was ala carte with continental choices and a few Asian offerings as well such as Pad Thai. Dishes ranged from so-so (a rib-eye steak and pork stir fry were disappointing and the cheese plate came with Ritz crackers) to very tasty, including the chicken curry, shrimp tarts, and raviolis. But a Star Clipper’s cruise isn’t about the food, it’s about being outside on deck. Star clippers in thailand Pad Thai is a classic dish of Thailand. 

The open-air Tropical Bar with its thick wooden bar top was the hub, where passengers congregated before and after dinner as the ship’s musician played happy pop tunes on his electric piano. Each evening, some light-hearted entertainment was featured, including a crew and passenger talent show, a traditional Thai dance from a shore-side troupe, and a silly “Pirate Night” party that was great fun. Star Clippers in Thailand Thai folk dancing with passengers

Afterward, hits from the 60s and 70s were played on the sound system, putting us and new friends in the mood for some dancing as our gorgeous tall ship sailed through the Andaman Sea to our next port of call. star clippers in thailand Hotel director Herman at the ship’s hub, the Tropical Bar.

FAST FACTS Itineraries & Fares : Back in Asia after a long absence, through 2019, Star Clipper is doing 7-night Andaman Sea cruises between October and April starting at£1325 GBP pp (+ Port fees 280 AUD pp), and spending the other half of the year cruising the Indonesian archipelago round-trip from Bali on mostly 7-night sailings.  

Selfie Weather & Dress Code : Thailand is just north of the equator, so it will be hot in the 80s and 90s and with short rain storms the norm. You’ll live in beachwear and cover-ups most of the time; at dinner, smart casual works — sundresses, skirts and pants for women and for men, khaki’s and polo shirts or short-sleeved button-downs.

Money Matters : The Thai Baht is the official currency, but there is virtually no opportunity to shop.

QuirkyCruise , founded by travel writers Heidi Sarna & Ted Scull, is packed with articles and reviews about cool and quirky ship carrying under 300 passengers.

North Norway, Aurora Borealis & Whales

Thanks for your message. We really enjoyed our trip on the Rembrandt Van Rijn and I think we’d give the overall holiday experience 8-9/10. We’d definitely recommend this trip to other people.

The plusses: everyone looked after us very well before departure and on the boat. The crew on board, and Jan and Chloe the guides, were excellent. Cabin space was quite small but as expected, and kept spotless by the team, as were all the other parts of the boat.

The food was plentiful and quite varied, and considering the facilities available, at a good standard. The bar was also well stocked!

The trips ashore were well planned and varied, and let us see some interesting parts of North Norway we wouldn’t otherwise have seen. Jan and Chloe gave us information about the day in good time to prepare, and also gave us excellent talks about the area and the wildlife, and they also had a number of documentaries to show us most evenings too. They couldn’t have been nicer to be around either.

We had two brilliant days with Orcas and Sperm whales and three fantastic Aurora evenings too, so that was beyond our wildest dreams, and we’ve got some great pictures for posterity. All the fellow passengers were friendly, and the number was just right (I think around 20?).

Minor minuses only: due to COVID we had to wear a mask on board for the entire time, except when eating or drinking, but that was beyond anyone’s control.

We probably didn’t read the “small print” carefully enough before booking, as there was more time out on the open sea, rather than in the calmer and more sheltered fjords, than we’d anticipated, and for several days we had very rough seas (force ten gales one day!) so we had to retire to our bunks with sea sickness tablets on several days. That was purely because the captain and Jan had to take us out to try and track down whales, so there was obviously a possibility of rough seas as a result.

Overall, a very enjoyable experience, and worth the money, and we’re delighted to have booked with you for this holiday. 

Split to Dubrovnik in comfort

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip, all the ports and the food. The cabins were very average. Rene U

Split to Dubrovnik Cruise in Comfort

Hi Susi, we travelled on Vapor on 31 Aug until the 6 Sept from Split to Dubronik. The crew were very helpful and friendly. The food was good and Stan our cruise manager was fantastic. His knowledge of the area was exceptional. We really enjoyed our cruise. The islands are amazing. I would recommend this cruise to our friends. Thanks.

Sicily Cruise - The sights and tastes of Sicily

We had an excellent time on the cruise but felt that the courier tried to fill the days with too much and her manner and English left a lot to be admired. The ship and crew were wonderful but we did not have enough time to enjoy it all. The inter-Island transport could have been better. RR

Alaska's Inside Passage & San Juans Cruise (Wilderness Discoverer)

We booked a 2 week cruise in Alaska through the Small Cruise Ship Collection. The Small Cruise Ship Collection we’re efficient and helpful, answering any queries promptly. The cruise itself was fantastic, everything we hoped for and more. Alison M

Croatia Island Hopping Cruise from Dubrovnik to Split

An excellent island hopping cruise experience

An excellent way to experience the interesting islands of Croatia. Travelling with 38 like-minded people made the cruise a wonderful experience. The crew were very professional and extremely hardworking. The breakfast and lunch offerings were more than ample. Having the opportunity to eat dinner on the islands at the restaurants provided us with time to mingle with the locals, walk around the amazing towns and provide incomes locally. Jen A

Glacier Bay Cruise - National Park 7 Night Adventure aboard Wilderness Adventurer

Our week on the boat was great fun:

The scenery was stunning with glaciers, waterfalls, mountains and forests,

It was exciting to be able to hike in a small group in the pristine wild forests, climbing over fallen trees and bushwacking through the undergrowth. - our wellingtons were essential

Our guides were very knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, and history.and also very conscious of the need to protect our environment 

We loved the kayaking, and were very aware of all the efforts by the crew to keep us all safe and also to have an enjoyable experience.

The sightings of marine wild life was exciting (whales, seals, otters etc)  

The food on the boat was exceptionally good and varied and all the staff were very helpful and friendly.

The crew took lots of photos of all the activities and wild life sightings which they shared with us when we got home.

Southern Croatia from Split - Premium cruise

A week in paradise on a luxury small ship. We were upgraded to a fabulous ship called Black Swan on a similar circuit from Split to Split in Croatia. The boat was amazing with everything you could wish for on board. The crew of 8 were very professional but at the same time friendly and chatty. The captain and his wife owned the boat and were also friendly with us all. The captains dinner was excellent with 2 live musicians.

We saw beautiful totally unspoilt islands,small fishing villages, ancient palaces and visited towns full of interesting history, all with a guide and "whisper" ear phones so we could all hear perfectly. We had plenty of free time in ports where we could go sightseeing, shopping or find a nice restaurant or bar. Our guide even arranged for us to do an exclusive 4 x 4 safari buggy tour in Dubrovnik that was not on this boats schedule but on our original one.

The food was really excellent, the boat kept immaculately clean at all times.

I particularly enjoyed the opportunity for swim stops or a tender ride to a deserted beach, even though it was October and late season. Something you do not get to do on a huge impersonal cruise ship!

At night in port the boats always raft up next to one another and its fun to go from boat to boat checking out what they all look like. We were not disturbed by this at all and the gaps between the various boats were not a problem to us, but could be to a disabled person.

I would recommend this type of holiday to anyone.... its so relaxing compared to a huge cruise ship and with only 36 people on board the guide makes sure from the very first evening that we all get to talk to one another and great friendships were formed. Our travelling companions nationalities were Americans, New Zealanders and Australians and we were the only 2 from Europe which we loved.

Southern Croatia Premium Cruise from Split

 I just wanted to drop a line to say what a fantastic trip we had on Kapetan Bota.  We could not fault any aspect of our trip – the boat exceeded our expectations; the food was abundant and delicious and the crew was excellent.   Kapetan Bota:  Saturday, 23 September to Saturday, 30 September.   JP

Dubrovnik to Split including Trogir

"We were pleasantly surprised with many items. The downstairs cabins were very spacious and the food was a big surprise as the website showed a buffet and it was so much more and very gourmet. Our crew was incredible and went out of their way to add to the fun. AND the other guests that cruised with us....they have become lifelong friends from other countries. THANK YOU!!!"

Debra and Daryl

Just wanted to say that we had a great trip and we were impressed with the crew and ship.

Divine Cyclades - 8 Days, 11 Islands - Greek Islands Cruise

 Just back from my week on board Elysium , I have to say, it was really great. Lovely atmosphere throughout,  the crew was friendly and accommodating, nothing was too much trouble, and they all spoke English which made a change for me struggling to speak French or Turkish!!! 

I thought it was a wonderful experience. 

Very impressed by how Croatia presents itself to tourists. 

There is a feeling of high quality and low ‘ tut’. 

The boat was perfect although the fact that 18 guests ( instead of 40) clearly made for a more intimate and personalised experience with the crew.

The boat ( My Way) was great .

 Our Captain Ante  ( and owner) was very personable and in the events where he was at lunch or dinner - spoke extremely well and warmly promoted Croatia and hospitality .

 My travel companion Heather had been allocated a cabin below deck ( although she had specifically asked for one with deck access) the captain was consulted - and she was immediately given a deck room which was good - as there was clearly available space . 

The quality and quantity of food was outstanding… if a bit too much for small appetites . A 4 course lunch seems over the top , and def made us eat less for dinner in a local port . However - it was very conducive to drilling down into those friendships that happen in close quarters ! 

I will def recommend this mode of travel in Croatia to friends in Oz …. And will direct them to My Way and Small Cruise Ships.

Luxury Turkey gulet cruise to The Hisaronu Gulf

"A most amazing week spend on a beautiful boat. We cannot speak too highly of the attentiveness and professionalism of Captain Tok and his crew, the wonderful food, the amazing scenery, and overall cleanliness and comfort of the the boat……… Our every need was catered for, and everything seems to be done without disturbing the peace and tranquillity we were there to enjoy. Our trip was made even more memorable by our lovely fellow passengers! We bonded very quickly, and are in fact talking of another Gulet cruise together sometime in the future. The booking process was smooth and straight forward and the pre- departure material provided was useful and relevant. It was also good to have the representative from the cruise line meet with us prior to departure and on our return. To sum up, a truly memorable and wonderful experience. Thank you.

Julie and Joelle

Enjoyed the cruise. Food was good considering the size of the kitchen. Seating was a bit cramped.

We were "below stairs" and again the room was basic but spacious.

Having said all this the cruise was not expensive.

We thought the port fees should have been included in the price and tipping caused a lot of discussion. . Most people found it excessive especially those countries that don't tip. Liz B

Cruise from Split to Dubrovnik in luxury

Yes, we did enjoy our Croatian cruise.  The boat manager did a wonderful job, despite her youth!  She often had to re-arrange our programme because of the Captain having received instructions about where we could moor and the impact of the weather.  We had one very wet and rough day (when my friend was sea-sick!) but most of the weather was fine, with a gentle breeze to avoid getting too hot.  Dubrovnik was a great disappointment for me, being over-run with tourists, even so late in the season.  I would think it would be better to have a guided walk in the afternoon, rather than the morning, when there were so many others that it was difficult to keep with your own group.  Unfortunately, the walls were beyond our ability, but we had a taxi up to the mountains where the cable-car started, stopping at various viewing points, and then back via the new bridge to our boat.  I could recommend that.  We had spare time on the last day, owing to our late flight, and the cruise manager suggested we took the boat to Lokrum, a nearby island, and this gave us great views of the walls, etc.  The island is kept for wild-life, and we had to share our sandwiches with the peacocks!  Going out we did not see anything of Split, as the programme had been changed, and the guided walk in Split happened before we arrived at 7 p.m. instead of the next morning.  

The end of the cruise was not good for us, but in no way the fault of the cruise firm.  My friend lost her handbag when we got to the airport and she thought she had left it in the taxi, but it could not be found so the official at the airport found us accommodation for the night, and next morning the handbag was found on the boat, and returned to us, and then we had to pay for another flight back to the U.K. It was all a nightmare for us, but we must say the Croatians were very helpful and took great care of us. 

Going back to the boat cruise, we would have much preferred evening meals instead of the dinner at lunch time. We only had two, one the day we arrived, and then the captain's dinner.  In the evening we did not want another dinner, and were rather at a loss to find something to do, as it was getting dark by 7.30 p.m.  There is no menu for meals, but when I saw the size of the galley, I was not surprised, and the chef did well to prepare nearly 40 meals for us, plus more for the crew.  All the crew were pleasant and helpful, especially getting us on and off the boat safely.  We thought the wine and drinks were VERY expensive, so did not drink much on the boat, and the allowance of 1/2 a litre of water per day was not very generous if it is very hot.  Then tax was added to the bill as well.  We thought they were expecting very large tips, and we had to reduce them to a more reasonable level.  We were also stung very high charges when using the ATM in Gruz port and at the airport, which I have never experienced before in other countries.  However, we still enjoyed the experience.  And Vicky was very helpful when we made the booking.

Luxury Croatia Cruise Split to Dubrovnik to Split

It was a fantastic holiday I was travelling alone, but it didn't feel like that once I arrived the crew were great our meals were delicious there wasn't anything you could fault. Travelling on board a ship this size you meet and make friends easier and have a great time together.also you get to see of this beautiful country while having a great time. Tina L

Southern Croatia cruise from Split

The cruise on Pape Prvi from Split

The cruise on Pape Prvi from Split - Dubrovnik and back was wonderful experience: family owed boat with great food, friendly hosts, clean; well informed and nice guide from Katarina tours; great choices of places to dock (and see), good balance between history, culture and nature. The sunny and warm weather was a surprise plus, also the group consisted of very pleasant people (not a single "professional" complainer). Dream vacation! Daniela P

Overall an excellent way of exploring the Croatian coast. The crew and guide were first rate. The cabins were comfortable and slightly larger than expected. The itinerary with the swim stops worked well. Jonathan W

I would like to tell you that the assistance I received, prior to sailing, with Nicola and Caroline, was impeccable. Nicola bent over backwards to make my dream trip come to fruition and when Caroline had to take over, she was equally efficient!  

The crew on the Kapetan Bota were also exemplary!! Our bartenders worked so hard and made us so happy, I can’t say enough wonderful things about them. Also, our Cruise Manager, Nina, was absolutely fantastic! Her knowledge, her attention to detail and her ability to make us all feel so special, was amazing! 

The ship’s complement of passengers and crew were outstanding, the quality and variety of cuisine was exceptional, and the weather was glorious!  So the wait proved very worthwhile, so thank you for your help in the arrangements.   DB

Luxury Gulet Aegean cruise 2023

This was our second trip that we booked with The Small Cruise Ship Company. We love both the Croatia Cruise and the Turkey/Greece Cruise. I would highly recommend this company! Diane B

Jewels of the Arctic Expedition

Thank you Caroline for all the effort you put into me boarding, cruising and experiencing this fabulous region.  I am slowly making my way home, with a short period in Norway but the Jewels cruise was such a stupendous cruise. Thank you for all your assistance in making this happen 

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands aboard Ocean Victory

Everything went more than smoothly and I had a fantastic time on a fantastic ship with a fantastic crew. The scenery and wildlife (and weather) were stunning and I was so happy I waited for the right time to go (adding the Falklands and South Georgia was also definitely the right decision - what incredible places). Thank you for all your valuable support and patience! 

Tim S 

Wonders of Croatia: Dubrovnik - Split (Deluxe Superior Ships)

We cruised on MS Markan on 11th October. The Captain and crew were superb and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. We have never used small ships before but we will only look at them in the future. The cruise was fabulous. AB

The small size of the sailing ship and the wonderful character of the crew made this a wonderful week packed with once in a lifetime views, excursions and food. I enjoyed it very much. I hope to do it again. Linda M

We really enjoyed the cruise, thanks!

Emblematic Antarctica on board Le Boreal

Just know you did a magnificent job for us. When one gets  a 10+ on a scale of 5, it would be hard to drop back down!  I have you on speed dial. We hope to travel again via your expertise in arranging the details. Hopefully we will be ready to book another trip thru you again.  Now, back to reality and no more triple desserts! Thank you for everything. 

Kotor Bay and Montenegro gulet cruise

I’m just writing on behalf of Angela and myself to repeat our thanks for everything related to the cruise around Montenegro last week.  We had really great service from you and your colleagues and we are particularly grateful that you both honoured our payments from 2020, without asking for a supplement, and also give us a cabin each as this boat only had double cabins.  This was really generous of you and much appreciated, thank you.  It was a really beautiful and spacious boat - the cabin and bathroom were so wonderfully large and there was lots of deck space for all activities.  We were lucky being only eight passengers, so we were rather spoilt!  We were also very lucky with the weather and so could enjoy the trip around the beautiful coastline and also the times ashore.  The sea was rather too cold for me to do much swimming but others, tougher than I, did have a great time in the water in the sun.  

We also want to repeat our thanks to the crew of four.  They were all really professional and excellent at their jobs and also so very obliging - nothing was too much trouble.  they were all such nice people and it was a pleasure for us to have them as our crew.  I know that Boban is now on his last week’s cruise with the gulet and is leaving to run his own business, so please can you be sure to pass on our thanks to the crew before he leaves finally. 

Anyway we were very glad indeed to have finally made it to Montenegro for this cruise - at the fourth attempt!  It was worth the wait!  

Best wishes

A superb cruise from Split to Dubrovnik and back on Seagull. We had challenging weather to start with but the crew did everything to make sure we still had an amazing time . Ship and cabin were comfortable and spotless, food delicious and we will treasure the memories of the Dalmatian Coast forever. Thank you . CM

Alaska's Glacier Bay & Island Adventure aboard Alaskan Dream

We selected this trip as we wanted a “small boat cruise” around Alaska’s Inside Passage. Not all 20 cabins were occupied and there were only 33 passengers in total – just us from UK, 7 Australians and 4 Kiwis with the rest from US (so all English-speaking). Perhaps the style of trip meant that all seemed of a similar outlook and the group got on well together.

Alaskan Dream seem to be an environmentally-aware company with a good local reputation and are very welcome in the communities they visit. The small size of the boat means that they can access areas and ports unavailable to larger ships. The crew are generally long-serving with the company, competent and approachable. This particular voyage had an on-board naturalist/guide from the start, with a second joining part way through. There is at least one “off boat” opportunity every day.

Cabins are compact but comfortable with ample storage space. We were in the lowest grade; the next one up seemed to have no more amenities, just slightly bigger (although they are on the same level as public spaces). The “shoilet” takes some practice but is actually extremely practical and functional (better than facilities in other boats of a similar size that we have experienced). Rain gear (jackets, trousers and boots) are available for use. Meals were, without exception, excellent; hot drinks and water were always available.

The itinerary is flexible so we were able to take advantage of an unexpected permit to stay in Glacier Bay for an extra day. It also meant that potential wildlife sightings could be pursued and this was done on several occasions. There is also various interactions with each local community that we visited.

We would unreservedly recommend this trip but be warned that it is not a “cruise” – evening entertainment is limited to some short wildlife talks. But if your priorities are exciting wildlife and stunning scenery with an insight into local culture, you should seriously consider this.

The cruise from Dubrovnik to Split on Vapor was excellent in every way; the cabin was comfortable and clean. The crew were very helpful, courteous and efficient. The islands we visited were interesting and well-chosen and our tour director was really excellent; he had a delightful combination of knowledge and humor. I would happily do it all again. Susan

Cruise from Dubrovnik to Split in Luxury

Wonderful experience

We cruised on the MS Diamond in September from Dubrovnik to Split and it was 7 days of swimming, laughter and relaxing unlike any other cruise we have taken. The cruise director Paul, Bruno and Ivan the two bartenders and waiters were wonderful, always smiling and couldn’t do enough for you. The rest of the small crew were also wonderful. Our cruise had a total of 38 passengers and everyone was friendly and we all enjoyed each other’s company. The Diamond was very comfortable with areas to just relax and the swimming everyday in small coves in the clearest water we have ever experienced and that’s says a lot as we live in Hawaii. I have thought of our cruise everyday since our return and would love to do it again Roger F

Split to Dubrovnik Luxury Croatia cruise

 Hello Caroline, I'm sssooooo sorry to be so late in sending comments about our Small Ship Fantazija cruise from Split to Dubrovnik. The whole trip to celebrate our Golden Wedding was ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS from beginning to end. Fantazija was a perfect size ,plenty of room to relax and have fun with all the guests. Our cabin was just lovely- Cabin 7 with access to the walkway. Everything clean, tidy, beautiful bedding and towels. A lovely bottle of wine from you for our anniversary- so kind.

We couldn't have had a better group of travellers- we bonded from the first meeting. We sailed early each morning before a hearty breakfast of various items- mmmmm tasty!! Each swim spot was amazing. Each port of call after lunch was wonderful. The arranged tours and trips were well organised and we were delighted with them all especially the visits to the Oyster Farm and the Wine Cellar.. A slight disappointment was not having complimentary tea or coffee during the day. Many ,many thanks for all your excellent arrangements. We cannot speak highly enough of our first Small Ship Cruise, a fabulous holiday to celebrate our special Golden Anniversary. Diolch o galon,thank you so much, H & D

Fabulous cruise, thoroughly enjoyable experience. Captain and crew were lovely.

Small Cruise Ship Collection were most helpful throughout

Small quibbles:

Would have liked much more sailing instead of motoring.

Would have preferred an extra day/night in Greece instead of early return to Turkey.

Cabins were hot at night (in October!)

Dalmatian Paradise: Split - Split

A truly wonderful experience

We took a 7 night round trip cruise from Split on the Avangarde. It was an absolute delight. We were thoroughly looked after from the moment we arrived in the boat to the final transfer to our hotel at the end. The crew and tour manager were extremely good at what they do and showed great humor. The food was outstanding and cabins much for luxurious than I could have imagined for a small boat. There was a great balance between free time and organised excursions. I cannot recommend this cruise highly enough. Katherine A

Wing Commander Hanks Croatia Bike Cruise

   Thanks for organising the Coatia trip, we had a great time 

We really enjoyed our Split-Split Croatia cruise

Northern Croatia Cruise

Hello, I have returned from a small cruise ship holiday  in Croatia. Not the one my friend  I planned but due to cancellation we were put on another boat going to the southern islands, but still had our three days extra seeing lakes etc.

Everything went to plan hotels, boat, transport connections etc were all there for us . We also had an added extra  on a transfer by taxi from Split to Zagreb on our last we shared a taxi with 'Katarina' and her family.  What an unexpected pleasure.

We want to thank you all for a wonderful holiday even though at the beginning it seemed doomed.

We shall be back

Regards Margaret B  

Dear Caroline, just writing to say the Croatian cruise aboard “ Admiral” was absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t fault it. The boat was immaculate, the crew so helpful and good fun, only 26 guests on board -   a mixture of young and old but everyone blended in. Zoran our boat manager was an absolute gem and definitely made the cruise for me. He is so passionate about his country and so knowledgeable. His talks were a delight to listen to. The weather was fantastic the whole week and swimming off the boat was a delight. I could go and on! I will definitely be booking another cruise with your company hopefully to Alaska with my husband this time.

Thank you once again for all your help in making this a memorable trip.

Kind regards, Eileen .

The Ave Maria was a pretty boat.  Three separate outdoor conversation areas were nice to relax in.  The cabins were nice and roomy. The cruise director Stan was very friendly and informative throughout the day and on the excursions on shore. 

The server and bartender were nice, but not the most friendly.  I am sure they get tired of new people each week. Food was good.  Just one comment - more fresh vegetables with meals would be great. 

Overall, the week was very enjoyable. Linda M

Croatia cruise from Split in Luxury

We had a wonderful time and loved the ship and all the stops.  Look forward to another cruise in the area......thanks so much for your help!

Our only question was in previous documentation, it was stated beer and wine were included during lunch.  However, none of our drinks were included.

Look forward to why the discrepancy.....but simply loved everything else; ship, staff, captain, and director! Donna Z

My wife and I enjoyed the Croatian Cruise on board the Meridijan 100%.   The crew could not have been better and the food was perfect.  We will go on other trips in other places.  Thank you.  Larry snd Sun S

Gokova Gulf Luxury Gulet Turkey Cruise

Just a quick email to say a very big thank you from Bruce & myself for the wonderful week we had on board MS Nikola. I knew it would be special, but had no idea just how special! The gulet is superb, the crew were out of this world, the weather was perfect, & the company just brilliant… there is no way we could have improved on any aspect of our trip whatsoever. I didn’t know that Bruce had mentioned it was our honeymoon; the crew went above & beyond in terms of making it memorable for us, as did the other 3 couples on the gulet! Although the week at sea fell into the middle of our honeymoon (as we were in Kos & Bodrum either side of the cruise, & both of those were special too), it was by far the highlight of it… neither of us wanted our time on board to end. Having read some of the comments in the gulet’s guest book, we could see just how special it is; and the current crew (capt Ramazan, chef Tekin & 1st mate Hassan) are deservedly well-loved by all.

I’d also like to say a really big thank you too to Small Cruise Ships for letting us join the Nikola, because of course we shouldn’t have been on it at all, having booked to join the Myra. She was alongside us in port so we had chance to see her also; another beautiful gulet indeed. But we both quickly realised that we’d been incredibly lucky to be swapped onto the Nikola… it’s a truly fantastic itinerary & there really wasn’t a minute we didn’t enjoy. (…possibly with the exception of me dropping my mobile phone – or rather the special photos on it – onto the Eastern Aegean seabed! Ramazan was amazing, and gave us some lovely photos of us he’d taken, which of course more than made up for the loss )

I also hope this is useful from a feedback point of view; do let me know if you’d like me to write something more articulately! We decided there & then in Bodrum we’d start saving on our return, because without any doubt whatsoever we wish to sail with the Nikola & crew again next year, wherever she’s going…

Emblematic Antarctica

We had yet another flawless experience with Small Cruise Ships. Thank you so much. I've been recommending you guys like crazy! Mrs P

We stayed on in Split for three nights which partly explains this belated reply. We would do it again which really says it all. In fact we are interested, not now but maybe in twelve months time, in a similar cruise if it was between Venice and Split. The northern half of the Croatian coast. We think we were lucky to have one of the best cabins (4) and we wouldn’t want any less comfort than that. 

We liked the Diamond very much.The small but hard working crew were terrific.  Our timing was good as the vast crowds around Dubrovnik and Split in July and August had eased and the weather was hot but not too hot. Most of our fellow guests were Canadian who are friendly and good mannered. We didn’t think the food was very good apart from breakfast. We longed for a salad bowl. Despite the advertisement that there was a fresh water fountain on the boat they were rather mean in handing out half litre because titles which we thought was penny pinching. 

The concept of the 499 ton boat really appeals to us. We wouldn’t take a cruise on the ordinary leviathan. We loved Croatia and think we saw the best of it. We had a splendid holiday.

Thank you for your feedback Robin. The Water cooler should have been in operation, and water is free on these cruises in Croatia from 2020 onwards. Powell Ettinger, The Small Cruise Ship Collection

Norwegian Round Voyage

 I have to say we had a fabulous time on board and the staff were wonderful , delighted with our cabin, the food was great , we loved our fine dining , we met some great people , and we loved the ship , also lucky as it wasn’t full capacity so we had so much space , although some excursions were cancelled, we booked as many as possible on board , so we saw lots of amazing things , I have already recommend this cruise to someone, as we throughly enjoyed ourselves 

The only thing , the hotel in Bergen was nice but our room was very tired, and needed to be upgraded , the breakfast was excellent though 

Considering all the problems before the departure, we thought the staff reacted really well and appreciate the effort they all went to for the flight up to Trondheim , I felt very sorry for the others who came back down to Bergen by coach

Everyone was extremely helpful and it was very memorable, we were also lucky to see the Northern lights on several occasions , we were extremely lucky last year in Sweden at the ice hotel as we saw them every night , but I was delighted for people on our trip that it was a new experience  

Great crew, fantastic food and the MV Myra was a very good layout. Would highly recommend. Brian D

Our cruise with your company was wonderful....the boat was spotless at all times.  Some one has taking their time to ensure the boat is well maintained. The staff was incredible, thoughtful,  courteous, helpful, but above all the service was beyond expectations.

One problem, I can never cruise in a large ship again!!!! I would only be disappointed by the quality of food  and experience.

great experience..thank you very much.

Paula and Tom

I thoroughly enjoyed my recent Croatian cruise on board Moonlight. Everything was of a very high standard - the ship, the cabin, the crew, the destinations, the on board guide and the local guides, the meals... I can't fault anything. It was an outstanding trip and we were fortunate in having such congenial fellow passengers. Bernadine R

Emblematic Antarctica aboard L'Austral

Northern pearls: split-opatija (premium ship).

The ten of us had an amazing time and quite possibly one of the best holidays I have experienced. RS

The cruise from Dubrovnik to Split on the boat Vapor was excellent in every way; the cabin was comfortable and clean. The crew were very helpful, courteous and efficient. The islands we visited were interesting and well-chosen and our tour director was really excellent; he had a delightful combination of knowledge and humor. I would happily do it all again. Sue Z

Croatian Islands Luxury cruise

We have all had the most amazing holiday on board Avangard ! Returning to Split by 9am was no problem at all, in fact we docked at around 8.15am

  Everything was perfect; the Ship, our cabins, Crew, the food and a brilliant tour manager (Aida).

Powell, thank you for your recommendation of Hotel Perisil, it was great, despite the early morning bells at 6am! Many thanks to, for all your help in answering our many questions before departure!

Stellar experience start to finish!! Thank you!

Croatia Luxury Cruise North: from Split to Split

Great holiday

We had a lovely week on the Esperanza . The guests all got in great and Ivana was a wonderful hostess.

Positives : Guests and the amazing Dalmnation coast

Negatives: Agritourism visit was nothing special and wine was borderline awful. Most guests felt this was something of a wasted evening in the middle of nowhere.

Food on the boat in particular fruit at breakfast and salads at lunch and dinner could have been more plentiful .

But all in all ... Great !

Thank you Conor I

It was out of this world met some Brilliant people who spoilt Alan for his birthday.

The weather was gorgeous, the scenery was amazing. We have travelled a lot but this is def no 1 on our list. Zoran our leader was an absolute star. One of the nice things is that the walks etc only cost 10 euro so we didn't have loads to pay and our guides were so informative about the islands. Even the drinks on board were reasonabIe. I have sent the details to about 5 of our friends.

Dear Caroline,

Thank you so much for organising our cruise on MV Katarina .

The ship is wonderful along with Ivan the Captain the crew and Tour manager Stan.

Itinerary was perfect.

We could not have wished for a better holiday.

Five Stars *****

Best regards,

Simon 

Croatia Luxury Cruise: from Dubrovnik to Split

Our trip to Croatia was absolutely amazing! We loved the Olimp and their crew. The islands were beautiful.  Lori P 

Classic Norwegian Fjords (Roundtrip)

I can't thank Small Cruise Ship Collection enough for their assistance in arranging my first Hurtigruten voyage along the coast of Norway in October, 2019. Although the ship's mechanical issues saw me returning home just a few days into the voyage, Small Cruise Ship Collection helped me quickly rebook the trip, using Hurtigruten's full refund and discount offer for my future booking. I just returned from a most amazing experience in Norway, and I thank Caroline of Small Cruise Ship Collection, in particular, for such superb assistance.

Reliving a trip is always a joy, but even more so on this adventure. We were constantly reminded of just how wonderful it was.  Your careful planning, your efforts to provide the best possible experience, your thoughtful suggestions along the way and your prompt responses to our many questions came flooding back to us as we relived each day of this trip.  I just wanted to tell you one more time, THANK YOU for all you did to make this trip so absolutely perfect.  MH

Northern Croatia premium cruise from Opatija

 We did very much enjoy our 8 days on the Moonlight from Opatija. A real jewel and everyone and everyone were so fine.

Star Clippers Cruises: Thailand

by Margi Arnold | Last updated Feb 11, 2022 | Star Clipper Cruises , Thailand Vacations

On a Star Clippers cruise, you will enjoy the luxuries and amenities of a luxury cruise liner while setting sail on an authentic majestic tall ship. Star Clippers cruises an exciting way to discover out-of-the-way ports and private beaches. As an alternative to mass-market cruises, these smaller capacity ships make for an intimate cruise through the open seas.

Enjoy authentic local music and arts when we invite performers aboard for your entertainment. If you are looking for a little adventure, you can climb the mast to the crow’s nest for a breathtaking view. The Cruise also offers a variety of nautical onward activities like knot tying and navigation classes. On Star Clipper’s tours, you are not tied to rigid schedules; you are free to do as you want.

Margi enjoying Lunch on the Beach on Star Clippers Cruise

Sample Itinerary 7 Night Star Clippers Cruise of South East Asia

Phuket – Patong Bay, Thailand Your adventure starts in the Andaman Sea on Thailand’s largest island. Phuket is a holiday paradise with a dozen spectacular beaches.

Ko Butang, Thailand These islands feature towering rock formations, crystal clear seas and beautiful beaches perfect for snorkeling, diving or a relaxing swim.

Penang, Malaysia Off the northwestern coast of Malaysia, the island of Penang is home to Malaysia’s capital Georgetown. The island is also home to one of the finest Buddhist temples in south-east Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple.

Kayaking near Ko Tarutao National Park

Ko Adang – Butang Group, Thailand As you sail your way south, you will visit the Butang Group of islands. This 61-island archipelago is protected by the Ko Tarutao National Park and unhabituated. The islands are off the radar of most tourist groups so the pristine beaches and deserted coves will be your own private paradise!

Ko Rok Nok, Thailand You will visit the Lanta Group of islands off the East coast of Thailand. Ko Rok Nok and the rest of the 15 islands are part of a National Marine Park.

Phang Nga Bay, Thailand Enjoy some of Thailand’s most spectacular scenery when you visit Phang Nga Bay. Rising vertically out of the bay, the sheer-sided sea mountains are incredible. The islands in this area also feature white sandy beaches and amazing coral reefs.

Ko Hong, Thailand Ko Hong has a large internal lagoon and one of the prettiest bays in the area. Rest in the shade of huge monolithic rocks or take a swim in the beautiful sand beach.

Set Sail on the Star Clippers Tall Ship

Ko Similan, Thailand North of Phuket, the stunningly beautiful Similan Islands offer world-renowned diving.

Phuket – Patong Bay, Thailand Finally, you will return to Phuket.

Ready for a Thailand Vacation?

Be sure to give luxury travel advisor, Margi Arnold a call to discuss your vacation to Thailand. With over 25-years’ experience in the travel industry Margi, is an expert that will help you personalize your trip and will ensure a worry-free vacation. Start by completing a  vacation request  or call Margi at  303-694-8786 .

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Whale of Asia: Star Cruises Grows Some Girth

• Travel Intel

By Bill Becken, Senior Cruise Editor

Hong Kong-based Genting HK is certainly an up and coming travel conglomerate. Its Star Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brands together form the third-largest cruise concern in the world—comprising a fleet of 20 ships cruising to more than 200 destinations. That means they offer nearly 42,000 lower berths to the global cruise market, and mostly in Asia. Star Cruises’ rapid rise leaves little doubt that an Asian firm based in Asia can at least approximate the success of the two global cruise market leaders, Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Naturally, then, says William Ng, chief operating officer, during 2014-2015, Star Cruises will continue to upgrade its fleet, expand itineraries and otherwise develop its potential: “identifying opportunities, within our core competencies and capabilities, to drive our cruise business,” he says. Currently, Star Cruises is the Asia giant with luxury cruises that sail to ports in Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Apart from the fleet’s renovation and redeployment, new onboard shopping venues will help the ships stay successful and prosperous. In this and other ways, says Ng, the value the company brings to the table will be based as much on its unrivalled experience and enthusiasm in, as on its deep understanding of, the Asian market.

The company, says Ng, is in the throes of making heavy growth-oriented investments in both refurbishment and strategic deployment, among other things—all in order to maintain its leading position in developing and serving the Asia-Pacific region as an international cruising destination.

Through most of 2013, the SuperStar Gemini homeported in Shanghai, sailing to destinations in North Asia. The drydocks continued unabated. After a four-week drydock that year, Star Cruises’ SuperStar Libra began offering cruises to Yangon with a range of new shore excursions. Finally, in 2013, the cruise line refurbished and launched the vastly smaller Genting World (formerly the MegaStar Aries) in order to wade into the premium-level market (comprising more-elite customers looking for a unique cruise holiday with small groups of family and friends).

Indeed, by the end of 2013, every member of the fleet had been refurbished within the previous few years. As well, Ng notes, by repositioning the SuperStar Aquarius, “we became the very first global cruise line ever to homeport a ship in Kota Kinabalu.” Then, in January, 2014, the SuperStar Virgo underwent its second refurbishment (costing nearly $20 million) in less than two years. Star Cruises remodeled more than 270 balcony cabins and tripled the ship’s retail area to more than 6000 square feet. “This work reflects our ongoing growth in Asia and will reinforce our position as the Asian-Pacific market leader,” says Ng.

As will, no doubt, Star Cruises’ 150,000 GRT newbuild, slated for delivery in 2016, now under construction at Meyer-Werft shipyard, Papenburg, Germany. Costing 707.2 Euro, with more than 1,600 cabins and a capacity of 4,500 passengers and 2000 crew members, it will, says Ng, be the largest ship permanently homeported in Asia and, of course, will easily rate as the largest ship in Star Cruises’ fleet.

Through March 2014, SuperStar Virgo homeported in Singapore and offered itineraries to Penang, Phuket (where the elephant riding shore excursion is highly popular), Malacca and Port Klang. For April through October, The Virgo will homeport in Hong Kong, sailing to Keelung (Taipei), Taichung and Kaohsiung in Taiwan, Sanya in Hainan and Halong Bay in Vietnam; then homeport for the end of the year in Singapore. It would seem the faster-paced renovation and repositioning of the ships will enable Star Cruises, if it wants, to graduate to selling a more all-inclusive product, along with its current products.

How will Star Cruises’ products also reflect elements like new itineraries and onboard innovations? It seems the line’s onboard strategy is geared to “our current customers, who they are and what they like. Certainly we stand out with freestyle cruising—just like NCL. In fact, we are constantly innovating, adding new entertainment, food and beverage choices, shore excursions, and retail variety and wellness options, both to attract new customers and to ensure that our existing customers keep coming back,” says Ng.

In this respect, new shopping options have dominated as much as anything. For example, the latest retail expansion on the Virgo “enabled passengers to buy products from international brands such as Shiseido SK II, Biotherm, Lancome and Shu Uemura. The ship also features our duty-free shop China Duty Free; jewelry and watch specialist Canopus; luxury leather goods retailer Milan Station; and our Ports O’Call souvenir shop,” he says.

Shore excursion development shines, too: “For summer, 2014, we have lined up many new places of interest among our itineraries and activities in terms of shore excursions. For example, in Naha, travelers can snorkel and dive; in Ishigaki, they can have a Segway riding experience; our Taiwan excursions will also cover several new destinations such as Paper Dome and Taiwan Times Villages in Taichung.”

Generally, says Ng, “Star Cruises’ growth trajectory in Asia could be quite rapid, since we will continue our strategic development of products with highly targeted appeal,” he says — requiring more than the firm’s unilateral, if redoubtable, refurbs and newbuilds: “We need investments in infrastructure, terminals, ports and support services, coupled with an easing of visa requirements and more cooperation amongst regional governments to make cruising hassle-free: all are indispensable to making new products possible. It may take some time: considering it took some 30 years for the market to mature in the U.S., cruising is still an infant in Asia,” he says. “That’s why we are in favor of competition. We believe it helps expand the market and the industry to grow at a faster pace.”

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Lark has been a travel journalist for more than 30 years. She shares weekly news and reviews on all facets of travel. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure or planning a trip for someone else, Lark’s insight on cruise travel, air travel, hotels, resorts, popular activities, attractions and destinations will keep trips cost- and time-efficient, and help all the travel go that much more smoothly.

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Mongolia: Cool Yurts, Flaming Cliffs, Ancient Eggs

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Travel: The Simple Secret to Happiness

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Ual: newest member of the free-to-fee club, cruise lines 2017: what’s new, what’s popular, what the lone traveler wants, packaging the punch for holiday travel, travel distribution: revolution in the air.

Terminal Insanity: Airports to Avoid this Holiday

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Star Clippers in Thailand — This Cruise Rocks

Jan 14, 2018 | 2

Star Clippers in Thailand.

By Heidi Sarna.

With our beach bags and snorkeling gear slung over our shoulders, we filed down the metal staircase extended along side the 170-passenger Star Clipper and into a tender that would transport us to a Thai beach for the day. A short ride later, the boat was nudged into the sandy shoreline and we climbed out of the forward hatch, up and over the bow, and down a short ladder into the surf.

These wet landings would be the norm for the week; part of the adventure of visiting beaches without infrastructure. This was precisely why most of us had signed up for the 7-night Andaman Sea cruise in the first place, to go somewhere warm, sunny and remote, and to get there on a cool tall ship.

Wet landings are business as usual on the Thailand itineraries. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

Tall Ship Beauty

Star Clippers ‘ four-masted Star Clipper itself was a destination. In fact some passengers didn’t care where the ship was going, they were there for the nostalgic sailing ship experience. About 25% to 50% of the time the engines are shut off and the ship moves under sail power alone — otherwise a combination of the two are used to propel the ship at speeds of about 9 to 14 knots — and it’s a sight to behold.

On the Star Clipper cruise I recently took with two friends Beth and Sheila, each evening, usually before dinner, passengers gathered on deck, many of us with a glass of wine or tropical concoction in hand. We were there to watch the Indian sailors nimbly handle coils of thick rope, wrapping and unwrapping it from pegs and cleats and pulling it along winches, to unfurl whichever of the 16 sails the captain wished to release to help us on our way.

As the sails inched skyward, the solemn theme song from the film “1492: Conquest of Paradise” was broadcast to set the mood. Passengers fixed their gaze on the sails and the twilight sky as the canvas flapped in the wind and the ship creaked through the waves like ships did centuries before.

RELATED: 10 Reasons to do a Star Clippers cruise in Thailand.  by Heidi Sarna

Sunsets through the rigging are breathtaking. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

This appreciation for the experience is exactly what Swedish businessman Mikael Krafft had in mind when he started Star Clippers. He spared no detail or expense to design and build his fleet of three square-rigged clippers in the likeness of their speedy predecessors. Krafft and his team were guided by the original drawings and specifications of Scottish-born Donald McKay, a leading naval architect of 19th-century clipper-ship technology.

The result is a trio of tall ships with few rivals and lots of repeat passengers. The four-masted Star Clipper and twin Star Flyer were launched in 1992 and 1993, respectively, while in 2000, came the 227-passenger five-masted  Royal Clipper. A fourth new tall ship , the Flying Clipper , is being built and will debut later this year.

UPDATE: While the Flying Clipper has been completed, a dispute between Star Clippers and the shipyard has delayed its debut; stay tuned. 

The fleet plies the waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asia, aiming for yacht harbors and remote bays and islands.

The Star Clipper cruise sails round-trip from Phuket (yellow star) to islands in the Andaman Sea.

Andaman Sea Island Hopping

Round-trip from Phuket, we traveled 533 nautical miles around the Andaman Sea, as far north as the lower tip of Myanmar and south again to Langkawi in northern Malaysia. Most of our ports for the week were part of national parks and clusters of islands with names that weren’t easy to remember. But it didn’t matter what the kohs (also spelled ko) were called, what you remember about this itinerary are the beaches, the bright teal-blue water and those craggy towers and mounds of ancient limestone — partially submerged hills and mountains formed over millions of years.

Some of Asia’s best beaches are in the Andaman Sea. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

Each day took on a similar rhythm. After breakfast was a port talk up on deck by the captain or the funny and unflappable Brazilian Cruise Director Monica who loved repeating each morning on the approach to a new port: “Let’s go to paradise.”

The first visit was to KOH SURIN  to the north of Phuket. We first snorkeled around reefs some distance from the beach, hopping in the sea right from a tender, ogling giant clams, brain coral and rainbow-striped fish. Then we hit the beach, where the ship’s watersports team had set up kayaks, sailboats and paddleboards. After successfully paddleboarding, a pleasant triumph when you’re no longer a spring chicken, we relaxed on the sand sipping water from coconuts.

Beth gets up on the paddle board after the first try! * Photo: Heidi Sarna

The busiest beach we’d encounter all week was in the SIMILAN ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK  archipelago. As one German passenger joked after attempting to snorkel: “There were 3 fish and 2,000 legs.” Dozens of buzzing speedboats brought the mostly Chinese tourists on day trips from Phuket or Krabi, their revving outboard engines spitting water as they dropped off and collected their passengers from the beach.

We joined the multitude, finding a space for our towels in the soft, white sand that was surprisingly clean. We enjoyed the people watching, smiling at the throngs in their orange lifejackets taking endless selfies and playing in the sand. Most of the boats had departed by 4pm, leaving the beach nearly deserted with just a handful of Star Clippers passengers.

An afternoon in the Similan Islands with lots of day trippers. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

In KOH KRADAN , part of the Hat Jao Nai National Park, we snorkeled near spiny sea urchins, mounds of brain coral and schools of neon fish. We floated in the water to keep cool and Beth went paddleboarding again, her favorite new activity. Dressed in floral shirts and white pants, the crew set up lunch on the beach, grilling delicious chicken, sausages and burgers that we ate sitting in the sand or on low hanging tree branches.

Lunch on the beach, completed with grilled burgers and chicken. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

The perfect ending to our favorite beach day of the week was a half-hour walk across the island to the other side and down a steep path to a secluded, rock-framed cove that could have been the setting for a cover of a Harlequin romance novel.

Where’s the film crew?? * Photo: Mark

The week’s two non-beach days included LANGKAWI , the one Malaysian port of the week. Beth and I signed up for the guided kayaking through the mangroves of the Kilim Geopark followed by lunch and then a sweaty 3km jungle hike in the Raya mountains with an enthusiastic machete-carrying guide Hizam who pointed out monkeys and exotic birds the likes of the Great Horn Bill and Longtail Macaque. Sheila chose a thrilling tour I couldn’t have handled — a mile-long 2,000-foot-high cable car ride between the peaks of the Machincang Mountains on Langkawi’s west coast.

A kayaking excursion through the mangroves of the Kilim Geopark on Langkawi. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

We anchored in AO PHANG NGA  (Bay) on the final day or our cruise and signed up for the “James Bond Island” speedboat excursion. We stopped at the Panyi Muslim village on stilts for a walk around the maze of small wooden shops and homes crammed together on rickety boardwalks.

The other stop was scenic James Bond Island, otherwise known as Khao Phing Kan, where parts of the “Man With a Golden Gun” were filmed back in the 1970s thanks to its spectacular rock formations, some resembling giant dripping icicles.

James Bond Island. * Photo; Beth Crow

The best part of the tour was sitting at the back of the boat near the outboard motors as the speeding vessel bounced through the water for several hours between stops. The views of the karsts, some smooth, some rough and covered with tufts of green foliage, unfolded like a 3D movie.

The breathtaking speedboat ride to James Bond Island. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

Besides the handful of excursions offered during the week, there were optional daily diving opportunities with the ship’s dive master. There was also Star Clippers’ beloved “photo safari,” when passengers pile into the tenders to circle the ship and take photos under full sail.

The ship’s two tenders circled the Star Clipper for more than an hour on the beloved photo safari. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

Onboard Fun & Games

On board, the main activity for the week was mast climbing, when those interested strapped on a harness and climbed up some 65 feet onto a small platform.  For me, massages were the favorite extracurricular; the masseuse was excellent and the prices reasonable, probably because the treatments were doled out in a humble canvas cabana wedged between the diving tanks and ship tenders. Book a massage when the ship is moving to avail of the breeze and soothing ocean sounds.

View from the top, WOW ! * Photo: Doug Stavoe

With three of us sharing a cabin, we didn’t spend much time hanging out in the room, a cozy 130-square-foot abode with portholes, twin beds and a bunk-style third berth. Designed in nautical navy blue fabrics and wood trim, there was a TV, safe, decent storage space, and bathroom with showers. The ship also has eight deluxe cabins that open right up to deck; one large owner’s suite with a sitting area, mini bar and whirlpool bath; and six inside cabins.

Some standards cabins have a third berth. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

A Social Affair

Chatting and mingling on a small ship like the Star Clipper is inevitable. We became buddies with Monica and Doug, two easy-to-talk-to fellow Americans in their 50s, and Mark, a good-natured 30-something English chap traveling solo. A group of Germans, led by the gregarious Roland, had an infectious sense of humor that made many of us laugh out loud. Of the 114 passengers our week, a third were Germans, 18 were from the UK, a dozen from North America, and the rest a mix from Australia and other corners of Europe — most were 50+.

RELATED: Reader Review of this Star Clippers Thailand cruise. 

Mealtime encouraged socializing as tables were open seating for 6 or 8. Breakfast with a made-to-order omelet station, and lunch with a featured pasta or meat, were buffet-style and generous, while dinner was ala carte with continental choices and a few Asian offerings as well such as Pad Thai. Dishes ranged from so-so (a rib-eye steak and pork stir fry were disappointing and the cheese plate came with Ritz crackers) to very tasty, including the chicken curry, shrimp tarts, and raviolis. But a Star Clipper’s cruise isn’t about the food, it’s about being outside on deck.

Pad Thai is a classic dish of Thailand. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

The open-air Tropical Bar with its thick wooden bar top was the hub, where passengers congregated before and after dinner as the ship’s musician played happy pop tunes on his electric piano. Each evening, some light-hearted entertainment was featured, including a crew and passenger talent show, a traditional Thai dance from a shore-side troupe, and a silly “Pirate Night” party that was great fun.

Thai folk dancing with passengers * Photo: Roland Fella

Afterward, hits from the 60s and 70s were played on the sound system, putting us and new friends in the mood for some dancing as our gorgeous tall ship sailed through the Andaman Sea to our next port of call.

Hotel director Herman at the ship’s hub, the Tropical Bar. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

Itineraries & Fares: Back in Asia after a long absence, through 2019, Star Clipper is doing 7-night Andaman Sea cruises between October and April starting at $1,360 per person, and spending the other half of the year cruising the Indonesian archipelago round-trip from Bali on mostly 7-night sailings.

Getting There: Most US flights come through Bangkok or Singapore, then it’s a short flight to Phuket. We stayed one night in the pretty Amari Phuket hotel along Patong Beach, near the ship’s anchorage.

A relaxing stay at the Amari Phuket the day before the cruise. * Photo: Heidi Sarna Selfie

Weather & Dress Code: Thailand is just north of the equator, so it will be hot in the 80s and 90s and with short rain storms the norm. You’ll live in beachwear and cover-ups most of the time; at dinner, smart casual works — sundresses, skirts and pants for women and for men, khaki’s and polo shirts or short-sleeved button-downs.

Money Matters: The Thai Baht is the official currency, but there is virtually no opportunity to shop.

Nature’s bounty is the entertainment on a Star Clipper’s Thailand cruise. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

RELATED: The Royal Clipper to Corsica, Elba & Sardinia.   by Christina Colon.

And here’s  Star Clipper’s website.

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About The Author

Heidi Sarna

I've cruised on 100+ ships of all shapes and sizes all over the world, and it's the small quirky ones that I have always loved the most. My first small-ship cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean and southeast Asia got me hooked and so QuirkyCruise.com was born!

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Thanks Heidi – Great article

Thank you so much George! 🙂

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STAR CRUISE – SINGAPORE / THAILAND / MALAYSIA – 5 Days

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Tour Details

Visiting Places : city tour – Cruise stay – Langkawi – Phuket tour 

Arrival Singapore airport – City tour – Cruise check in and overnight stay at Cruise

Morning arrival at Langkawi – city tour – and Overnight stay at Cruise

Arrival Phuket – Phuket city tour – overnight stay at Cruise

Full day sailing

Morning arrival at Singapore and evening airport drop

Package Inclusion

• International Economy class flight fare
• Star Hotel accommodation with breakfast (TWIN / TRIPLE sharing)
• Above mentioned sightseeing with entrance and transfers
• Meals as per the itinerary (International Breakfast at Hotel / Lunch and Dinner at Indian restaurant)
• VISA Charges (except Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Vietnam, Maldives, Schengen Visa, London, American, Australia, New Zealand,)
• All tours and transfer by A/C Vehicle

Package Exclusion

• Visa charges
• Other attraction and meals which is not included in inclusion
• Travel Insurance
• Own expenses such as Phone, Drinks, Tips etc

Singapore - Phuket

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Enjoy Singapore, a city dedicated to business with stunning achitecture
• Visit Malacca, inseparably associated with the Spice Trade
• Discover the breathtaking Malaysian island of Langkawi, offering amazing diving
• Explore Phuket's lush green hills, coconut groves, and spectacular beaches
• Small Ship Sailing
• Urban Exploration
• Small Ship Cruises
• Southeast Asia
• Koh Yao Noi
• Phang Nga Bay
• Similan Islands

Full Itinerary

Day 1: singapore | embark, day 2: malacca, malaysia.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: At Sea

Day 4: langkawi, malaysia, day 5: ko adang, thailand, day 6: phang nga bay | ko hong, thailand, day 7: the similan islands, day 8: phuket, thailand | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Star Clipper

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $400 pp for Cat 2-6 and $800pp for Cat 1, Deluxe and Owner's, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• Star Clippers Americas - General Terms & Conditions - Star Clippers Americas

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
• 7 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• All meals and snacks (open seating) including: Coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day. Different juices are included only for breakfast.
• Ocean transportation to remote ports.
• Complimentary snorkeling, kayaks, paddle boarding, water-skiing, windsurfing, and sunfish sailing (subject to weather conditions and local authorities).
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• RM10 per room per night mandatory Tourism Tax in Malaysia collected by cash upon check-in.
• All transfers to/from the boat from airports.
• Laundry services 
• Medical services
• Shore Excursions
• Alcoholic drinks and sodas.

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Get at least 30% off your first and second guests' cruise fare. Plus, book now and get up to $200 onboard spend per room.

Cruises to Thailand

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Luxury Cruises to Thailand

On a cruise to Thailand, you’ll discover some of the world’s best unspoiled beaches, taste exotic flavors, and immerse yourself in cultural traditions that date back centuries. 

Sail to the always exciting and enchantingly chaotic capital of Bangkok, where you’ll find magnificent temples, golden Buddhas, vibrant street life, and welcoming people. Discover some of Thailand’s best beaches in Ko Samui, where you can bask in the shade of a coconut palm. In Phuket, take in the splendor of golden-roofed Buddhist temples, and sample delicious food famous for its fragrant Thai spices. Luxury cruises to Thailand with Celebrity offer a genuine feast for the senses. 

Thailand Cruise Highlights

City life in bangkok.

In Bangkok, life is vibrant, welcoming, eclectic, and chaotically exciting. Take in the sights via a canal tour and watch traditional puppeteers re-enact ancient folklore tales. Wander through the massive Chatuchak Market to browse and shop for handmade clothes, spices, crafts, and Thai fabrics. Enjoy a drink high in the sky on the 63rd floor of the State Tower, a skyscraper topped with a lavish dome, and take in panoramic views of the glittering city skyline. 

Ancient Buddhist Temples

On cruises to Thailand, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the most revered and ancient temples and Buddhist holy sites anywhere in Asia. Thailand is home to around 33,,000 active temples including the massive and ornate Wat Arun in Bangkok which lights up the skyline at night. Take a trip up Nakkerd Hill in Phuket to see the famous Big Buddha statue that looks over the city. For a more rustic experience, visit the terracotta-hued Wat Ratcha Thammaram in Ko Samui which pays homage to legendary sea monsters and ancient Buddhist warriors.

White Sand Beaches

When visiting Thailand, don’t miss world-renowned beaches like Maenam in Ko Samui, with over four miles of unspoiled, silky white sand underneath your feet. Try a surf class or snorkeling adventure in the bright blue waters of Kata Noi Beach in Phuket. Take a day trip to Pattaya from Bangkok, where you’ll find a lively entertainment scene, plenty of watersports, and great local beach restaurants where you can sample fragrant Thai dishes.

Thailand Cruise Ports

The brilliance of Bangkok isn’t just in its size, but rather how much just one city can offer when it comes to food, nightlife, history, and cultural highlights. Don’t miss a chance to see the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, a golden statue measuring over 150 feet long, and 50 meters tall. Tour the city’s famous sites via canal boat, or drift along the Chao Phraya river past intricate temples. Take a Thai cooking class then enjoy some of Bangkok’s best views with a martini at the rooftop bar at Vertigo atop the Banyan Tree hotel during your overnight stay. 

Ko Samui’s famous beaches draw travelers looking for a complete, tropical island escape while still enjoying an upbeat local Thai culture and plenty of activities. Have an adventure on a 4x4 jungle safari tour to see some of the best sites like Namuang Waterfall, Mummified Monk, and Buddha’s Magic Garden, all in one day. Or take it easy on the calm shores of Maenam Beach, where you can lunch on Thai specialties with your toes in the sand.

On the mountainous island of Phuket, you’ll find palm-shaded, white sand beaches, adventurous jungle treks, and rich Thai heritage and traditions. Take a boat tour through some of the limestone islands in Phang Nga Bay where you can explore caves, mangroves, and rock formations that jut straight out of the turquoise-colored water. Browse for art and local handicrafts at the colorful shophouses in Phuket’s Old Town then visit the nearby Jui Tui Shrine, famous for its three ornate altars that pay homage to Chinese gods. 

Thailand Cruise Itineraries

Cruises to Thailand depart from either Hong Kong, Bali or Singapore, combining the buzz of big cities with the tranquility of laid-back tropical islands. You’ll typically visit six ports throughout Southeast Asia, with stops in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia as well as the “Land of Smiles”. Thailand cruises sail between November and March, when the weather is finest, and include three or four days at sea to relax and enjoy the ship. 

Itineraries

Why cruise to thailand with celebrity cruises.

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in Asia for travelers looking for adventure, culture, and a blend of lush nature and cosmopolitan experiences. On a Celebrity Cruises ship, you’ll return from your adventures ashore every day to luxurious accommodation and fine dining. Book a suite in The Retreat and you’ll have access to an exclusive lounge and restaurant, too. Indulge in luxurious treatments at The Spa, or watch the sun meet the sea with a fabulous evening cocktail at the Sunset Bar. 

On a cruise to Thailand, you’ll discover tropical rainforests, bustling cities, white sand beaches, fragrant, spicy food, and elaborate Buddhist temples. See and experience the best this region has to offer on a luxury cruise to Thailand with Celebrity Cruises. 

View All Cruises to Thailand

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What Is Thailand Known for?

Two Days in Bangkok

Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia

Best Beaches in Southeast Asia

Old Phuket Town: What to See and Do

Best Beaches in Phuket

Best Time to Visit Thailand

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All Star Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show

Enjoy buffet dinner with seafood and Indian Food  while cruising on Pattaya sea and watching stunningly beautiful transgenders cabaret show . The cruise  is beautifully decorated and the performers are even more beautiful. You will like variety of well selected food. Unlimited special drink  included in the buffet! Only at All Star Cruise!

• Buffet dinner cruise with cabaret show performed by beautiful transgenders
• Serve you with quality international buffet with seafood and Indian food
• The unlimited special drink is included in the buffet
• Optional round-trip transfer (with a modified pickup truck, Song Taew) in North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya, and Khao Phra Tamnak

Child Price

• Child price applicable to children of 4-10 years old 
• Children 0-3 years old can join the cruise free of charge
• The children must present his/her passport at the check-in

How to use the voucher

• Present our confirmation email at the Check-in

Transfer Service

• Optional round-trip transfer in North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya, and Khao Phra Tamnak
• Transfer service is applicable to the customer who made payment before 3:00 p.m. of the cruise date

How to get there

• Pier E, Bali Hai Pier Map

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