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Star Clippers fleet

Golden horizon, royal clipper, star clipper, review of star clippers.

Star Clippers Ltd (starclippers.com) is a Sweden-based ( Monaco -headquartered) company and "tall sailing ship cruise" travel brand with a fleet of three luxury motorized sailing yachts. All vessels are fitted with computer-controlled sails in addition to the diesel engines.

The company's current fleet includes Star Clipper (4-masted barquentine/1992-built), Star Flyer (4-masted barquentine/1991-built), Royal Clipper (5-masted ship/2000-built). The brand's newest vessel (under charter) was planned to be Flying Clipper (now Golden Horizon) . However, the 5-masted sailship (2019-built) was instead chartered to Tradewind Voyages UK.

The "tall ship cruise" company officially started operations in 1991, since when provides 5-star luxury (private yacht-like) vacation travel product and services to its sophisticated clients, with ~60% customer repeat rate. Founded by Mikael Krafft, Star Clippers Ltd now owns and operates the world's largest full-rigged sail ships. Star Clippers flag-states are Malta (registered in Valletta ) or Luxembourg - unlike large cruise liners which are usually flagged Panama or Bahamas.

Each of the Star Clippers ships has an aft-located marina platform that is lowered (when the ship is anchored) to serve the company's complimentary scuba diving and water sports activity program. The marina also serves the passenger tendering operations in areas without port infrastructure and facilities (piers, quays, wharves, terminals). When the ship is anchored (at sea), passengers are disembarked via tender boats or Zodiacs (inflatable high-speed boats also used for landings). Each ship has 2-3 outdoor swimming pools (on Sun Deck) which are filled with seawater and open only if weather permits. All the clippers are fully stabilized and with two bilge keels (on both sides of the vessel) to reduce rolling.

The ship's dedicated Water Sports staff assists and guides passengers on water-based activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, banana boating, sunfish/dinghy (sailboat) sailing, kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing. Onboard pre-scheduled on each cruise activities (also provided complimentary to all cabin category passengers) include outdoor aerobics and yoga classes, swimming pool (sundeck), deck BBQ parties, talent nights, crew show, fashion shows, local (itinerary/ports-based) entertainment (live folkloric performances by local artists boarding the yacht).

Above-deck lookout stations (mounted on each mast) are equipped with safety rails and comfortable lounge seats to allow passengers 360-degree observation. Access to these stations is via climbing the masts - with supplied safety vests and dedicated deck crew supervision and assistance.

Shore excursions are optional and cost extra (not cruise fare inclusive). Optionally can be also booked pre-cruise and/or post-cruise tours in both homeports (departure ports) and non-port cities. Cruise line's vessels can be also privately chartered. Ship charter deals are with unique (customized) itineraries and tailor-made activities both onboard and ashore.

Onboard purchases can be made in cash, with travellers checks or via international credit cards ( Visa, American Express, Mastercard) and will be added to passenger's invoice (debited in EUR). Cash or travellers check payments require a EUR 300 deposit. Gratuities (onboard tipping) is not included in the fares (suggested EUR 8 pp per day).

Company's provided cruise documents also include luggage tags, which must be filled out with passenger's name and attached to his/her bags before checking in. Bringing alcoholic beverages on the ship is forbidden. Ashore-purchased alcohol (in call ports) will be taken at the gangway (upon reboarding the ship), stored and returned upon debarkation.

All staterooms are fitted with twin beds (convertible to a double Queen bed), smart HDTV (with DVD player), satellite phone, electronic safe box, dressing table with an armchair, en-suite bathroom (WC, washbasin, shower, hairdryer), 110V flat plugs (for a deposit, adapters can be borrowed from the Reception Desk) and 220V European plugs (on the 5-masted ships).

During summer, Star Clippers cruises as itineraries visit some of the best-known coastal destinations in Europe's Mediterranean, including the Italian and French rivieras, Balearic Islands (Spain), Adriatic Sea's Dalmatian Coast (Croatia), Greece, Turkey. European homeports include Civitavecchia-Rome , Venice , Cannes , Piraeus-Athens ,

During winter, the fleet is deployed in regions like Caribbean (Central America) and Southeast Asia. Star Clippers Caribbean homeports include Bridgetown Barbados and Philipsburg St Maarten Island . In Asia, the company homeports in Phuket Thailand , Singapore , Benoa Bali-Indonesia .

When seasonally chnaging the regions, the cruise line offers ship relocation (repositioning) Transatlantic crossings or Suez Canal transits on longer but low-priced voyages (RepositionCruises.com).

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Star Clippers canceled all Asian cruises with pre-scheduled departures in 2020 March 21, 2020, through August 2021.

Operations restarted in 2021 on August 3 (Royal Clipper/Mediterranean from Piraeus-Athens), August 7 (Star Flyer/Mediterranean from Athens) and November 20 (Star Clipper/Southeast Asia).

All affected bookings received full refunds in FCC (future cruise credit) available for rebooking.

Itinerary of Star Clippers

During summer, Star Clippers cruises as itineraries visit some of the best-known coastal destinations in Europe's Mediterranean, including the Italian and French rivieras, Balearic Islands (Spain), Adriatic Sea's Dalmatian Coast (Croatia), Greece and Turkey. European homeports include Civitavecchia-Rome , Venice , Cannes , Piraeus-Athens ,

During winter, the fleet is deployed in regions like the Caribbean (Central America) and Southeast Asia. Star Clippers Caribbean homeports include Bridgetown Barbados and Philipsburg St Maarten Island , In Asia, Star Clipper's homeports in Phuket Thailand , Singapore , Benoa Bali-Indonesia .

When seasonally changing the regions, the cruise line offers ship relocation (repositioning) Transatlantic crossings or Suez Canal transits on longer but low-priced voyages (RepositionCruises.com).

itineraries 2023-2024 (Mediterranean)

For those seeking an extensive and effortlessly curated vacation experience, Star Clippers offers a series of "Grand Voyages" ranging from 13 to 19 days. These voyages grant travelers the opportunity to explore a diverse array of exotic ports across multiple Mediterranean countries, all while indulging in the authentic ambiance of a tall sailing ship.

The leisurely pace of these signature Grand Voyages ensures ample time for in-depth exploration of ports both prominent and hidden. This unhurried approach enables guests to immerse themselves in the allure of ancient ruins, savor panoramic vistas, and relish the culinary treasures of the region. These extensive itineraries encompass a remarkable spectrum of destinations, encompassing the quaint islets of Greece to the vibrant, cliffside hamlets that grace the Italian coastline.

Star Clippers presents this opportunity across all three of its genuine sailing vessels throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

A captivating example is the 19-night journey aboard the  Star Flyer , commencing from  Valetta (Malta)  and culminating in  Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) . The voyage encompasses ports in Malta, Italy, Spain, and Morocco, before transitioning to the Atlantic crossing. The highlights include the picturesque island of  Gozo  in Malta,  Palma in Mallorca  with its splendid Gothic cathedral, Motril in Spain with its stunning beaches, and the vibrant Tangiers.

For an immersive exploration of the Greek isles, Star Clippers offers a 14-night round-trip sailing from  Athens (Piraeus) , encompassing ports in both the Northern and Southern Cyclades, along with Turkey. This journey traverses islands like  Skopelos  and  Skiathos , recognized from the famed Mamma Mia series. The romantic ambiance of  Spetses  unfolds through its beautiful beaches and winding cobblestone pathways, while the historical significance of  Patmos  is underscored by its association with the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine. A stopover in  Kusadasi, Turkey , opens the door to a tour of the ancient Ephesus ruins.

The  Royal Clipper 's 14-night  Venice  to  Rome  voyage embarks along the Adriatic, unfolding with stops along the captivating Croatian coastline. The itinerary offers a day in  Kotor, Montenegro , renowned for hosting one of Europe's most breathtaking harbors, enveloped by towering mountains.  Taormina in Sicily  boasts historic charm and captivating vistas, perched on the shoulders of Mount Etna. The journey continues along Italy's western coast, punctuated by visits to smaller ports such as  Ponza  and  Palmarola , before culminating in Rome.

For over two decades, Star Clippers has been an ambassador of modern tall ship sailing, offering travelers access to remote ports across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indonesia, and the Far East. The company operates three of the world's largest and tallest sailing vessels:  Star Clipper  and Star Flyer, traditional clipper ships equipped with modern comforts and accommodating 170 guests; and the Royal Clipper, an awe-inspiring five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship that can host up to 227 guests, holding the prestigious Guinness World Record for its unique stature. All three vessels feature extensive teak decks, swimming pools, relaxed dining venues, convivial tropical bars on deck, and inviting piano lounges.

Star Clippers related cruise news

Star Clippers announces Grenada as new homeport for Star Clipper

Star Clippers has unveiled plans to designate Grenada as the new homeport for its 166-guest Star Clipper during a series of upcoming sailings in...

Star Clippers expands Caribbean itineraries with homeporting in Grenada

Grenada, renowned for its scenic beauty and warm hospitality, has been chosen as the latest Caribbean home port for Star Clippers, an esteemed tall...

Star Clippers unveils “Grand Voyages” to exotic ports in the Mediterranean

For those seeking an extensive and effortlessly curated vacation experience, Star Clippers offers a series of "Grand Voyages" ranging from 13 to 19...

Star Clippers opens bookings for all cruises until March 2025 on their 3 tall sailing ships

Star Clippers is now accepting bookings for all sailings until March 2025 on its three majestic tall sailing ships. New destinations available for...

Star Clippers lifts COVID vaccine mandates for cruise passengers

Star Clippers announced a new set of health & safety protocols with regard to the prevention of COVID for their fleet of tall clipper ships. The...

Tradewind Voyages UK cancels all Golden Horizon cruises in the Mediterranean (May-October 2022...

Tradewind Voyages, the UK-based operator of the tall-sail ship Golden Horizon, canceled all sailings through October 2022 as it pursues a...

Tradewind Voyages pauses Golden Horizon ship due to EU's sanctions against Russia

The UK-based operator of the tall ship Golden Horizon, Tradewind Voyages, has decided to suspend sales as sanctions against Russian entities had...

Port Bastia (Corsica France) welcomes a double call with tall-sail cruise ships Royal Clipper and...

Port Bastia (Corsica Island, France) welcomed a double ship call with Star Clippers' Royal Clipper and Ritz-Carlton's Sea Cloud. Both tall-sailing...

Star Clippers restarts cruises with all 3 ships in the Mediterranean

The tall-ship sailing company Star Clippers resumed its full sailing program for the first time in 2+ years with its all 3 yachts operating in the...

Star Clippers opens bookings for Costa Rica cruises through Winter 2024

Star Clippers opened bookings for its new Costa Rica 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 winter itinerary programs. The company is now offering a “Triple...

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The acknowledged sailing cruise specialist for more than 30 years, new itineraries 2023-2024, sail with us to exclusive ports of call in costa rica, the land of “pura vida”., unique destinations aboard our legendary sailing ships., the thrill of sailing on an authentic tall ship., complimentary water sports: water skiing, kayaking windsurfing and much, much more. , be a sailor for a day, get involved, hoist the sails, climb the mast and learn new skills., your milestone moments onboard and make your events even more special..

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Inspired by the famous tall ship the Preussen inaugurated at the beginning of the 19th century, the Royal Clipper is proud to be the largest five-masted square-sail sailboat in existence today since her legendary predecessor. With 134 meters in length and 42 sails, the Royal Clipper is a splendid sight to behold.      

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Star Clipper and Star Flyer are the gems of the company! As fast as the winds and as graceful as swans, these are true clipper ships reflecting their proud heritage, the tradition, and the charm of the legendary era of sailing. These two twin boats are 115 meters long and carry just 166 guests in pampered comfort.

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Princess Cruises and Fincantieri Announce to Postpone Delivery of Star Princess

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MONFALCONE, Italy, (April 19, 2024) – Princess Cruises and ship builder Fincantieri today announced the mutual decision to postpone the delivery of the next Sphere Class ship, Star Princess.

Following a comprehensive review of the remaining construction milestones, both parties have elected to adjust the ship's delivery date from July 29, 2025 to September 26, 2025, which will result in the cancellation of the nine inaugural sailings.

“Despite our collective dedication and relentless pursuit to deliver the ship in late July, it has become evident that additional time is required to ensure the Star Princess is delivered to the highest standards expected by our guests,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.

The new inaugural sailings of Star Princess will sail roundtrip from Barcelona and include an 11-day Mediterranean voyage on October 4, 2025, and a 7-day Mediterranean voyage on October 15, 2025, that precede a 14-day transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale on October 22, 2025 for the ship’s first Caribbean season. These three new cruises will open for sale on April 30, 2024.

Guests who are booked on any of the impacted voyages will be given three options: book any Princess cruise worldwide, including aboard the new Star, sister ship Sun Princess, or any other Princess ship.

Guests who elect to rebook will receive future cruise- and onboard-credits depending on the cruise they select.  Guests will also have the option to cancel and receive a full refund of the cruise fare.

Princess will protect travel agent commissions on all bookings that have been paid in full.

Star Princess is the second in the new Sphere Class of ships for Princess. Sister ship Sun Princess, built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, debuted in February and is hailed as the next level Love Boat featuring the iconic and elegant structural lines Princess is known for, while delivering an evolution of the brand with new eye-catching architectural spectacles like The Dome, the cruise industry’s first geodesic feature on the top deck, and The Sphere, the suspended glass Sphere Piazza at the center of the cruise ship.

More details on both Sphere Class ships can be found at  www.princess.com/sunprincess .

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About Princess Cruises

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Travel is our passion and between us, Joanie and I have over 70 years’ experience within the Travel Industry. We have both held senior positions within both retail travel and tour operating with some of the UK’s most well know companies and, for the past 17 years, we have operated our own specialist online cruise agency. In 2011, after a gap year travelling around Australia, our youngest son Sam joined us and has added a youthful drive to our business.

Our love affair with cruising started in 2000 when we first sailed on the Star Clipper from Barbados around the Grenadine islands and has continued ever since. We are proud to be one of the top agents in the UK for Star Clippers and all of us have first-hand experience of all 3 ships having enjoyed amazing sailings on them on many occasions.

We now specialise in Ocean and River cruise and have first-hand experience of numerous cruise lines including Fred Olsen Cruises, AmaWaterways, Croisi Europe, Arosa, Scenic, APT, Royal Caribbean, Amadeus, Uniworld, Avalon, Regent Seven Seas and MSC and have been privileged to enjoy over 100 memorable sailings.

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We believe that our first-hand experience of cruising in Europe, The Caribbean, The Far East and Asia means that we can offer a level of service and expertise unrivalled by other agents. We are members of GoCruise and Travel which is part of The Fred Olsen Travel Group and for your peace of mind we are ABTA members (J5035) offer full ATOL protection (ATOL licence 0944) and are members of CLIA , the largest association of International Cruise Lines. We strive to offer the highest levels of service and were delighted in 2017 to be recognised by CLIA and receive a National Award as the Best River Cruise Newcomer.

We have a simple philosophy, to offer all our clients unbiased and independent advice to help them plan and enjoy the cruise that is perfect for them. So whatever your travel needs please contact us and we would be delighted to help you plan your next travel adventure.

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