Star Clippers Offers An Ultimate Alternative To Traditional Sea Cruises

Star Clippers was founded in 1989 by Swedish entrepreneur and classic boat connoisseur, Mikael Krafft. Initially, the company launched two four-masted barquentines, Star Flyer in 1991 and her twin, Star Clipper in 1992. These vessels were the first sailing clippers to be built since 1910 and Krafft added a third vessel, Royal Clipper, a five-masted, full-rigged vessel with 42 sails, the largest of its kind in the world.

About Star Clippers and their alternative to traditional sea cruises

Star Clippers’ three ships are modern, high-tech versions of the classic clipper sailing ships that dominated the oceans in the 19th century. These days, they offer their guests comfortable, crewed sailing on traditional clipper ships, built to uncompromising yacht safety with the luxurious surroundings of a private yacht.

Guests onboard the clippers enjoy the romance of sailing on a true tall ship, with high standards of service and pampering by the attentive crew. All three of the ships feature expansive teak decks with swimming pools and a Tropical Bar on deck and a comfortable piano bar. Moreover, the clippers are large enough to offer first-class accommodation and dining, but small enough to visit intimate ports, untouched by traditional large cruise ships.

Meanwhile, the two smaller clips, Star Flyer and Star Clipper can host 166 passengers each, with a crew of 74. Royal Clipper can accommodate 227 guests with a crew of 106.

Where do the Clippers sail?

Star Clippers offers three to 140-night itineraries, including sailing through the east and west Mediterranean. Meanwhile, they also sail to Costa Rica and the Caribbean, with trans-Atlantic crossings at the start and end of each summer season.

Moreover, the cruise line offers regular themed cruises on all three clippers, accompanied by guest expert speakers and covering subjects such as architecture, gastronomy, yoga and meditation.

About Star Flyer and Star Clipper

Star Flyer and Star Clipper both offer sunbathing space on deck with two plunge pools, an outdoor bar and a piano lounge. Each offers Thai massage, an open-seating dining room and water sports equipment. Both clippers have recently undergone refurbishment, replacing the soft furnishings and refitting the interiors.

About Royal Clipper

Meanwhile, Royal Clipper holds a Guinness World Record as the largest, five-masted, full-rigged ship in the world. The ship was inspired by Preussen, the pride and joy of the famed Flying P Line in Germany in the early years of the 20th century.

Today, the Royal Clipper is the flagship of the Star Clippers fleet, having entered service 97 years after the demise of the Preussen and hosting 227 guests in style, while maintaining many of the traditions of a century ago.

On board, Royal Clipper features a spacious open deck area with three swimming pools. One of the pools features a glass bottom that filters light down into a three-level atrium to the dining room below.

Moreover, the clipper features an indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar, an elegant Piano Lounge, a library with internet access, a spa, the Captain Nemo Underwater Spa and Lounge and massage and beauty treatments in rooms with underwater portholes. A watersports platform on the ship can be lowered when the ship is anchored.

As for accommodation, the Royal Clipper offers two luxurious Owner’s Suites, 14 balcony suites, two deck cabins, 90 outside doubles and six inside cabins, all with private bathrooms.

Find more information about Star Clippers and its beautiful ships on the company’s website here.