In the past, clipper ships ruled the sea. The British ‘Cutty Sark’ was one of the last and has been preserved in dry dock at Greenwich. While most companies are content with emphasising the bigger and better in their ships, Star Clippers broke away from them all.
Their idea is a throw back to the glory days of the clipper ships that made their way to ports through the wind of the sea with enormous and full-rigged masts. Founded in 1991, Star Clippers has three ships, the Star Flyer, Star Clipper and Royal Clipper.
These ships were modelled after the first full-rigged five-mast sailing ship, the ‘Preussen’ of Germany. In 1902, she was the world’s largest sailing ship and dominated the seas. The Star Clippers fleet is an authentic recreation of this classic sailing ship with all the modern amenities, activities and atmosphere.
Diesel engines are only in use when the winds are not prevailing and to remain on schedule. The vision of company founder, Swedish entrepreneur Mikael Krafft lives on and has been met with each of the three ships.
Nowhere is this better shown than in the Star Clipper (sans the “s”) ship. By only carrying a small number of passengers (only 170) on board it means that the experience is memorable and comfortable for each person. Don’t go away with the impression that just because it’s a sailing ship, the line scrimps on luxury onboard.
The mega-yacht’s cabin rooms are spacious with a nautical theme. There is never a loss of elbow room along the striking teak decks that are perfect for sitting on and watching the sunsets at night. The effect is something less of a bone fide cruise and more of an extended trip onboard a luxurious private yacht.
There are two enormous swimming pools in which you can take a relaxing dip and plenty of wide open space to let you get the full view of where you are and take the scenery in.
The ship’s design can also be considered a throwback as well, to the golden age of sailing and nautical exploration. Plenty of elaborate paintings and portraits of ships sailing on the open waters to new lands are featured on the walls. The polished mahogany railings give the ship a classic and elegant appearance.
An elegant dining room (appointed dining is the only type available at the moment) offers a fantastic dining experience. There’s an outdoor Tropical Bar and Piano Bar where you can enjoy a nice drink and listen to some soft music.
The Edwardian style library features an enormous collection of books and a Belle Époque fireplace that is sure to be a perfect dose of escapism.
The dress code is mostly smart casual, but visitors should be aware of the fact that shorts and T-Shirts are forbidden after 18:30 and you should try to dress more formally during Captain’s night. This takes place two nights before the cruise ends.
The Star Clipper will schedule 7 day Greek Islands and Turkey itineraries departing from Piraeus (Athens), Greece. The Lycian city of Caunos and Bodrum in Turkey and the ‘no auto allowed’ port of Hydra or the perfectly preserved Byzantine fortified fort in Monemvasia, Greece are just a few of the ports of call on selected sailings that could never be visited on a mega-ship.
There’s also an itinerary that departs from Venice for 10 and 11 day sailings that includes even more of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Cruising with Star Clippers is one option to definitely look into for a different and delightful experience at sea.
For pricing and availability use the Quick Quote form above or call 0207 183 4870
Written by Veronica Shine
