I always thought a big cruise ship was the best way to see the Caribbean. Then I stepped onboard a tall sailing ship in St Maarten and completely changed my mind.
I was invited to spend a week onboard Star Flyer, one of the three ships in the Star Clippers fleet. This is a very different kind of cruise from what I’m used to!
For the right person, it’s incredible. For others, it really won’t work at all. So, here’s my honest take on why a tall ship cruise can be the best way to cruise the Caribbean… and why it might not be for you.
What Makes a Tall Ship Caribbean Cruise So Different
Star Clippers ships aren’t your typical floating resorts. Star Flyer and Star Clipper each have 16 sails, while the larger Royal Clipper has a whopping 42 sails, making her the largest fully-rigged sailing ship in the world.
On a tall ship like Star Flyer, the decks are open, the sails are working, and the crew are constantly visible as they sail the ship. While there are two plunge pools, there are no water slides, surf simulators or giant LED screens. Instead, you get wind, sea, and sails.
If you love the idea of spending time at sea under the sails sailing than simply waking up at a port, this already puts you in the right mindset.
The Magic of Sailing
One of the biggest differences between this and regular cruise ships is how the days begin and end. On most cruise ships, you dock early in the morning before you wake up. On a tall ship, you often wake up while still sailing. You can grab a coffee, head on deck and watch the islands appear ahead of you.
Sail away is even more special. As the sails are raised, classical music plays and you can sit with a glass of Champagne and watch as the ship transforms. It’s calm, atmospheric and genuinely breathtaking.
The Ship Feels 200 Years Old (But With Modern Comforts)
Star Clippers’ ships are inspired by 19th-century clipper ships, and that traditional design is very much the point. The tall masts, working sails and exposed rigging aren’t just for show – they shape the entire onboard experience.
That said, you’re definitely not roughing it. The ships are very luxurious. It’s just traditional luxury rather than the modern luxury you may be accustomed to.
Of course, there’s air conditioning, comfortable cabins, great cocktails and modern bathrooms. It feels historic without feeling uncomfortable, which is a tricky balance but one they get right.
Getting Hands-On With the Sailing Experience
This isn’t a cruise where you just watch from the sidelines. Guests can help hoist the sails, climb the mast and relax on the bow sprit net at the front of the ship.
There are also talks and activities throughout the cruise, including maritime history, navigation, knot tying and even lighter cruise-style sessions like napkin folding and fruit carving. If you enjoy learning how things work, this is fascinating and there are always plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
Why the Destinations Are Better Than Big Cruise Ports
Let’s be honest. There’s only so many times you can enjoy places like Nassau or Cozumel when seven mega ships are docked at once.
Star Flyer carries just 170 guests, which means it can visit small, lesser-known Caribbean islands that big ships simply can’t access. These are places you’ve probably never heard of, and that’s exactly why they’re so special.
The cruise I took sails around the Leeward Islands, with a mix of tender ports and occasional wet landings where you step straight from the boat into the sea and onto the beach.
The ports on my itinerary were:
- St Maarten
- River Bay, Barbuda
- Cabrits, Dominica
- Terre-de-Haut, Îles des Saintes
- Deshaies, Guadeloupe
- Falmouth Harbour, Antigua
- Gustavia, St Barts
These places are small, uncrowded, and feel far more authentic than the usual cruise stops. In each one, there were a range of excursions offering all different types of activities. I felt that they were very reasonably priced.
Water Sports and Activities (All Included)
If you’re an active traveller, this is where Star Clippers really shines. Water sports are included at no extra cost, with options like kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, laser sailing, and snorkelling. On day one, you’re given snorkelling equipment to use for the entire cruise.
There’s no pressure to join in. You can be as active or as relaxed as you like, but if you want value for money and days filled with activity, this cruise delivers.
Surprisingly Affordable Drinks and Extras
This genuinely surprised me! I have no idea why the drinks onboard are so cheap, but they are!
The cocktails are large and cost €7 to €8. Beer is around €4. There are no gratuities added to drinks, and prices are often cheaper than a pub back home.
Even the spa is good value. I paid €60 for an hour-long massage, which is far less than you’d expect on a big cruise ship where it usually costs at least three times that price!
Aside from that, there’s not much else to pay for. Gratuities are optional, the recommended amount is €10 per person per day, which again is much less than most other cruise lines.
Atmosphere On Board
The atmosphere on a Star Clippers cruise is relaxed, friendly and very social.
There are no fixed dining times and you can sit with whoever you like. You naturally get to know people because there are so few guests. On my sailing, around half of the guests were German and half were from North America.
There were very few Brits, which makes me think this is an option many British cruisers simply don’t know about (but you do now!)
The announcements were made in both English and German. When there were talks to attend, they would usually have an English version and then a German version later.
Dining on a Tall Ship
On Star Flyer, there’s just one dining room and it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At 5pm you can also get snacks in the Tropical Bar. Throughout the day, if you get hungry, you can help yourself to fruit or nuts.
The food is excellent, with plenty of choice at each meal. Special diets are handled brilliantly. I’m vegan and was given a dedicated vegan menu every day, with some fantastic options to choose from!
If you love having 20 different restaurants to choose from, this won’t suit you. But, if you prefer quality over quantity, it works very well. The service was impeccable and the crew really did a fantastic job of looking after the guests.
Entertainment on Board
You won’t find Broadway-style shows here! Entertainment is low-key but enjoyable. There’s live music most evenings, quizzes, talent shows and occasionally something special like a Caribbean steel band brought on board in port.
Many evenings are best spent on deck, under the stars, which is exactly what this kind of cruise is about.
Who This Cruise Is NOT For
This part is important, because as much as I loved this cruise, I don’t want anyone booking it and ending up disappointed. This is a very specific type of cruise, and it simply won’t suit everyone. But that’s okay.
Mobility and Accessibility
Star Flyers ships aren’t accessible for people with mobility issues, and that’s something you need to be completely comfortable with before booking.
There are no lifts anywhere on board and steep staircases between all decks. There are also tender ports at most destinations, sometimes with wet landings where you step straight into the sea.
To board the ship, you also need to walk up steps along the side of the ship. These can feel quite steep and you’ll need to hold on with both hands as the ship can be moving quite a lot.
Because of this, the cruise is definitely not suitable for wheelchair users, and it’s also a poor choice if you rely on a walking stick, struggle with stairs, or have balance issues. If accessibility is important to you, a modern cruise ship will be a much better option.
Seasickness
If you’re prone to seasickness, this is another big consideration. Because the ship is much smaller than a modern cruise ship, you feel the movement of the sea more. When the sails are up, the ship also sails at a slight constant tilt, which feels very different to the gentle side-to-side motion of a large ship.
I don’t get seasick and actually enjoyed the movement, but I know that for some people, this would be uncomfortable or even a dealbreaker. If the thought of feeling the sea worries you, or you prefer a very smooth sailing, this may not be the right cruise for you.
Suggested read: Who Seasickness Affects And Why
Cabin Size
Cabins are small and traditional. There are no balconies, large seating areas or baths.
Most cabins are compact, with clever storage and everything you need, but not much extra space. Most double cabins also have the bed pushed against a wall, meaning one person may need to climb over the other at night unless you choose twin beds instead.
The cabins are clean, comfortable, and well maintained, but if you like to spend a lot of time lounging in your cabin, you’ll probably feel happier on a newer, larger ship.
Final Verdict: Is This the Best Way to Cruise the Caribbean?
For the right traveller, absolutely yes!
If you love sailing, active days, quiet evenings, small ports and a more authentic Caribbean experience, this could be the best cruise you ever take.
However, if you need elevators, calm seas, big shows, multiple restaurants and lots of onboard entertainment, you’ll be much happier on a large cruise ship.
There’s no right or wrong choice. It’s all about picking the cruise that fits you.
Personally, I just love the feeling of being close to the ocean, with the wind in your hair and the calm, relaxed atmosphere. I also love the thrill of trying new water sports, climbing the mast and visiting tiny, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Last year, I was lucky enough to also sail on Royal Clipper. The ships are very similar, but Royal Clipper is bigger with a few extra features. Royal Clipper has a gym and steam room that’s underwater with windows so there’s a chance you may see fish swim past as you workout! I did miss having a gym on Star Flyer, although there are exercise classes each morning.
Another big advantage that Royal Clipper has is the water sports platform. From here you can jump straight from the ship into the sea! Of you can lie on a floating mat that’s attached to the ship by a rope!
That said, when choosing a Star Clippers cruise, I think your main consideration should be the itinerary. While I loved my Mediterranean cruise on Royal Clipper too, travelling between the Leeward Islands with just the power of the wind was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one that I’ll never forget.
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