If you’re looking for a unique and luxurious way to travel the seas, Star Clippers’ ships might be just what you’re looking for.
These stunning vessels are modelled after the classic clipper ships of the 19th century, complete with towering masts and billowing sails.
But don’t be fooled by their old-world charm – these ships are equipped with modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology to ensure a comfortable and safe voyage.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at each of the Star Clippers ships, so you can see how they differ, and decide which one you’d like to sail on…
The Three Ships To Choose From
Star Clippers currently operates three ships:
- Royal Clipper
- Star Clipper
- Stay Flyer
The flagship is Royal Clipper – the largest fully-rigged sailing ship in the world.
Star Clipper and the Star Flyer are smaller, with some differences in the facilities you can expect on board.
Here’s an overview of how the ships compare…
Here is a table summarizing the differences and similarities between the three ships in the Star Clippers fleet:
| Feature | Royal Clipper | Star Clipper | Star Flyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Five-masted fully rigged ship | Four-masted barquentine | Four-masted barquentine |
| Construction Date | 2000 | 1992 | 1991 |
| Length | 134m | 115.5m | 115.5m |
| Mast Height | 54m | 63m | 63m |
| Decks | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Guest Capacity | 227 | 166 | 166 |
| Number of Sails | 42 | 16 | 16 |
| Crew Capacity | 106 | 74 | 74 |
Star Clipper and Star Flyer are considered twins. The differences between them are very minor.
However, the flagship, Royal Clipper is quite unique. The extra features you can enjoy on this ship include…
Marina
While all three ships offer watersports, only Royal Clipper features a platform that lowers into place to create a floating jetty. This means that you can enjoy kayaking, diving or windsurfing straight from the ship.
Observation Lounge
Royal Clipper’s observation lounge is located at the front of the main deck, just below the bridge. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
An Extra Pool
Star Clipper and Star Flyer each have two pools on the top deck, whereas Royal Clipper has three. That’s an extra place to cool of when the sunshine of the Mediterranean or Caribbean gets too hot.
Commonalities Across The Fleet
All three ships are powered by a combination of sails and engines, and are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and spacious cabins.
Star Clippers’ ships have won numerous awards for their unique blend of traditional sailing and modern luxury. The company has been praised for its commitment to sustainability, with all three ships using eco-friendly technologies and wastewater treatment systems.
Now, let’s look at how this fascinating cruise line and its fleet of sailing ships came about…
The History of Star Clippers
Star Clippers was founded in 1991 by Swedish entrepreneur Mikael Krafft. He had a lifelong dream to revive the golden age of tall ships for new generations of adventurers.
In 1987, Krafft conceived the idea of creating a cruise line featuring clipper ships. After three years of meticulous research and design, aided by the White Star Group and a team of naval architects and engineers, Star Clippers was born.
The Star Clipper and Star Flyer were built in 1991 and 1992, respectively. In 2000, Krafft’s fleet expanded with the introduction of Royal Clipper, the world’s largest square-rigger in service today, cementing Star Clippers’ reputation for offering a unique and nostalgic sailing experience.
Design and Features
Sailing Heritage
When you step aboard a Star Clippers ship, you’ll be transported back in time to the golden age of sailing. These magnificent vessels are designed to replicate the classic sailing ships of the 19th century, with tall masts, billowing sails, and a sense of adventure that can only be found on the open sea.
The ships are built with traditional materials and techniques, and are manned by a crew of experienced sailors who know how to navigate the waters with skill and precision.
Modern Amenities
Despite their historic design, Star Clippers ships are equipped with all the modern amenities you need to enjoy a comfortable and luxurious voyage.
Each ship features swimming pools, a spa, and plenty of places to relax. You can chill with a book, take part in a range of watersports, or simply soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.
Accommodation
The cabins on board Star Clippers ships are designed to offer you the perfect blend of comfort and style. Each cabin is tastefully decorated with a nautical theme, and features all the amenities you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
From the cosy outside cabins to the spacious suites, you can find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs.
Destinations and Itineraries
Star Clippers offers a variety of destinations and itineraries to choose from, each providing a unique sailing experience. Rather than making your decision based on your favourite ship, I would recommend instead choosing your favourite itinerary.
Here are some of the destinations and itineraries you can explore:
Caribbean
Between December and March, you can sail through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, visiting idyllic islands and pristine beaches. Enjoy snorkelling, diving, and other water activities while taking in the stunning scenery of the Caribbean.
Mediterranean
Between April and November, it’s time to explore the Mediterranean’s stunning coastline, from the picturesque villages of Greece to the glamorous French Riviera. Discover hidden coves, historic sites, and bustling cities on a Mediterranean cruise.
Central America
Between December and March you can explore Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. These tropical destinations provide a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous activities. Guests can traverse the Panama Canal, marvel at the lush rainforests and abundant wildlife of Costa Rica, and discover the pristine beaches and colonial architecture of Nicaragua.
Transatlantic
You can cross the Atlantic Ocean on a Star Clippers ship, following in the footsteps of legendary explorers. Enjoy the thrill of sailing on the open sea, with no land in sight for days at a time.
Onboard Experience
When you step onboard one of the Star Clippers ships, you’re in for a unique and unforgettable experience. From the moment you board, you’ll be transported back in time to the golden age of sailing.
Dining Options
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining onboard. Each ship has a main dining room where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menus change daily, and the chefs use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create delicious dishes.
On all three ships, you are free to dine when and with whomever you wish – including with theofficers, who join guests in the dining room most nights.
Entertainment and Activities
There’s never a dull moment onboard a Star Clippers ship. You can choose to do as much or as little as you like. Take part in the ship’s daily activities, such as yoga classes, mast climbing and helping to raise the sails.
Or, simply relax on deck and soak up the sun. In the evenings, enjoy live music, dancing, and entertainment.
Watersports
Star Clippers offers an included watersports program so you can learn a variety of nautical activities, supervised by the crew. You can enjoy kayaks, paddle boards and dinghies as well as water skiing and windsurfing.
Star Clippers also hands out snorkelling equipment to all guests, so all you have to do is dive in and explore.
Wellness and Relaxation
If you’re looking for some relaxation and pampering, the ships have a range of wellness facilities. There’s a spa where you can indulge in a massage or beauty treatment and a library where you can curl up with a good book and escape from the hustle and bustle of the ship
Royal Clipper also has a fitness centre where you can work out and a steam room where you can unwind.
Booking and Travel Information
When it comes to booking your Star Clippers cruise, you have a few options. You can book directly through the Star Clippers website, or you can use a travel agent to help you with the process.
Once you have booked your cruise, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all of the necessary information, including your itinerary, cabin details, and any additional services or excursions you may have booked. You will also receive information about the embarkation process and what to expect on board.
To learn more about what it’s like to cruise with Star Clippers, take a look at my Star Clippers Review to see what I loved and didn’t love about cruising on Royal Clipper.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
