A far cry from today’s typical mega cruise ship, Star Clippers’ dashing, four-masted, 166-guest Star Clipper is a floating haven of polished brass and freshly scrubbed teak. Under a billowing canopy of no fewer than 16 sails, this cruise experience dials back to a more genteel and relaxed sea-going era.
In recent years, Star Clipper has been based in the Far East. But after a stem-to-stern dry-docking, the ship joined its identical sister, Star Flyer, and the larger Royal Clipper in the Mediterranean Sea earlier this year.
Sailing in the Mediterranean
While at sea on a recent sailing from Cannes (France) to Portofino (Italy), the French island of Corsica and the French Riviera, I enjoyed laying out on a deck chair and wading in one of two small onboard pools. When the heat index got too high, I curled up with a good read in the breezy, sheltered Tropical Bar area. My favorite shipboard pastime, however, was hovering over surging, crystalline waters in the bowsprit net while more daring fellow guests climbed up to the 50-foot-high crow’s nest platform on the foremast for spectacular views.
In the evenings, the vibe was all about cocktails and conversation, with old-fashioned diversions such as a lively music trivia quiz, a talent contest, a light show illuminating the sails and live music with drinking and dancing into the wee hours.
Guests can relax in the ship’s library.
Credit: 2022 Peter KnegoHighlights of our itinerary included stops at remote Plage Saint Antoine (in Corsica) and Plage de Pampelonne (in France), where we tendered onshore to soak up the sun on pristine beaches. During visits to charming Corsican haunts such as L’Ile Rousse and Calvi, as well as Cavalaire-sur-Mer in France, we had access to friendly little hamlets with shopping areas, restaurants and beaches. In better-known ports such as Portofino and St. Tropez, we marveled at the super yachts and chic stores, and enjoyed drinks at cafes with colorful stucco facades.
Given the summer heatwave, I loved jumping off the ship’s platform and swimming alongside Star Clipper at anchor, while the staff unleashed a small flotilla of paddleboards, kayaks and single-sail craft for guests to enjoy. Masks and snorkels (though no fins) were also provided, free of charge.
Onboard Star Clipper
Accommodations range from the ship’s two 86-square-foot Inside Cabins to the terraced, 237-square-foot Owner’s Cabin, which is perched in the recesses of the exquisitely sculpted schooner stern. The ship also features eight 156-square-foot Deck Cabins that are accessible from the open decks and are slightly larger than the most popular cabins, the 118-square-foot Outside Cabins, which feature a brass porthole and a marble-lined bathroom.
Some cabins can be accessed from the open decks.
Credit: 2022 Peter KnegoIt’s important to note that Star Clipper is not a great match for clients with accessibility needs. The ship has no elevators, and there are steep stairs and high doorway sills to navigate.
Buffet-style breakfast and lunch are included, along with a full-service, multicourse dinner, plus afternoon and midnight snacks. Specialty coffees are reasonably priced ($2.50 for a cappuccino), and there is a complimentary 24-hour self-service coffee and tea station.
Star Clipper is offering Central America cruises to and from Costa Rica this winter, and will then head back to the Mediterranean in the spring of 2023.
