With roundtrips from Barbados (Bridgetown) and St. Maarten Island (Philipsburg, Dutch Antilles), the small-ship cruise company Star Clippers boasts an authentic sailing experience not provided by any other of the major cruise shipping companies.
Following are a few reasons why the company's sailings allow for an authentic Caribbean getaway:
- Keep it Small: Star Clippers’ biggest ship, Royal Clipper, carries a maximum of 227 guests. With 19,000 ft2 of open deck (featuring 3 pools), passengers have no trouble finding a spot to relax, watch the nautical team lower and raise the sails, or enjoy some personal space. The bowsprit net at the front of the vessel is a prime spot where travellers can lay suspended over the ocean.
- Arrive Through the “Back Door”: While bigger cruise ships disembark their thousands of guests into busy ports filled with tourist shops, Star Clippers vessels cast anchor in remote harbours populated with private yachts and local businesses. Small tender boats take passengers to and from shore to visit charming towns and off-the-beaten-path beaches where it is not unusual to be one of a handful of sunbathers or snorkelers taking advantage of the line's complimentary water sports activities.
- Let the Wind Carry You: Star Flyer and Royal Clipper are true sailing ships, using wind power whenever possible to navigate between isles. All Star Clippers' itineraries are created using wind maps and tide charts to ensure the vessels can sail under wind power as much as possible and up to 80% of the time in the Caribbean.
- Learn the Ways of the Sea: Star Clippers passengers interested in learning their way around a tall cruise ship can assist the crew members with hoisting and setting sail, folding, bracing, and knot tying. For brave vacationers who want to experience what it was like to do watch duty on clipper vessels in the past, Star Clippers allows passengers to climb the mast to the crow’s nest, 100 feet above the water.
Star Clippers’ 2021-2022 Caribbean season is currently on sale, with 32 week-long departures to choose from and rates beginning at USD 1310 per person (with single occupancy). Passengers booking any of the sailings by October 31 receive prepaid gratuities and a complimentary one cabin upgrade.
Star Clippers operates 3 of the world's largest tall-sailing ships. Star Clipper and Star Flyer are traditional clipper vessels with modern amenities carrying 170 passengers, while the 227-passenger Royal Clipper holds the Guinness World Record for being the biggest and only 5-masted full-rigged sailing ship now in service. All 3 cruise ships feature expansive teak decks, informal dining, swimming pools, convivial tropical bars, and piano lounges.