After an 8-hour flight, we arrived in Barbados and were greeted by the Barbados Tourist Board who swiftly got us through the airport and to the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam's Lord's Castle which is a brand-new All-Inclusive Hotel we stayed here for 2 nights in a stunning Ocean View Room. After check-in, we got to eat at the Castle View Restaurant which is their La Carte Restaurant and I can highly recommend this as the food was divine.
The next morning, we had a tour around Barbados which included the Codlington College, Gun Hill Signal Station & the famous Bathsheba which is located on the Atlantic Ocean with the rock formations. The next day we arrived at Bridgetown port to embark on the Royal Clipper and as soon as I saw the ship, I was gobsmacked it was stunning just to look at and that was before I boarded. Especially as a P&O Ship was also in port next to the Royal Clipper, you can see the size difference in comparison between the 2.
I embarked and was taken to my Category 2 Cabin which was Mid-Ship position with 2 port holes. The decor throughout the Ship and the cabins was fabulous with the dark browns, and blues and the golden staircase that went all the way through the atrium of the ship was just stunning. Then we started our cruise along the Windward Islands as we departed Barbados, the crew then put all the sails up on the ship which was just incredible to be able to see and watch this wonderful show of sails.
Our first stop was St Lucia which was great as you got to see the beautiful Pitons as you sailed towards the island. We decided to get off the ship to have a walk to Rodney Bay Town and then on to the Reduit beach which has golden sands before we due back on board. The next morning, we met up with the Star Flyer to sail along with us which was an amazing experience to have 2 Star Clippers Ship sail side by side. Then we tendered at Dominica for the day and this is where I did the River Indian Rowboat Excursion along the Indian River which was in a traditional wooden riverboat rowed by the local guides. Terry our Guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable about all the wildlife and the plants along the River. Then we arrived at Bush Bar on the River for a pit stop where we were offered a Rum Punch which I happily accepted and it had a punch to it!!
Day 3 we stopped at Antigua and we did our own tour of the island. First, we went to the Harbour where there were amazing Yachts which I am sure were worth millions, not jealous at all of some of them. We then walked to the Nelson Dockyard where we paid for the $8.00 entrance and had a tour guide who took us around the dockyard telling us of the history of the Dockyard and the bizarre rules Nelson had in place including no women permitted. The $8.00 we paid also included entry to Shirley Heights which has amazing views over Anitgua and English Harbour.
We then went to Pigeon Beach for a paddle and enjoyed a Beer in the local beach bar looking out over the beach. That evening on board the Royal Clipper we had a local steel band from Antigua that performed for us and that was very entertaining and they got everybody on their feet.
Then we set sail for St Kitts and I opted to do the Scenic Railway Excursion which was fabulous. The Train is on 2 levels and we decided to sit at the top where you had your own host for that carriage who offered complimentary drinks throughout the tour also, we had local dancers which with the motion of the train wasn't easy to do but they made it look easy. The tour takes you around the whole of the island so definitely a great way to see St Kitts.
That evening on the ship we had Pirate Night when everyone could dress up but not compulsory but great seeing the effort some people made, it was a fab night.
Our next stop was Terre De Haut which is part of the Iles Des Saintes Islands and was my favourite island as was very traditional with family-run shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. We spent most of the day wandering around this adorable island, it reminded me very much like the programme of Death in Paradise was just stunning!
Our final stop was Martinique which is where we did a beach day, this was a very traditional town and they had a local band playing music in the harbour area which gave the Caribbean feel. This was where we went snorkelling straight off the beach and got to see some great sea life.
The food onboard the ship was outstanding, breakfast & lunch were buffet style which was different every day with also themed days and in the evening was a 6-course menu with a choice of appetizers and lots of choices for the main meal along with the choice of salads and desserts. You can also get Steak and alternative Pasta dishes every night if you don't fancy anything off the main meal menu. I can honestly say I didn't struggle to find anything to eat, if that wasn't enough food there were also daily snacks at 5pm every day that ranged from hot to cold food. The tacos I had one day were amazing.
I loved my time on the Royal Clipper, it was just incredible and was so lucky to get to experience this unique product and also meet some amazing people onboard the ship. I definitely want to go again on any of Star Clippers ships they are just out of this world.
