By Amanda Phillips
Allow me to paint a personal picture of how I felt when I received the news, I was going on a Star Clippers Ship. Close your eyes...it was April and on the busy family farm we were coming towards the end of lambing nearly 1000 sheep; a 24/7 job, and I was still working 2 or 3 days a week as a travel agent. I was shattered and exhausted. It was cold, very windy and raining, then, my phone rings. A voice says “Mand, you have won a 3-nights educational trip with STAR CLIPPERS, would you like to accept it, I need to know today!” l burst into tears and without any hesitation, I accepted my place. Then I told myself, “Yes, this is why I love my job!” From that day on, with something to look forward to, I just accepted my daily farming chores because I had 3 nights of PARADISE to look forward to.
Star Clippers Sailing
Looking for some travel inspiration? A new adventure to fuel your wanderlust? Perhaps you’ve already heard of Star Clippers and you’re debating whether or not to book a trip. Or perhaps this blog post is the first you are hearing about the company. Well either way, you are in luck! Because this is a travel experience you won’t want to miss.
Having recently returned from my first Star Clippers trip, I’ve been daydreaming about setting sail with them again ever since! I spent 3 nights on board Star Clipper; sleeping onboard the ship, meeting travellers from all over the world and exploring a different destination each day- what’s not to love? Here are my reasons why a trip with Star Clippers Sailing should jump to the top of your bucket list.
I flew out of Stansted airport where I met my travelling companions for the next few days. Arriving in Naples airport, we were transferred to the beautiful Amalfi Coast of Italy. Nervously, on the port side, we all took a COVID test - all holding our breath very anxiously...PHEW, all negative, thank goodness for that! We were now allowed to board the tender boat / lifeboat that transports you to the amazing beautiful Star Clipper we could see out at sea. The title of the sailing I was lucky to be a part of was ‘THE AMALFI & SICILY CRUISE’. The Itinerary was as follows:
- Civitavecchia - Italy (port for Rome)
- Day at sea
- Lipari -Italy
- Messina -Sicily
- Amalfi - Italy (where I joined)
- Sorento – Italy
- Ponza -Italy
- Civitavecchia -Italy
Amalfi:
Deemed an “outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape” by UNESCO, the Amalfi coast is one of Italy's most memorable destinations. Here mountains plunge into the sea in a nail-biting vertical scene of precipitous crags, cliff-clinging abodes and verdant woodland. Dazzling landscapes and fascinating historic and cultural sights await along the stretch of coast between Positano and Vietri Sul Mare, famous for its winding highway skirting dramatic cliffs with tiny villages and luxurious villas clinging to the rocky slopes and breath-taking views beyond every curve.
After a long day of travelling, we set sail at 23.30 towards Sorrento, this was very emotional with the sails going up in the dark. Without a doubt, the most powerful aspect of a Star Clippers sail away is the nostalgic ambience created by ‘Conquest of Paradise’ by Vangelis, which plays over the ship’s speakers. This moment will stay with you long after your cruise is over and, coupled with the fantastic views and excitable atmosphere, it can be very moving.
Next morning, Sorrento:
After a lovely breakfast, we made our way off the ship, by tender, to Sorrento, Land of Mermaids. Land of Oranges and Lemon groves. Land of Colours. This small city in Campania has earned a plethora of alluring names. Famed for its sea cliffs, the town’s steep slopes look out over azure waters to Ischia, Capri and the Bay of Naples. After a good morning’s walk around charming Sorrento in the hot sun, we made our way to the ship for a full buffet lunch. After lunch, we spent the afternoon exploring the ship’s facilities.
Following an amazing dinner with exquisite table service, we set sail at 22:00 for Ponza. Some guests were enjoying the piano bar, others dancing the night away or some, like me, just appreciating the wind in their hair on the top deck whilst talking to the captain.
Next morning, Ponza:
Ponza is located on the site of an extinct volcano which erupted some two million years ago. The island consists mainly of rhyolitic and angiolithic rocks, whose characteristic grey, yellow and ashy tuft formations combine to create a unique shade of blue. It was only after World War 2 that Ponza gained its reputation as an ideal holiday destination. The beautiful scenery, warm climate and rich history combine to make this island a true paradise on earth.
After a morning exploring this lovely island and fishing village, it was back to our lovely Star Clipper Ship for lunch. After lunch and whilst we were sailing, I shocked myself by climbing the crows nest! What an experience that was! Especially with a new knee! To see the views from the top was, undoubtably, worth the pain and effort. Before I knew it, it was my last day and we were embarking the ship in the port of Civitavecchia ready for our transfer and flight back home.
About Star Clipper
Star Clipper reflects her proud heritage in every inch of her polished brass and gleaming brightwork. Step aboard this unique vessel and discover a new age of sail, where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and amenities of the present day. Star Clipper is a modern cruise ship in every way, created for luxury-loving passengers who also love the traditions and romance of the legendary era of sailing ships. Star Clipper is 115 metres long and carries just 166 guests in pampered comfort. Life aboard is blissfully relaxed, much like travelling on a private yacht. You’ll never feel confined on a Star Clipper Ship.
The ships offer spacious accommodation and expansive teak decks with ample space and not one, but two swimming pools. In fact, you’ll find that these ships offer more outdoor space per passenger than most conventional cruise ships. The decor of Star Clipper is reminiscent of the grand age of sail; antique prints and paintings of famous sailing ships please your eye, while teak and gleaming mahogany rails are richly remindful of Star Clippers’ proud nautical heritage. All Star Clippers’ ships feature open-seating dining in an elegantly appointed dining room, convivial indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar and Piano Bar, and an Edwardian style library where a Belle Époque fireplace glows with a warmth that reflects the friendliness and enthusiasm of Star Clippers’ hospitable officers and crew.
My 10 reasons why you should try a Star Clippers Cruise
1. ‘Less is more’ or I could say ‘Good things come in small packages’.
Star Clippers' ships are the antithesis of today's mega-ships, which are packed to the gunwales with water parks, Broadway-style shows, celebrity chef restaurants and casinos in order to entertain their thousands of passengers. If you feel lost on large vessels or are less-than-impressed with Vegas-style entertainment, then you'll love the intimacy of sailing on Star Clippers' small vessels.
2. You'll get an authentic sailing experience.
The thrills on a Star Clippers voyage are provided by the ship itself, not man-made attractions. The spectacle of the wind filling the towering cream sails, with a combined area of 56,000-square-feet on Royal Clipper and 36,000-square-feet on the sibling ships, is an awe-inspiring sight. There are no computerised sails and the crew members are experienced square-rigger sailors who are trained both in modern technology (also found on all Star Clippers' ships) and traditional sailing methods proven over the generations. Some winches are electric-driven but muscle-powered winches are widely used as well.
All three ships sail wherever possible, although they use engine power if there is not enough wind, allowing them to keep to their schedules. Expect to sail around 40 percent of the time in the Mediterranean and up to 70 percent on Caribbean itineraries. On return, few passengers will be able to listen to the rousing sound of "1492: Conquest of Paradise" by Vangelis without thinking of Star Clippers; it is the tune played at sail away. It should be noted that the real sailing experience extends to feeling plenty of motion in rough seas or bad weather, so it's not a line for people prone to seasickness.
3. It's got a retro design.
Decor throughout the ships is inspired by the style in vogue when these kinds of ships ruled the waves, it sets the line apart from many modern ships filled with contemporary "lookalike" staterooms. The design provides the ships with atmosphere and character, and you'll feel like a character in "Captain Horatio Hornblower" from the moment you wake up, through mealtimes and drinks at the wooden bar.
Teak decks (constantly being swabbed by the crew) combine with gleaming mahogany rails, varnished wood and polished brass fixtures and fittings. The theme continues in the cosy cabins, which all have round portholes (though passengers can expect modern trappings such as flat-screen TVs, hair dryers, safes and decent showers). Public areas are fitted out with rich blue and dark red furnishings and nautical knots form the patterns on the carpets. There is also a nostalgic nautical theme to the artwork throughout the ships.
4. You can mingle with the crew.
Crew members are very friendly and approachable and mingle with passengers informally (which can come as surprise to cruisers used to the "upstairs downstairs" hierarchy on large ships). There is an open bridge policy and passengers are welcome to drop by and chat to the captain and duty officers at any time, except when the ship is manoeuvring in and out of port. Even during these times, which invariably draw a crowd to watch the sailors at work, the captain will often provide brief explanations about what is going on. In the evening, off-duty crew members will join passengers in the Tropical Bar and take to the dance floor. Once a week, they stage a light-hearted talent show and passengers are welcome to join in.
5. Fellow passengers are interesting and cosmopolitan.
Star Clippers' cruises are filled with genuinely interesting shipmates; expect to meet a fun, sociable bunch who are happy to swap tales of seafaring and sailing exploits, and even sing a few impromptu sea shanties. While most cruise lines appeal to certain markets and have a core clientele, be it age, demographic or nationality, Star Clippers is a notable exception to this rule. The cruise line attracts a really mixed crowd, from 30-somethings to sprightly nonagenarians, and from multigenerational families (the cruises would suit children over the age of 8) to single traveller's and honeymooners, the latter attracted by the romance of sailing on a tall ship. The diversity keeps things lively and adds to -- rather than detracts from -- the sense of camaraderie onboard.
Fellow shipmates are likely to be Europeans (predominantly Brits, Germans, French and Italians), North Americans or Australians, with a sprinkling of other nationalities filling out the roster. What they all share, is a sense of adventure, and many passengers are keen sailors, some owning their own boats. (While passengers occasionally have the option of helping out the crew with simple tasks, this is not obligatory as the ships are fully crewed and no previous sailing experience is needed.)
6. There's a cocktail hour.
When the sun is over the yardarm, the daily cocktail hour at the alfresco Tropical Bar is a jovial affair. Again, it is a far cry from the formal gatherings hosted on large cruise ships. The cocktail of the day is priced at €5 (anyone for the "painkiller"? Made with rum, apricot brandy, coconut cream and pineapple juice.), and sandwiches and hot snacks make the rounds to tide everyone over until dinner. The resident musician plays catchy tunes and quite a few people have a dance on deck. It's a not-to-be-missed event where some of the best holiday memories and friendships are made.
7. Alternative onboard activities are plentiful.
All of the free onboard activities are themed around nautical traditions and good, old-fashioned fun. For example, crewmembers host workshops on topics such as chart reading and knot-tying, and one of the engineers will lead a tour around the engine room followed by a question-and-answer session in the library. The most unique and exciting activity is the opportunity to climb 65 feet up the mast to the crow's nest, with the security of a safety harness. At night, homegrown entertainment might consist of a guest and crew talent show, crab races, tongue-in-cheek fashion show or team trivia.
8. Water sports.
Each ship has a water sports platform at the stern, which is lowered when the vessel is at anchor (subject to weather conditions). Passengers can swim off the platform and borrow snorkelling equipment, free of charge. Ships also carry kayaks, sailing dinghies, water skis and windsurfing boards, which are also available on a complimentary basis. Diving can be arranged for certified divers at additional cost, using providers in port.
9. You can just chill.
The lack of high-tech entertainment makes the ships perfect for relaxation. Lay out on a lounger and soak up the sun to the sound of the waves and wind in the sails or relax on the large nets strung across the bow and see if you can spot any passing dolphins. The wood-panelled library is a quiet place to sit with a book or board game, and each evening the resident musician plays pre-dinner tunes in the Piano Bar.
10. It's easy to escape the crowds.
Their small sizes allow the Star Clippers vessels to call at sleepy ports and small islands that are inaccessible to the larger cruise lines. Often the ship is the only one in town, and passengers can wander around small coastal communities that are relatively untouched by mass tourism, without feeling part of a herd.
This beautifully designed ship will have you feeling like you’ve travelled back in time!
From the moment I spotted our Star Clipper ship at sea, I was filled with excitement! The towering sails, the beautiful open deck and the friendly staff welcoming us aboard left a huge smile on my face. Wandering the nautical themed hallway with dark wood accents left me feeling like I had travelled back in time to the golden age of sailing. I didn’t upgrade my cabin and it was still beautifully decorated. If you want total luxury, you can always book an owner’s suite or deluxe cabin! I am not a blog writer, however, I would be in my element to discuss any part of Star Clippers Unique Sailing Adventures with you, so please do not hesitate to contact me.
Destinations You Can Explore with Star Clippers:
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Panama Canal
- Italy
- Montenegro
- Croatia
- Malta
- Spain
- Canary Islands
- Greece
- Full Ocean Crossings and more!
