As he grew up, Mikael Krafft became an expert sailor, owning many different sailing boats. It was during an Atlantic crossing on board his yacht “Gloria” that he came up with the idea of building two tall ships inspired by the Clippers he dreamed of as a child. Thus, Star Flyer and Star Clipper were born, followed some years later by Royal Clipper. His dream was to recreate the legendary clippers that crossed the oceans in the 19th century and in doing so offer people the chance to experience the unique thrill of sailing aboard a Tall Ship.
Are the ships sail-powered all the time?
All three ships will sail wherever possible, although they can use engine power if there is not enough wind, allowing them to keep to their sailing schedules.
Do the passengers help sail the ship?
Passengers are welcome to help the crew raise the sails if they want to, but there is no obligation to join in.
Are the sails raised by computer?
There are no computerised sails on Star Clippers. The Captains and the crew are very experienced square-rigger sailors who are trained both on modern technology found on Star Clippers’ ships and the old-fashioned, traditional methods proven over the generations. Some winches are electric-powered but muscle-powered winches are widely used as well.
Is seasickness a problem on board?
There is no need to worry about seasickness on a Star Clippers vessel, no more than there is on any other ship! All three ships are stabilized and the heeling of each ship under sail is kept to a comfortable level.
How big are the cabins?
There are several cabin grades on each ship, most with a comfortable 12 to 14 square metres. Even the smallest cabins have a double bed (or two singles), TV, plenty of storage space, bathroom with shower and hairdryer. The most luxurious have whirlpool baths, direct access onto the deck and complimentary mini-bars.
Do guests dress up in the evenings?
Star Clippers maintains a smart casual dress code: Beach or resort-wear on deck during the day and casual during the evening. Deck shoes are the best footwear for daytime. There is one Captain’s dinner on each cruise where people dress up a little more, but there are no black-tie events or formal nights.
Will I be allocated a table and a sitting time at dinner?
Life on a Star Clippers ship is completely casual and guests can dine when they like and with whom they like.
What is there to do during the days at sea?
Every morning, the Captain or Cruise Director will talk about sailing-related topics at an informal gathering on deck, including the wind, tall ships, navigation, the stars. The crew offer knot-tying lessons, a chance to raise the sails and, weather permitting, mast-climbing to the first crow’s nest.
Each ship has a well-stocked library, beauty and massage treatments and plenty of deck space for sunbathing and watching the crew at work. Once on each cruise, weather permitting, there is a photo tender. All the sails are raised and guests can photograph the ship in all its glory from the tender boats.
Is there any watersports equipment?
Snorkel equipment is available to borrow and each ship has kayaks, sailing dinghies, water skiing and windsurfing equipment. Royal Clipper has its own water sports platform at the stern, which can be lowered when the ship is at anchor. All watersports are subject to weather conditions and local regulations.
What about nightlife?
There are no nightclubs or Broadway shows on Star Clippers, but evenings include fun activities organised by the entertainment team, such as scavenger hunts, talent night, fashion shows and dancing. The Tropical Bar stays open as late as guests want. On warm nights, guests can even sleep on deck, watching the stars overhead.
Can passengers visit the bridge?
Each ship has an open bridge policy and guests are free to come and talk to the officers and Captain, except when a complex manoeuvre is taking place.
Is there a shop on board?
Each ship has a Sloop Shop selling a wide range of Star Clippers’ branded casual wear, as well as essentials.
Are children permitted aboard Star Clippers’ ships?
Star Clippers cannot accommodate infants under six months of age. Children are accepted on board from 6 months old, however, there is no children's club or babysitting available on our ships.
Can I reserve shore excursions on board?
Star Clippers offers a rich and varied shore excursion program. Excursions are posted on the website and can only be booked and paid on board.
Do all ships have swimming pools?
All three ships have swimming pools and sunbathing areas.
What languages are spoken on board?
English, German and French. Daily programs, PA announcements and menus are available in all three languages. Some activities are offered exclusively in English.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
1 day ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
3 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
5 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
6 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.