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.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
13 hours ago
Chern was very patient snd helpful.
CaBaba
1 day ago
Cruse ship was great. Fantastic food and service. Cruise itinary got changed so not what we expected, but not an major issue. Japan portion was great. Drivers/guides arranged by 80 Days were great. Hotels were mostly ok. Did not know that most hotels outside of major cities do not allow shoes to be worn in the hotel. again a minor inconvenience. Overall a great trip. Adventure Life communications were timely and much appreciated as far as changes/requests.
Peter Goff
2 days ago
We were a group of three that initiated our research by independently searching for the best agency to help us in the somewhat complex experience of traveling to the Galapagos. We chose adventure life because they were the most responsive in the website provided the most comprehensive overview of the trip. Their reviews were also very good.
Adventure, life splits up its booking process in two parts. First Jeff, the booking agent helped us decide which experience best suited are interests. We chose a small 14 to 16 group sized yacht. Once the booking was made with Jeff, we were handed off to Coleene, who oversaw the complex process of assembling all of the necessary documents and making sure we had everything we needed to make the trip go smoothly. The adventure, life website, then becomes your personal place of reference for all things related to your trip from door to door. It’s a lot of information to assemble, especially for three travelers, but the website makes it easy and Colleen‘s gentle reminders kept us on track. In all, from the beginning, we had four months from the time we started our research till the time we departed. We felt that was, a good amount of preparation time and don’t think it would be wise to do it in less than four months. Mostly because I think you have more options with that amount of time. There were others on our trip that took six months and more from the time they started planning.
The trip itself was outstanding. We ended up on an excellent yacht (Galapagos Angel II) with a great group of guests that we were able to connect with and put together a really nice google photos album to share.
Jed
1 week ago
Mary was very helpful. Quick to reply with helpful information and closure on arrangements.
Nicola Maxwell
1 week ago
Mary Curry and Elma are always so responsive and nice to deal with.
