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.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 131 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 131 reviews on
21 hours ago
The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.
Jennifer Howard Schroeder
1 day ago
Kevin got right on our request and had us booked within the week
Linda Cummings
2 days ago
The info on the website was laid out very well. I did some comparisons with other tours and found Adventure Life met a lot of what I wanted in an Antarctica trip at the cheapest price. Requested a quote on Claudia contacted me right away. She answered a lot of questions the I had via email even though she offered to discuss via phone call. I’m more of an email person so appreciated how she accommodated that and answered all my questions. And when I was ready to book, she quickly got the ball rolling with getting our spots reserved on the trip my friend and I wanted. Thanks again, Claudia!
Hazel Araza
2 days ago
(1) great information on the website and throughout all the "materials." (2) Jane Packer is great: knowledgeable, responsive, takes a personal interest and tone, seems to care about the customer as a person not a sale.
Larry Bethune
2 days ago
great people doing a wonderful job to make our voyages happen.