Star Clippers Americas

Story

The story of Star Clippers Americas begins with the lifelong passion of Mikael Krafft and his love for the sea. Born in Stockholm and raised near one of the world's largest shipyards, Mikael grows up listening to stories of the legendary clipper ships that once ruled the oceans. Inspired by those tales, he becomes an accomplished sailor and, during an Atlantic crossing aboard his yacht Gloria, envisions building modern tall ships based on the iconic Clippers of the 19th century. That vision becomes reality with the launch of Star Flyer and Star Clipper, followed by Royal Clipper, giving you the opportunity to experience the romance and excitement of authentic tall ship sailing. For more than 30 years, Star Clippers Americas shares this legendary sailing experience with travelers from around the world aboard its three majestic sailing ships. You sail to some of the world's most beautiful destinations, including the Caribbean, Central America, the Western Mediterranean, Croatia, and the Greek Islands, while visiting pristine ports that larger cruise ships rarely reach. You enjoy the freedom to spend each day at your own pace, whether participating in complimentary water sports, relaxing on deck, watching the sails rise during the unforgettable sail-away, or joining nautical activities such as mast climbing, sail raising, navigation lessons, knot tying, and stargazing. Authentic local entertainment, casual elegance, open-seating dining, and exceptional cuisine create a welcoming atmosphere throughout every voyage. Aboard Star Clipper and Star Flyer, you experience the charm of traditional sailing ships combined with modern comforts, spacious outdoor decks, elegant accommodations, and environmentally responsible operations that use clean, low-sulphur fuel.

Mission

Experience authentic tall ship sailing with Star Clippers Americas, combining more than 30 years of sailing expertise, intimate ships, exclusive itineraries, fine dining, sustainable tourism, complimentary water sports, engaging nautical activities, and personalized service that lets you explore the world's most beautiful destinations at your own pace.

Vision

Continue preserving the romance and heritage of the legendary clipper ships while inspiring you to discover the world through authentic sailing adventures, intimate voyages, sustainable operations, unforgettable destinations, and timeless maritime traditions that create memorable experiences for generations of travelers.

Star Clippers operates a highly sustainable cruise model. Their modern tall ships rely on wind power for 40% to 80% of their itineraries, depending on the region. Carrying only 166 to 227 passengers, they minimize environmental impact, avoid mass-tourism crowds, and anchor at small, eco-sensitive ports often inaccessible to large ships.
Core Sustainability Initiatives

Star Clippers has been repeatedly recognized by the World Travel Awards as the "World's Greenest Cruise". Their responsible tourism efforts span several key areas:

• Wind-Powered Propulsion: The ships operate under wind power as much as 70% of the time in the Caribbean and 55% in the Mediterranean. This drastically cuts down on auxiliary engine use and overall carbon emissions.
• Clean Fuel Usage: When engines must navigate, the fleet uses high-quality, low-sulfur gas oil. The Star Flyer earned the world’s first International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate, with the Royal Clipper and Star Clipper following shortly after.
• Zero Single-Use Plastics: The fleet employs fully biodegradable cleaning products. Beach barbecues and onboard drinks stations use stainless steel cutlery, reusable melamine plates, and biodegradable straws.
• Strict Wastewater Management: Wastewater is strictly contained in holding tanks near shore and treated according to international regulations before being released.

Community & Destination Respect

Unlike mega-ships, the boutique size of Star Clippers' vessels allows them to visit smaller local harbors and secluded coves, directly supporting local coastal economies without overwhelming them.

• "Pura Vida Pledge" Certification: Star Clippers was the first cruise line certified as "Pura Vida Pledge Approved" by the Costa Rican Tourism Board, in recognition of their sustainable practices and commitment to showcasing local culture, wildlife, and nature.
• Blue Zone Integration: In destinations like Costa Rica, the cruise line works closely with local programs to highlight community wellness, longevity, and heritage, emphasizing low-impact, experience-led tourism.