Ever wonder what it would be like to sail aboard a tall ship? Do you think it would be lots of hoisting and grunting? Heeling and splashing? Swabbing decks and sleeping in crowded bunks like in the movies? Think again. How about sipping champagne up on the sun deck watching the sails fill as you prepare to set sail. Taking in the sunset from the tropical bar watching the previous port grow distant – anticipating the new anchorage the next day will bring. Then enjoying a fine multi-course dinner in a grand three-deck dining atrium served by professional, friendly staff. Retiring to your stateroom complete with marble bath, fine linens, and all modern amenities. One cruise line has created an experience that merges the romance of yesterday’s tall ship adventures with the comfort, service, efficiency, and travel pleasures of today. More of a glorious voyage back in time in a private sailing yacht and less of a generic floating hotel. No casino or waterslide here - but of course, there is a spa! A few small pools, too! And a marina platform from which to enjoy a variety of watersports directly from the ship, included. At each port there are a variety of optional shore excursions to enjoy. Some activities on board include pirate night, knot tying classes, yoga and fitness classes, talent shows and more. Because she is a true sailing vessel with a deep keel, typically she drops anchor and smaller tenders ferry her guests back and forth to shore. We speak of course, of the Royal Clipper by Star Clippers Cruises. With 112 cabins for 224 guests on 4 decks and 106 crew all powered by 5 masts carrying 42 sails, it is a sight and experience to behold! The Royal Clipper sails mainly in the Mediterranean in the summers on varied itineraries including the French Riviera and Corsica, Italy from Rome, Amalfi, and Venice with the Adriatic coast including Croatia. She spends her winters sailing the warm waters of the Caribbean visiting the charming ports of the Windward and Grenadine Islands usually based out of beautiful Barbados. Many of her passengers are returning guests bringing friends and family back with them on their next adventure! This experience makes it an ideal group trip with great photo opportunities abound just from being aboard – but also climbing the mast, helping to hoist the sails, and heading out on the bowsprit netting often seeing dolphins riding in the bow’s wake below! It’s all relaxing and exhilarating at the same time!

Star Clippers also has two other vessels in their fleet slightly smaller than the Royal Clipper: sister ships Star Clipper and Star Flyer each with up to 166 guests in 84 cabins and crew of 74 sailing in the Greek islands and Turkey in the summer and Costa Rica and Panama and Caribbean in the summers. Take special note of their transatlantic crossings each fall and spring for a true high seas adventure with fellow Star Clipper sailing fans. These ships often operate solely under full sail for 60-70% of their cruise and use clean energy diesel engines for supplementary power – depending on weather conditions. There are no elevators on board, so it is important all guests be fully mobile as there are only stairs to reach all decks and sometimes steep gangways to board and disembark the ship. They have full stabilizers and use auxiliary power to ensure a smooth ride. Just the same, always keep one hand free for the ship! To learn more, there are numerous great YouTube videos and several social media groups full of people who love to share their passion for these awesome adventures. The Star Clippers' crew receives as many rave reviews as the ships and itineraries – and rightfully so! For more information, please contact us at hello@wheretoworld.com or visit starclippers.com.