We’ve all marveled at such films as Treasure Island, Mutiny on the Bounty, Master and Commander, and even Pirates of the Caribbean, all centering around those famous or infamous Clipper ships of yesteryear. We’ve also been fascinated with the likes of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his harrowing expedition to Antarctica on a three-masted ship called Endurance.
But I’ll bet you didn’t know there’s a company called Star Clippers who today have in their fleet the largest Clipper ships in the world?! What’s even better is that you can book a cruise with them to live out your Clipper ship fantasies to the fullest! A feat you may have only dreamed of can now be a thrilling reality!
The Star Clipper fleet consists of three majestically astounding ships, including the Star Clipper and Star Flyer, each having the capacity for 166 guests, while the Royal Clipper can host up to 227. The company offers a myriad of exotic itineraries to almost anywhere in the world.
Not only are the ships unique in this day and age, but they are exquisitely appointed with rich mahogany and glistening brass finishings coupled with modern comforts, yet still retain their historic, purist flair from a bygone era.
When looking at the Star Flyer (the ship we cruised on), you wouldn’t think there was enough room for 166 passengers, let alone 70 plus crew members, but looks are deceiving as there are many areas on the ship to enjoy either lively musical entertainment at the piano bar or visit the ship’s library for solace and solitude with a good book.
The elegant dining room is situated on an upper deck, with comfortable booths on either side of the ship, scenic portholes to view the shoreline or amazing sunsets, and ample table seating towards the center of the room. The cuisine is ever-changing and expertly prepared, making every meal an adventure. Wine selections with dinner are vast and cater to individual tastes. Best of all, the service is spot-on and impeccable.
Our cruise director, the inimitable Carlos, was one of the highlights onboard. With his hilarious sense of humor, he was forever trying to create a wonderful experience for the passengers. From tango lessons on deck to leading “Name That Tune“ in the piano bar to teaching Italian in the lounge, he’s the perfect addition to the overall cruise experience.
The hoisting of the ship’s sails, usually upon departing a port of call, is done in dramatic fashion to the powerful strains of Conquest of Paradise, a catchy Vangelis melody from the Ridley Scott film of the same name. At night, as the mysterious music plays, an exciting light show casts a dizzying array of colors upon the gargantuan sails to complete the scintillating display.
Sidebar
At one point in the cruise, the crew asks the passengers if they’d like to hoist the sails by hand, an often comical and entertaining sight for the abstaining passengers. If that wasn’t enough, the crew allows certain brave passengers (they are strapped in) the chance to climb the ship’s rigging up to the first crow’s nest-like lookout. It’s certainly not an easy task as the rigging or rope-like ladder wobbles terribly as you step on each rung. A video moment for sure!
The Itinerary
Our itinerary was quite exciting, starting in Malaga, then off to Motril, Ibiza, Palma de Majorca, Mahon, Bonifacio, and ending at Civitavecchia, the port of Rome. If you’re traveling from the States, it takes a full day to fly to Malaga (our departure city); consequently, it’s a good idea to book a day or two in a hotel there before you set sail, but avoid Heathrow at all costs!
I highly recommend the Hotel Larios, situated right in the heart of the town square. Malaga is simply a stunning place to visit; from historic churches to great food and cafes, it’s definitely a place you want to take in for a day or two.
Once in Motril, our excursion made its way by luxury coach, meandering through the pristine countryside to Granada, where we visited the Capilla Real, the burial place for Isabel and Fernando, and the Cathedral of the Incarnation of God. We were also treated to a bird’s-eye view of the Alhambra Palace from the balcony of St. Nicholas Square.
Ibiza was a fun stop for souvenir shopping right at the port, but then, it was off to bustling Mallorca. The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma is a must for it’s immense size and a perfect example of Gothic architecture. You can also visit Valdemosa, a small village where Frederic Chopin and his lover, George Sand, spent their “winter of discontent“ in 1838.
However, if you’re into more fashionable fare, the center of Mallorca features every type of luxury couture brand imaginable. If you can’t afford it, you can still admire it! We also discovered the Pueblo Español, an open-air architectural museum indicative of Spanish cities, reproduced to scale. It is a huge, amazing complex comprising 18 blocks of buildings, 15 streets, and 12 squares. And best of all, no crowds.
Our next stop was the peaceful island of Menorca and its capital, Mahón. We started our tour at Monte Toro, the island’s highest point at close to 1200 feet, which affords you spectacular views of the whole island, looking out to the sea. It’s also where the Sanctuary of the Verge del Toro resides (a Gothic church from 1670), where you can enter and pay your respects. A tall statue of Christ resides on the summit as well.
Afterwards, we visited the prehistoric village of Torralba d’en Salort dating back to the 10th century B.C. until the Roman era. It is the largest collection of prehistoric artifacts in the world for you history buffs. Our tour concludes back in Mahón, where we could explore the 18th century town, full of retail shops, restaurants, cafes, and delicious gelato.
Due to weather, we were unable to dock in Bonifacio, a stop not to be missed, for the medieval town is built 328 feet above white limestone cliffs and is a site to behold, especially from the water. Consequently, there are many excellent boat tours (one is offered by Star Clippers) to see the cliffs and caves from the best vantage point.
And though we could not experience Bonifacio’s beauty, Captain Dominique Rollin was able to find a viable docking point in Sardinia in the coastal city of Olbia.
I highly recommend the Star Clipper excursions. Otherwise, you risk a lack of transport to explore the sights on your own and could wind up wandering around, not knowing which direction to go or what places to see. However, you could always research on your own and hire a private guide, if a specific point of interest seems noteworthy.
Other Particulars
There are frequent deck parties coupled with culinary buffets, enrichment lectures, the cozy library, onboard games, two plunge pools, a sloop shop for nautical attire and gifts, theme nights, nightly piano music and a tropical bar.
Alcohol, soft drinks, and wine (for dinner) are not complimentary but reasonably priced. Speaking of reasonable, you can book a very thorough and relaxing, inexpensive massage onboard as well.
Internet connectivity on the ship can be challenging, so it would behoove you to sign up for an International plan with your cell carrier before departing the States. The ship does have Wi-Fi, but it’s charged in hourly increments. However, even with the ship’s plan, the connection to the internet can be spotty unless you’re docked in port and can pick up a signal from the local tower.
Just in case, bring some Dramamine with you.
Last but Not Least
Towards the end of the cruise, the crew (and some passengers) perform in a high-energy talent show, proving that a Star Clipper employee has many other impressive abilities besides their duties onboard.
If you like adventure, history, art, good food, and entertainment, Star Clipper Cruises is your best bet!
If You Go
Star Clipper Cruises: starclippers.com, 800.442.0551, info@starclippers.com
Hotel Larios: hotellariosmalaga.com, +34 952 222 200, recepcion@hotellariosmalaga.es
Richard Atkins is an award-winning travel writer/photographer, screenwriter, playwright, actor, and pianist who can be reached at: rcratkins@att.net
Richard Atkins is a travel photo-journalist, playwright, screenwriter, actor and pianist. He can be reached at: rcratkins@att.net.
