Star Clippers

Star Clippers specializes in sailing cruises aboard tall ships. Sailor Mikael Krafft founded the brand in 1989. Its offering combines traditional rigging and active sailing maneuvers with the comforts of a cruise. Sailing is more than just a backdrop: guests can watch the work on deck, learn about navigation and sailing ships, and, if they wish, take part in a simple task themselves.

Three ships, two rig types

The Star Flyer and the Star Clipper are four-masted barquentines, each accommodating 166 guests. The Royal Clipper is a five-masted full-rigged ship and carries 227 guests. All three ships feature teak decks, swimming pools, an informal restaurant, a Tropical Bar and a piano bar. Guests can alternate between spending time outdoors and enjoying the shared spaces on board.

Experience sailing

The ships set sail whenever conditions allow. If the wind is insufficient, they can continue under engine power and keep to the schedule. For guests, this means the voyage does not depend solely on the wind, although the sailing experience is shaped by the conditions at the time. The sails are not set automatically: experienced captains and crews combine modern technology with traditional methods, using both electric and manually operated winches.

Those who wish can help the crew set the sails. Participation is voluntary. Even without joining in, guests can watch the work on deck. At informal morning gatherings, the captain or cruise director talks about the wind, tall ships, navigation or the stars. Knot-tying lessons teach a practical maritime skill. In suitable weather, guests can also climb the mast as far as the first crow’s nest. These activities make the process of sailing more tangible and provide a connection with the ship on sea days that goes beyond watching the coastline.

A relaxed life on board

Life on board is also designed to be relaxed. The restaurant has no fixed dining times or assigned table companions; guests can choose when and with whom to eat. During the day, beachwear or resort wear is appropriate on deck, with a casual style in the evening. The Captain’s Dinner calls for slightly dressier attire. The open bridge allows guests to talk with the captain and officers, but it is closed during complex maneuvers. This gives those who are interested a glimpse of navigation without compromising the safe operation of the ship.

For time on the water, all three ships provide snorkeling equipment, kayaks, sailing dinghies, water skis and windsurfing gear. On the Royal Clipper, a retractable watersports platform at the stern adds to the facilities when the ship is at anchor. Use of the watersports equipment depends on the weather and local regulations. For shore destinations, Star Clippers offers an excursion program that can be viewed online in advance; excursions are booked and paid for on board. English, German and French are spoken on board. Daily programs, announcements and menus are available in these three languages. Some activities are conducted exclusively in English.