We had an unimaginable alternative to discover the Caribbean on the tallest crusing ship on the world — sure, actually! Star Clippers Cruises provide a singular expertise with three completely different ships to select from relying in your pursuits and sort of cruise you’d wish to take.
Our cruise, which kicked off in Barbados, was on the Royal Clipper which takes 227 passengers, whereas their different two ships, Star Clipper and Star Flyer, each take solely 170 passengers. Our route? We left Barbados after which left for Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Guadeloupe (Iles Des Saintes to be particular) after which lastly to Martinique (Anse d’Arlet) earlier than ending off in Bridgetown the place we began.
What choice must you select? Whereas we by no means set sail on one in all their smaller ships, we did race in opposition to one in all them whereas we had been within the Caribbean (see under — it was positively a enjoyable reminiscence btw), the tradeoffs are apparent. On a smaller ship, your cabin dimension may have much less sq. footage and also you gained’t have as many perks and frills. That stated, a smaller ship is extra intimate and offers a extra adventurous expertise for these on board.
One of many Star Clippers smaller cruise ships
What to Count on
Royal Clipper is the most important five-masted, full-rigged crusing ship since her predecessor, the Preussen. Their Captain Nemo Lounge homes the spa and well being membership with distinctive underwater glass portholes. Rooms embrace double or twin beds that may be transformed to queen-size beds, in addition to marble-lined bogs, a tv with in-house video, a direct dial phone, a hair dryer and comfortable furnishings. A 3-deck atrium welcomes you if you enter the ship, with daylight funneled into an elegantly furnished three-level eating room (btw, the three ranges are usually not provided on the smaller ships).
About to depart Barbados
Under is a view of the Royal Clipper with its sails down, taken from the day boat that transports you to shore for day excursions and different actions. On one finish of the ship, there’s a marina platform that lowers to sea degree, so you may get instant entry to watersports actions. Among the choices embrace visits to distant reefs, underwater wrecks and blue lagoons the place marine species are in abundance.
Taken on one of many smaller shuttle boats that tendered us to shore one afternoon
The deck is spacious with loads of room to stroll round. Of the 227 capability, our cruise had roughly 160 or so passengers. We by no means felt crowded and I think about one other sixty passengers wouldn’t have made a lot distinction, largely as a result of there are many spots to cover away, equivalent to one of many hidden balconies on both aspect of the bow.
The shot under was taken one afternoon after we had been 4 days into the cruise. Notice that I frolicked on the surface decks usually; there’s such a way of freedom when you find yourself one with the ocean. Every time I frolicked on one of many deck ends, just a few different passengers had been roaming round. The pool was positioned within the middle of the primary higher deck. Whereas it was winter season and we had extra rain than different occasions of the yr, the climate was heat sufficient to lounge outdoors by the pool or on the outdoors bar.
We got a chance to steer the ship as properly, guided in fact. Notice under a few of the lounge chairs on the deck (an uncovered choice).
On board the Royal Clipper throughout our Caribbean cruise: Navigating the Wheel
Under, one of many crew members respiration within the majestic, wild, and welcoming sea, one thing I made positive to do on daily basis. Really, it’s completely breathtaking and being one together with her alluring vastness is to not be missed.
Along with the chance to steer the ship, we had been additionally capable of climb the mast. What an exciting journey it was — as soon as on high, there was an space to sit down and take within the views and huge open sky on all sides. You too can be a part of the Captain on the always-open bridge and discover ways to splice a line, reef a sail or tie a sq. knot.
The Ship at Sundown
After a day full of island actions or consuming cocktails at one of many native bars, we’d return to the ship for sundown.
The sky transitioned from blue skies and puffy white clouds to an orange and yellow glow, merging as they danced all through the sky. Pink hues later accompanied the layers, including to its magnificence. From solar, wind and vibrancy, we moved to serenity, with mild and enveloping backdrops.
Because the phases of nightfall continued, so did the temper of the passengers, the crew and the ocean itself. All of us had been capable of wind down. The ship wound down. We settled into the vitality of what nightfall encompasses in all her shapes and kinds.
Folks started to order cocktails. A number of lied down on the lounge chairs dealing with the breathtaking views.
Others frolicked on the deck simply taking all of it in.
A pair with children introduced plates of pre-dinner snacks (served on the deck each night) to their children who couldn’t look forward to dinner time.
A pair of their eighties had been already dressed for dinner as they sipped their martinis on one of many barstools at an outside bar. A pair subsequent to them had been nonetheless in informal athletic apparel from their day mountain climbing on one in all our island stops.
A number of folks had been dancing to the music taking part in throughout what I assume you might name Joyful Hour. He performed keyboard and his spouse sung. It’s the identical musician who would later accompany us inside at dinner, however relatively than his extra peppy and informal keyboard that sits on deck, he was behind a white grand piano as an alternative.
Anthony and I oscillated between our cocktails and chatting with others who we’d gotten to know since we boarded on the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, principally Individuals though a couple of Germans, Brits and Aussies made their method into our conversations over a number of days.
Sometimes, you’d discover somebody within the pool right now because it’s really stunning to swim under a dramatic sky as evening begins to fall, bringing us all to stillness for a couple of hours earlier than we liven issues up with dancing and extra drinks after dinner.
Dramatic and fantastically imposing, there’s nothing like these skies because the day winds down on a cruise ship, particularly one as small and memorable because the Royal Clipper. Such a magnificence, isn’t she?
The Cabins
At first, I used to be a bit involved that the cabins can be so small that they wouldn’t even match our giant curler suitcases. In spite of everything, most of my cruise experiences had been on a lot bigger ships. Not the case on board the Royal Clipper. Of the cabin ranges, ours cabin fell in the course of the choices, which equated to extra sq. footage and lightweight from the portholes.
Room selections have some wiggle room, starting from a double or twin beds that may be transformed to queen-size beds. I used to be shocked by the modern-styled marble-lined bogs and the tv with in-house video for such a small ship. There’s additionally a direct dial phone, a hair dryer and a comfortable chair to sit down in on the finish of the mattress.
Our lavatory, which was cleaned every day with recent towel, cleaning soap and shampoo replacements.
There was additionally a desk space in our cabin and loads of mirrors. Our closet match all of our garments (hung and on cabinets) though we additionally utilized the drawers (one underneath the mattress), a small bureau on the finish of our mattress and smaller drawers subsequent to the mattress for private gadgets. There was additionally a protected on your useful gadgets equivalent to jewellery. Each of our giant curler baggage match comfortably underneath the mattress in addition to the small suitcase we introduced as a carry-on.
I used to be capable of view one in all their suites as properly. The room is clearly a lot bigger and has home windows dealing with the ocean. And naturally, the toilet is bigger. Under, you’ll get an concept of the upgraded choice which comes with its personal tub.
A rest room suite on the Royal Clipper
On the Royal Clipper, their 14 deluxe suites provide not only a whirlpool tub, however a non-public verandah and 24-hour room service. All however six of her 98 cabins are outdoors. For the last word indulgence, two 355-square-foot proprietor’s suites could also be mixed to accommodate as much as eight visitors.
What to Count on: Contained in the Ship
All through the ship, you’ll discover burnished brass fittings and mahogany wood accents, all with a nautical twist. A bit of decadence meets conventional decor, reminding you at occasions of yesteryear whereas additionally feeling the heat and luxury of recent furnishings.
From the highest degree, as you look down into the center of the ship, you’ll see completely different nooks and crannies of the eating room, the place tables are scattered on each side. You possibly can go for a extra central desk or sit alongside the wall so you may absorb no matter views you may marvel at by means of the portholes.
We sat on the under 8-top one night; nevertheless, most nights we had been capable of sit on the Captain’s Desk when he was eating in his cabin or working. A white grand piano was not solely a part of the decor however was used every day because the pianist performed a mix of previous crooner tunes, enjoyable musical numbers and extra conventional songs from the 1970’s and 1980’s.
A distinct view of the couches, comfortable chairs and inside lounging space
Contrasting the darker conventional colours, you’ll discover brighter colourful prints of well-known clipper ships and crusing yachts alongside the partitions.
They provided completely different theme nights, one in all which was Pirate Night time (under) . . .
Then there was White Night time . . . at all times a enjoyable one. It occurred to be the identical evening I made a decision to play that stunning grand piano myself. Oh what a pleasure it was. What did I select? Tony Bennett favorites that my grandmother taught me so a few years in the past. It appeared ever so becoming for the night.
The Library
The library deserves a particular call-out as a result of fairly frankly, it was unbelievable. Anthony retreated to the air-conditioned old school library on daily basis to learn. Sometimes, I’d additionally go there to learn but additionally simply to sit down and BE. I by no means thought I may meditate amongst darkish wood library decor however fairly frankly, it was simply good.
Leisure
As a result of it’s a small ship, there’s no area for large-scale Broadway-style manufacturing or dance performances. For us, that’s a plus! It doesn’t imply that leisure isn’t a part of the agenda. Each evening throughout Joyful Hour, a husband/spouse duo sang and performed keyboard on the surface deck near the bar. And the white grand piano is purring alongside each evening over dinner, which is a superb deal with. Under I’m on the piano; nevertheless, on the video on the finish of this text, you’ll hear and see a few of his piano taking part in.
In addition they had a expertise present on the final evening with varied skits from the crew which was not solely amusing however significant since many people had developed friendships with a few of the crew members all through our journey. Under, the lady on the left was my therapeutic massage therapist for example.
One night, we had a memorable deal with on the deck. Because the thundering dramatic 1492: Conquest of Paradise by Vangelis performed within the background, they held a light-weight present. We moved from reds to blues to greens and again once more because the lights danced in opposition to the sails and the sides of the deck of the ship whereas the music blared in all instructions. Lovely.
In addition they delight themselves on bringing in native expertise from the places we’re visiting. On this case, we had a pan drum efficiency one evening, which you’ll hear on the video on the finish. (scroll down).
Principally, we beloved hanging out with folks we met alongside the way in which, dancing, consuming and connecting . . . together with the superb crew.
Under, Anthony with English Arthur who had us in stitches together with his tales and at different occasions, almost in tears as he talked about his struggle years. I had the sense that he discovered a brand new set of ears each evening as he had such fascinating tales to share.
Anthony and Arthur
One particular evening after a speech from the Captain, the crew sang as lots of them paraded across the eating room with completely different flags from all over the world.
Drinks & Meals
When folks discuss their cruise expertise, you’ll discover one constant thread throughout all the conversations — the meals. Eating is a giant (and integral) a part of any cruise, whether or not it’s a big ship, a river cruise or a tall crusing ship just like the Royal Clipper.
Every morning, you’re greeted by an intensive buffet, full of fruit, yoghurt, an assortment of cheese and meats, oatmeal and cereals. There’s additionally a sizzling meals part the place you may go for a extra conventional (and filling) alternative, equivalent to ham, sausage, bacon and eggs, french toast, pancakes and scrambled eggs.
They have an inclination to cater to the predominant teams on board after which they complement the menu with different gadgets as properly in fact. On our cruise, Brits dominated adopted by Germans after which Individuals. There have been additionally Italians, Mexicans, South Individuals, Canadians, and Aussies. For us, it was a pleasant deal with since we had been capable of meet a whole lot of attention-grabbing folks from Europe. What this eclectic mix meant for the buffet was loads of jams, pates, and cheese choices. Oh sure, and seeds, nuts, loaves of bread, croissants and muffins. I also needs to observe the omelet station since I went there nearly every day.
Lunch was equally delicious with a buffet loaded with each cold and warm gadgets. I tended to go for the more healthy and lighter salads, often throwing one in all their recent fish choices on high. There was at all times a soup choice as properly and loads of veggies, meats, and starches.
To the left, delicious fundamental course choices for lunch. Above, varied meats and to the proper, breakfast cheeses, croissants and muffins.
One factor they boast is their “no tie” or formal clothes requirement, which makes it simple for the journey traveler. Like many cruise ships, the Royal Clipper provided a sit-down meal in the primary eating room (no assigned seating) each evening. There have been a number of choices to select from on the menu, together with vegetarian choices naturally.
From unimaginable salads and appetizers to mains and desserts, their cooks did an impressive job delivering evening after evening. To present you a style of a few of their appetizers, listed here are a couple of we beloved: Antipasti Ligurian Riveria, Goat Cheese marinated in honey and almonds, Octopus Carpaccio with Apple Saffron dressing (wow, proper?), Courgette Rolls with Feta Cheese, Hen Tempura, Marinated Artichoke Hearts with Grapefruit, Candy Pepper and Capers (it was a heavenly mixture), Melon Tomato with Parma Ham
There have been additionally some superb soups as properly, equivalent to their Cream of Lobster Soup, Tomato Soup with Pesto, an Apple Soup with Horseradish, Cream of Mushroom Soup, and conventional French Onion soup, which Anthony ordered (it’s one in all his favorites).
There have been many recent seafood choices over the course of our cruise, every one memorable.
The fish was off the charts. A number of examples included Grilled Tilapia with Asparagus and Inexperienced Peas, Pan-Fried Fillet of Salmon with Dried Tomatoes and Olive Oil, Grilled pike Fillet with Herb Risotto, Steamed Sea Bass with veggies, and Purple Snapper with Courgettes and Wild Garlic Pesto. Yum!
Pan-Fried Fillet of Salmon with Dried Tomatoes and Olive Oil
Grilled Tilapia with Asparagus and Inexperienced Peas
We didn’t stay on seafood throughout our total Caribbean keep and there have been loads of attention-grabbing different choices as properly. For instance, their Hen Breast with Tandoori Yoghurt Sauce was a delicious dish, as was their Roast Beef with Asparagus (under). As for our favorites? The Pulled Pork with Grilled Apples, the Corn and Pepper Fritters (vegetarian), the Tortolan Model Duck Breast, and their Braised Knuckle of Lamb, which I had with out their prompt garlic creamed potatoes. Undecided who I used to be kidding by skipping the carbs since I had a big dessert two hours later.
Different veggie choices included Stuffed Bell Peppers and Eggplant, Vegetable Stew with Garlic Croutons, Mushroom and Potato Beans Tart and a Stew with Fried Plantain and Dumplings.
There have been nice wine selections on the menu as properly. Relying on the dish or temper, we oscillated usually between the S. Veran, Terres Secretes 2020 French Burgundy and the 2022 South African Petit Chenin Blanc from Ken Forrester for whites. We gravitated to their 2020 Chateau Cartier, St. Emilion G. Cru French Bordeaux (it’s a wine I’m personally acquainted with), and their 2020 French Chateaneuf du Pape, Cos St. Michel from Rhone Valley. For apparent causes, they’d extra European wine picks and never solely had been they nice accompaniments to their menu, however fairly priced too (29 to 40 euros per bottle).
Whereas we are likely to keep away from desserts 99% of the time in our on a regular basis lives, after we journey to locations with superb meals, we splurge. Not at all times, however nearly at all times. Fact be advised, I didn’t at all times eat the dessert after dinner however I at all times had dessert at lunch on the Royal Clipper. There have been so many scrumptious choices to select from on daily basis, neither one in all us may cease ourselves from having fun with the current second as they are saying. Chocolate, hazelnut, crème brûlée, mousse, puddings, and home made tarts had been all a part of that “YES PLEASE” expertise.
For a few of our real-time meals postings, be sure you try our Luxurious Foodies Instagram feed, the place we posted a number of nice dishes and desserts.
In fact there have been Fruit Melbas and Sorbets, however the very best choices had chocolate in them. Okay, so I’m biased. Okay, so I really like chocolate. Okay, it’s exhausting for me to search out something flawed with any chocolate dessert. So, when Chocolate Mousse got here by, I couldn’t refuse, nor may I say no to the Pistachio Ice Cream, one in all my favorites and so hardly ever provided in eating places. Espresso something has me at howdy (similar for Anthony), so we had been thrilled with their Espresso Panna Cotta, Amaretto Cream Profiteroles and Darkish Chocolate Gateau “Marquise.”
I had a cappuccino each evening as a result of why not? A number of different superb dessert call-outs embrace their Cherries Jubilee, Floating Island Dessert with Dates, Cheesecake, Raspberry Yogurt Mousse, and their basic French Apple Tart – good with any of their ice cream choices and there have been lots.
And the way’s this for a singular one? Chardonnay Sorbet. This wasn’t essentially meant to be served as a dessert (it was listed between programs) however in the end you might finish your meal with such a deal with. It might particularly go properly with one in all their cheese platters and a dessert wine.
There was no scarcity of cheese choices so if dessert isn’t your factor, they provided plates equivalent to Fontina with Nuts, Goat Cheese with Honey, French Brie Garnished with Dry Fruit, Gouda, and extra.
Hats off to their Government Chef Frederick Escueta and the pinnacle waiter Rio Adhitio. Bravo bravo!
In our cabin earlier than heading to dinner one night
Yoga on Board
From full-blown decadence on a several-course meal, nice wine, and desserts to committing to your well being the very subsequent day, you are able to do all of it. One of many issues that notably drew us to this tall ship cruise was the provision of a yoga instructor each single day. That stated, I wasn’t a daily, however that had extra to do with wanting extra sleep and a pulled muscle than it did with not having fun with the courses. We hit it off with Shannon, a yoga teacher from Ohio who approached holistic and integrative religious follow in an analogous solution to our personal path. Rain or shine, wind or calm, she was on the deck main courses.
The wonderful thing about exhibiting up for a yoga class on the primary deck is your entry to the views and the great thing about the ocean round you. It has a method of connecting you to nature in a method you merely can’t get in a standard studio.
80% of the week, we had calm late afternoons and mornings. That stated, there have been a few notably windy days that challenged all of us. At first, it was a kind of awkward moments, every of us discreetly glancing at one another, our eyes all saying the identical factor: “How on earth are we going to tug off that pose with this wind?”
At one level, the wind made it so unimaginable to carry a pose, that a number of of us fell onto our mats, burst out laughing and went into baby pose as a solution to settle for if not embrace the wind stirring round us. As Shannon so rightfully identified in that valuable second, “Our Yoga follow isn’t at all times about good moments. It’s within the moments the place we’re most challenged, that our yoga follow turns into much more helpful.” This assertion couldn’t be extra related that day.
Yoga wasn’t the one factor that allowed us to remain wholesome and balanced on the Royal Clipper. Whereas most cruise traces have a gymnasium and spa on board, I beloved the intimacy of the ship, the smaller variety of passengers and the dedication by so many to Shannon’s yoga courses.
In case you love cruising, however lead a religious and holistic life and ponder whether it’ll be a match, discovering one with a yoga instructor, gymnasium and spa on board is a should. Decide to exhibiting up on daily basis, reserving a couple of spa appointments, consuming low-sugar juices, loads of greens and salads. You too can benefit from recent coconut milk and papayas on each island cease. It was a serious plus that the Royal Clipper had yoga obtainable as a every day choice. Bravo bravo!
The Fitness center & Spa
We each made it to the gymnasium. The machines (treadmill, bikes, and sculpting) had been surrounded by mirrors and there have been free weights in addition to a bench, which made Anthony a cheerful camper. This was very true given our dedication to desserts for a few weeks, a uncommon splurge on our half. The truth that there was yoga, a gymnasium and a spa on board made it a lot simpler to justify consuming extra and fairly frankly, having fun with all of it with out the guilt.
Primarily based on my expertise with far too many motels and resorts, I’m at all times a bit cautious concerning the high quality of spa providers. I used to be pleasantly shocked that my first therapeutic massage was top-notch, a lot in order that I went again for a second one. She wasn’t obtainable however the different masseuse was simply as unimaginable.
To present you an concept of a few of the therapies, they included a handful you’d anticipate, equivalent to an Categorical Facial, Scalp, Again and Neck Massages and Reflexology. In addition they have a Signature Therapeutic massage, which most spas and resorts are likely to have. The Star Clippers Signature is a Sizzling Lava Shell Therapeutic massage, meant to eradicate muscular stress, calm the nervous system and stimulate blood and lymph circulation.
Different varieties of massages included Oriental, Swedish, Lomi Lomi (impressed by Hawaiian magnificence rituals), and African Therapeutic massage. I additionally beloved their Exfoliating Physique Scrubs and one thing they name the Hawaiian Archipelago. The latter, which is a two-hour therapy, combines sharpening with a guava puree, adopted by a Blue Hawaiian Jelly wrap, and a Lomi Lomi therapeutic massage utilizing each Monoi oil and Physique Milk with Coco. There are additionally showers on-site and a steam room with marble tiles. Two thumbs up!
Island Excursions
Each cruise (properly, almost each cruise) affords some type of tour if you land at a vacation spot. In our case, it was the Windward Islands within the Caribbean: Barbados, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Iles Des Saintes and Martinique. In St. Lucia, they provided an Aerial Tram. In Dominica, you had the choice of both an Indian River Boat Cruise or the Syndicate Nature Path. Antigua had fairly a couple of choices: a Cover Tour, a Jet Ski Journey, Studying the best way to make Rum, a Kayak Eco Tour or Swimming with the Rays.
St. Kitts provided the Important St. Kitts Tour, which we took, or the island by prepare by way of the Scenic Railway. On the Isles Des Saintes, you might head out on a speedboat to go snorkeling or expertise the Blue Escape on a clear-bottom kayak (at all times enjoyable within the Caribbean). In Martinique, they provided a tour that explored the southern a part of the island. As is customary with such a cruise, we tendered every day to a brand new island.
This shot was taken in Saint Lucia, stopping alongside the highway at one in all their breathtaking viewpoints.
In St. Kitts, we had been capable of see a Batik artist in motion: she made distinctive designs on wraps, tablecloths, t-shirts and baggage,
Above, a Batik Manufacturing facility in St. Kitts
Iles Des Saintes was one in all our favourite stops, largely due to its French affect, nice outlets and cocktails and great walks by means of the village surrounding the port.
Under, cocktails galore in Barbados. One other pina colada please!
Since we love tradition (and pictures), we went into extra element on the island visits, so be sure you learn our article: A Very Distinctive Carribbean Expertise which matches into extra depth about what we did on every island. They embrace a boat-load of images and a video as properly.
Here’s a quick video of our time on the Royal Clipper which brings a few of the descriptions right here to life.
Additionally, be sure you learn our articles: The best way to Discover Barbados, Barbados for Foodies and Barbados Stays for Luxurious & Enjoyable.
For extra data on Star Clippers Cruises, go to their fundamental website. For extra data on the Royal Clipper, be sure you go to this website which provides you all the main points, together with the best way to e book a cruise with them. Curious the place they go? There are many thrilling selections, together with Africa, Canary Islands, your entire Caribbean, Europe, the Greek Islands, the Mediterranean, Mexico, Central America, the Panama Canal and South America. In addition they provide a Transalantic cruise as properly. Woot woot!
Renee Blodgett is the founding father of We Weblog the World. The positioning combines the magic of a web-based tradition and journey journal with a world weblog community and has contributors from each continent on the earth. Having lived in 10 nations and explored almost 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural variety.
She can be the CEO and founding father of Magic Sauce Media, a brand new media providers consultancy centered on viral advertising, social media, branding, occasions and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped firms from 12 nations get traction available in the market. Recognized for her international and natural method to product and company launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an lively consumer of social media, she helps shoppers navigate digital waters from all over the world. Renee has been running a blog for over 16 years and commonly writes on her private weblog Down the Avenue, Huffington Publish, BlogHer, We Weblog the World and different websites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Journal and is listed as a brand new media influencer and sport changer on varied websites and books on the brand new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed because the sixth most influential lady in social media by Forbes Journal on a Prime 20 Listing.
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