We had been not too long ago provided an unbelievable media alternative to discover the Caribbean on the tallest crusing ship on the world — sure, actually! Star Clippers Cruises provide distinctive experiences with three totally different ships to select from relying in your pursuits.
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 166 passengers. Our route? We left Barbados after which headed to Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia, adopted by Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Guadeloupe (Iles Des Saintes) after which lastly to Martinique (Anse d’Arlet) earlier than ending off in Bridgetown the place we began.
What possibility do you have to select? Whereas we by no means set sail on considered one of their smaller ships, we did race in opposition to considered one of them whereas we had been within the Caribbean (see beneath — it was a enjoyable expertise). The tradeoffs are apparent. On a smaller ship, your cabin has much less sq. footage and also you received’t have as many perks and frills. That stated, a smaller ship is extra intimate and gives a extra adventurous expertise for these on board.
One of many Star Clippers smaller cruise ships
What to Count on
The 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 embody 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 while 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
Beneath 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 stage, so you will get quick entry to watersports actions. A number of the choices embody 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 hidden balconies you’ll be able to escape to on both facet of the bow.
The shot beneath was taken one afternoon after we had been 4 days into the cruise. Notice that I frolicked on the surface decks typically; there’s such a way of freedom if you find yourself one with the ocean. Every time I hung out on one of many deck ends, only some different passengers had been roaming round. The pool was situated within the heart of the principle higher deck. Whereas it was winter season and we had extra rain than different occasions of the 12 months, the climate was heat sufficient to lounge exterior by the pool or on the exterior bar.
We got a chance to steer the ship as properly, guided after all. Notice beneath a number of the lounge chairs on the deck (an uncovered possibility).
On board the Royal Clipper throughout our Caribbean cruise: Navigating the Wheel
Beneath, one of many crew members respiration within the majestic, wild, and welcoming sea, one thing I made certain to do daily. 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 take a seat and take within the views and extensive open sky on all sides. It’s also possible to be part of the Captain on the always-open bridge and learn to splice a line, reef a sail or tie a sq. knot.
The Ship at Sundown
After a day crammed with island actions or ingesting 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 light and enveloping backdrops.
Because the levels 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.
Individuals started to order cocktails. A couple of lied down on the lounge chairs going through the breathtaking views.
Others hung out on the deck simply taking all of it in.
A pair with youngsters introduced plates of pre-dinner snacks (served on the deck each night) to their youngsters who couldn’t look forward to time for supper.
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 mountaineering on considered one of our island stops.
A couple of folks had been dancing to the music enjoying throughout what I suppose you would name Blissful Hour. He performed keyboard and his spouse sung. It’s the identical musician who would later accompany us inside at dinner, however fairly 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 manner into our conversations over a number of days.
Sometimes, you’d discover somebody within the pool presently because it’s actually stunning to swim beneath a dramatic sky as night time 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 superbly 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 could be so small that they wouldn’t even match our massive curler suitcases. In any case, 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 midst of the choices, which equated to extra sq. footage and lightweight from the portholes.
Room decisions have some wiggle room, starting from a double or twin beds that may be transformed to queen-size beds. I used to be stunned 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 mushy chair to take a seat in on the finish of the mattress.
Our rest room, which was cleaned day by day with contemporary 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 objects. There was additionally a protected to your useful objects akin to jewellery. Each of our massive 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 considered one of their suites as properly. The room is clearly a lot bigger and has home windows going through the ocean. And naturally, the toilet is bigger. Beneath, you’ll get an thought of the upgraded possibility which comes with its personal tub.
A toilet 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 exterior. For the final word indulgence, two 355-square-foot proprietor’s suites could also be mixed to accommodate as much as eight company.
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. Slightly decadence meets conventional decor, reminding you at occasions of yesteryear whereas additionally feeling the heat and luxury of recent furnishings.
From the highest stage, as you look down into the center of the ship, you’ll see totally different nooks and crannies of the eating room, the place tables are scattered on either side. You may be part of others at a extra central spherical desk or sit alongside the wall the place you’ll be able to absorb water views by way of the portholes.
We sat on the beneath 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 day by day because the pianist performed a mixture of previous crooner tunes, enjoyable musical numbers and extra conventional songs from the 1970’s and 1980’s. (make sure to watch the video on the finish of this text to get a greater thought of the vibe)
A distinct view of the couches, cozy chairs and inside lounging space
Contrasting the darker conventional colours, you’ll discover brighter colourful prints of well-known ships and crusing yachts alongside the partitions.
They provided varied theme nights, considered one of which was Pirate Night time (beneath) . . .
Then there was White Night time . . . all the time a enjoyable one. It occurred to be the identical night time 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 it’s a tremendous room and it was Anthony’s favourite place to hang around throughout the cruise. He retreated to the air-conditioned, old school library daily to learn. Sometimes, I’d additionally go there to learn but additionally simply to take a seat and BE. I by no means thought I might 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 productions or dance performances. For us, that’s a plus! It doesn’t imply that leisure isn’t a part of the agenda. Each night time throughout Blissful Hour, a husband/spouse duo sang and performed keyboard on the surface deck near the bar. The white grand piano was alive each night time over dinner, which was such a beautiful deal with. Beneath 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 enjoying.
In addition they had a expertise present on the final night time with varied skits from the crew, which was not solely amusing however significant since many people had developed friendships with a number of the crew members all through our journey. Beneath, 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 lightweight present. We moved from reds to blues to greens and again once more because the lights danced in opposition to the sails and the perimeters of the deck of the ship whereas the music blared in all instructions. Lovely.
In addition they pleasure themselves on bringing in native expertise from the areas we’re visiting. On this case, we had a pan drum efficiency one night time, which you’ll be able to hear on the video on the finish of the article.
Principally, we beloved hanging out with folks we met alongside the best way, dancing, ingesting and connecting . . . together with the wonderful crew.
Beneath, Anthony with English Arthur who had us in stitches along with his tales and at different occasions, almost in tears as he talked about his conflict years. I had the sense that he discovered a brand new set of ears each night time as he had such fascinating tales to share.
Anthony and Arthur
One particular night time after a speech from the Captain, the crew sang as a lot of them paraded across the eating room with totally different flags from world wide.
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, crammed with fruit, yoghurt, an assortment of cheese and meats, oatmeal and cereals. There’s additionally a scorching meals part the place you’ll be able to go for a extra conventional (and filling) alternative, akin 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 objects. 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 wonderful to fulfill fascinating folks from world wide. What this eclectic mix meant for the buffet was loads of jams, pates, cheese, seeds, nuts, loaves of bread, croissants and muffins. I also needs to word the omelet station since I went there nearly day by day.
Lunch was equally delicious with a buffet loaded with each cold and hot objects. I tended to go for the more healthy and lighter salads, often throwing considered one of their contemporary fish choices on high. There was all the time a soup as properly and loads of veggies, meats, and starches.
To the left, delicious major course choices for lunch. Above, varied meats and to the appropriate, 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 principle eating room (no assigned seating) each night time. There have been a number of choices to select from on the menu, together with vegetarian dishes.
From unbelievable salads and appetizers to mains and desserts, their cooks did an impressive job delivering night time after night time. To offer 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 (yum), Courgette Rolls with Feta Cheese, Hen Tempura, Marinated Artichoke Hearts with Grapefruit, Candy Pepper and Capers (it was a heavenly mixture), and Melon Tomato with Parma Ham.
There have been additionally some wonderful soups as properly, akin to Cream of Lobster, Tomato Soup with Pesto, an Apple Soup with Horseradish, Cream of Mushroom, and conventional French Onion, which Anthony ordered (it’s his favourite). A couple of appetizers beneath.
There have been many contemporary seafood dishes provided all through our cruise, each memorable.
The fish was off the charts. A couple 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. So delish!
Pan-Fried Fillet of Salmon with Dried Tomatoes and Olive Oil
Grilled Tilapia with Asparagus and Inexperienced Peas
We didn’t dwell on seafood throughout our total Caribbean keep and there have been loads of fascinating different choices as properly. For instance, their Hen Breast with Tandoori Yoghurt Sauce was a delicious dish, as was their Roast Beef with Asparagus (beneath). As for our favorites? The Pulled Pork with Grilled Apples, the Corn and Pepper Fritters (vegetarian), the Tortolan Fashion 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 an hour later.
Different veggie decisions included Stuffed Bell Peppers and Eggplant, Vegetable Stew with Garlic Croutons, Mushroom and Potato Beans Tart and a Stew with Fried Plantains and Dumplings.
There was a beautiful wine choice on the menu as properly. Relying on the dish or temper, we oscillated typically 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 alternatives and never solely had been they nice accompaniments to the meals, however fairly priced too (29 to 40 euros per bottle).
Whereas we are inclined to keep away from desserts 99% of the time in our on a regular basis lives, once we journey to locations with wonderful meals, we splurge. Not all the time, however nearly all the time. Reality be advised, I didn’t all the time eat the dessert after dinner however I all the time had dessert at lunch on the Royal Clipper. There have been so many scrumptious choices to select from daily, neither considered one of us might cease ourselves from having fun with the current second. Chocolate, hazelnut, crème brûlée, mousse, puddings, and do-it-yourself tarts had been all a part of that “YES PLEASE” expertise.
For a few of our real-time meals postings, make sure to try our Luxurious Foodies Instagram feed, the place we posted a number of nice dishes and desserts.
After all there have been Fruit Melbas and Sorbets, however one of the best desserts had chocolate in them. Okay, so I’m biased. Okay, so I like chocolate. Okay, it’s laborious for me to seek out something flawed with any chocolate dessert. So, when Chocolate Mousse got here by, I couldn’t refuse, nor might I say no to the Pistachio Ice Cream, considered one of my favorites and so hardly ever provided in eating places. Espresso something has me at hey (identical 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 night time as a result of why not? A couple of different wonderful dessert call-outs embody their Cherries Jubilee, Floating Island Dessert with Dates, Cheesecake, Raspberry Yogurt Mousse, and their traditional French Apple Tart – good with any of their ice cream flavors and there have been a number of.
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 would finish your meal with it. I think about it might go properly with considered one of their cheese platters and a dessert wine.
There was no scarcity of cheese choices so if dessert isn’t your factor, you would order 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. Bravissimo!
In our cabin earlier than heading to dinner one night
Yoga on Board
From full-blown decadence on a several-course meal, effective 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 supply of a yoga trainer daily. We hit it off with Shannon, a yoga teacher from Ohio who approached holistic and integrative religious observe in the same solution to our personal path. Rain or shine, wind or calm, she was on the deck main lessons.
The beauty of exhibiting up for a yoga class on the principle deck is your entry to the views and the fantastic thing about the ocean round you. It has a manner of connecting you to nature in a manner you merely can’t get in a conventional 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 type 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 drag off that pose with this wind?”
At one level, the wind made it so not possible 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 treasured second, “Our yoga observe isn’t all the time about good moments. It’s within the moments the place we’re most challenged, that our yoga observe 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 lessons.
When you love cruising, however lead a religious and holistic life and ponder whether it’ll be a match, discovering one with a yoga trainer, gymnasium and spa on board is a should. Decide to exhibiting up daily, reserving a couple of spa appointments, ingesting low-sugar juices, loads of greens and salads. It’s also possible to reap the benefits of contemporary coconut milk and papayas on each island cease. It was a significant plus that the Royal Clipper had yoga out there. 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.
Based mostly on my expertise with far too many inns and resorts, I’m all the time a bit cautious concerning the high quality of spa providers. I used to be pleasantly stunned that my first therapeutic massage was top-notch, a lot in order that I went again for a second one. She wasn’t out there however the different masseuse was simply as unbelievable.
To offer you an thought of a number of the remedies, they included a handful you’d anticipate, akin to an Specific Facial, Scalp, Again and Neck Massages, Signature Massages and Reflexology. The Star Clippers Signature is a Scorching Lava Shell Therapeutic massage, meant to get rid of muscular stress, calm the nervous system and stimulate blood and lymph circulation.
Different forms 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 sprucing 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) presents some type of tour while 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 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 through the Scenic Railway. On the Isles Des Saintes, you would head out on a speedboat to go snorkeling or expertise the Blue Escape on a clear-bottom kayak (all the time enjoyable within the Caribbean). In Martinique, they provided a tour that explored the southern a part of the island. As is commonplace 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 considered one of 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 unit in St. Kitts
Iles Des Saintes was considered one of our favourite stops, largely due to its French affect, nice retailers and cocktails and great walks by way of the village surrounding the port.
Beneath, cocktails galore in Barbados. One other pina colada please!
Since we love tradition (and images), we went into extra element on the island visits, so make sure to learn our article: Tips on how to Expertise the Carribbean Islands which works into extra depth about what we did on every island. They embody a boat-load of pictures and a video.
Here’s a brief video of our time on the Royal Clipper which brings a number of the descriptions on this publish to life.
Additionally, make sure to learn our articles: Tips on how to Expertise Barbados, Barbados for Foodies and Barbados Stays for Luxurious & Enjoyable.
For extra info on Star Clippers Cruises, go to their major web site. For extra info on the Royal Clipper, make sure to go to this web site which provides you all the small print, together with ebook a cruise with them.
Curious the place they go? There are many thrilling decisions, together with Africa, Canary Islands, your complete 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 location combines the magic of an internet tradition and journey journal with a world weblog community and has contributors from each continent on the earth. Having lived in 10 international locations and explored almost 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural range.
She can be the CEO and founding father of Magic Sauce Media, a brand new media providers consultancy centered on viral advertising and marketing, social media, branding, occasions and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped corporations from 12 international locations get traction available in the market. Recognized for her world and natural method to product and company launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an energetic consumer of social media, she helps shoppers navigate digital waters from world wide. Renee has been running a blog for over 16 years and often 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 High 20 Listing.
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