Some holidays will be enjoyed, others will be remembered for years. A special place where the stars align and the weather, the people, the atmosphere, the food, everything is just right? For this very reason, Star Clipper guests keep coming back again and again. Because they know they always leave with precious memories, new friendships, and new connections.
Being at sea is a passion, but the thought of thousands of other ships on one of the giant cruise ships makes me pretty chill. Someone said the Star Clipper is the perfect alternative. Once I learned the details, I couldn’t wait to experience it myself.
The Star Clipper is one of the three most majestic true Clipper ships offered by the eponymous company. Starflyer is the twin of Starclipper, and Royal His Clipper is his larger and grander cousin. Think towering masts, billowing sails. Simply put, maybe even Pirates of the Caribbean (in a more hygienic and modern way).
Elegant and majestic star clipper
At first glance, the ship may look like a swashbuckle nautical-age movie, but it is a modern cruise ship in every way, where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and comforts of the present.
Made for luxury-loving passengers who love the traditions and romance of the legendary era of sailing, the Star Clipper is 115 meters long and can carry just 166 passengers in luxurious comfort. Life on board is blissful and relaxing, like traveling on her private yacht.
This elegant vessel offers spacious accommodation and an expansive teak deck with plenty of space and two swimming pools. In fact, you’ll find Star Her Clipper and her sibling ships have more outdoor space per passenger than most conventional cruise ships.
Arriving at the port of Athens and seeing the Star Clipper for the first time is truly something special. Larger than expected and even more majestic, she is a sight to behold. After a smooth embarkation and a warm greeting by our wonderful crew, it was time to explore.
After marveling at the deck and writing down all the best places to sunbathe, dolphin watching, and enjoy cocktails at the deck bar, we stepped inside. The decoration of the Star Clipper is reminiscent of the grand age of sailing. Her prints and paintings of famous sailing antiques are a feast for the eye, while the teak and gleaming mahogany rails are a rich reminder of the Star Clippers’ proud nautical heritage.
dining experience
Pass the interior bar area and cozy lounge with a mini grand piano and descend into the bright and airy dining room for all your meals. All Star Clippers ships have open-seat dining. Here you can choose to dine as a couple or share a table with others. This is what most people do, but it really made our time on board special because we got to know two amazing couples. We have enjoyed an evening drink, stayed in touch, and plan to meet again next year on the Star Flyer, one of our itineraries in the Caribbean.
The food is excellent and it is quite amazing how the chef and team create amazing delicious food every day. Dine on board. Wake up to coffee and a continental breakfast of Parisian croissants and sweet Danish pastries. Or, enjoy his full breakfast, which includes fresh tropical fruit and crispy bacon, grilled sausages, and omelets made to order in the dining room.
For lunch, a wonderful buffet of seafood, salads and grilled dishes awaits your delight. And in the evening, the beautiful dining room sets the stage for the chef’s finest culinary presentations. The service is excellent, friendly and helpful. Most nights have different themes, so you’ll never get bored with the same dishes every night.
At each teatime, most guests head to our indoor and outdoor tropical bar for cocktails, canapés, a variety of delicious snacks, musical entertainment, and catching up on the day’s events. This bar is a great place to enjoy music, dancing and fun entertainment long after dinner.
hotel
As for the cabins, there’s a good selection of categories, all cleverly designed to maximize every inch of space, and far more comfortable than you’d expect on a ship like this. category has a jacuzzi bath with cabin doors opening onto the deck. All rooms have private bathrooms with showers, flat screen TVs and most other modern cons.
things to do
Ships aside, Star Clippers offers a wide range of exciting itineraries to choose from. We explored the Eastern Mediterranean, sailed the Aegean Sea, stopping at various islands along the way to see world-famous sites such as Troy.
After three wonderful days exploring Athens, staying at the iconic The Grande Bretagne and the new and exciting gastronomy hotel xenodocheio Milos, we sailed to Mykonos. Her one of the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands, Mykonos contrasts rocky hills with beautiful beaches. The capital, Hora, is sprawled around a colorful harbour, a popular meeting place and overlooking various tavernas where fishing boats line up with luxury yachts.
Leave Mykonos and head to Patmos. This island is known as the place where Saint John of God received an apocalyptic revelation. The cave in which he is said to have lived is now the site of the Abbey of the Apocalypse. Valuable icons and manuscripts are stored in the treasury.
On day three, we set our sights on Chios, a mastic-scented island with a fascinating history, said to be the birthplace of Homer and the ancient mathematicians Hippocrates and Enopides.
Leaving the Greek islands behind, we set sail for the quiet seaside town of Dikili. Its harbor is lined with open-air restaurants and shops selling local specialties. Nearby Bergama is especially worth visiting for its two main monuments, the Acropolis and Asklepion at a height of 280 meters.
Then on to Bozcaada with its ancient cobbled streets and hidden sandy coves. You can stop at one of the six wineries on the island for a tasting.
We were at sea on our last day on board. You can relax on the deck and watch the dolphins playing below. Weather permitting, this is also a great opportunity to climb the mast. Not for those with a fear of heights, but on our trip, an intrepid man bravely climbed to the top to celebrate his 80th birthday.
After spending our last night on board, we awoke as we were about to dock in historic Istanbul, a huge metropolis that connects continents, cultures and religions. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our friends and the entire crew as we set off on the last excursion arranged by ship to see the famous mosques and the historic city center and cross the bridge to the Asian side. and stayed for 2 nights. Before heading home, the wonderful Wyndham Grand Istanbul Karamis Marina Hotel.
in brief
Every Star Clipper trip is an amazing experience and it’s easy to see why so many of our guests return year after year. This includes us and we can’t wait to get on board again in the new year exploring the sunny Caribbean.
fact box
7 night voyages for 2 people from approximately £2,225 per person depending on route chosen in class 2 cabins. Flight/transfer not included.
reserve: 0845 200 6145
Website: starclippers.co.uk
Email: sales@starclippers.co.uk
All images provided by Star Clippers