In mid-December 2018, I had the opportunity to sail on Star Clipper's 5 masted clipper ship - the Royal Clipper. After summering in the Mediterranean, she crosses the Atlantic and spends her winters in the Caribbean, homeporting in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Some may describe this experience as a cruise, but it is not a cruise - it's a sailing. A perfect description taken from the Points Guy: It's an experience that's all about the feeling of the wind in your hair, the lean of the vessel (known as the heel) as it's pushed by the wind and the sway from the waves (which is actually smoother than what you get on a motor ship). In contrast to what you'll find on many motor-powered ships, cruising on masted ship is about the simple thrill of traveling across the sea and not about the many attractions you'll find on board.
Each evening, while leaving port, we watched the crew unfurl the 42 sails while listening to to a version of "1492: Conquest of Paradise". Most definitely one of the most incredible experiences I've had on the seas. An ultimate sea-going experience indeed.
Some may describe this experience as a cruise, but it is not a cruise - it's a sailing. A perfect description taken from the Points Guy: It's an experience that's all about the feeling of the wind in your hair, the lean of the vessel (known as the heel) as it's pushed by the wind and the sway from the waves (which is actually smoother than what you get on a motor ship). In contrast to what you'll find on many motor-powered ships, cruising on masted ship is about the simple thrill of traveling across the sea and not about the many attractions you'll find on board.
Each evening, while leaving port, we watched the crew unfurl the 42 sails while listening to to a version of "1492: Conquest of Paradise". Most definitely one of the most incredible experiences I've had on the seas. An ultimate sea-going experience indeed.
Picture taken by Beth Ernst
Day 1: Embarkation
Prior to embarkation we had some time for a few hotel inspections - Hilton Barbados and The Waves Resort
Day 2: Rodney Bay, St. Lucia
Definitely away from the crowds. Tendered into a small harbor - fun to see all the small yachts. And of course we had time to try the local beer!
Day 3: Cabrits, Dominica
Three of us hopped into a cab and drove about 10 miles away from where we tendered - hole in the wall spot on the beach - great character, good cold beer and fresh grilled lobster.
Day 4: Falmouth Harbour, Antigua
Tendered to a small executive harbor - where all the corporate yachts come to play!
Day 5: Basseterre and South Friar Bay, St. Kitts
Windstar in town! Today was a play day - they opened up the sports deck in the back. We ended the day with a ship "photo shoot".
Day 6: Terre de Haut Iles des Saintes, Guadelope
Fun little town - best shopping of all the stops. Very little English spoken - mostly French.
Day 7: Beach Martinique
Today we had the chance to climb to the Crows Nest - Great views!
Around the Ship
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