Ocean Cruise East to West: From Portugal to Barbados
Ample time at sea and nights beneath the Milky Way
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Lisbon to Bridgetown
Fifteen nights under white sails across the Atlantic, from Lisbon via Madeira to the Caribbean. The Royal Clipper follows the classic westbound trade-wind route of the great sailing ships. The middle leg is around ten days of open ocean, a rare chance to experience true blue-water sailing aboard one of the largest fully rigged sailing ships in the world.
Highlights of the route
- Lisbon on the Tagus with the Belém Tower and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (UNESCO)
- Portimão on the Algarve with the sandstone cliffs of Benagil
- Funchal on Madeira, the “flower island” of the Atlantic with levada walks, lush vegetation and a tradition of Madeira wine
- Atlantic crossing with trade winds and sunsets without land in sight. Daily life with sail-setting, on-board lectures and the focused atmosphere of a true ocean voyage
- Bridgetown on Barbados, the gateway to the Caribbean, with the Garrison Historic Area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Life on board
The Royal Clipper, with five masts and 42 sails, is one of the largest fully rigged sailing ships in the world. Life aboard is sporty and unhurried: no dress code, open seating in the two-storey dining room, three pools including a glass-floor pool above the Captain Nemo Lounge. Guests are welcome to climb the rigging with the crew, take the helm beside the captain or enjoy the bowsprit net suspended above the water.
The Route
Lisbon
15 nights
Bridgetown
How the route could go:
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Lisbon · Embarkation
Built on seven hills, Lisbon combines southern European joie de vivre with a great age of discovery. Vasco da Gama and other navigators set out into the unknown from the Belém Tower - yellow trams and melancholy fado still tell of that era.
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Portimao
Portimão on the Algarve was a Phoenician settlement and is today one of Portugal's best-known sardine-grilling spots. Praia da Rocha, the spectacular cliffs of Ponta da Piedade in Lagos and the hinterland of cork oak forests define the region.
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Funchal (Madeira)
Funchal, capital of Madeira, is surrounded by green hills laced with levada walking paths - small irrigation channels running through laurel and eucalyptus forests. Excursions to Monte include the famous wicker toboggan ride back down to town; Madeira-wine lodges and the Botanical Garden are also on the must-do list.
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Bridgetown · Disembarkation
Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and boasts one of the best-preserved colonial city centres in the Caribbean, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. Barbados is regarded as the birthplace of Caribbean rum - a distillery tour is a must.
The route of a sailing voyage may change without giving rise to mutual claims.
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Lisbon
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 15 |
| Sea °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 96 | 76 | 58 | 62 | 44 | 16 | 5 | 6 | 28 | 88 | 104 | 102 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Atlantic coast (Lisbon)
Disembarkation: Bridgetown
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 |
| Sea °C | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 50 | 50 | 70 | 110 | 110 | 120 | 140 | 150 | 165 | 140 | 90 |
| Season | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | dry |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Lesser Antilles
Shore Excursions
Water sports – kayaking, snorkelling, paddleboarding, windsurfing – are complimentary directly from the ship at every anchorage. Details on available shore excursions for each port of call are listed in the route overview above.
Destination
Royal Clipper
Royal Clipper is the world's largest full-rigged sailing ship: five masts, 42 sails, 5,202 square metres of canvas. 227 guests experience genuine sailing on the open sea - sporty and relaxed, never formal, with three pools and the legendary Captain Nemo Underwater Lounge.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner Suite
Without private balcony, two double beds, separate sitting area, minibar, whirlpool and room service.
Deluxe Suite
With private balcony, two single beds convertible to a double, sitting area, minibar, whirlpool and room service.
Cabin layout
Category 1
Fixed double bed, minibar, whirlpool and direct deck access.
Category 2
Double bed or two adjustable single beds, some cabins with a third berth, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Category 3
Double bed or two adjustable single beds, some cabins with a third berth, shower bathroom. Cabins on the Clipper Deck are slightly smaller than those on the Commodore Deck.
Category 4
Double bed or two adjustable single beds, some cabins with a third berth, shower bathroom. Cabins on the Clipper Deck are slightly smaller than those on the Commodore Deck.
Cabin layout
Category 5
Double bed, shower bathroom.
Category 6
Double bed, some cabins with a third berth, shower bathroom.
Deck plan · Royal Clipper
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Unterbringung in der gebuchten Kabine
- Vollpension im Hauptrestaurant: Frühstück, Mittagessen und Abendessen mit offener Sitzordnung, inklusive Galaabend
- Snacks, Canapés und Nachmittagstee in den Bars und Lounges
- Wasser, Kaffee und Tee zu den Mahlzeiten
- Alle Wassersport-Aktivitäten: Schnorcheln, Stand-up-Paddling und Kajakfahren, wetterabhängig
- Aktive Mitsegelmöglichkeiten: Segelsetzen, Steuerrad, Schnupperkurs Knotenkunde
- Sport- und Sonnendecks, Nutzung der Pools, Fitnessraum und Bibliothek
- Bordprogramm und Unterhaltung: Vorträge des Kapitäns, Story Time, Live-Musik, Bordpartys
- Hafen- und Ankergebühren entlang der Route
- Lockere, sportlich-elegante Atmosphäre ohne Kleiderordnung
Not included
- An- und Abreise sowie Flughafentransfers
- Alle Landausflüge der Reederei
- Alle Getränke, welche nicht unter inklusive genannt wurden
- Trinkgelder für Crew und Servicepersonal, am Bordkonto abrechenbar
- Servicegebühr von 15 Prozent auf alle Bar- und Getränkerechnungen
- WLAN/Internet an Bord, kostenpflichtige Datenpakete
- Tauchgänge und Tauchausrüstung
- Wellness, Massagen und Spa-Anwendungen
- Wäscheservice
- Persönliche Ausgaben, Souvenirs und Bordshop
- Reiseversicherungen
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 15 nights from EUR 2.910 p.p.
How many guests sail on the Royal Clipper?
A maximum of 227 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Lissabon the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Bridgetown it is December to April (dry season).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
