There are ships you board once and talk about ever after. The clippers of Star Clippers are among them. They combine the feeling of freedom of real sailing with an ease you rarely find: no tie required, no fuss, just wind, deck and sea. Little wonder that so many guests come back, if possible to their ship. ivent-sailing is your independent specialist operator for Star Clippers, at the cruise-line price.
Why is Star Clippers so popular?
Star Clippers operates three genuine tall ships: the Royal Clipper, with five masts and 42 sails the largest square-rigged full-rigged ship ever built (227 guests), and the identical four-masted barquentines Star Clipper and Star Flyer (166 guests each). They are loved because they combine real sailing with a relaxed, uncomplicated life on board: you can take an active part, climb the mast secured in good weather, lie in the bowsprit net above the waves, and when the wind is right the ship sails right through the night. The company on board is international and easy-going, the crew warm and natural, the dress style casual. Add to that manageable ship sizes and routes from the Mediterranean through the Caribbean to Central America. In short: Star Clippers is sailing for people who are looking for freedom and ease.
A Swede, an idea
Star Clippers goes back to Mikael Krafft, a Swedish shipowner and lifelong sailor, who in 1991 had ships built that draw on the fast clippers of the 19th century, not replicas but modern ships in the historic spirit. The Royal Clipper is his homage to the legendary Preussen, the last five-masted full-rigged ship of her time.
Real sailing, even through the night
Aboard the Star Clippers the sailing is done from the deck, by winch. This is uncomplicated and safe, and it allows the ship to sail whenever the wind allows, even all night long. When the sails fill, the first bars of “Conquest of Paradise” sound, and for a moment everyone on deck looks up. That is not a scheduled event, it is the feeling that it is all about.
In the thick of it
Those who wish can take an active part: in suitable weather and good fitness you may climb the ship’s ladders, well secured, to the first platform of the main mast and enjoy the view. The bowsprit net at the bow is a favourite spot of many guests, and what could be finer than to lie above the waves and, with luck, watch dolphins at play. On deck there are two pools on the Star Clipper and Star Flyer, three on the Royal Clipper. And always the crew carries the open, cheerful mood with warmth and naturalness.
Who is on board
The company is international, from many countries of Europe and both Americas, among them many German-speaking guests; the cruise director and officers are usually German-speaking. Who is aboard depends on the route: on classic sailing passages such as the Treasure Islands route in the British Virgin Islands or in the Aegean you meet many experienced sailors; those who choose the Royal Clipper between Civitavecchia and Venice come as much for the history and culture along the coast as for the sailing. There are hardly any balcony cabins; the deck is the great terrace, where you meet and fall into conversation.
Voyages with Star Clippers
The next departures with the Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star Flyer from our live programme. We will give you all dates and up-to-date prices personally.
Star Clipper · 7 nightsMorocco and the Canary IslandsDetails →
Star Flyer · 15 nightsAtlantic Crossing from the Canaries to St Maarten, a Sailing Cruise aboard the Star FlyerDetails →
Royal Clipper · 14 nightsPanama to AntiguaDetails →
All current departures: Star Clippers voyages. How Star Clippers differs from Sea Cloud is shown in our comparison of the two tall-ship fleets.
Why book your Star Clippers voyage with ivent-sailing
- No surcharge: booking at the cruise-line price, our advice costs you nothing extra.
- Personal advice from our own travel experience.
- Financial protection certificate under German law.
- Combined logistics from a single source: travel to and from the ship, hotels and connections arranged.
Does that sound like your way to travel? We will find the right ship and the right date for you.
Frequently asked questions about Star Clippers
Which ships belong to Star Clippers?
The Royal Clipper (5 masts, 42 sails, 227 guests, the largest square-rigged full-rigged ship in the world) and the Star Clipper and Star Flyer (four-masted barquentines, 166 guests each).
Can you climb the mast?
In suitable weather and good fitness, interested guests may climb the ship’s ladders, well secured, to the first platform of the main mast. The sail work itself is done by the crew.
What is included?
Full board. Drinks, the on-board shop and shore excursions run through the on-board account and are settled at the end of the voyage.
Is there a pool?
The Star Clipper and Star Flyer have two pools, the Royal Clipper three.
Can you swim from the ship?
Depending on the route, water-sports times are scheduled. On the Star Clipper and Star Flyer the way into the water is by the ship’s steps, with tenders taking guests to the water sports and to the beaches; the Royal Clipper has its own water-sports platform.
