We had an unimaginable alternative to discover the Caribbean on the tallest crusing ship on the world — sure, actually! Star Clippers Cruises supply a singular expertise with three totally different ships to select from relying in your pursuits and kind of cruise you’d prefer to take.
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 170 passengers. Our route? We left Barbados after which left for Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Guadeloupe (Iles Des Saintes to be particular) after which lastly to Martinique (Anse d’Arlet) earlier than ending off in Bridgetown the place we began.
What possibility must you select? Whereas we by no means set sail on one in all their smaller ships, we did race in opposition to one in all them whereas we had been within the Caribbean (see beneath — it was positively a enjoyable reminiscence btw), the tradeoffs are apparent. On a smaller ship, your cabin measurement may have much less sq. footage and also you gained’t have as many perks and frills. That mentioned, 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
Royal Clipper is the biggest 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 embrace 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 cozy furnishings. A 3-deck atrium welcomes you if you enter the ship, with daylight funneled into an elegantly furnished three-level eating room (btw, the three ranges aren’t supplied on the smaller ships).
About to go away 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 degree, so you may get fast entry to watersports actions. Among the choices embrace 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 many spots to cover away, resembling one of many hidden balconies on both facet of the bow.
The shot beneath was taken one afternoon after we had been 4 days into the cruise. Observe that I frolicked on the surface decks typically; there’s such a way of freedom when 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 primary higher deck. Whereas it was winter season and we had extra rain than different instances of the 12 months, the climate was heat sufficient to lounge exterior by the pool or on the exterior bar.
We got a possibility to steer the ship as nicely, guided in fact. Observe 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 respiratory within the majestic, wild, and alluring 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 huge open sky on all sides. You may also 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 full of island actions or consuming 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 mild 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 varieties.
Folks started to order cocktails. A number of lied down on the lounge chairs dealing with the breathtaking views.
Others hung out on the deck simply taking all of it in.
A pair with children introduced plates of pre-dinner snacks (served on the deck each night) to their children who couldn’t anticipate meal time.
A pair of their eighties had been already dressed for dinner as they sipped their martinis on one of many barstools at an out of doors bar. A pair subsequent to them had been nonetheless in informal athletic apparel from their day mountaineering on one in all our island stops.
A number of individuals had been dancing to the music enjoying throughout what I assume 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 a substitute.
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, largely Individuals though a couple of Germans, Brits and Aussies made their approach into our conversations over a number of days.
Sometimes, you’d discover somebody within the pool presently because it’s really lovely to swim beneath a dramatic sky as evening 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 noteworthy because the Royal Clipper. Such a magnificence, isn’t she?
The Cabins
At first, I used to be a bit involved that the cabins can be so small that they wouldn’t even match our massive curler suitcases. In spite of everything, 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 course of the choices, which equated to extra sq. footage and light-weight from the portholes.
Room selections 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 tender chair to take a seat in on the finish of the mattress.
Our lavatory, 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 below 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 on your useful objects resembling jewellery. Each of our massive curler baggage match comfortably below the mattress in addition to the small suitcase we introduced as a carry-on.
I used to be capable of view one in all their suites as nicely. The room is clearly a lot bigger and has home windows dealing with the ocean. And naturally, the toilet is bigger. Beneath, you’ll get an concept of the upgraded possibility which comes with its personal tub.
A rest room suite on the Royal Clipper
On the Royal Clipper, their 14 deluxe suites supply 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 visitors.
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. A bit of decadence meets conventional decor, reminding you at instances of yesteryear whereas additionally feeling the heat and luxury of contemporary furnishings.
From the highest degree, 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 possibly can go for a extra central desk or sit alongside the wall so you may absorb no matter views you may marvel at by the portholes.
We sat on the beneath 8-top one night; nonetheless, 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.
A distinct view of the couches, comfortable chairs and inside lounging space
Contrasting the darker conventional colours, you’ll discover brighter colourful prints of well-known clipper ships and crusing yachts alongside the partitions.
They supplied totally different theme nights, one in all which was Pirate Evening (beneath) . . .
Then there was White Evening . . . at all times a enjoyable one. It occurred to be the identical evening I made a decision to play that lovely 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 fairly frankly, it was improbable. Anthony retreated to the air-conditioned old style library daily to learn. Sometimes, I’d additionally go there to learn but in addition simply to take a seat and BE. I by no means thought I may 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 manufacturing or dance performances. For us, that’s a plus! It doesn’t imply that leisure isn’t a part of the agenda. Each evening throughout Blissful Hour, a husband/spouse duo sang and performed keyboard on the surface deck near the bar. And the white grand piano is purring alongside each evening over dinner, which is an excellent deal with. Beneath I’m on the piano; nonetheless, 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 evening with numerous 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 girl 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 light-weight 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 delight themselves on bringing in native expertise from the areas we’re visiting. On this case, we had a pan drum efficiency one evening, which you’ll hear on the video on the finish. (scroll down).
Largely, we cherished hanging out with individuals we met alongside the way in which, dancing, consuming and connecting . . . together with the wonderful crew.
Beneath, Anthony with English Arthur who had us in stitches along with his tales and at different instances, practically in tears as he talked about his conflict years. I had the sense that he discovered a brand new set of ears each evening as he had such fascinating tales to share.
Anthony and Arthur
One particular evening after a speech from the Captain, the crew sang as a lot of them paraded across the eating room with totally different flags from all over the world.
Drinks & Meals
When individuals speak about 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, full of fruit, yoghurt, an assortment of cheese and meats, oatmeal and cereals. There’s additionally a scorching meals part the place you may go for a extra conventional (and filling) selection, resembling ham, sausage, bacon and eggs, french toast, pancakes and scrambled eggs.
They have a tendency to cater to the predominant teams on board after which they complement the menu with different objects as nicely in fact. 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 a pleasant deal with since we had been capable of meet loads of fascinating individuals from Europe. What this eclectic mix meant for the buffet was loads of jams, pates, and cheese choices. Oh sure, and seeds, nuts, loaves of bread, croissants and muffins. I must also word the omelet station since I went there virtually 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, sometimes throwing one in all their contemporary fish choices on high. There was at all times a soup possibility as nicely and loads of veggies, meats, and starches.
To the left, delicious major course choices for lunch. Above, numerous meats and to the correct, breakfast cheeses, croissants and muffins.
One factor they boast is their “no tie” or formal clothes requirement, which makes it straightforward for the journey traveler. Like many cruise ships, the Royal Clipper supplied a sit-down meal in the primary eating room (no assigned seating) each evening. There have been a number of choices to select from on the menu, together with vegetarian choices naturally.
From unimaginable salads and appetizers to mains and desserts, their cooks did an impressive job delivering evening after evening. To provide you a style of a few of their appetizers, listed below are a couple of we cherished: Antipasti Ligurian Riveria, Goat Cheese marinated in honey and almonds, Octopus Carpaccio with Apple Saffron dressing (wow, proper?), Courgette Rolls with Feta Cheese, Rooster Tempura, Marinated Artichoke Hearts with Grapefruit, Candy Pepper and Capers (it was a heavenly mixture), Melon Tomato with Parma Ham
There have been additionally some wonderful soups as nicely, resembling their Cream of Lobster Soup, Tomato Soup with Pesto, an Apple Soup with Horseradish, Cream of Mushroom Soup, and conventional French Onion soup, which Anthony ordered (it’s one in all his favorites).
There have been many contemporary seafood choices over the course of our cruise, every one memorable.
The fish was off the charts. A number 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 Crimson Snapper with Courgettes and Wild Garlic Pesto. Yum!
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 complete Caribbean keep and there have been loads of fascinating different choices as nicely. For instance, their Rooster 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 Type Duck Breast, and their Braised Knuckle of Lamb, which I had with out their urged garlic creamed potatoes. Unsure who I used to be kidding by skipping the carbs since I had a big dessert two hours later.
Different veggie choices included Stuffed Bell Peppers and Eggplant, Vegetable Stew with Garlic Croutons, Mushroom and Potato Beans Tart and a Stew with Fried Plantain and Dumplings.
There have been nice wine selections on the menu as nicely. 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 accustomed to), and their 2020 French Chateaneuf du Pape, Cos St. Michel from Rhone Valley. For apparent causes, they’d extra European wine choices and never solely had been they nice accompaniments to their menu, 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 at all times, however virtually at all times. Reality be informed, I didn’t at all times eat the dessert after dinner however I at all times had dessert at lunch on the Royal Clipper. There have been so many scrumptious choices to select from daily, neither one in all us may cease ourselves from having fun with the current second as they are saying. Chocolate, hazelnut, crème brûlée, mousse, puddings, and selfmade tarts had been all a part of that “YES PLEASE” expertise.
For a few of our real-time meals postings, be sure you take a look at 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 the very best choices had chocolate in them. Okay, so I’m biased. Okay, so I really like chocolate. Okay, it’s exhausting for me to search out something mistaken with any chocolate dessert. So, when Chocolate Mousse got here by, I couldn’t refuse, nor may I say no to the Pistachio Ice Cream, one in all my favorites and so not often supplied in eating places. Espresso something has me at hi there (similar 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 evening as a result of why not? A number of different wonderful dessert call-outs embrace 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 choices and there have been lots.
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 such a deal with. It might particularly go nicely with one in all their cheese platters and a dessert wine.
There was no scarcity of cheese choices so if dessert isn’t your factor, they supplied plates resembling Fontina with Nuts, Goat Cheese with Honey, French Brie Garnished with Dry Fruit, Gouda, and extra.
Hats off to their Govt Chef Frederick Escueta and the pinnacle waiter Rio Adhitio. Bravo bravo!
In our cabin earlier than heading to dinner one night
Yoga on Board
From full-blown decadence on a several-course meal, tremendous 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 significantly drew us to this tall ship cruise was the provision of a yoga instructor each single day. That mentioned, I wasn’t an everyday, however that had extra to do with wanting extra sleep and a pulled muscle than it did with not having fun with the lessons. We hit it off with Shannon, a yoga teacher from Ohio who approached holistic and integrative religious follow in the same strategy to our personal path. Rain or shine, wind or calm, she was on the deck main lessons.
The wonderful thing about exhibiting up for a yoga class on the primary deck is your entry to the views and the great thing about the ocean round you. It has a approach of connecting you to nature in a approach you merely can’t get in a standard studio.
80% of the week, we had calm late afternoons and mornings. That mentioned, there have been a few significantly windy days that challenged all of us. At first, it was a kind 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 tug off that pose with this wind?”
At one level, the wind made it so inconceivable to carry a pose, that a number of of us fell onto our mats, burst out laughing and went into youngster pose as a strategy to settle for if not embrace the wind stirring round us. As Shannon so rightfully identified in that valuable second, “Our Yoga follow isn’t at all times about good moments. It’s within the moments the place we’re most challenged, that our yoga follow 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 strains have a health club and spa on board, I cherished the intimacy of the ship, the smaller variety of passengers and the dedication by so many to Shannon’s yoga lessons.
In case you love cruising, however lead a religious and holistic life and ponder whether it’ll be a match, discovering one with a yoga instructor, health club and spa on board is a should. Decide to exhibiting up daily, reserving a couple of spa appointments, consuming low-sugar juices, loads of greens and salads. You may also benefit from contemporary coconut milk and papayas on each island cease. It was a significant plus that the Royal Clipper had yoga out there as a day by day possibility. Bravo bravo!
The Gymnasium & Spa
We each made it to the health club. 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 contented 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 health club 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.
Primarily based on my expertise with far too many lodges and resorts, I’m at all times a bit cautious in regards to 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 unimaginable.
To provide you an concept of a number of the remedies, they included a handful you’d count on, resembling an Specific Facial, Scalp, Again and Neck Massages and Reflexology. In addition they have a Signature Therapeutic massage, which most spas and resorts are inclined to have. The Star Clippers Signature is a Sizzling 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 cherished their Exfoliating Physique Scrubs and one thing they name the Hawaiian Archipelago. The latter, which is a two-hour remedy, 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 (nicely, practically each cruise) gives some type of tour if 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 supplied 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 find out how to make Rum, a Kayak Eco Tour or Swimming with the Rays.
St. Kitts supplied the Important St. Kitts Tour, which we took, or the island by prepare by way of 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 (at all times enjoyable within the Caribbean). In Martinique, they supplied a tour that explored the southern a part of the island. As is customary with one of these cruise, we tendered every day to a brand new island.
This shot was taken in Saint Lucia, stopping alongside the highway at one in all 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 one in all our favourite stops, largely due to its French affect, nice retailers and cocktails and great walks by the village surrounding the port.
Beneath, cocktails galore in Barbados. One other pina colada please!
Since we love tradition (and pictures), we went into extra element on the island visits, so be sure you learn our article: A Very Distinctive Carribbean Expertise which matches into extra depth about what we did on every island. They embrace a boat-load of images and a video as nicely.
Here’s a quick video of our time on the Royal Clipper which brings a number of the descriptions right here to life.
Additionally, be sure you learn our articles: The right way to Discover Barbados, Barbados for Foodies and Barbados Stays for Luxurious & Enjoyable.
For extra data on Star Clippers Cruises, go to their major website. For extra data on the Royal Clipper, be sure you go to this website which provides you all the small print, together with find out how to e-book a cruise with them. Curious the place they go? There are many thrilling selections, together with Africa, Canary Islands, all the Caribbean, Europe, the Greek Islands, the Mediterranean, Mexico, Central America, the Panama Canal and South America. In addition they supply a Transalantic cruise as nicely. Woot woot!
Renee Blodgett is the founding father of We Weblog the World. The location combines the magic of a web based tradition and journey journal with a world weblog community and has contributors from each continent on the planet. Having lived in 10 nations and explored practically 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural range.
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