Star Clippers' Royal Clipper is a popular floating resort. The waters are crowded with sea-worthy vessels, so to make planning easier, we've done all the prep work for a cruise vacation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on cruise ships, here is a tip sheet offering all the key information one could ever need to know about the Royal Clipper.
Mediterranean and Caribbean Destinations
The Royal Clipper operates on a seasonal schedule, spending the winter months in the Caribbean and the summer months in the Mediterranean, according to
. Caribbean destinations include Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts and St. Barts. Western Mediterranean ports of call include cities in Italy, France, Corsica and Monaco. Caribbean and Mediterranean tours take between seven and 11 days, with four-week transatlantic journeys available between seasons.
Unique Classic Design
The ship's design is its most prominent and important selling feature, according to the
newspaper. The Royal Clipper bills itself as the world's largest true sailing ship, and the Guinness Book of World Records recognizes it as the largest square-rigged ship in service. The hull was modified from an existing vessel, and the ship's design is based on the Preussen, a famous German sailing ship from the turn of the century.
Traditional Sailing, Modern Flair
The major special feature of this ship is certainly its design and unusual source of propulsion. Because of its small size relative to other cruise ships, the Royal Clipper cannot provide many of the amenities typically available. Instead, it offers the pleasures of traditional sail travel -- the awesome sight of the sails being raised and filled on leaving port, the option of climbing the rigging at times and the feeling of being propelled by the wind. There is an underwater observation station below decks, a spa and exercise area and a variety of water sports available at a deployable marina platform when the vessel is in port.
Accommodations
Cabins aboard the Royal Clipper are small in comparison to those of most cruise ships, which makes sense given the nature of the vessel, according to
. All cabins have a safe for valuables and personal belongings, a hair dryer, minimal furniture and a television. Storage space is limited. There are three varieties of suites, all of which feature sitting areas, minibars and whirlpools. Deluxe suites feature verandas.
Cost
Rates aboard this ship vary depending upon the number of occupants per cabin and the cabin category, as detailed on the
. Rates for single rooms can average between $2,000 and $3,000 for standard seven- to 11-day Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises, with suites and deluxe suites exceeding $4,000. Tickets must be booked through an agent, and discounts for early booking are available. Infants and pregnant women in their third trimester are not recommended for travel aboard the Royal Clipper.
Eco Kayak Excursions
One of the most consistently praised excursions from Royal Clipper is the
, which launches from the Caribbean port of Antigua. Participants can paddle out to Bird Island and enjoy the sights and sounds of Antigua's beautiful natural resources.
Dining Options
There is a single, three-level dining room aboard the ship, according to
. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, with dinner served a la carte with open seating. Early bird breakfast is available at the Piano Bar, and lunch is often available at the Tropical Bar above deck.
Maiden Voyage
The Royal Clipper made her maiden voyage in 2000 on a transatlantic journey, according to the
. The ship's hull was originally used for a more conventional vessel but was retrofitted as a cruise ship by Star Clippers and given its current character and decor.
Safety Record
Our research revealed no notable news stories or safety concerns regarding the Royal Clipper.
WATCH:
This charming fan-made video demonstrates what it's like to ascend the masts of the Royal Clipper.
What is your favorite tall ship cruise experience?
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
