Classic Tall Ship Romance At Sea

Romance and adventure aboard the intimate Royal Clipper

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.” — MARK TWAIN

WITH A WARM, salty breeze in our windswept hair, sand in our shoes, and the sun gently caressing my shoulders, we found our little slice of Caribbean heaven as we boarded our spiffy five masted sailing ship, the Royal Clipper.
She is the flagship of the Star Clippers fleet, which also sails the smaller sisters Star Flyer and Star Clipper. The impressive Royal Clipper can host as many as 227 guests and primarily sails in the Caribbean and the Med. When all of her 42 sails are unfurled, she’s a sight to behold as she seems to fly over the waves.

A fully rigged vessel, like her predecessor, the Preussen, after which she was modelled, Royal Clipper offers a sense of grandeur and nautical tradition as well as all the modern amenities you’d expect. By night, under a starry, starry inky sky, we set sail to the resounding sounds of Vangelis of 1492: Conquest of Paradise. It’s a thrilling cast off, and I suspect most of our fellow guests had the same goosebumps we did, gazing at the towering masts, the fantastic billowing canvas, and the long, sleek hull. We were on a seven-day Caribbean cruise from Barbados round-trip to several ports in the gorgeous Grenadines, including Bequia and the Tobago Cays, Grenada, St Vincent, Martinique, and St Lucia.

More than 19,000 square feet of expansive teak decks provide generous open space with ample sun loungers in both sun and shade, and three small swimming pools, all sharing the top deck with a bar and the bridge, which is invariably open for visits. We checked out the bowsprit and the tucked-away bow balconies to steal away to. A three-deck atrium channels natural light down into the open-seating dining room, while the Captain Nemo Lounge Spa sits partly below the waterline with glass port holes on the sea. Burnished brass fittings, mahogany wood, and nautical items create a yacht-like feel on board while a charming library offers quiet space for reading or cards.
The onboard atmosphere is unique, and many repeat guests use the ship as a home away from home. The staterooms are compact, with double or twin beds that can be combined to make a queen. There is a small bathroom with a shower, a closet, a chest of drawers, a tiny sitting area with a TV for video viewing, a hairdryer and two portholes, plus European voltage. I would recommend taking one of the 14 suites, which are more spacious and very comfortable – but they book quickly. You don’t need any fancy clothing or jackets and ties, so packing is simple, and the onboard atmosphere is smart casual – except on pirate night! Ahoy matey!

The atmosphere is free and easy, a relaxed cruise where you’ll meet fellow, like-minded guests at every turn – in the piano bar, at meals, on shore excursions, or at the covered, outside tropical bar, the heart of the ship and a perfect place for casual evenings under the stars. There are always snacks on hand, as well as a resident duo singing and playing piano melodies or dance tunes. Sometimes entertainment comes onboard – such as a steel drum band – and themed evenings include White Nights, a guest-and-crew talent show, and other fun events. On our cruise, about 30 percent of the guests were repeat sailors, but the Captain told me that on some sailings, that number can be as high as 80 percent! Guests can watch or help set over 55,000 square feet of sail, and those who’d like a little adventure can climb up to the guests’ crow’s nest for sweeping Caribbean views. A fold down stern marina offers swimming, snorkelling and water sports from the back of the ship and a three-person sports team is ever-ready to assist. On the first full sea day, you can pick up your snorkel, mask, and flippers to use for the week at no charge. We used ours almost every day. The itinerary is one of my all time favourites, and it’s even better when you’re on a sailing yacht. You’re seeing the best beaches, fabulous snorkelling spots with terrific marine life, and chilling with a cocktail or beer under the sun.

Smaller islands and cays are everywhere in this area of the Caribbean, and it’s simply gorgeous, whether under sail, enjoying a beach barbecue ashore, or exploring a local village or market. It feels like the Caribbean did 25 years ago, with fewer crowds and more natural beauty. Alcohol, specialty coffees and soft drinks are extra, as are gratuities and the shore excursions. The onboard currency is the Euro, and the recommended gratuity is 8 Euros per guest per day; additional amounts can be offered for your stateroom steward, a favourite bartender or server. All meals are served in the dining room, which can get busy, especially at dinner. Breakfast and lunches are buffet-style with ample choices, and dinner is à la carte. Shore excursions are varied and might include 4x4 jeeps, catamaran and snorkel sails, heritage tours, Plantation and Garden visits, and more – such as La Soufrière volcano in St Lucia. Prices range from €49 to €85/95. The Captain also organizes a sail by, and guests jump into the tenders/Zodiacs, and in full sail, we can take photos of our gorgeous clipper ship. It’s quite a breathtaking sight to realize what everyone else sees as we happily sail from one beautiful island to another, as we explore the yachtsman’s Caribbean.

Written by Vanessa Lee for Cruise & Travel Lifestyles magazine (Winter 2026). Photos courtesy of Star Clippers.