Star Clippers

Since 1991 Star Clippers Ltd. has offered sophisticated travelers the ultimate cruising vacation alternative – a tall ship “mega-yacht” experience aboard authentic re-creations of the classic sailing clipper ships that ruled the waves during the 19th century.

The brainchild of Swedish entrepreneur, Mikael Krafft, Star Clippers operates three of the largest barquentine and full-rigged sailing ships in the world. Star Clipper, Star Flyer and flagship, Royal Clipper are a triumvirate of four and five-masted sailing ships that offer the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht at a price which is often less than one would pay on a large, mass-marketed cruise ship. With Star Clippers, Mikael Krafft has realized his lifelong dream to provide a unique sailing experience for his passengers in full harmony with the environment, the sea and often away from ports congested with tourists.

Star Flyer and Star Clipper

Launched in 1991 and 1992 in Ghent, Belgium, Star Flyer and Star Clipper were the first clipper ships since 1911 to be granted the certificate of Sailing Passenger Vessel (S.P.V.) by Lloyd’s Register of Shipping. They are both four-masted, square-rigged barquentines, 360 feet long, with 36,000 square feet of sail and carry up to 170 passengers and 75 crewmembers. The two ships filled a niche in the market calling for the casual yet elegant style of a private yacht sailing vacation as opposed to the bigger-is-better theory of the huge floating hotel-cruise ships.

Royal Clipper

The success of Star Clippers over the decade of the 90’s convinced Krafft that the time had come to launch a new ship. Inspired by the “Preussen,” the historic flagship of the famed Flying P Line in Germany, Star Clippers commissioned Royal Clipper, out of the Merwede shipyard in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Royal Clipper is the first five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship to be built since 1902 when her inspiration, Preussen, was launched in Hamburg.

Activities on Board

There is so much to do and see on a Star Clippers cruise. A marina platform conveniently lowers from under the Royal Clipper’s stern for diving and water sports and the Star Clipper and Star Flyer offer similar activities from the tender service or on-shore facilities. The friendly, professional Water Sports staff helps passengers enjoy more uncommon adventures such as snorkeling face-to-face with tropical fish. All passengers also have access to complimentary water sports including banana boating, sunfish sailing, water skiing and windsurfing. Activities such as aerobics classes, swimming in one of the on-board pools, or taking part of the exciting shore excursions are always an option for passengers. Plus all the barbecues, limbos, crab races, scavenger hunts, talent night, fashion shows and other daily activities that are included in the schedule. Passengers may also spice up their nightlife by enjoying the rhythms of folkloric shows and local entertainment at our many fabulous ports of call.