Star Clippers

Passengers are transported back in time to the 19th century when clipper ships ruled the waves. Star Flyer currently ranks as the tallest Tall ship in the world, with a mast that rises 226 feet high. She occupies a select niche of "mega-yachts," offering passengers the opportunity to experience an authentic sailing adventure that is the essence of romance on the high seas.
Although the ship is motorized, Star Flyer's engines are switched off as long as conditions permit, and the crew unfurls 36,000 square feet of billowing sails to capture the winds that propel her along at a comfortable 8-10 knots. On a typical cruise, she relies exclusively on sail power around 25-35% of the time. 
Star Flyer's yacht-like dimensions make her susceptible to "the motion of the ocean" in rough weather. Fortunately, the ship cruises in areas of the Mediterranean and Caribbean where the weather usually cooperates.

Fellow Passengers
Star Flyer and Star Clipper attract a mix of ages from young honeymooners to couples in their 60s. On the whole it's an active, energetic and physically fit group of passengers with few couch potatoes. Most are seasoned travelers, and many have a sailing background. They inspire passionate loyalty among past passengers and there is usually a large number of repeaters (50-60%). While the majority of passengers are Americans, there is also a substantial European contingent including German, French, Italian and British passengers.

Dining
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served at single open seatings in the mahogany panelled dining room. To encourage passengers to mingle, seating is available either at tables for eight or booths for six (there are no tables for two or four). The five course dinner menu offers appetizer, soup, salad and a choice of five entrees (seafood, meat, chef's special, vegetarian and a light dish) plus cheeses and desserts. Brewed coffee and a selection of teas are available 24 hours in the Piano Bar and snacks are also offered in the Piano Bar every night at 11:30 p.m.

Public Rooms
The cozy Piano Bar is easily the most romantic and intimate room onboard, with its striking white piano, brass lamps and polished mahogany trim. The room is handsomely furnished with leather banquettes and chairs, and the walls are adorned with nautical paintings and prints. The ship's most popular watering hole is the covered outdoor Tropical Bar where passengers gather in the evenings to socialize and enjoy beer, wine and cocktails. Local entertainers who occasionally come onboard perform on the open deck space adjacent to the bar, and this space is also used for dancing. The wood-paneled Edwardian-style library has a nonfunctioning Belle Epoque fireplace and contains a good selection of reading material including paperback novels, books about nautical history and guide books featuring destinations on the itinerary. On sea days, passengers have plenty of room to stretch out and relax as the expansive teak decks provide more outdoor space per person than most conventional cruise ships.

Cabins
There are six cabin categories distributed on the ship's four decks plus one owner's suite. Category 2, 3 and 4 outside cabins are located on clipper deck (3) and commodore deck (4), and while they measure 120-130 square feet, the use of mirrors makes them appear larger. All cabins are furnished with either queen or twin beds plus a desk and small banquette, TV, telephone and hair dryer. Bathrooms are equipped with a hand-held shower and medicine cabinet, and there is plenty of closet and drawer space. The six inside cabins, which are situated on commodore deck, contain upper and lower berths and do not have a television. Top-of-the-line accommodations are the eight Category 1 deluxe cabins located on sun (1) and main deck (2), which are the only cabins with a whirlpool bath and minibar.

Entertainment
During the day many passengers join one of the escorted shore excursions offered at most ports, with guides providing insight into the history and culture of the particular region. It's a good idea to sign up for excursions as soon as possible since more popular ones tend to sell out quickly.
Nighttime entertainment consists of activities such as crab races, a crew fashion show and dancing on deck; the ship does not have a casino and there are no stage shows. Local entertainers occasionally come onboard in the evening; for example, on a recent Mediterranean cruise a talented trio of musicians played a lively set of Sicilian folk songs while docked in Taormina, Sicily.

Fitness and Recreation
There is no spa or gym onboard so physical fitness activities are limited to morning aerobics classes. A masseuse offers hour-long Thai massage as well as manicures and pedicures. Watersports are available, particularly on Caribbean itineraries, including banana boat rides, windsurfing, waterskiing, snorkeling (complimentary equipment provided) and scuba diving.

Deck Key, Star Clipper/Star Flyer

For more information call us on 1300 650 312