Royal & Star Clipper

The magnificent Royal Clipper is the world's largest fully-rigged five-masted sailing ship to have been built since the beginning of this century.The 439ft SV Royal Clipper offers the ultimate sea-going experience, combining the grandeur and tradition of cruising under sail with all the creature comforts and the finest modern ship - yet with no formality.  The Star Clipper is a slight smaller sister ship of the Royal, but still offers an excellent luxury cruise.

Dympna and Paula in our office enjoyed a trip on the Clipper in October 2006. They were overwhelmed by the splendour of this truly remarkable ship. Being the world's largest fully rigged five masted sailing ship, the opulence of the interior as would be evident on any luxury cruise ship belied the fact that this is a casual sailing experience with no formaility. With a ratio of 2 passengers to crew member you will no doubt be treated like royalty!!

Royal Clipper accommodates just 228 guests with a crew of 106 and boasts 54,360 sq ft of sail area! Choose from two itineraries - the Windward Islands or the Grenadines in the Caribbean. This type of holiday is suited to independent travellers not looking for a large group of single people. Each evening there is a communal table for single travellers, so you will meet people from all over the world.

Star Clipper is slightly smaller and accommodates just 170 guests with a crew of 66 providing a more exclusive luxury yacht feel to the cruise.

ACCOMMODATION

Royal Clipper has cabins (in 6 categories) and 14 suites on three decks. Guaranteed Single Cabins are inside with twin or double beds, each with individual air-conditioning, bathroom with private shower and TV with inhouse video. Onboard the ship is 6 inside cabins which can be sold for sole use or for 2 people sharing. When you make a booking, you can choose from a Guaranteed single cabin, which can be inside or outside. It is allocated when you board the ship. Generally it will be a Category 4, outside cabin as there are so few inside cabins onboard. If you wish to be 100% guaranteed an outside cabin, we can offer you a Category 4 for sole use, which carriers a supplement. Please ask for further details on these cabin options.

FACILITIES

There are 3 pools, complimentary waters-ports including windsurfing, waterskiing and snorkelling gear, a PADI dive centre (diving payable onboard) and a marina platform allowing for easy access into the water. Other facilities include an elegant dining room (no jacket or tie required at any time), the Piano Bar, Tropical Bar and deck, a library and the Captain Nemo Health Club and Spa with portholes offering spectacular underwater views of marine life.

This is a working sailing ship, with guests encouraged to help. The captains often hold lectures each week on sailing methods, map reading and other sea going skills.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

• No formal dress required.
• Cruises depart from and return to Barbados in the Caribbean and Cannes in France.
• Embarkation - passengers may board from 5pm up to 9 pm and Royal Clipper will set sail at 10 pm.
• Disembarkation - Royal Clipper docks 6 am and passengers must disembark by 9 am. We will be pleased to assit with your arrengements for the rest of the day - Clipper provides use of an beach club/hotel called 'The Bayshore' with changing facilities nearby should you be flying home that evening or we can arrange your onward travel to one of our hotels.
• All cruises are priced on full board. Continental Breakfast, Full Buffet Breakfast, Lunch Buffet, Hors d'Oeuvres, Dinner a la carte and midnight snacks on deck.

ROYAL CLIPPER ITINERARIES (every other week)

WINDWARD ISLAND

This 7-night cruise departs Barbados on a Saturday and visits St Lucia, Ile de Saintes, Antigua, St Kitts, Dominica and Martinique.

THE GRENADINES

Every other Saturday - This 7-night cruise departs Barbados on a Saturday and visits The Grenadines,Grenada, the Tobago Cays, Bequia, St Vincent, St Lucia and Martinique.

STAR CLIPPER ITINERARIES (Christmas)

SOUTHERN ROUTE

This 7-night cruise departs Phuket on a Saturday and visits Batong Group, Thailand. Penany, Malaysia. Ko Lipe, Thailand. Ko Khai Nok, Thailand. Similan Islands, Thailand and back to Phuket.

NORTHERN ROUTE

This 7-night cruise departs Phuket on a Saturday and visits Surin Islands, Thailand. Hin Daeng / Ko Rok Nok, Thailand, Langkawi, Malaysia. Phi Phi Islands, Thailand and back to Phuket.

Departure Dates and Prices

The Caribbean cruises depart every Saturday evening during the winter months of November 2008 to April 2009. Your flight arrives into Barbados on Saturday at approx 14.00 hours. Please ask for further details on the routes and excursions on offer each week.

The Star Clipper Asia cruises depart every Saturday evening during the winter months of November 2008 to April 2009 from Phuket. Your flight arrives into Bangkok and connects through to Phuket on Saturday at approx 18.00 hours. Please ask for further details on the routes and excursions on offer each week.

Our prices include- Direct flights from Gatwick with BA or Virgin, transfers from the airport to the port, accommodation on a full board basis plus afternoon tea, midnight snacks and tea/coffee/ fresh fruit bar onboard, port taxes (£105), water sports as detailed, transfers from the port to the beach club/hotel for day use, transfers from beachclub/hotel to the airport for your return flight. (Flight supplements may apply during peak holiday periods).

we can also offer executive lounges at gatwick for £18.00 and upgrades to premium economy or business class on your flights.
If you find a cheaper holiday, please let us know!