An Expert Review Onboard Star Flyer
Charlotte, one of our Travel Village travel (and cruise!) specialists went aboard Star Clippers Cruise ship, Star Flyer, where she had an experience like no other.
Star Clippers are a renowned cruise company that offer a unique sailing experience aboard their magnificent tall ships. Established in 1989 by Swedish entrepreneur Mikael Krafft, Star Clippers combines the romance of traditional clipper ships with modern amenities and comfort. The fleet includes three stunning ships: Royal Clipper, Star Clipper, and Star Flyer, each designed to evoke the golden age of sailing while providing an intimate and luxurious cruise experience.
Charlotte recounted her time aboard Star Flyer:
Where can I start with this! The Star Clipper experience was like no other cruise I have experienced before and I went on the trip with a mixture of nerves and excitement about what was to come. For those who haven't heard of Star Clippers, or had the privilege of either seeing one of the beautiful tall ships in port, these ships are truly stunning. This is not cruising as we know it now, with vast ships catering for thousands of guests, round the clock entertainment and more culinary choices than you list on two hands. It's a sailing adventure, a chance to gain a new perspective on what it is to cruise. The tall ships embrace the romance and adventure of sailing on the open ocean, the feeling of freedom and watching as the magnificent sails are raised as we left each port will remain with me forever - this truly was an experience of a lifetime and I am so grateful to have experienced this.
Our three night adventure began early on a late April morning, as we left Manchester behind for Malaga to pick the Star Flyer up in Motril, Malaga. After a short flight, we met with two other lucky agents for our transfer from Malaga to Mortril and after an hours journey arrived at the port and had our first look at our home for the next three nights. We made our way on board, being met by the ship's crew and a lovely chilled glass of Champagne. My first impressions were skeptical to say the least, the crew were dotted around and a small team of people were maintaining one of the sails on the deck. As it is such a small and intimate ship, there is very limited 'surface area' to undertake these tasks and the nature of the sailing means guests can truly get up close and personal to the day to day running of a traditional tall ship.
After a safety briefing we were shown to our cabins. The Star Flyer and Star Clipper, both almost identical, have a total passenger capacity of 166 guests, with 74 crew members. There are a range of cabin grades from inside cabins through to the stunning owners cabins and I found my Category 2, outside cabin comfortable and well appointed, following the same rich nautical decor reflected throughout the ship. The cabin was equipped with all the facilities you would expect and maintained beautifully by the efficient and non intrusive cabin stewards.
After meeting the rest of our group, we gathered on deck as we left Motril with a drink in hand, excited to watch as the crew raised the sails once we had left port. There are no words to portray the magnificence of the ship once she is in full sail, she truly is breathtaking. Star Clippers really encourages guests to get involved in the sailing of the ship and embrace your sense of adventure, so we had arranged to climb the mast to the "Crows Nest" - almost 100 feet in the air - the following morning on our sea day. Along with this, there were options for guests to combine strengths in pulling up a sail, or take part in knot tying and navigation classes, none of which are enforced but there for the taking if you wish! Climbing the Crows Nest is a must for those who are not adverse to heights, once you are up you will be rewarded with the most spectacular views!
After leaving Motril behind, we settled down in the opulent but intimate dining room for dinner. The clipper has one dining room (no need for multiple options on such a small ship!), in which you can start the day with a delicious breakfast of pastries and fruit or grilled meats and eggs cooked to perfection. Lunch is a wide selection of dishes each day with tempting sweet treats to follow and then if you have room - at 5pm light afternoon snacks are served on deck. It was easy to fill up as the food was outstanding, however room must be left for the sumptuous a la carte dinner served in the open dining room from 7.30pm. This is a very casual sailing, so be sure to leave your formal attire behind - casual elegance is accepted both day and night.
Our Cruise Director Carlos made sure all guests were kept well entertained - no theatres, no shows, no nightclubs needed! We enjoyed the talented pianist each evening, followed by light entertainment in the form of crew talent shows or the weekly white evening. More so, the enjoyment came from the camaraderie of our fellow guests, star gazing on the deck or watching the spectacular sails lit up, sharing stories of past sailings and plans for adventures yet to come. The Star Clippers experience is one like no other and as I left the Star Flyer in Palma I came away with fond memories that will stay with me for a lifetime, it was a truly exceptional trip.
Sailing to some of the world's most beautiful destinations, Star Clippers' itineraries cover the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Central America, and Southeast Asia. The ships, with their impressive masts and expansive sails, provide a sense of adventure and tranquility as they glide through pristine waters. Onboard, guests enjoy an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, with personalised service, exquisite dining, and a variety of activities, including watersports, shore excursions, and enrichment programs. Star Clippers offer a distinctive way to explore the world, blending the timeless allure of sailing with contemporary luxury and comfort.
Call us today on 01253 40 11 33 to enquire about booking your own Star Clippers Cruise.
