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What does a typical day seem like once you’re crusing the Caribbean on a beautiful tall ship? Crusing on a Star Clippers cruise couldn’t be extra completely different than a day on a kind of overbloated cruise ships!
So I made a decision to jot down about what an precise day is like aboard the Royal Clipper.
There have been so many nice days — the day we spent in Tobago Cays, crusing on a catamaran and having a seaside barbecue. The day we spent in Martinique, exploring Fort-de-France and swimming off the marina platform.
However my absolute favourite day was spent throughout two islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. From exploring town of Kingstown to climbing the mast to basking on the seaside in Bequia to having an onboard pirate get together, it was the proper mixture of journey and enjoyable!
Star Clippers hosted me and Charlie on the Royal Clipper’s weeklong Grenadines itinerary, and we liked it a lot, we’re already occupied with our subsequent journey.
For those who’re inquisitive about what it’s wish to sail on a small ship within the Caribbean, you’ll be able to see my detailed evaluate of the Royal Clipper and Grenadines itinerary right here. It’s nicely price a learn.
Let me let you know about an ideal day aboard the Royal Clipper!
This put up was printed in February 2026 and was based mostly on a December 2025 cruise.
7:00 AM: Wake Up
Charlie and I’ve been early to mattress, early to rise all through this journey. There’s one thing in regards to the ocean waves that makes you wish to rise with the solar.
The schedule for the next day is delivered to our cabin the night time earlier than, with the complete program in English, German, and French. We’re spending as we speak in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Our morning cease is Kingstown on the island of St. Vincent; within the afternoon, we’re anchoring in Admiralty Bay on the island of Bequia. And tonight is pirate night time — one thing we had no thought we needed to put together for!
I throw on my outfit for the day — my black Camellia costume, cinched with my black Isabel Marant belt, together with some Birkenstocks — and head all the way down to breakfast.
7:30 AM: Breakfast
The eating room bell begins clanging at 7:30 on the dot, letting us understand it’s time to eat! It’s straightforward to overindulge on a cruise, particularly one with meals this good, so I make an effort to eat a wholesome breakfast.
I head as much as the egg station and say good morning to Chef Mark from the Philippines. He makes me a vegetable omelet to begin the day without work proper.
8:30 AM: Into the Tender
Immediately, like most days, the Royal Clipper is anchored off-shore. To get from the ship to shore, we climb down the gangway and hop into the tender, which brings us to the cruise ship terminal.
Charlie and I are two of the primary folks out as we speak. Alongside the best way, our good friend Sally from the UK asks me about my Insta360 camperiod, as folks typically do, so I take it out and take a shot of the three of us within the tender. This digicam is the very best for selfies!
8:45 AM: Kingstown
So what do you do in Kingstown, the capital of St. Vincent and the Grenadines? There are two foremost points of interest: Fort Charlotte, with its panoramic views of the harbor, and the botanical gardens, that are situated up within the hills.
We discovered the night time earlier than that Fort Charlotte is at the moment closed for refurbishment, so we resolve to simply take a stroll across the metropolis.
Our first cease is an area financial institution to hit up the ATM. St. Vincent makes use of the East Caribbean greenback, together with six different Caribbean nations and territories, so we take out sufficient cash to make use of in St. Lucia and Dominica too. What we don’t count on to see is Santa and anelf hanging out within the foyer!
From there we stroll across the streets, taking in Heroes’ Sq. and its statue, in addition to a number of small markets. It’s attention-grabbing to stroll round and get a glimpse of Vincy life.
We cease by a road vendor with bandanas and Charlie has instantly discovered his pirate night time costume.
“What shade do you suppose?” he asks. “Purple?”
“No,” I say. “It’s too…”
“Too cowboy,” we are saying concurrently.
“Seize the black one!” I recommend. “That’s piratey.”
Later, a truck drives down the road blasting Caribbean-style Christmas music, and dancing a float behind it are the identical Santa and elf we noticed within the financial institution!
One in all my favourite issues to do when visiting a brand new nation is to take a look at the native grocery store. We head right into a grocery retailer and stroll out with two uncommon sodas: glowing dragonfruit and pineapple!
And that’s about sufficient Kingstown for us. On the best way again, we run into a pair we dined with one night time on the ship. “How is it?” they ask. We shrug. “Not the most thrilling place, however undoubtedly price a stroll round.”
10:00 AM: Espresso at Carib-Beans
We discover a bit of espresso store within the Kingstown ferry terminal known as Carib-Beans, so we resolve to drop in. The coffeeshop is painted in pastel shades and festooned with houseplants and native artwork.
We order a pair of iced lattes, which come served in clear glass mugs.
And from the primary sip, we’re smitten. This espresso is incredible! A month later, we reminisce and agree that this was the very best espresso we had throughout our 4 weeks within the Caribbean.
Carib-Beans has further areas on the airport and on the Paradise Seashore Lodge. Don’t miss them should you’re in Kingstown!
10:30 AM: Again to the Royal Clipper
One good factor about Star Clippers is that we don’t have to come back again at a particular time — the tenders run each 15-Half-hour, relying on the situation. From the espresso store, we merely stroll via the cruise terminal and wait a couple of minutes for the tender to reach.
Whereas ready, we spot the ferry taking locals from Kingstown to Bequia. We’ll be following that very same route in a number of hours!
Now, let’s hope that it’s time for mast climbing.
10:45 AM: Mast climbing!
As quickly we we’re again on board, we cost as much as the Solar Deck and see that mast climbing is in full swing! There’s a visitor midway up the ladder, and one sports activities man is on the backside with a clipboard and one other is within the crow’s nest welcoming folks up.
Charlie and I give our names to Tino, the sports activities man from Montenegro, and he tells us to go placed on closed toe footwear. Down within the cabin, I placed on my path runners and swap my costume for a merino wool tank prime and bike shorts.
Again on deck, the final folks climb down from the nest. Tino will get us into harnesses and offers us mesh backpacks to hold our cameras up safely.
Our good friend Sally from the tender earlier has zero curiosity in climbing the mast, however she’s eager to observe, and he or she kindly gives to take photographs of us.
After which we make it to the highest!
Now, I do know I speak about my Insta360 digicam loads, however LOOK AT THESE PHOTOS. Particularly have a look at the final two photographs subsequent to one another. The one on the left was taken with the Insta360; the one on the proper was taken with an iPhone.
Certain, the iPhone has higher decision. However the sorts of photographs you may get on the Insta360 are SO a lot better. I like this digicam and it’s turn out to be a fixture on my travels.
After round 10 minutes within the crow’s nest, we head again the way to climb down safely, and shortly we’re again on the Solar Deck.
As soon as we’re completed, I’m delighted over the way it was even much less scary than I assumed it might be. Simply enjoyable!
11:30 AM: Widow’s Nest
On the entrance of the ship is the “widow’s nest” — two triangular items of netting that as much as 5 folks can lounge in on both sides. Our mates Erika and Norm from the US are hanging out right here, and we resolve to provide it a attempt.
The views are nice — that is the one place on board the place you’ll be able to see the figurehead, the wood girl carved onto the ship — however the nest isn’t that comfy to lounge in. It’s not like a comfortable catamaran internet; these knots are large and actually dig into you!
The decision? Do it as soon as, for about 30 seconds, and take photographs. That’s all you want!
12:00 PM: Lunch
Immediately’s buffet lunch is Italian-themed. I seize some hen piccata, arancini, marinated artichokes, and prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe, together with a salad. There’s additionally a pasta station dishing up carbonara and ragu.
However in fact, my favourite a part of the lunch buffet is the dessert choice, and as we speak I’m fervently hoping that they’ve tiramisu.
Certainly, there may be tiramisu. However the very best dessert of all that day is named a “cappuccino” and it’s a coffee-flavored mousse served in a bit of espresso cup. It’s SENSATIONAL.
12:30 PM: Set Sail for Bequia
Since we’re visiting two completely different ports as we speak, the ship is setting sail at noon. Our subsequent vacation spot is Admiralty Bay, Bequia.
Many individuals hang around on the Solar Deck to observe the sails go up, however since we’re in the midst of lunch, we’ll catch it subsequent time.
2:30 PM: Into the Tender
Now we have two choices for our vacation spot as we speak, the crew tells us: we will take the tender to Port Elizabeth, the primary city on Bequia, or we will take it to Princess Margaret Seashore.
Hmm. Elizabeth vs. Margaret. Is it even a query?
Clearly we’re going to Princess Margaret Seashore! Charlie and I hop within the beach-bound tender, together with 4 of our mates, and we admire the colourful wood properties tucked into the hills because the tender pulls as much as the pier.
We land proper in entrance of Jack’s Seashore Bar, and I’m already questioning — would I be an everyday right here if I lived in a kind of beautiful clifftop properties?
2:45 PM: Princess Margaret Seashore
Now THIS is what I’ve been ready for. Princess Margaret Seashore may be fairly near excellent. Certain, the sand is golden and smooth; positive, the ocean is calm and vibrant, starting from cobalt to aquamarine.
However what units this seaside aside most is that it’s edged with massive, lush timber, whose branches really present a great quantity of shade. It’s so uncommon to search out shade that good on a Caribbean seaside!
Add in some little rum punch stands and views of the wood bungalows perched above cliffs, and also you’ve bought bliss.
Charlie and I befriended two of the youthful {couples} on board and have been calling ourselves “the younger’uns.” (Most individuals on the Royal Clipper are round 55-75. Great folks, for positive, but it surely’s undoubtedly good to spend time with folks nearer to your age!)
Erika and Norm are from the US and near Charlie’s age; Cat and Ben are from the UK, the youngest ones on board at round 30, and are on their honeymoon!
We float within the water; we hang around on shore; we drink some extraordinarily potent rum punches from an area vendor. I can’t consider a greater approach to honor Princess Margaret than day ingesting on a seaside identify after her.
Because the solar peeks out from behind the clouds once more, I seize my cameras and take tons of photographs and movies. Quickly I find yourself chatting with an area man sitting beneath the timber. He labored within the UK for many of his grownup life, however is now retired and again to dwelling on Bequia year-round.
“Man, you’ve bought it discovered,” I inform him. “Make your cash within the UK, then come again to paradise.”
He laughs and agrees.
4:30 PM: Again to the Royal Clipper
Boy, is it laborious to go away Bequia! That is one vacation spot the place I’d love to come back again for at the very least a number of days. Possibly even per week. Whereas we didn’t get to see a ton of it, this island simply has essentially the most great vibe.
We board the tender and zip again to the Royal Clipper. Again on board, I bathe earlier than our subsequent exercise.
5:30 PM: Engine Room Go to
A couple of days earlier, Captain Sergey instructed us that he doesn’t perceive why everybody at all times desires to go to the engine room — however apparently Star Clippers passengers LOVE this. And I’m one in all them! I like a peek behind the scenes.
Chief Engineer Hitesh from India offers us a chat in regards to the ship and the way it works. Apparently we’ve been utilizing wind energy for 40% of our journey.
After which we head beneath deck to stroll via the engine room itself. No photographs are permitted, however my foremost takeaway is simply how loud it’s down right here, and the way robust it should be to work there. I depart with a fair deeper appreciation for our hardworking crew.
6:00 PM: Maritime Story Time with Captain Sergey
After the post-engine room dialogue, I excuse myself and head into the Piano Bar for Maritime Story Time with Captain Sergey from Estonia. I don’t know what to anticipate — tales of pirates? Loopy visitor antics that make Under Deck seem like The Love Boat?
No. This time he’s going to speak to us about The Maltese Falcon — one of the crucial trendy, luxurious crusing vessels on the planet.
This ship might be a bond villain’s lair. It has that vibe. And just about everybody within the room is drooling as Captain Sergey exhibits us photographs of the ship from each angle.
7:00 PM: Set Sail for Martinique
Tonight is pirate night time! We didn’t convey any costumes, so I simply throw on my black Camellia costume and wind my pink and black sarong round my head. That’s fairly piratey! The ship introduced out loads of props for us to play with.
Charlie wears his flashiest shirt, with swirls of blue and brown, and tops his head with the black bandana he purchased in Kingstown.
And whereas I used to be downstairs, Charlie was educating one of many bartenders the way to make his favourite cocktail: the almond cigar.
I must highlight this couple from the UK, whom we dined with a number of instances — not solely did they carry superior pirate costumes, that they had the very best type out of everybody on board.
Day by day, he wore a cool patterned shirt. Day by day, she wore a cool pair of sun shades. And so they had been at all times the primary ones on the dance ground!
7:30 PM: Dinner
In terms of dinner, you could be seated with different friends or put collectively a desk of your individual selecting. Tonight we’re sharing a desk with our 4 mates, the younger’uns.
At dinner, you’re supplied the selection of two appetizers, one soup, one sorbet, 4 foremost dishes, one salad, one cheese plate, and three desserts. Moreover, you’ll be able to at all times order a steak frites, pasta dish, or bowl of consommé.
I’ve by no means seen anybody ask for one in all EVERYTHING, however I’m positive it’s occurred! Most individuals have three or 4 programs.
This night, I select:
For my appetizer, crab balls. Little fried balls of crabmeat served in a garlic dill sauce. Very good.
I normally select both the soup or sorbet for the second alternative, and tonight I selected pumpkin ginger soup.
For the primary course, rack of lamb. I’m not the largest lamb fan usually, however I needed to attempt it on board, and it was scrumptious and completely cooked. (Charlie, an enormous lamb fan, asks for a second plate and our server obliges!)
And for dessert, darkish chocolate woven baskets full of strawberry mousse and topped with strawberries.
10:00 PM: Pirate Occasion
It’s get together time! By the point we make it as much as the Tropical Bar, the video games are in full swing, led by cruise director Monja from Italy and the sports activities guys, Jakub and Tino.
Persons are throwing darts once we stroll in. Charlie and I attempt our hand, and nope — seems we’re actually dangerous at darts!
We head to the bar for a drink. Day by day, there’s a cocktail of the day accessible for €7 somewhat than the standard €8 — normally a primary cocktail like a Mai Tai or a Tequila Dawn.
Immediately it’s the Singapore Sling, one thing that I’ve by no means really tried. I take a sip. Apparently it’s made with gin and cherry liqueur. There’s a purpose I’ve by no means had one. Time for a piña colada!
The video games proceed. There’s a hoop toss competitors, a “guess the load” contest, and shortly 4 males line as much as see who can drink a beer via the straw the quickest. We snort and I feel to myself, absolutely I did this in faculty sooner or later.
11:00 PM: Off to Mattress
For being one of many youthful folks on board, I’m not lasting very lengthy into the evenings! Charlie and I say our goodnights and head again to our cabin.
It was an excellent day — one in all many days on the Royal Clipper. And the enjoyable continues! Tomorrow, we’ve a busy day deliberate in Martinique.
Extra on this cruise:
Extra on the Caribbean:
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