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Think about happening a cruise…and discovering it full of people that hate cruises. It’s a paradox, isn’t it? And but that’s precisely what I skilled on my first cruise with Star Clippers, a weeklong Caribbean journey aboard the Royal Clipper.
It started on embarkation day in Barbados. We have been standing on the Solar Deck, gazing up on the Royal Clipper’s 5 towering masts, when considered one of our fellow passengers nodded towards two large cruise ships within the harbor. “Aren’t you glad we’re not on a kind of?”
“We’re SO glad we’re not on a kind of!” I laughed.
This second repeated itself many times all through the journey. Even when a medium-sized cruise ship popped up someplace, somebody would inevitably level to it and say, “Boy, am I glad I’m on this ship as a substitute.”
I’ve performed one giant cruise earlier than, and whereas I had enjoyable, I knew the entire time that giant ship cruising will not be my factor. However I’ve performed two small ship cruises earlier than — to Antarctica in 2018 and to Japanese Canada in 2019 — and I discovered that small ship cruising is VERY a lot my factor.
Cruising on small ships means you’re in a position to go to tough-to-reach locations. You’re unlikely to expertise crowds anyplace. It’s a lot simpler to get to know your fellow passengers, and the ambiance is far quieter and extra intimate.
For years, I’ve been eager to attempt a small ship cruise within the Caribbean, particularly one which visits tiny, hard-to-reach islands inaccessible to massive cruise ships. And in my analysis I discovered Star Clippers, with their three beautiful tall ships and their Grenadines itinerary.
I reached out to Star Clippers they usually generously supplied to host me and Charlie on their weeklong cruise. I gave them loads of suggestions on our expertise, and also you’ll discover that honesty mirrored on this detailed evaluation.
This publish was printed in February 2026, and our journey came about in December 2025.
Crusing on the Royal Clipper
What I quickly discovered was that the Royal Clipper is the principle character of the journey. THIS is why folks guide these journeys! They’re in love with the ship and the way it makes you’re feeling.
In 2001, the Guinness E book of World Information licensed the Royal Clipper because the world’s largest sq. rigger in service.
The Royal Clipper is the biggest of Star Clippers’ three ships, with a capability of 230 passengers; we had 199 passengers on our journey.
And that small dimension makes a giant distinction. You don’t need to cope with among the drawbacks of huge ship cruises — preventing for deck chairs, countless corridors, crowded excursions led by umbrella-waving guides.
One essential factor to know is that the Royal Clipper will not be designed for a similar stage of accessibility as giant cruise ships. Many disabled vacationers select giant cruises for his or her elevators, broad corridors, and step-free entry all through the ship, however the Royal Clipper will not be constructed that manner.
There are not any elevators on board, and most of the staircases are steep. A few of the doorways contain holding two doorways open in numerous instructions whereas stepping over a threshold step, which even I discovered difficult.
Moreover, most of the doorways are heavy (I caught my finger within the toilet door one night time), and going ashore requires strolling down gangway steps and climbing into a young somewhat than stepping or rolling onto a pier.
For that cause, I don’t advocate cruising with Star Clippers when you’ve got mobility challenges. The ship is gorgeous and the expertise is exclusive, however accessibility will not be its robust level.
That stated, should you ARE comfy with stairs, uneven surfaces, and an lively ship surroundings, the Royal Clipper gives experiences you’ll by no means in one million years discover on a big cruise ship.
Listed below are just a few of the methods you may take pleasure in this tall ship surroundings.
Mast Climbing
One particular factor that Star Clippers gives is an opportunity to climb the mast to the crow’s nest. (Me: “There aren’t…legal guidelines in opposition to this?”) As quickly as I discovered this was a factor, I knew I had to participate!
Mast climbing is often supplied two occasions in the course of the journey; it was supplied 4 occasions on ours, solely when the ship was anchored. Round 5 folks go up at a time. You set your digital camera in a sealed bag in your again, placed on a harness, clip your self in, and climb the rope ladder to the crow’s nest.
From the crow’s nest, you may have panoramic views of the ship and no matter islands are within the distance. When you’re up there, you may take your digital camera out and take as many pictures as you’d like earlier than taking place once more.
Was this scary? There are occasions that I don’t love heights, however I didn’t assume this was scary in any respect! My harness was safe and the expertise felt well-managed. General, the exhilaration was properly price it.
(One other factor: a number of pictures on this publish have been taken with my Insta360 digital camera. I completely LOVE touring with this digital camera, however I feel it’s at its absolute best on ships and boats. You may get a lot extra out of a selfie with a 360 digital camera than your telephone.)
Swimming Off the Ship
However my absolute favourite exercise onboard was swimming off the marina platform at the back of the ship. The sports activities crew opens the platform from time to time whereas the ship is anchored.
The crew places out a rope connected to a number of floating rafts, and you’ll dive within the water, take a pleasant swim, or simply lie on the rafts and float away. Both manner, the spotlight is getting to absorb views of the Royal Clipper as you swim.
Simply being within the sea and searching upward at that spectacular ship — the masts, the strains, the gold lettering on the intense blue — is an expertise. You belong on that ship.
I had two swim periods — one in Martinique and one in St. Lucia — they usually have been SO filled with pleasure. Particularly in St. Lucia, as a result of we had a magical setting with panoramic views of the Pitons.
When you’re comfy swimming in deep water, I extremely advocate you find time for no less than one swim off the Royal Clipper.
Photograph Safari
And on the ultimate day of your crusing, if circumstances are good, you’ll get to participate within the photograph safari! The crew gathers folks into the tenders and also you slowly circle the Royal Clipper because it raises the sails.
Our photograph safari came about in Soufrière, St. Lucia, with the Pitons rising dramatically within the background. This was essentially the most lovely place we visited over the previous week, and attending to {photograph} essentially the most lovely ship in opposition to such an iconic backdrop, bathed in golden Caribbean mild, felt like a present.
Everybody on board was in an incredible temper, and it was the right strategy to commemorate our lovely week crusing by means of the Caribbean. I introduced my massive Sony digital camera, my iPhone, my Insta360 digital camera, and my Osmo Pocket 3 video digital camera, and I used all of them nonstop.
Exploring the Royal Clipper
Royal Clipper Cabins
One massive distinction from a standard mega ship is that cabins on the Royal Clipper are on the smaller facet, and only some have balconies. I do know lots of people are critical about their balconies, to the purpose that they wouldn’t go on a cruise with out one, however once more, the Royal Clipper isn’t a typical form of cruise.
Our Class 2 cabin had a double mattress with one facet in opposition to the wall, a chair, and a small desk. There was ample cupboard space for our suitcases underneath the mattress, and we had sufficient drawers for all our clothes. Housekeeping is superb, and cabin stewards clear your cabin twice per day.
Sensible tip: watch out with the studying lamps above the mattress. They are often opened and adjusted into totally different positions, however the default place is true the place you place your head, and cabin stewards reset them into this place after cleansing your cabin. I hit my head on these metallic, angular lamps greater than as soon as.
Our toilet was small however practical, with every little thing we wanted, together with cleaning soap, bathe gel, shampoo, and conditioner.
One factor concerning the toilet is that the ground can get QUITE moist, particularly should you bathe whereas the ship is crusing, however typically even when it isn’t. I urged to Star Clippers that they add a squeegee to every cabin — it could make it really easy to brush up all that water after showering.
I undoubtedly appreciated the quantity of loo cupboard space — particularly as soon as I noticed the mirror was an arrogance that opened and stored issues securely behind it!
The ship makes use of European electrical retailers all through, so deliver an adapter should you want one.
Communal Areas
When you’re searching for a spot to hold on the Royal Clipper, you may have just a few choices. The Solar Deck is dwelling to a few swimming swimming pools, a number of seashore loungers and umbrellas, a bar, and many locations to hang around and take within the views.
The following deck is the Foremost Deck. Right here you’ll discover the Tropical Bar, which seems like the principle hanging-out spot on the ship, which is roofed however has open sides.
There may be additionally a small library, which is good and quiet and has a choice of books in lots of languages, and the Piano Bar. There may be an statement lounge, which was the assembly house of one of many constitution teams on our crusing, and there are a handful of cabins.
The following deck is the Clipper Deck. This deck is usually filled with cabins, together with ours. There may be additionally the Sloop Store, promoting a wide range of Star Clippers-themed clothes and a few small souvenirs, and the Tour Desk, the place you may join excursions.
The following deck is the Commodore Deck, the place you’ll discover the eating room and extra cabins. On the top of the ship, you’ll discover the marina platform (swim platform).
And one flooring additional down, you’ll discover the Captain Nemo fitness center, lounge, and spa. The fitness center has just a few cardio machines and a few free weights; the spa has a hammam.
What sort of folks cruise with Star Clippers?
On our journey, a lot of the visitors have been from the US or UK, with a smattering of different international locations represented. We met just a few German audio system, and our cruise director Monja did the bulletins in English and German. The literature we acquired every day was in English, German, and French.
Age-wise, most visitors have been between age 55 and 75. Nevertheless, folks tended to be in first rate form, as you want to have the ability to climb a number of stairs and maintain heavy doorways with a purpose to navigate the Royal Clipper.
There have been a handful of youthful folks on board. Some have been touring with their mother and father or households; there have been just a few youthful {couples} and good friend teams as properly. Charlie and I ended up bonding with two of the youthful {couples}, one from the US and one from the UK, and the six of us “younger’uns” frolicked rather a lot!
Are youngsters allowed on Star Clippers? They’re technically allowed from the age of six months, however there are zero child-centric amenities on board, so it’s not a well-liked selection for younger households.
As for variety, I’m positive there have been loads of queer folks on board, however I didn’t discover any queer {couples}, and you might depend the folks of colour on one hand.
You also needs to know that a few of your passengers could also be a part of an outdoor group. As we embarked, we discovered that an American Bible research group made up share of our fellow passengers.
Now, I’ll be sincere — once I first heard this, I used to be a bit apprehensive. I questioned whether or not having a spiritual group on board would possibly have an effect on the general vibe of the ship.
Actually, it didn’t have an effect on the vibe by any means. Everybody was pleasant, respectful, and fully nonjudgmental. Actually, the 2 greatest buddies we made on the ship have been a part of the Bible research group! It was reminder to not make assumptions.
General, I discovered the passengers on the Royal Clipper to be attention-grabbing, well-traveled, and nice conversationalists. I all the time say that regardless of the place you go all over the world, 98% of individuals are great and the opposite 2% should not, and that was definitely true on our journey.
Meals and Drink on the Royal Clipper
Now, one of the crucial essential points of any journey is the meals, and that is the place Star Clippers shines. We discovered the meals to be glorious throughout the board.
Star Clippers serves three meals per day. There’s a breakfast buffet from round 7:30-9:30 AM, a themed lunch buffet from round 12:00-2:00 PM, and a plated multi-course dinner within the evenings from 7:30-10:00 PM.
Along with the three fundamental meals, they serve a easy continental breakfast within the Piano Lounge from 6:30 AM-10:30 AM, mild snacks within the Tropical Bar from 5:00-6:00 PM, and late night time snacks within the Tropical Bar from 11:30 PM-12:30 AM.
Meals
I discovered the breakfast buffet to be fairly typical: scorching trays of eggs, bacon, sausage, and beans for the Brits; a number of pastries and baked items; yogurt and its many accoutrements; a number of fruits; an omelet station with eggs to order.
Each day, the lunch buffet had a theme: seafood, Italian, Asian. There can be trays stuffed with themed dishes — meat, fish, and vegetarian choices — together with interactive stations like carving or pasta stations, and loads of salad stuff.
The buffet meals wasn’t fancy, however it was tasty for essentially the most half.
However my favourite a part of lunch was the dessert buffet. THE DESSERTS WERE SO GOOD. And there have been so a lot of them! Piña colada mousse. Eclairs. Chocolate cake. Silky cappuccino cups. Tiramisu. All in little parts so you might attempt all of them.
I additionally shortly discovered that almost all desserts didn’t make a number of appearances, so, properly, I HAD to attempt every little thing!
Dinner is a extra formal affair, with a number of programs. Most individuals costume up just a little nicer than their day garments, and males are required to put on lengthy pants.
Servers sit you at tables with different visitors, and I discovered this was one of the simplest ways we obtained to know our fellow passengers.
Every night time, you may select between two appetizers, one soup, one palate-cleansing sorbet, 4 fundamental dishes (no less than one meat, one fish, and one vegetarian), and three desserts (one is all the time a unique form of ice cream). You too can order a salad of the day or cheese plate for considered one of your programs, they usually supply two wine bottle suggestions.
We might often get an appetizer, both the soup or the sorbet, the principle dish, and the dessert.
Here’s a pattern menu:
The one neatest thing we ate on the Royal Clipper was this plate of roast beef. It was so tender, so flavorful, and I used to be impressed that each single plate was cooked to the right temperature.
Charlie and I have been having dinner with a father and son from the US that night, and all 4 of us obtained the roast beef. Then as we completed, our server grinned and stated, “You need extra beef?” I declined, however the three guys all stated sure.
Effectively, our server introduced them not just a bit bit extra beef, however A SECOND PLATE. They have been as blissful as clams.
(And as quickly as we discovered this was a factor you might do on the Royal Clipper, we could have ordered second plates a few times extra.)
Whereas the meals high quality at dinner was glorious, I felt like the meat dishes have been the most effective of the bunch. Each steak I had was exemplary. Charlie, for his half, beloved the lamb dishes as properly.
Whereas the meals was scrumptious, it was very Eurocentric, so don’t anticipate world delicacies. I’d have beloved extra worldwide dishes than a single Asian-themed lunch (particularly since our cooks have been from the Philippines and Indonesia and will in all probability flip it out!).
Does Star Clippers cater to dietary restrictions? They do. We obtained to know a vegan visitor who had been on a number of Star Clippers cruises, and in her phrases, “They’ve gotten rather a lot higher through the years,” and “I can get by.”
At dinner, you all the time have the choice to order a consommé, pasta dish, or steak frites should you don’t like something on the every day menu. We tried the steak frites one night time and loved it.
One random tip: attempt to have dinner with somebody celebrating a birthday! Each night time, the servers sang to these celebrating birthdays and introduced them a chocolate birthday cake to share with their desk mates. One night time we occurred to be consuming with somebody celebrating a birthday — and that cake was SCRUMPTIOUS.
Drink
Star Clippers doesn’t supply drink packages, which makes them totally different from conventional giant ship cruises. And I feel that’s factor, because it retains the binge drinkers away.
So every little thing is à la carte, however the drink costs are extraordinarily cheap. On our journey, delicate drinks have been €3, beers have been €4-5 every, home wines have been €4. Cocktails have been €8, the cocktail of the day was €7, and mocktails have been €5.
You too can order wine by the bottle, and we have been delighted to see that they weren’t marked up very a lot. One night time, we ordered a bottle of considered one of our favourite Italian reds, Brunello di Montalcino, for simply €42. That might in all probability price €35 on the winery.
And should you order a bottle and don’t end it, they’ll put your title on it and put it aside for subsequent time.
Filter espresso and tea are included at no cost, however espresso-based drinks are additional (€2 for espresso, €2.50 for cappuccino). These coffees are made with Nespresso professional capsules. Charlie and I discovered this disappointing, as Nespresso is mediocre espresso, however as a result of George Clooney is of their commercials, folks assume it’s fancy.
I feel it could be sensible for Star Clippers to spend money on an actual espresso machine with first rate beans, and I talked about this with their crew. I feel that is a simple strategy to uplevel their service for a reasonably low price. Charlie and I’d have purchased two or three coffees every per day if they’d been higher.
Actions and Leisure
As soon as once more, the Royal Clipper isn’t a megaship — don’t come right here should you’re anticipating fixed actions all day. Folks come on the Royal Clipper to take in the vibe.
There have been just a few every day actions, although. Every morning, there was a yoga class and a “morning gymnastics” session (a body weight exercise adaptable for all health ranges) earlier than breakfast.
Often, in the course of the morning or the afternoon, the sports activities crew would supply mast climbing or swimming off the marina platform. By no means each on the similar time, as every exercise required the total sports activities crew.
Captain Sergey did just a few “Story Hour” periods, telling tales from his life at sea. There was an engine room tour sooner or later (Captain Sergey: “I don’t perceive why individuals are all the time so on this, however you may go see the engine room…”), which gave me a deeper appreciation for the hardworking crew.
There’s a spa on the Royal Clipper, with a wide range of massages, facials, and physique therapies accessible, in addition to a hammam.
On our day in Tobago Cays, the crew did a barbecue on the seashore for everybody.
However there was all the time organized leisure within the Tropical Bar after dinner. One night time, it was a pirate occasion! Everybody dressed up of their most pirate-y outfits (I wound my sarong round my head; Charlie purchased a black bandana in St. Vincent, and the ship had loads of props to pose with), and we performed goofy video games for prizes.
One night time there was a expertise present (each crew and visitors participated, and clearly, the Filipinos dominated the karaoke!). One other night time, a trend present. Different nights, simply music and dancing.
However essentially the most particular occasion was a Grenadian metal band efficiency. We have been anchored in Grenada till late within the night, so the ship was in a position to host an area band.
They usually have been so enjoyable! Beginning with “Dancing Queen,” they performed a wide range of pop songs on the metal drums, and also you couldn’t preserve folks off the dance flooring.
Star Clippers Grenadine Islands 7 Nights Itinerary
Star Clippers’s Grenadine Islands 7 Nights itinerary begins and ends in Bridgetown, Barbados. (This cruise doesn’t enter any port within the US, so preserve that in thoughts if that’s essential to you.)
What I really like about this itinerary is that a lot of the ports are small, intimate, and inaccessible to bigger ships. We anchored at sea and took tenders in at each port besides Fort-de-France, the place we docked at a pier.
Right here is the itinerary:
- Day 1: Embark in Bridgetown, Barbados (afternoon)
- Day 2: Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (afternoon)
- Day 3: St. George’s, Grenada (afternoon)
- Day 4: Tobago Cays, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (all day)
- Day 5: Kingstown (morning) and Bequia (afternoon), St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Day 6: Fort-de-France (morning) and Grand Anse (afternoon), Martinique
- Day 7: Marigot Bay (morning) and Soufrière (afternoon), St. Lucia
- Day 8: Disembark in Bridgetown, Barbados (morning)
Right here’s an summary of the locations and what we did every day.
Barbados
We spent 4 days in Barbados earlier than our cruise, and I’m SO glad we did. Barbados is an island with one million issues to do, in addition to some very nice white sand seashores. It doesn’t matter what form of journey you need to have, you may have it right here.
That stated, we discovered Barbados to be staggeringly costly in comparison with different Caribbean islands, so preserve that in thoughts as you propose your journey. (How costly? At one cafe we obtained a breakfast sandwich, an order of waffles, and two cappuccinos and our invoice got here to $50 USD.)
My favourite experiences in Barbados have been taking a Barbados meals tour, which was enjoyable, academic and scrumptious — I extremely advocate it! I took a full day around-the-island tour, which was good for photograph ops and attending to know a number of the island (Rihanna’s childhood house is included!).
We additionally loved beaching and swimming at Dover Seashore and spending Friday night time on the Oistins Fish Fry, an island custom with a number of meals, drinks, and music.
We determined to remain in a funds resort for this portion of our four-week Caribbean journey, and selected the Melbourne Inn. Let me let you know — this place doesn’t look fancy, however its punches manner above its weight! Comfy rooms with balconies, a surprisingly good pool space, and the friendliest, most great workers.
And it’s in an ideal location close to Dover Seashore, near a grocery retailer, and strolling distance from The Cake Woman, THE greatest spot for espresso, cake, and breakfast!
I extremely advocate including just a few days in Barbados earlier than or after your journey. However take into account that in case your cruise leaves on Saturday, as ours did, you would possibly need to come beforehand so you may expertise the Friday Night time Fish Fry.
My good friend Nicola’s web site Subsequent Cease Barbados was a superb useful resource for planning our journey.
Embarkation
On the primary day of our cruise, we have been in a position to drop off our baggage on the Star Clippers stand at 12:00 PM, with boarding starting at 4:00 PM. Charlie and I dropped off the luggage promptly at midday and took a taxi from the port to Harrison’s Cave for his or her drive-through cave tour. It was a enjoyable tour and we paid for the motive force to attend for us, which was a stress-free strategy to get again on time.
The cruise terminal in Bridgetown has an outside bar that serves each meals and drinks, in addition to a handful of outlets. There may be free wifi should you want it.
As soon as boarding started, we made our manner up the gangway onto the Royal Clipper, accepted a glass of champagne, and queued into the Piano Bar for check-in. This was the place we handed over our passports for the week, the crew ran my bank card for future bills, and we acquired our cabin task and ship card, which doubles as your room key and onboard ID.
Subsequent got here a vital step: signing up for excursions on the tour desk on the Clipper Deck. Not like giant cruise ships, Star Clippers doesn’t supply advance tour reserving; you merely add your title to the listing after boarding.
Signal-ups are first-come, first-serve, they usually shut two days forward of time. I like to recommend signing up immediately, as fashionable excursions — like our prime precedence, the catamaran journey in Tobago Cays — refill shortly.
We unpacked, watched the protection video, had welcome snacks within the Tropical Bar with our fellow passengers, took a tour of the ship, and loved our first dinner on board.
However the true magic occurred after dinner, when the Royal Clipper set sail for the primary time. The crisp sails unfurled in opposition to the inky blue sky and we stared at them in awe.
I used to be fully unprepared for the sheer majesty of crusing on a tall ship. Proper then and there, I noticed that this was why folks journey with Star Clippers many times.
Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Union Island was our first cease amongst a number of within the Grenadines, and should you’re searching for a laid-back island that’s off the overwhelmed path, it’s an incredible spot. There may be nearly nothing on Chatham Seashore, the place we docked for the afternoon.
We have been directed to land on the seashore and switch left, and on the finish of the seashore we might discover a first rate snorkeling spot. The seashore was strewn with stones, however the snorkeling was glorious — I used to be shocked what number of cool fish we noticed!
There was a small bar on this facet of the seashore dishing up cocktails (playing cards and Apple Pay accepted, which shocked me!).
High tip: Apparently there’s a actually cool bar with a scorching tub on the proper facet of the seashore as you land. Our buddies found this after a tip from Captain Sergey, however we didn’t hear about it from anybody on the crew. So be sure you don’t miss it! I want we had identified about it.
St. George’s, Grenada
Grenada is the spice island of the Caribbean, with colourful properties tucked into the wild, jungly hills. We determined to take the Chocolate and Falls tour, which included visits to a waterfall and a chocolate manufacturing unit.
To be sincere, this was the one tour we regretted taking. It was a really lengthy drive in a small, cramped bus (although I appreciated the stunning surroundings), and highway works and accidents alongside the route delayed us much more.
Our first cease was Harmony Falls, with a waterfall flowing into an emerald-green pool. We watched an area man soar in from the highest. And whereas that was cool, he aggressively hounded everybody within the group for suggestions. I truly put a tip within the field, and on the best way out he glared at me and stated, “I didn’t see you give me a tip.” “I DID TIP!” I sputtered.
By the point we obtained to the Diamond Chocolate Manufacturing unit in Victoria, it was closed for the day and we couldn’t see any manufacturing. We did a fast stroll by means of the backyard they usually gave us chocolate samples to attempt within the present store. That was it.
The chocolate was scrumptious, particularly the nutmeg chocolate, and we purchased some bars to take dwelling. However general, the tour fell wanting expectations, and that sentiment was shared by a lot of our fellow passengers.
On a brighter be aware, I did hear that folks on the snorkeling tour had a superb time, so should you’re taking this journey, that is likely to be a greater match for you.
Full disclosure: Star Clippers did listing the driving time on the tour sheet, and it’s not like they may have predicted the delays, which added an additional hour of driving time. I did give the Star Clippers crew particular suggestions about this tour.
Tobago Cays, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Now, should you dream of crashing on a desert island within the Caribbean, Tobago Cays is the place for you! These islands really feel straight out of Robinson Crusoe, with pristine seashores and little or no improvement.
Charlie and I really like a catamaran journey, so we booked a catamaran crusing tour with snorkeling. This turned out to be the most effective tour of our journey!
After touchdown on the island of Petit Rameau, we boarded the catamaran and sailed off for some snorkeling. The waters have been choppier than I anticipated, and the catamaran crew had us put on brilliant orange vests for visibility. The snorkeling wasn’t nearly as good as Union Island, however we did see just a few cool fish.
High tip: there are a number of catamarans that do that tour, they usually all look similar. Be sure to memorize the title of your boat so you realize which boat to swim again to!
Subsequent, we landed off the island of Mayreau and swam to shore. And I fell in love with this tiny island! An ideal, quiet, sandy seashore with picket shacks dishing up freshly caught fish and rum punch. The vibes have been immaculate. We didn’t have a lot time right here, however I’d like to return for a full day.
Lastly, the catamaran sailed again to Petit Rameau, the place the Royal Clipper crew had arrange a seashore barbecue with burgers, sausages, hen, fish, a bar, and all of the fixings. We ate outdoors at picnic tables (although solely half of them had shade).
From that time on, we had loads of time to swim, stroll the seashore, and gallivant. A second group of passengers went out on the catamaran tour within the afternoon. When Charlie and I had had sufficient solar, we jumped on the tender again to the Royal Clipper.
Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Kingstown, a metropolis situated on the island of St. Vincent, is the capital and transit hub of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Charlie and I hadn’t booked an tour, so we determined to only stroll across the metropolis just a little bit. We strolled, visited some markets, took within the ambiance, and tried some native dragonfruit and pineapple sodas. We might have visited the fort for the view, however it occurred to be closed for refurbishment throughout our go to.
We did hear from just a few passengers that the excursions right here have been glorious, together with an off-road journey and a go to to the botanical gardens. If I got here to Kingstown once more, I’d undoubtedly do a kind of.
High Tip: the ferry terminal in Kingstown has a cute espresso store known as Carib-Beans that served THE greatest espresso we had throughout our month within the Caribbean. Effectively price a go to!
Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Bequia was my favourite cease of your complete journey and the primary place I need to return to. In comparison with different islands within the Grenadines, it’s fancier and extra developed than Union Island or Tobago Cays, however not practically as luxe as Mustique, a favourite of the British Royal Household.
The ship anchored in Admiralty Bay and the crew gave us the selection of taking the tender to the port or Princess Margaret Seashore. We selected the seashore, and headed there with our 4 buddies.
This seashore was DIVINE. Good delicate sand, clear turquoise water, lovely views of immaculate picket properties constructed into the hills. Better of all, there was truly first rate shade — the seashore is lined with thick, lush bushes and loads of room to stretch out beneath them.
Did I point out this seashore ALSO had little stands serving up rum punch? “Day consuming within the Grenadines? We’re undoubtedly honoring Princess Margaret the appropriate manner,” I joked as we toasted.
After just a few hours of swimming and sunning, we headed again to the ship.
I’d love to come back again to Bequia for no less than just a few days. One in every of my blogger buddies was right here across the similar time, and he beloved exploring the island by bike.
Fort-de-France, Martinique
I had no concept what to anticipate in Fort-de-France, however this metropolis ended up charming my pants off! Martinique is a part of France, and it’s apparent from the second you arrive, from the Renaults and Peugeots in all places to the BNP banks and the Galeries-Lafayette division retailer to the scent of butter within the air.
I really like visiting French abroad departments like Réunion and St. Pierre and Miquelon as a result of you may all the time get basic French meals blended with contemporary native produce.
We did some analysis on the place to eat and have been the primary ones off the ship. Our first cease was Pâtisserie Hery, an artisan patisserie the place we loved genuine French pastries, together with a standard croissant and a supreme spherical croissant filled with pistachio cream and dipped in chocolate. In addition they serve a scrumptious scorching chocolate.
We strolled across the metropolis, photographing the road artwork and landmarks like Bibliothèque Schoelcher and Cathédrale Saint-Louis, and stopped for a cappuccino at just a little cafe known as Jaden Centre-Ville.
We made our strategy to the Marché Couvert, town’s lined market, and tried some contemporary fruit juices and purchased just a few postcards for our postcard wall at dwelling.
Whereas it rained for many of our time on shore, Charlie and I each really feel like we’d prefer to return to Martinique and discover far more.
Grand Anse, Martinique
We truly didn’t get off the ship right here. It was drizzling after we docked, so I figured we’d simply relax for the afternoon. Effectively, quickly the solar got here out, and we went swimming of the again of the Royal Clipper! These hours have been properly spent.
Marigot Bay, St. Lucia
In St. Lucia, we selected the Panoramic Tour tour, which picked us up in Marigot Bay and dropped us off in Soufrière, with some attention-grabbing stops alongside the best way. We have been virtually plastered to the home windows, because the surroundings was so beautiful! St. Lucia actually is the fantastic thing about the Caribbean.
In Marigot Bay we stopped lengthy sufficient to eat some bananas, attempt some banana ketchup, and take within the view from above — and what a view it was!
Soufrière, St. Lucia
Soufrière, a city within the south of St. Lucia, is dwelling to the Pitons, the 2 conical mountains which can be the image of the island. As soon as rounding the view pictured above — sure, we stopped for loads of pictures — we visited two locations in Soufrière: the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Qualibou Volcano.
Our information, Delicia, confirmed us by means of the botanical gardens and shared her favourite native treatments. Charlie and I are literally going to attempt some at dwelling! Apparently if you grate nutmeg right into a bottle of vinegar and depart it for just a few weeks, it turns into salve in your joints.
St. Lucia is dwelling to the one drive-in volcano on the planet, Qualibou Volcano. Don’t anticipate fiery lava right here, simply a number of steam and that signature sulfur odor! You possibly can go in sulfuric mud baths right here should you’d like; I didn’t partake, however it seemed enjoyable.
Our tour completed with an area buffet lunch overlooking one other view of the Pitons. Charlie took the time to get some aerial photographs along with his drone from right here, as St. Lucia is a really drone-friendly nation.
General, I’m glad that we selected this tour. Delicia was an exquisite information, the surroundings was spellbinding, the bus was comfy, and the gardens and volcano have been actually cool. Better of all, I obtained killer pictures of the Pitons!
The city of Soufrière itself wasn’t very thrilling, so we determined to return to the Royal Clipper. Later that afternoon, it was again onto the marine platform for one more beautiful swim, adopted by our photograph safari, circling the Royal Clipper within the tender on the sails went up, bathed within the delectable mild of golden hour.
Debarkation
Debarkation in Barbados was easy and well-organized. On our final full day on board, we settled our invoice and added a gratuity for the servers and cabin attendants. That night, we left our baggage outdoors the cabin, tagging our luggage with the colour equivalent to our chosen switch.
We joined the bus switch to the airport with just a few dozen of our fellow passengers. You must know that the bags is transferred individually — the bags truck arrived about half-hour later. That wasn’t a difficulty, as Star Clippers makes positive you get to the airport with ample time earlier than your flight.
Whereas ready to test in, Charlie, our buddies and I grabbed pizza and milkshakes at Chefette, Barbados’s most beloved quick meals chain. I’ve to say, that milkshake was precisely what I wanted after per week at sea.
And from there, the 4 of us stated our goodbyes and Charlie and I hopped on our flight to our subsequent vacation spot: the island nation of Dominica.
Kate’s Ideas on the Itinerary
It was this particular itinerary that attracted me to Star Clippers within the first place, and I beloved the locations we visited. I appreciated that we visited small ports and hard-to-reach islands. I feel the one port the place we noticed a giant cruise ship was Grenada.
A couple of lightning spherical solutions:
Finest seashores: Princess Margaret Seashore in Bequia, adopted by Mayreau island in Tobago Cays.
Finest snorkeling: Union Island within the Grenadines.
Finest metropolis: Fort-de-France, Martinique.
Finest locations to discover independently: Fort-de-France and Bequia.
Finest locations to discover by tour: Kingstown and Soufrière.
Finest tour general: Catamaran journey in Tobago Cays.
After all, if you think about excursions and exploration, you may have any form of journey you need — adventurous, low-key, snorkel-y. I feel we had selection all through our journey.
Journey Suggestions for Star Clippers Caribbean Cruise
Seasickness on a Star Clippers Cruise
Do you’ll want to fear about seasickness on the Royal Clipper or another Star Clippers cruise? Actually, seasickness can fluctuate rather a lot from individual to individual, and it may be powerful to foretell.
I’ll say {that a} smaller ship just like the Royal Clipper can typically really feel extra queasy than a big cruise ship, however once more, that is private. Charlie and I each had just a few moments of seasickness, however we obtained by means of them.
When crusing throughout mealtime, we discovered it extra comfy to sit down dealing with the entrance or again of the boat, somewhat than the edges.
I like to recommend bringing non- or less-drowsy movement illness medicine on the very least. (Or take a drowsy one and chase it with an espresso martini.) Some folks discover movement illness bands useful.
Alternatively, your physician can prescribe a scopolamine patch. I used these in Antarctica, however after just a few days I skilled the uncommon facet impact of blurred imaginative and prescient, so I switched again to Dramamine.
Web on a Star Clippers Cruise
Star Clippers has web packages accessible. The excellent news is that they use Starlink, so the web is quick, however the dangerous information is that they’re data-based, which implies apps working within the background can eat by means of your knowledge in just some minutes.
I personally by no means buy data-based packages for that reason.
My suggestion? Get an eSIM card that covers a lot of the Japanese Caribbean. We used this one from Airalo. It labored in each vacation spot besides Martinique (which we didn’t want anyway, because it’s a part of the EU and our Czech SIM playing cards labored there).
Whereas it didn’t work whereas we have been out at sea, we had web entry at any time when we have been anchored.
What to Pack for a Star Clippers Caribbean Cruise
Comfy informal clothes. What you put on is all the time a private choice. I just about dwell in merino wool year-round, so I wore 4 Wool& attire for a lot of the journey: the Camellia costume (my favourite scorching climate costume) in teal and black, and the Isabelle costume in magenta and inexperienced.
I used to be glad to have a Wool& tank prime, a pair of Wool& bike shorts, and closed-toe sneakers for mast climbing; I primarily wore deck footwear and Birkenstock sandals whereas on board.
Acceptable dinner put on. There isn’t a proper night time, like on different cruises, however I did discover many individuals dressed up a bit for dinner. Ladies have a bit extra leeway, however males are requested to put on lengthy pants at dinner.
Lots of ladies wore informal sundresses or tops with skirts or slacks. Lots of males wore short-sleeved button-downs with lengthy pants. It’s your name.
Water footwear. A good suggestion should you’re snorkeling or beaching. The seashore we visited on Union Island had a number of rocks and water footwear would have made it extra nice.
Reef-safe sunscreen. I like to recommend you deliver reef-safe sunscreen as a default if you’re swimming anyplace, and that’s completely true for the fragile reefs of the Caribbean.
Solar safety. A large-brimmed hat, sarong, and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt could be very useful.
Reusable water bottle. The Royal Clipper has fountains within the Tropical Bar the place you may fill your bottles with filtered water. Don’t add to the plastic downside.
Dry bag or waterproof telephone case. Whereas your electronics are fairly secure whereas on the tender, you would possibly need to deliver these for different boat journeys and when you’ll have to swim to shore (like on our catamaran tour in Tobago Cays).
Clothes for White Night time and Pirate Night time. You don’t have to decorate up, they usually have some pirate props for the occasion, however hey, when you’ve got a corset prime and ruffly skirt you would like you might put on extra typically, that is your probability!
Different Star Clippers Suggestions
Don’t do excursions each single day. I obtained this tip forward of time, and I’m glad I heeded the recommendation. Excursions are enjoyable, however they will eat up all of your free time.
I like to recommend doing a little bit of analysis and choosing out 1-3 excursions that you simply need to do essentially the most, and some ports that you simply’d somewhat discover by yourself. And if there are some that maintain no curiosity for you, you may all the time keep on the ship and benefit from the ambiance.
If mast climbing or swimming off the marina platform are an possibility, don’t wait — do them. These actions solely occur if circumstances are good, so this is likely to be your solely probability.
Don’t overpack. There’s a moderately priced and speedy laundry service on board, and we used it thrice. Simply wash what you’ll want to be washed.
Is Star Clippers Price It?
Effectively, after studying this publish, it’s best to have a fairly good concept of how a lot I beloved my time on the Royal Clipper! Charlie and I had a blast and have been speaking about this journey consistently.
Actually, we’re already considering of doing one other cruise with Star Clippers — probably in Europe this time. We just like the look of a few of their itineraries visiting Corsica and Sardinia. As soon as once more, it’s all concerning the small ports.
And if we might deliver a bunch of our buddies on board? Even higher.
After I look again at my time on the Royal Clipper, my thoughts goes straight to mast-climbing, or swimming off the marina platform, and watching the sails go up at sundown. Greater than something, Star Clippers is concerning the magic of being on a tall ship — and that have is staying with me.
The Star Clippers Grenadines itinerary begins at €2,350 ($2,790) per particular person. You’ll find extra data on StarClippers.com.
Does this appear to be your form of cruise? Share away!
