Star Clippers – Mediterranean

Why take a Star Clippers Mediterranean cruise?

Accommodations

My Mediterranean cruise was aboard the Star Flyer, one of three sailing ships in the Star Clippers line and the first to be launched in 1991. The Star Flyer and its sister ship, the Star Clipper (launched in 1992) are four-masted ships patterned after 19th century clipper ships. Both have a maximum capacity of 180 passengers.

(Read about my Caribbean Windward Islands cruise aboard the 227-passenger, five-masted Royal Clipper ship here.)

Activities

On board: Swimming, sunbathing on deck, climbing to the Crow’s Nest (usually offered on one day of the cruise); piano bar, library, dancing and entertainment in the Tropical Bar, local performers sometimes brought on board. Every evening, passengers gather on the top deck to witness the raising of the sails.

Shore excursions are offered in most ports of call, or explore on your own.

Beaches

Beaches were visited at two ports of call (will vary according to itinerary). Watersports staff provides snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and Sunfish for fun in the water.

Food and Drink

Breakfast and lunch aboard ship is served buffet style; the six-course evening meal offers several choices and is ordered from the menu. House wines are French; other fine wines available. Open seating and casual dress (no jackets, ties or evening wear required; no shorts or swimsuits).

Getting There

Airports for Mediterranean cruises will vary according to point of embarkation.

Location

Two of Star Clippers’ three sailing ships, the Royal Clipper and the Star Flyer, offer itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Mediterranean from April through October. My itinerary included two of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca and Menorca; three ports of call on the French island of Corsica; and St. Tropez on the French Riviera, ending in Monaco.

Vibe

Casual and relaxed. Ten countries were represented on my cruise’s passenger list. Americans made up only about 20% of the total. The international crew is enthusiastic and accommodating.

If you go, don’t miss:

• Climbing the mast for a bird’s eye view from the Crow’s Nest, offered to passengers one day during each week’s cruise.

Me in the Crow’s Nest, aboard the Star Flyer (© Debbra Dunning Brouillette)

Crow’s Nest, Star Flyer (© Debbra Dunning Brouillette)

• The photo opportunity of the week! Board one of the tender boats to photograph the ship under full sail from all sides.

Star Flyer, Mediterranean Sea (© Debbra Dunning Brouillette)

• Witnessing the raising of the sails as the ship leaves for the next port of call.

Star Flyer crew, Star Clippers (© Debbra Dunning Brouillette)

Highlights of our Mediterranean ports of call:

Published article – Star Clippers Mediterranean cruise:

Stow away

Seven nights on a clipper in the Mediterranean isn’t enough, couple finds

BALEARIC ISLANDS, CORSICA AND FRANCE — Mediterranean blue had been nothing more than a one-dimensional color on a paint chart for me until it came to life vividly during a seven-night cruise aboard the Star Flyer, one of three tall ships in the Star Clippers fleet.

Sailing through two of Spain’s Balearic Islands, we hit the French island of Corsica, St. Tropez on the French Riviera, followed by the tiny principality of Monaco…

Read the rest of the article, published in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, by opening a PDF here: Star Clippers Mediterranean Article

An online link to the article can be accessed here.

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