Star Clipper to Asia

Scupper any notions of a conventional cruise experience on this ship.  The Star Clipper is a full blooded, four mast replica of a classic clipper ship from the 1870's. White hulled and with all of her sails set, the ship is an astonishing, exhilarating sight.

She's also prone to a little ocean going rock and roll. Tall, narrow at the waist and with a low, sweeping hull, Star Clipper does not have stablizers, and she will heel in any breeze. The gangway is usually steep and narrow and, at many ports, passengers have to disembark into tender boats while the ship is still at sea. For passengers suffering from any kind of mobility issues, best perhaps to look elsewhere.

You can also forget the normal, lavish entertainment of the big ships. The Star Clipper herself is the entertainment, as she powers along at full sail by day or night. This ship truly is a small cathedral at sea, an almost relentlessly maritime experience that makes no concession to rock climbing walls or balcony cabins.

You can, however, climb the masts of you're brave enough (I wasn't). Strapped in a harness and with expert guidance, you can enjoy heart stopping views from what must be a truly unique vantage point. And, while the cabins might lack balconies, the bulk of those on board are small, outside, wood trimmed little jewel boxes, complete with twin portholes and a small shower. There is not much drawer and wardrobe space, but then there is a smart casual dress code right throughout the ship.

Star Clipper shows her sinews everywhere. Coiled ropes on deck, polished wood and gleaming brass trim throughout the interiors. The main dining room is set at the bottom of a three storey atrium, looked down on by one of three small plunge pools on the upper deck. There is also a marina at the stern, where kayaks and sail boats can be used in shallow waters.

The food is very good on the whole, though the menus are not as lavish and extensive as those on the big ships.