Indian Ocean & Suez Canal with Durban Stay & Game Reserve
Date: 2 Apr 2024
Duration: 28 nights
Ship: Splendida
Line: MSC Cruises
Date Sailed | November 2007 |
Cruise Line | Star Clippers |
Ship Name | Star Clipper |
Destination | 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.
Dining and Food | 7 / 10 |
Spa and Gym | 2 / 10 |
Entertainment | 2 / 10 |
Childrens Facilities | N/A / 10 |
Accomodation | 6.5 / 10 |
Shore Excursions | 8 / 10 |
Service | 8 / 10 |
Luxury | 6 / 10 |
Value For Money | 8 / 10 |
Drinks Packages | N/A / 10 |
Date: 2 Apr 2024
Duration: 28 nights
Ship: Splendida
Line: MSC Cruises
£2,699 OUTSIDE
£2,999 BALCONY
Date: 12 Jun 2025
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Marella Explorer 2
Line: Marella Cruises
£2,746 OUTSIDE
£3,233 BALCONY
Date: 11 Jun 2024
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Regent Seven Seas Explorer
Line: Regent Seven Seas
Date: 17 Oct 2024
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Infinity
Line: Celebrity Cruises
£1,492 OUTSIDE
£1,806 BALCONY
Date: 6 Sep 2024
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Icon of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£1,893 OUTSIDE
£1,976 BALCONY
Date: 12 Feb 2025
Duration: 10 nights
Ship: Adventure of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£2,649 OUTSIDE
£2,679 BALCONY
Date: 19 Apr 2024
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Constellation
Line: Celebrity Cruises
£2,979 OUTSIDE
£5,499 SUITE
Date: 12 Feb 2026
Duration: 10 nights
Ship: Icon of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£3,099 OUTSIDE
£3,199 BALCONY
Date: 9 Feb 2024
Duration: 20 nights
Ship: Vista
Line: Oceania Cruises
Date: 30 Aug 2025
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Voyager of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£1,799 OUTSIDE
£2,149 BALCONY
Date: 5 Aug 2024
Duration: 10 nights
Ship: Island Princess
Line: Princess Cruises
£1,679 OUTSIDE
£1,799 BALCONY
Date: 18 Jun 2024
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Marella Discovery 2
Line: Marella Cruises
£2,129 OUTSIDE
£2,602 BALCONY
Date: 19 Nov 2024
Duration: 16 nights
Ship: Regent Seven Seas Explorer
Line: Regent Seven Seas
Date: 29 Jun 2024
Duration: 5 nights
Ship: MSC Virtuosa
Line: MSC Cruises
£548 BALCONY
£652 OUTSIDE
Date: 15 Jul 2025
Duration: 16 nights
Ship: Allura
Line: Oceania Cruises
£7,449 SUITE
Date: 8 Oct 2025
Duration: 20 nights
Ship: Westerdam
Line: Holland America Line
£3,549 OUTSIDE
£3,949 BALCONY
Date: 7 Mar 2024
Duration: 23 nights
Ship: Serenade of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£3,649 OUTSIDE
£5,279 BALCONY
Date: 11 Jul 2024
Duration: 11 nights
Ship: Regent Seven Seas Grandeur
Line: Regent Seven Seas
Date: 28 Aug 2025
Duration: 10 nights
Ship: Royal Princess
Line: Princess Cruises
£3,299 BALCONY
£3,649 SUITE
Date: 24 May 2024
Duration: 8 nights
Ship: Sky Princess
Line: Princess Cruises
£932 BALCONY
£981 OUTSIDE