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appeared in the August issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.
Do you have clients who love to sail the seas, yet have cruised on most of the big mainstream ships and are looking for something new and different?
Perhaps they’d like a really unusual oceangoing experience, on a smaller, yacht-like ship. One in which they can pitch in raising the sails, if they like.In which case, travel advisor Gudrun Vest, of Solé Travel, an affiliate of Travel Society and Virtuoso in Manitou Springs, Colo., might recommend Star Clippers. This company operates three sailing yachts – the twin 166-passenger, four-masted Star Flyer and Star Clipper, and the 227-guest, five-masted Royal Clipper.
“We know everybody wants something different and unique these days,” Vest said. “They don’t want to go where everybody else is. So, it’s really not limited to any budget, it’s what that client wants.”
When the sails need to be fixed, it’s done on board. (Source: Theresa Norton)
Vest and I sailed on Star Flyer in late April, from Malaga, Spain, through the Balearic Islands such as Ibiza, Mallorca and Minorca, to Civitavecchia, the port for Rome.
During the voyage, passengers could help raise the sails – none are operated by computer – relax in the hammock-like bowsprit, visit the bridge, climb up the mast (in a harness, of course!) and sometimes even steer the vessel. The ships have motors to help keep to the schedule, if needed, as well as stabilizers.
“If you want to participate, you can,” Vest said. “They might ask you to steer the ship. I think that’s really unique. And I don’t think that’s limited to budget people or luxury people. It depends on the person.”
“I have all types of clientele and, obviously, my challenge is always getting the right fit,” she added. “It’s a lot like art. What works for one doesn’t work for the other. I have several luxury clients that love this because of the uniqueness.”
Here’s an overview of the ship’s features.
Star Flyer in the Caribbean (Source: Star Clippers)
Accommodations
Built in 1991, Star Flyer offers basic, cozy cabins. I stayed in a Category 3 Outside Cabin on the Commodore Deck, which is a 118-square-foot space on the lowest deck.
There was certainly enough room for me in a double bed – other cabins have twins and all have a pull-down third berth. Every cabin has a TV and a bathroom with a shower and hairdryer.
The porthole was level with the sea – there were times the splashing water looked like a washing machine! I liked it, though, and must admit I slept like a baby due to the gentle rocking, including when the seas were rougher.
Other accommodations range from the 86-square-foot inside cabin with upper and lower berths and a bathroom with shower, to the 237-square-foot Owner’s Cabin, which has a double bed, sitting area, minibar and bathroom with tub.
What For Dinner?
Mealtimes are casual, with a breakfast and lunch buffet or, sometimes, a midday barbecue on shore. Dinner service is a la carte. No reservations are required, and guests may dine at any table with companions of their choice. Mealtimes are listed in the Daily Program and may vary, but dinner is generally from 7:30 to 10 p.m. local time.
Attire is casual, but shorts are not accepted in the Dining Room, and there is a gala night during where guests might dress up a bit. Men are requested to wear shirts with collar and sleeves. Alcoholic beverages are not included but reasonably priced.
Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare and the line suggests €8 (about US $8.70 at press time) per day, per person. Tips are divided among the waiters and stewards and can be paid by credit card.
Public Areas
Star Flyer has sunbathing space, two plunge pools, an outdoor bar, a library and a piano lounge.
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