If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind sailing adventure, a cruise on the Royal Clipper is a must! The Royal Clipper is the largest sailing vessel in the world, part of the Star Clippers fleet.
After experiencing a cruise on the Royal Clipper, you’ll understand why it creates superfans among its previous customers.
They’ve discovered an alternative to traditional cruising and can’t wait to book their next cruise!
In fact, many guests that we met during our sailing were proud to have many cruises on the Royal Clipper “under their belt.”
Thanks again to Star Clippers for hosting my cruise for review purposes. All opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links.
From the moment you set your eyes on the ship for the first time, you know you’re about to begin a magical adventure unlike anything you’ve experienced.
This adventure is intentionally unlike any other cruise.
Make no mistake, the star is the ship. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
In 2001, the Royal Clipper was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s largest square rigger in service.”
Her 42 sails measure 54,000 square feet, and her length is 439 feet.
Tradition refers to ships in the feminine as a nurturing and protective figure guiding the crew.
She’ll capture your attention and intrigue in ways that over-the-top entertainment in an auditorium on a large ship can’t.
In fact, this ship demands your attention with its power and beauty.
You’re invited to sync up and reset from life’s busy pace with moments of rest and deep gratitude because you’re about to experience something truly special.
It beckons you back to enjoying the simpler things, like a morning cup of coffee with a view, watching a gorgeous sunset, or listening to the wind rustle and blow through the sails.
It’s also nice to celebrate the scenic views with your drink of choice in hand, too. Pina Coladas taste better in the Caribbean.
The Royal Clipper was inspired by the five-masted, legendary ship, known as “Preussen”, built in 1902.
During your time at sea, it’s easy to envision another era when explorers sailed across the world into the unknown.
How Many Guests Are Onboard The Royal Clipper?
There is a maximum of 227 guests onboard, which makes it easy to make friends that you’ll actually see again if you want to.
There’s also plenty of room to spread out away from people if you prefer more solitude.
The languages spoken on the cruise are English, German, and French, providing opportunities to interact with guests and staff from around the world.
We enjoyed meeting other international guests on “holiday” who also shared an enthusiasm for travel.
Explore the Sun Deck
The Sun Deck is 19,000 square feet and has 3 swimming pools.
For scale, my husband, 6 ft 4, is sitting in the center pool. The edge inside the pool provides seating around the perimeter if you don’t want to fully sit and submerge in the water.
One of the larger swimming pools doubles as a skylight, allowing natural light into the ship’s 3-story atrium.
It’s also good to know that in case you don’t want people to be able to see your silhouette swimming above them.
Throughout the deck, there are plenty of lounge chairs available for guests to sunbathe or relax in the shade.
An Environmentally Friendly Sailing
The sailing vessel produces clean energy using high-quality, low-sulphur gas oil.
There is a total of 42 sails that cover 54,000 sq ft., and the engine power is only used when there isn’t enough wind.
The sails aren’t computerized, and it’s so impressive to watch the crew in action.
Each time they raise the sails while playing the soundtrack “1492 – The Conquest of Paradise,” you’ll feel like you’re part of the majestic voyage.
Guests have the opportunity to chat with the captain and crew on the bridge. Just ask permission and if it’s a good time before you enter.
Relax and Play at the Marina Platform on the Royal Clipper
Guests have access to watersport activities at the Marina Platform, including kayaks, floats, sailing dinghies, water skiing, and windsurfing equipment at the water sports platform located at the stern.
The opportunity to access the water sports platform is when the ship is at anchor. The availability of watersports depends on the current weather conditions and local regulations.
As a Midwest gal, I was a little intimidated to jump off a platform into the deep blue ocean amongst the unknown sea life below me.
Thankfully, it was uneventful, and it was really relaxing to lie on the floating mats tethered together for guests to enjoy. Staff are also stationed nearby if you need assistance.
It was also good to know that I was a short swim back to the platform when I was done with my time on the water.
Climb the Mast to the Passenger Crow’s Nest
Several times a week, there’s an opportunity for guests to climb the mast to one of the passengers Crow’s Nest, a lower height than the other Crow’s Nest on the ship.
Timing is everything for this one, so pay attention to the sign-up times.
I missed one of the sign-ups, and they ran out of time on the day I was signed up because we needed to depart for another port. (I was at the bottom of the list because I missed the proper time to sign up)
Guests wear a safety harness and wait their turn to climb the rope ladder that takes them 75 feet above water level. Wear closed-toed shoes and be mindful of your wardrobe choice to be “harness-ready.”
You may want shorts with a pocket for your phone or a cell phone lanyard to wear to capture footage at the top.
Relax in the Bowsprit Net
Guests can climb and relax on two netted sections of the bowsprit at the front of the ship.
You’ll want to double-check with the crew before crossing over the railing onto the net in case they need to do any maintenance in that area.
For scale, compare the image of my husband and me on the net with me sitting solo on the net.
You can relax in the net like a giant hammock.
It’s exhilarating to only have a rope between you and the rushing waves below.
More than one guest can easily sit on the net on each side. Wear closed-toed shoes to make climbing the netting more comfortable for your feet.
Enjoy the View from a Hidden Balcony
You can sit on a hidden balcony on either side of the bow.
It gives you another way to enjoy the view straight ahead on the water from the bench seat.
Main Deck
The Observation Lounge has a bar and multiple high-top tables with stools.
You can refill your water bottles at the fountain near the bar.
Piano Bar
The Piano Bar area is a great place to meet up with friends or enjoy a pre- or post-dinner drink from the Tropical Bar.
Library
The library has a daily news sheet if you’re inclined to keep up with what’s going on in the world while you’re away, or you can get lost in one of the books on the shelves.
There is an assortment of books in the library, ranging in topics and languages for guests to enjoy during their cruise.
Captain Nemo Lounge
Captain Nemo Lounge is a health club and spa with underwater glass portholes.
We didn’t spend time on the fitness equipment, but I did enjoy getting pampered at their spa.
I enjoyed their hot lava shell massage treatment, and I even added more time during my massage because I was so relaxed.
The spa offers a range of services, including facials and massages.
Guests will be in awe watching the crew raise and lower the sails. My husband even joined an opportunity where guests could “help” raise the sails.
The ship can reach speeds between 7 and 18 knots.
Our 7-day Sailing Itinerary on the Royal Clipper
The Royal Clipper sails all over the world, and our cruise was to the Grenadine Islands, starting and ending in Barbados.
- Saturday – Bridgetown, Barbados
- Sunday- Captain’s best, Grenadines
- Monday- St George’s, Grenada
- Tuesday- Tobago Cays, Grenadines
- Wednesday- Kingstown, St Vincent (AM) / Admiralty Bay, Bequia (PM)
- Thursday- Fort-de-France, Martinique (AM)/ Beach, Martinique (PM)
- Friday- Marigot Bay, St Lucia (AM) Friday – Soufrière, St Lucia (PM)
- Saturday- Bridgetown, Barbados
Snorkeling Opportunities
Guests on the Royal Clipper have several opportunities to snorkel from shore and can use a loaner snorkel mask and fins during their sailing.
I used the loaner fins and the full-face snorkel mask I brought from home, and my husband opted to use the full loaner set when he snorkeled.
I acknowledge that my full-face snorkel mask looked ridiculous, but I don’t care.
I could focus on the magical moment of snorkeling a safe distance from a sea turtle without the distraction of constantly adjusting my mask.
Excursions on the Royal Clipper
I was told that most passengers typically choose only one to two excursions during their sailing adventure to maintain the laid-back vibe.
If you’re debating between a few excursion options, I highly recommend asking the cruise director for their suggestions based on what you’re interested in.
There were a few ports where the ship parked directly at the dock, but you’ll take a tender boat to most ports.
One of the perks of a smaller ship is that you can visit ports that larger ships can’t get into.
Disembarking at the larger ports is also a faster process compared to passengers getting off the larger cruise ships.
We opted for two excursions, one in St. Vincent and one in St. Lucia, and we also visited with friends who lived on one of the islands.
The Saint Vincent (Kingstown) – Reef life tour was 3.5 hours and included a relaxing boat ride, snorkeling a coral reef, and rum punch.
The Saint Lucia (Soufrière Bay) Natural attractions of La Soufrière tour was almost 3 hours long.
The tour included Sulphur Springs park, the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano, Soufriere Estate’s Diamond Botanical Gardens, Waterfall & Mineral Baths, and scenic views of the Pitons while enjoying local rum on the veranda.
We enjoyed both excursions that we chose because they were each very different experiences on the water and on land.
Airport Transfers
Star Clippers offers optional transfers from the airport to the cruise terminal upon reservation. You can opt for a shared transfer, a private transfer, or a pre-cruise hotel.
Tour a Cabin Room on the Royal Clipper
Our cabin was on the Commodore Deck, specifically room 129.
The cabin was a Category 3 outside cabin. This category either has two beds or a double bed. The bathroom has a shower, and the average cabin dimensions are 145 square feet.
We brought one medium-sized suitcase, one large suitcase, and two backpacks, which we used as our carry-ons for the flights.
The suitcases were stored underneath our bed, and we utilized the closet and drawers. There was also additional storage in a corner cabinet above the bed.
There is also a mini safe underneath the desk next to the dresser.
The closet had more space than I anticipated, with additional shelving above and on the side.
We sleep on a king-size bed at home, so this option was smaller than we’re used to, but doable. I should also note that my husband is 6 feet 4 inches tall.
Guests spend most of their time outside their rooms, but I enjoyed looking out my porthole at the view when I was in the room to change.
Our bathroom was small but had surprisingly more storage space than I initially thought, at first glance.
There were two storage shelves underneath the sink and three shelves that were located behind the bathroom mirror.
Did I Feel Seasick During Our Sailing?
I didn’t feel seasick during our sailing. I did wear anti-nausea bands on my wrists and took some motion sickness pills as a precaution. I probably would have been fine without them, but I didn’t want to take the risk.
The first night was my biggest adjustment to feeling the movement from the waves, and after that night, I slept great the rest of the week.
The Royal Clipper is equipped with a modern stabilizer, providing guests with a comfortable experience during their sailing.
We really enjoyed the gentle swaying that the wind and the waves naturally provided.
Dining on the Royal Clipper
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served in the dining room of the Royal Clipper.
I opted for a fresh pastry and a made-to-order omelet most mornings.
If you’re an early riser, there’s an assortment of pastries, tea, and coffee available before the breakfast bar is officially open.
Mealtimes vary based on the port times of call or activities and are listed in the Daily Program.
The Head Waiter will assist you with your choice of seating in the dining area. You can dine with whom you want to within the dining room hours.
There’s a daily lunch buffet in addition to a salad bar, a carving station, and an assortment of desserts.
There are several options for gluten-free guests, too.
Another treat for the Caribbean cruises is a beachside barbecue one of the days for lunch.
Preview Your Diner Entree Options in Advance
Each evening, you can preview the entrees on the menu before walking down to the dining room.
Sometimes it helps to have a visual ahead of time to narrow down your entrée options.
Our meals were the perfect portion, allowing us to savor each bite without waste or feeling too stuffed afterwards.
Tea and water are included with your cruise.
Alcoholic beverages are an additional charge, but they are very reasonably priced.
My husband and I opted for different desserts and entrees most evenings so that we could also try a bite of each other’s.
The Royal Clipper at Night
The Royal Clipper is magical at all hours, but there is something about sailing under the moonlight.
We spent many evenings on the Sun Deck looking up at the stars and watching the waves ripple from the ship.
There were many evenings when I felt such gratitude and appreciation, experiencing the opportunity to truly be in the moment.
Make sure that you pay attention to the daily schedule because you don’t want to miss the evening when they shine colored lights on the sails while set to music.
Entertainment on the Royal Clipper
Entertainment on the Royal Clipper is less structured than on larger cruise ships, which can be a bit overwhelming with so many options.
Local entertainers are invited to perform on the ship, adding their local culture. The steel band from Grenada was one of our favorites that week.
We had plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music or join a dance lesson during our sailing without experiencing “analysis paralysis” from too many choices of things to do at the same time.
What to Wear/ Pack for the Royal Clipper
The dress attire is pretty casual for guests on the Royal Clipper. You’ll want comfortable clothes that are easy to slip over a swimsuit.
I recommend leaving your heels at home because they’re not worth the discomfort. You need the extra stability for climbing stairs and evenings when you may feel the waves more.
My husband was business casual, wearing golf-style shirts or long-sleeved dress shirts with dress pants for dinners on the cruise.
Shorts aren’t permitted in the dining room during the evenings, and during dinner, men are requested to wear shirts with collars and sleeves.
At some beach ports, you may want to wear your swimsuit with a cover-up over it, with a beach bag or backpack.
I packed dresses for each evening because they required less wardrobe planning and space in my suitcase.
I brought a light sweater in case I got cold in the evenings, but I never needed it during our cruise.
There was also a “White Night” and “Pirate” themed night for dinner. You can dress according to the theme, but if you don’t want to, that’s fine too.
If you don’t want to overpack, laundry and dry cleaning services are available for guests on the ship for an additional fee.
Book an Upcoming Cruise on the Royal Clipper
If you’ve never been on a small ship before, this one is worth considering, but fair warning, the experience will change you in a good way.
The Star Clippers fleet consists of three tall ships that sail year-round to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Central America in addition to Atlantic Ocean crossings.
- Royal Clipper
- Star Clipper
- Star Flyer
You can learn more about upcoming destinations and dates for the Royal Clipper here.
