Cruise Your Means By the Caribbean on the Royal Clipper • We Weblog The World

We had been not too long ago provided an unimaginable media alternative to discover the Caribbean on the tallest crusing ship on the world — sure, actually! Star Clippers Cruises provide distinctive experiences with three totally different ships to select from relying in your pursuits.

Our cruise, which kicked off in Barbados, was on the Royal Clipper which takes 227 passengers, whereas their different two ships, Star Clipper and Star Flyer, each take solely 166 passengers. Our route? We left Barbados after which headed to Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia, adopted by Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Guadeloupe (Iles Des Saintes) after which lastly to Martinique (Anse d’Arlet) earlier than ending off in Bridgetown the place we began.

What choice must you select? Whereas we by no means set sail on one in every of their smaller ships, we did race in opposition to one in every of them whereas we had been within the Caribbean (see beneath — it was a enjoyable expertise). The tradeoffs are apparent. On a smaller ship, your cabin has much less sq. footage and also you gained’t have as many perks and frills. That stated, a smaller ship is extra intimate and offers a extra adventurous expertise for these on board.

What to Count on 

The Royal Clipper is the most important five-masted, full-rigged crusing ship since her predecessor, the Preussen. Their Captain Nemo Lounge homes the spa and well being membership with distinctive underwater glass portholes. Rooms embody double or twin beds that may be transformed to queen-size beds, in addition to marble-lined bogs, a tv with in-house video, a direct dial phone, a hair dryer and comfortable furnishings. A 3-deck atrium welcomes you if you enter the ship, with daylight funneled into an elegantly furnished three-level eating room (btw, the three ranges aren’t provided on the smaller ships).

Beneath is a view of the Royal Clipper with its sails down, taken from the day boat that transports you to shore for day excursions and different actions. On one finish of the ship, there’s a marina platform that lowers to sea stage, so you will get fast entry to watersports actions. A number of the choices embody visits to distant reefs, underwater wrecks and blue lagoons the place marine species are in abundance. 

The deck is spacious with loads of room to stroll round. Of the 227 capability, our cruise had roughly 160 or so passengers. We by no means felt crowded and I think about one other sixty passengers wouldn’t have made a lot distinction, largely as a result of there are hidden balconies you possibly can escape to on both facet of the bow.

The shot beneath was taken one afternoon after we had been 4 days into the cruise. Be aware that I frolicked on the surface decks typically; there’s such a way of freedom if you end up one with the ocean. Every time I frolicked on one of many deck ends, just a few different passengers had been roaming round. The pool was situated within the middle of the principle higher deck. Whereas it was winter season and we had extra rain than different instances of the 12 months, the climate was heat sufficient to lounge outdoors by the pool or on the outdoors bar.

We got a chance to steer the ship as nicely, guided in fact. Be aware beneath among the lounge chairs on the deck (an uncovered choice).

Beneath, one of many crew members respiratory within the majestic, wild, and alluring sea, one thing I made positive to do day by day. Actually, it’s completely breathtaking and being one along with her alluring vastness is to not be missed.

Along with the chance to steer the ship, we had been additionally capable of climb the mast. What an exhilarating journey it was — as soon as on high, there was an space to sit down and take within the views and broad open sky on all sides. You can too be a part of the Captain on the always-open bridge and learn to splice a line, reef a sail or tie a sq. knot.

The Ship at Sundown

After a day stuffed with island actions or ingesting cocktails at one of many native bars, we’d return to the ship for sundown.

The sky transitioned from blue skies and puffy white clouds to an orange and yellow glow, merging as they danced all through the sky. Pink hues later accompanied the layers, including to its magnificence. From solar, wind and vibrancy, we moved to serenity, with mild and enveloping backdrops.

Because the phases of nightfall continued, so did the temper of the passengers, the crew and the ocean itself. All of us had been capable of wind down. The ship wound down. We settled into the vitality of what nightfall encompasses in all her shapes and kinds.

Individuals started to order cocktails. Just a few lied down on the lounge chairs going through the breathtaking views.

Others frolicked on the deck simply taking all of it in.

A pair with children introduced plates of pre-dinner snacks (served on the deck each night) to their children who couldn’t anticipate time for supper.

A pair of their eighties had been already dressed for dinner as they sipped their martinis on one of many barstools at an out of doors bar. A pair subsequent to them had been nonetheless in informal athletic apparel from their day climbing on one in every of our island stops.

Just a few individuals had been dancing to the music enjoying throughout what I assume you could possibly name Completely satisfied Hour. He performed keyboard and his spouse sung. It’s the identical musician who would later accompany us inside at dinner, however quite than his extra peppy and informal keyboard that sits on deck, he was behind a white grand piano as an alternative.

Anthony and I oscillated between our cocktails and chatting with others who we’d gotten to know since we boarded on the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, largely Individuals though just a few Germans, Brits and Aussies made their approach into our conversations over a number of days.

Sometimes, you’d discover somebody within the pool presently because it’s really stunning to swim beneath a dramatic sky as evening begins to fall, bringing us all to stillness for just a few hours earlier than we liven issues up with dancing and extra drinks after dinner.

Dramatic and superbly imposing, there’s nothing like these skies because the day winds down on a cruise ship, particularly one as small and noteworthy because the Royal Clipper. Such a magnificence, isn’t she?

The Cabins

At first, I used to be a bit involved that the cabins can be so small that they wouldn’t even match our massive curler suitcases. In spite of everything, most of my cruise experiences had been on a lot bigger ships. Not the case on board the Royal Clipper. Of the cabin ranges, ours cabin fell in the course of the choices, which equated to extra sq. footage and lightweight from the portholes.

Room selections have some wiggle room, starting from a double or twin beds that may be transformed to queen-size beds. I used to be stunned by the modern-styled marble-lined bogs and the tv with in-house video for such a small ship. There’s additionally a direct dial phone, a hair dryer and a comfortable chair to sit down in on the finish of the mattress.

There was additionally a desk space in our cabin and loads of mirrors. Our closet match all of our garments (hung and on cabinets) though we additionally utilized the drawers (one beneath the mattress), a small bureau on the finish of our mattress and smaller drawers subsequent to the mattress for private gadgets. There was additionally a secure on your useful gadgets comparable to jewellery. Each of our massive curler baggage match comfortably beneath the mattress in addition to the small suitcase we introduced as a carry-on.

I used to be capable of view one in every of their suites as nicely. The room is clearly a lot bigger and has home windows going through the ocean. And naturally, the lavatory is bigger. Beneath, you’ll get an thought of the upgraded choice which comes with its personal tub.

On the Royal Clipper, their 14 deluxe suites provide not only a whirlpool tub, however a non-public verandah and 24-hour room service. All however six of her 98 cabins are outdoors. For the final word indulgence, two 355-square-foot proprietor’s suites could also be mixed to accommodate as much as eight company.

What to Count on: Contained in the Ship

All through the ship, you’ll discover burnished brass fittings and mahogany wood accents, all with a nautical twist. Just a little decadence meets conventional decor, reminding you at instances of yesteryear whereas additionally feeling the heat and luxury of contemporary furnishings.

From the highest stage, as you look down into the center of the ship, you’ll see totally different nooks and crannies of the eating room, the place tables are scattered on either side. You’ll be able to be a part of others at a extra central spherical desk or sit alongside the wall the place you possibly can absorb water views by way of the portholes.

We sat on the beneath 8-top one night; nevertheless, most nights we had been capable of sit on the Captain’s Desk when he was eating in his cabin or working. A white grand piano was not solely a part of the decor however was used every day because the pianist performed a mix of outdated crooner tunes, enjoyable musical numbers and extra conventional songs from the 1970’s and 1980’s. (you’ll want to watch the video on the finish of this text to get a greater thought of the vibe)

Contrasting the darker conventional colours, you’ll discover brighter colourful prints of well-known ships and crusing yachts alongside the partitions.

They provided numerous theme nights, one in every of which was Pirate Night time (beneath) . . .

Then there was White Night time . . . all the time a enjoyable one. It occurred to be the identical evening I made a decision to play that lovely grand piano myself. Oh what a pleasure it was. What did I select? Tony Bennett favorites that my grandmother taught me so a few years in the past. It appeared ever so becoming for the night.

The Library

The library deserves a particular call-out as a result of it’s a tremendous room and it was Anthony’s favourite place to hang around throughout the cruise. He retreated to the air-conditioned, old school library day by day to learn. Sometimes, I’d additionally go there to learn but in addition simply to sit down and BE. I by no means thought I may meditate amongst darkish wood library decor however fairly frankly, it was simply good.

Leisure

As a result of it’s a small ship, there’s no area for large-scale Broadway-style productions or dance performances. For us, that’s a plus! It doesn’t imply that leisure isn’t a part of the agenda. Each evening throughout Completely satisfied Hour, a husband/spouse duo sang and performed keyboard on the surface deck near the bar. The white grand piano was alive each evening over dinner, which was such an exquisite deal with. Beneath I’m on the piano; nevertheless, on the video on the finish of this text, you’ll hear and see a few of his piano enjoying.

In addition they had a expertise present on the final evening with numerous skits from the crew, which was not solely amusing however significant since many people had developed friendships with among the crew members all through our journey. Beneath, the girl on the left was my therapeutic massage therapist for instance.

One night, we had a memorable deal with on the deck. Because the thundering dramatic 1492: Conquest of Paradise by Vangelis performed within the background, they held a lightweight present. We moved from reds to blues to greens and again once more because the lights danced in opposition to the sails and the sides of the deck of the ship whereas the music blared in all instructions. Stunning.

In addition they satisfaction themselves on bringing in native expertise from the areas we’re visiting. On this case, we had a pan drum efficiency one evening, which you’ll hear on the video on the finish of the article.

Principally, we beloved hanging out with individuals we met alongside the way in which, dancing, ingesting and connecting . . . together with the wonderful crew.

Beneath, Anthony with English Arthur who had us in stitches along with his tales and at different instances, almost in tears as he talked about his struggle years. I had the sense that he discovered a brand new set of ears each evening as he had such fascinating tales to share.

One particular evening after a speech from the Captain, the crew sang as lots of them paraded across the eating room with totally different flags from all over the world.

Drinks & Meals

When individuals discuss their cruise expertise, you’ll discover one constant thread throughout all the conversations — the meals. Eating is a giant (and integral) a part of any cruise, whether or not it’s a big ship, a river cruise or a tall crusing ship just like the Royal Clipper.

Every morning, you’re greeted by an in depth buffet, stuffed with fruit, yoghurt, an assortment of cheese and meats, oatmeal and cereals. There’s additionally a scorching meals part the place you possibly can go for a extra conventional (and filling) selection, comparable to ham, sausage, bacon and eggs, french toast, pancakes and scrambled eggs.

They have an inclination to cater to the predominant teams on board after which they complement the menu with different gadgets. On our cruise, Brits dominated adopted by Germans after which Individuals. There have been additionally Italians, Mexicans, South Individuals, Canadians, and Aussies. For us, it was wonderful to satisfy attention-grabbing individuals from all over the world. What this eclectic mix meant for the buffet was loads of jams, pates, cheese, seeds, nuts, loaves of bread, croissants and muffins. I must also be aware the omelet station since I went there virtually every day.

Lunch was equally delicious with a buffet loaded with each cold and warm gadgets. I tended to go for the more healthy and lighter salads, sometimes throwing one in every of their recent fish choices on high. There was all the time a soup as nicely and loads of veggies, meats, and starches.

One factor they boast is their “no tie” or formal clothes requirement, which makes it straightforward for the journey traveler. Like many cruise ships, the Royal Clipper provided a sit-down meal in the principle eating room (no assigned seating) each evening. There have been a number of choices to select from on the menu, together with vegetarian dishes.

From unimaginable salads and appetizers to mains and desserts, their cooks did an excellent job delivering evening after evening. To offer you a style of a few of their appetizers, listed below are just a few we beloved: Antipasti Ligurian Riveria, Goat Cheese marinated in honey and almonds, Octopus Carpaccio with Apple Saffron dressing (yum), Courgette Rolls with Feta Cheese, Rooster Tempura, Marinated Artichoke Hearts with Grapefruit, Candy Pepper and Capers (it was a heavenly mixture), and Melon Tomato with Parma Ham.

There have been additionally some wonderful soups as nicely, comparable to Cream of Lobster, Tomato Soup with Pesto, an Apple Soup with Horseradish, Cream of Mushroom, and conventional French Onion, which Anthony ordered (it’s his favourite). Just a few appetizers beneath.

There have been many recent seafood dishes provided all through our cruise, every one memorable.

The fish was off the charts. Just a few examples included Grilled Tilapia with Asparagus and Inexperienced Peas, Pan-Fried Fillet of Salmon with Dried Tomatoes and Olive Oil, Grilled Pike Fillet with Herb Risotto, Steamed Sea Bass with Veggies, and Purple Snapper with Courgettes and Wild Garlic Pesto. So delish!

We didn’t stay on seafood throughout our complete Caribbean keep and there have been loads of attention-grabbing different choices as nicely. For instance, their Rooster Breast with Tandoori Yoghurt Sauce was a delicious dish, as was their Roast Beef with Asparagus (beneath). As for our favorites? The Pulled Pork with Grilled Apples, the Corn and Pepper Fritters (vegetarian), the Tortolan Type Duck Breast, and their Braised Knuckle of Lamb, which I had with out their urged garlic creamed potatoes. Undecided who I used to be kidding by skipping the carbs since I had a big dessert an hour later.

Different veggie selections included Stuffed Bell Peppers and Eggplant, Vegetable Stew with Garlic Croutons, Mushroom and Potato Beans Tart and a Stew with Fried Plantains and Dumplings.

There was a beautiful wine choice on the menu as nicely. Relying on the dish or temper, we oscillated typically between the S. Veran, Terres Secretes 2020 French Burgundy and the 2022 South African Petit Chenin Blanc from Ken Forrester for whites. We gravitated to their 2020 Chateau Cartier, St. Emilion G. Cru French Bordeaux (it’s a wine I’m personally conversant in), and their 2020 French Chateaneuf du Pape, Cos St. Michel from Rhone Valley. For apparent causes, that they had extra European wine alternatives and never solely had been they nice accompaniments to the meals, however moderately priced too (29 to 40 euros per bottle).

Whereas we are inclined to keep away from desserts 99% of the time in our on a regular basis lives, after we journey to locations with wonderful meals, we splurge. Not all the time, however virtually all the time. Fact be instructed, I didn’t all the time eat the dessert after dinner however I all the time had dessert at lunch on the Royal Clipper. There have been so many scrumptious choices to select from day by day, neither one in every of us may cease ourselves from having fun with the current second. Chocolate, hazelnut, crème brûlée, mousse, puddings, and do-it-yourself tarts had been all a part of that “YES PLEASE” expertise.

For a few of our real-time meals postings, you’ll want to try our Luxury Foodies Instagram feed, the place we posted a number of nice dishes and desserts.

After all there have been Fruit Melbas and Sorbets, however the perfect desserts had chocolate in them. Okay, so I’m biased. Okay, so I really like chocolate. Okay, it’s onerous for me to seek out something flawed with any chocolate dessert. So, when Chocolate Mousse got here by, I couldn’t refuse, nor may I say no to the Pistachio Ice Cream, one in every of my favorites and so not often provided in eating places. Espresso something has me at whats up (identical for Anthony), so we had been thrilled with their Espresso Panna Cotta, Amaretto Cream Profiteroles and Darkish Chocolate Gateau “Marquise.”

I had a cappuccino each evening as a result of why not? Just a few different wonderful dessert call-outs embody their Cherries Jubilee, Floating Island Dessert with Dates, Cheesecake, Raspberry Yogurt Mousse, and their traditional French Apple Tart – good with any of their ice cream flavors and there have been a number of.

And the way’s this for a singular one? Chardonnay Sorbet. This wasn’t essentially meant to be served as a dessert (it was listed between programs) however in the end you could possibly finish your meal with it. I think about it will go nicely with one in every of their cheese platters and a dessert wine.

There was no scarcity of cheese choices so if dessert isn’t your factor, you could possibly order Fontina with Nuts, Goat Cheese with Honey, French Brie Garnished with Dry Fruit, Gouda, and extra.

Hats off to their Government Chef Frederick Escueta and the pinnacle waiter Rio Adhitio. Bravissimo!

Yoga on Board

From full-blown decadence on a several-course meal, effective wine, and desserts to committing to your well being the very subsequent day, you are able to do all of it. One of many issues that significantly drew us to this tall ship cruise was the provision of a yoga trainer day by day. We hit it off with Shannon, a yoga teacher from Ohio who approached holistic and integrative religious apply in an analogous approach to our personal path. Rain or shine, wind or calm, she was on the deck main courses.

The beauty of displaying up for a yoga class on the principle deck is your entry to the views and the great thing about the ocean round you. It has a approach of connecting you to nature in a approach you merely can’t get in a standard studio.

80% of the week, we had calm late afternoons and mornings. That stated, there have been a few significantly windy days that challenged all of us. At first, it was a type of awkward moments, every of us discreetly glancing at one another, our eyes all saying the identical factor: “How on earth are we going to drag off that pose with this wind?”

At one level, the wind made it so unattainable to carry a pose, that a number of of us fell onto our mats, burst out laughing and went into baby pose as a approach to settle for if not embrace the wind stirring round us. As Shannon so rightfully identified in that treasured second, “Our yoga apply isn’t all the time about good moments. It’s within the moments the place we’re most challenged, that our yoga apply turns into much more helpful.” This assertion couldn’t be extra related that day.

Yoga wasn’t the one factor that allowed us to remain wholesome and balanced on the Royal Clipper. Whereas most cruise traces have a gymnasium and spa on board, I beloved the intimacy of the ship, the smaller variety of passengers and the dedication by so many to Shannon’s yoga courses.

Should you love cruising, however lead a religious and holistic life and wonder if it’ll be a match, discovering one with a yoga trainer, gymnasium and spa on board is a should. Decide to displaying up day by day, reserving just a few spa appointments, ingesting low-sugar juices, loads of greens and salads. You can too make the most of recent coconut milk and papayas on each island cease. It was a significant plus that the Royal Clipper had yoga obtainable. Bravo!

The Fitness center & Spa

We each made it to the gymnasium. The machines (treadmill, bikes, and sculpting) had been surrounded by mirrors and there have been free weights in addition to a bench, which made Anthony a contented camper. This was very true given our dedication to desserts for a few weeks, a uncommon splurge on our half. The truth that there was yoga, a gymnasium and a spa on board made it a lot simpler to justify consuming extra and fairly frankly, having fun with all of it with out the guilt.

Primarily based on my expertise with far too many accommodations and resorts, I’m all the time a bit cautious in regards to the high quality of spa providers. I used to be pleasantly stunned that my first therapeutic massage was top-notch, a lot in order that I went again for a second one. She wasn’t obtainable however the different masseuse was simply as unimaginable.

To offer you an thought of among the remedies, they included a handful you’d count on, comparable to an Categorical Facial, Scalp, Again and Neck Massages, Signature Massages and Reflexology. The Star Clippers Signature is a Sizzling Lava Shell Therapeutic massage, meant to remove muscular stress, calm the nervous system and stimulate blood and lymph circulation.

Different kinds of massages included Oriental, Swedish, Lomi Lomi (impressed by Hawaiian magnificence rituals), and African Therapeutic massage. I additionally beloved their Exfoliating Physique Scrubs and one thing they name the Hawaiian Archipelago. The latter, which is a two-hour therapy, combines sprucing with a guava puree, adopted by a Blue Hawaiian Jelly wrap, and a Lomi Lomi therapeutic massage utilizing each Monoi Oil and Physique Milk with Coco. There are additionally showers on-site and a steam room with marble tiles. Two thumbs up!

Island Excursions

Each cruise (nicely, almost each cruise) provides some type of tour if you land at a vacation spot. In our case, it was the Windward Islands within the Caribbean: Barbados, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Iles Des Saintes and Martinique. In St. Lucia, they provided an Aerial Tram. In Dominica, you had the choice of both an Indian River Boat Cruise or the Syndicate Nature Path. Antigua had fairly just a few choices: a Cover Tour, a Jet Ski Journey, Studying the right way to make Rum, a Kayak Eco Tour or Swimming with the Rays.

St. Kitts provided the Important St. Kitts Tour, which we took, or the island by prepare by way of the Scenic Railway. On the Isles Des Saintes, you could possibly head out on a speedboat to go snorkeling or expertise the Blue Escape on a clear-bottom kayak (all the time enjoyable within the Caribbean). In Martinique, they provided a tour that explored the southern a part of the island. As is customary with the sort of cruise, we tendered every day to a brand new island.

This shot was taken in Saint Lucia, stopping alongside the highway at one in every of their breathtaking viewpoints.

In St. Kitts, we had been capable of see a Batik artist in motion: she made distinctive designs on wraps, tablecloths, t-shirts and baggage,

Iles Des Saintes was one in every of our favourite stops, largely due to its French affect, nice outlets and cocktails and great walks by way of the village surrounding the port.

Beneath, cocktails galore in Barbados. One other pina colada please!

Since we love tradition (and pictures), we went into extra element on the island visits, so you’ll want to learn our article: How to Experience the Carribbean Islands which fits into extra depth about what we did on every island. They embody a boat-load of images and a video.

Here’s a quick video of our time on the Royal Clipper which brings among the descriptions on this submit to life.

Additionally, you’ll want to learn our articles: How to Experience Barbados, Barbados for Foodies and Barbados Stays for Luxury & Fun.

For extra info on Star Clippers Cruises, visit their main website. For extra info on the Royal Clipper, you’ll want to visit this site which supplies you all the small print, together with the right way to guide a cruise with them.

Curious the place they go? There are many thrilling selections, together with Africa, Canary Islands, all the Caribbean, Europe, the Greek Islands, the Mediterranean, Mexico, Central America, the Panama Canal and South America. In addition they provide a Transalantic cruise as nicely. Woot woot!