Being sailors ourselves, we were looking forward to our 7-day cruise on the Star Clipper.  She is one

of three ships in the Star Clippers fleet.  As soon as I laid eyes on her I fell in love… she was docked in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, just across on another pier was a large Carnival Cruise Lines ship which made the Star Clipper look quite small and made me feel quite special to be going aboard. A four masted sailing vessel, she stood out and stood proud.

Our first night on board was a little rock and roll but I slept like a baby.  The next morning I woke up to a beautiful scene through my porthole window – such beautiful water and blue clear skies.  Up on the Sun Deck, sitting with a mimosa in hand and this wonderful ship all around me just made for a peaceful feeling.  All the rigging and sails made you wonder how they raised all that heavy material before electric winches.  We were given the opportunity to find out, as that evening the passengers were invited to raise one of the four mainsails as we pulled anchor and headed for our next destination.

Once under sail, the guests were also invited to take the helm and actually control the ship.  A friend of mine did take the helm and it was hard to get her to give it up to someone else.

The dining room aboard Star Clipper was as elegant as any ship I had been on, just on a much smaller scale.   The wine steward was wonderful and, if you found a wine you liked, he was there offering it to you the next evening.  The food was outstanding and the waiters were very efficient.  We were pleased the captain joined us for dinner on our last night as sea, although I don’t know how glad he was, as our group decided it was the night to put on our pirate clothes for dinner!  Lunches and dinners were set up as buffets but the choices were many and very delicious.  In the early evening, around 4:30pm, a buffet of appetizers was set up on the Main Deck next to the bar

and happy hour began with music being supplied by a one-man band that was very enjoyable.  He was also our entertainment for dancing after dinner and played such a variety that you always enjoyed listening and dancing to the music.

The crew/staff usually had more than one job on board.  The nurse, Amy, would help in the dining room at dinner as a waiter’s assistant and often you would see your waiter during the day working on different projects on the ship.  Some nights we were entertained by the ship’s crew as they provided skits for us that were hilarious.

Our cabin was very nice with two beds put together making a queen size bed.  We had the standard TV/DVD and ample room to walk around.  The bathroom was not big enough for two people to maneuver at one time, but was still fully equipped including a drying rack for wet bathing suits.

Yes, Star Clippers offered everything we wanted – food, drinks, water sports, relaxation, swimming pools (yes, there are two), library, sunning deck, relaxation, entertainment, knowledge and did I mention – relaxation! Would we go again?  We are already planning a trip aboard her sister ship, the Star Flyer for a Costa Rica adventure in 2013.  Can’t wait!!!

Vaneva O’Hara
Cruise Specialists