Cruise Your Manner Via the Caribbean on the Royal Clipper • We Weblog The World

We had an unimaginable alternative to discover the Caribbean on the tallest crusing ship on the world — sure, actually! Star Clippers Cruises supply a novel expertise with three totally different ships to select from relying in your pursuits and sort of cruise you’d wish to take.

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 170 passengers. Our route? We left Barbados after which left for Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Guadeloupe (Iles Des Saintes to be particular) after which lastly to Martinique (Anse d’Arlet) earlier than ending off in Bridgetown the place we began.

What possibility must you select? Whereas we by no means set sail on certainly one of their smaller ships, we did race towards certainly one of them whereas we have been within the Caribbean (see under — it was positively a enjoyable reminiscence btw), the tradeoffs are apparent. On a smaller ship, your cabin measurement can have much less sq. footage and also you gained’t have as many perks and frills. That mentioned, a smaller ship is extra intimate and supplies a extra adventurous expertise for these on board.

What to Count on 

Royal Clipper is the biggest 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 cozy 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 will not be provided on the smaller ships).

Under 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 degree, so you may get speedy entry to watersports actions. A few 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 many spots to cover away, reminiscent of one of many hidden balconies on both facet of the bow.

The shot under was taken one afternoon after we have been 4 days into the cruise. Word that I frolicked on the skin decks typically; there’s such a way of freedom if you find yourself one with the ocean. Every time I hung out on one of many deck ends, only some different passengers have been roaming round. The pool was positioned within the heart of the primary 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 exterior by the pool or on the exterior bar.

We got a chance to steer the ship as effectively, guided in fact. Word under among the lounge chairs on the deck (an uncovered possibility).

Under, one of many crew members respiratory within the majestic, wild, and alluring sea, one thing I made certain to do daily. Actually, it’s completely breathtaking and being one together with her alluring vastness is to not be missed.

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

The Ship at Sundown

After a day full of 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 light and enveloping backdrops.

Because the levels of nightfall continued, so did the temper of the passengers, the crew and the ocean itself. All of us have been capable of wind down. The ship wound down. We settled into the power 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 hung out on the deck simply taking all of it in.

A pair with youngsters introduced plates of pre-dinner snacks (served on the deck each night) to their youngsters who couldn’t look forward to dinner time.

A pair of their eighties have 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 have been nonetheless in informal athletic apparel from their day mountaineering on certainly one of our island stops.

Just a few individuals have been dancing to the music taking part in throughout what I assume you can name Glad Hour. He performed keyboard and his spouse sung. It’s the identical musician who would later accompany us inside at dinner, however somewhat 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 People though just a few Germans, Brits and Aussies made their manner into our conversations over a number of days.

Often, you’d discover somebody within the pool at the moment because it’s really stunning to swim under 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 could be so small that they wouldn’t even match our giant 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 decisions 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 mushy chair to take a seat 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 below 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 protected in your worthwhile gadgets reminiscent of jewellery. Each of our giant curler baggage match comfortably below the mattress in addition to the small suitcase we introduced as a carry-on.

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

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

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. Somewhat decadence meets conventional decor, reminding you at instances of yesteryear whereas additionally feeling the heat and luxury of recent furnishings.

From the highest degree, 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 possibly can go for a extra central desk or sit alongside the wall so you’ll be able to absorb no matter views you’ll be able to marvel at by the portholes.

We sat on the under 8-top one night; nevertheless, most nights we have 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 mixture of outdated crooner tunes, enjoyable musical numbers and extra conventional songs from the 1970’s and 1980’s.

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

They provided totally different theme nights, certainly one of which was Pirate Evening (under) . . .

Then there was White Evening . . . at all times 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 fairly frankly, it was unbelievable. Anthony retreated to the air-conditioned old school library daily to learn. Often, I’d additionally go there to learn but in addition simply to take a seat 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 manufacturing 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 Glad Hour, a husband/spouse duo sang and performed keyboard on the skin deck near the bar. And the white grand piano is purring alongside each evening over dinner, which is an excellent deal with. Under 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 taking part in.

Additionally they had a expertise present on the final evening with varied 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. Under, the lady on the left was my therapeutic massage therapist for example.

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 towards the sails and the sides of the deck of the ship whereas the music blared in all instructions. Lovely.

Additionally they delight themselves on bringing in native expertise from the places we’re visiting. On this case, we had a pan drum efficiency one evening, which you’ll be able to hear on the video on the finish. (scroll down).

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

Under, Anthony with English Arthur who had us in stitches together with his tales and at different instances, practically in tears as he talked about his warfare 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 a lot of them paraded across the eating room with totally different flags from around the globe.

Drinks & Meals

When individuals discuss their cruise expertise, you’ll discover one constant thread throughout the entire conversations — the meals. Eating is an enormous (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, full of fruit, yoghurt, an assortment of cheese and meats, oatmeal and cereals. There’s additionally a sizzling meals part the place you’ll be able to go for a extra conventional (and filling) selection, reminiscent of ham, sausage, bacon and eggs, french toast, pancakes and scrambled eggs.

They have a tendency to cater to the predominant teams on board after which they complement the menu with different gadgets as effectively in fact. On our cruise, Brits dominated adopted by Germans after which People. There have been additionally Italians, Mexicans, South People, Canadians, and Aussies. For us, it was a pleasant deal with since we have been capable of meet numerous fascinating individuals from Europe. What this eclectic mix meant for the buffet was loads of jams, pates, and cheese choices. Oh sure, and seeds, nuts, loaves of bread, croissants and muffins. I must also observe the omelet station since I went there nearly 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 certainly one of their contemporary fish choices on prime. There was at all times a soup possibility as effectively and loads of veggies, meats, and starches.

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

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 here are just a few we cherished: Antipasti Ligurian Riveria, Goat Cheese marinated in honey and almonds, Octopus Carpaccio with Apple Saffron dressing (wow, proper?), Courgette Rolls with Feta Cheese, Rooster Tempura, Marinated Artichoke Hearts with Grapefruit, Candy Pepper and Capers (it was a heavenly mixture), Melon Tomato with Parma Ham

There have been additionally some wonderful soups as effectively, reminiscent of their Cream of Lobster Soup, Tomato Soup with Pesto, an Apple Soup with Horseradish, Cream of Mushroom Soup, and conventional French Onion soup, which Anthony ordered (it’s certainly one of his favorites).

There have been many contemporary seafood choices over the course of our cruise, each 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 Crimson Snapper with Courgettes and Wild Garlic Pesto. Yum!

We didn’t dwell on seafood throughout our total Caribbean keep and there have been loads of fascinating different choices as effectively. For instance, their Rooster Breast with Tandoori Yoghurt Sauce was a delicious dish, as was their Roast Beef with Asparagus (under). As for our favorites? The Pulled Pork with Grilled Apples, the Corn and Pepper Fritters (vegetarian), the Tortolan Model Duck Breast, and their Braised Knuckle of Lamb, which I had with out their prompt garlic creamed potatoes. Unsure who I used to be kidding by skipping the carbs since I had a big dessert two hours later.

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

There have been nice wine decisions on the menu as effectively. 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 aware of), 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 have been they nice accompaniments to their menu, however moderately priced too (29 to 40 euros per bottle).

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

For a few of our real-time meals postings, you should definitely try our Luxurious Foodies Instagram feed, the place we posted a number of nice dishes and desserts.

In fact there have been Fruit Melbas and Sorbets, however the very best choices had chocolate in them. Okay, so I’m biased. Okay, so I really like chocolate. Okay, it’s arduous for me to search out something improper 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, certainly one of my favorites and so not often provided in eating places. Espresso something has me at hiya (similar for Anthony), so we have 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 basic French Apple Tart – good with any of their ice cream choices and there have been lots.

And the way’s this for a novel one? Chardonnay Sorbet. This wasn’t essentially meant to be served as a dessert (it was listed between programs) however in the end you can finish your meal with such a deal with. It could particularly go effectively with certainly one of their cheese platters and a dessert wine.

There was no scarcity of cheese choices so if dessert isn’t your factor, they provided plates reminiscent of 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. Bravo bravo!

Yoga on Board

From full-blown decadence on a several-course meal, positive 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 each single day. That mentioned, I wasn’t an everyday, however that had extra to do with wanting extra sleep and a pulled muscle than it did with not having fun with the lessons. We hit it off with Shannon, a  yoga teacher from Ohio who approached holistic and integrative non secular observe in an analogous approach to our personal path. Rain or shine, wind or calm, she was on the deck main lessons.

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

80% of the week, we had calm late afternoons and mornings. That mentioned, there have been a few significantly windy days that challenged all of us. At first, it was a kind 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 tug off that pose with this wind?”

At one level, the wind made it so unimaginable to carry a pose, that a number of of us fell onto our mats, burst out laughing and went into little one 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 observe isn’t at all times about good moments. It’s within the moments the place we’re most challenged, that our yoga observe 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 strains have a fitness center and spa on board, I cherished the intimacy of the ship, the smaller variety of passengers and the dedication by so many to Shannon’s yoga lessons.

In case you love cruising, however lead a non secular and holistic life and wonder if it’ll be a match, discovering one with a yoga trainer, fitness center and spa on board is a should. Decide to displaying up daily, reserving just a few spa appointments, ingesting low-sugar juices, loads of greens and salads. You too can benefit from contemporary coconut milk and papayas on each island cease. It was a serious plus that the Royal Clipper had yoga obtainable as a every day possibility. Bravo bravo!

The Fitness center & Spa

We each made it to the fitness center. The machines (treadmill, bikes, and sculpting) have been surrounded by mirrors and there have been free weights in addition to a bench, which made Anthony a cheerful 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 fitness center 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 inns and resorts, I’m at all times a bit cautious concerning the high quality of spa companies. 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, reminiscent of an Categorical Facial, Scalp, Again and Neck Massages and Reflexology. Additionally they have a Signature Therapeutic massage, which most spas and resorts are likely to have. The Star Clippers Signature is a Sizzling Lava Shell Therapeutic massage, meant to get rid of muscular pressure, calm the nervous system and stimulate blood and lymph circulation.

Different varieties of massages included Oriental, Swedish, Lomi Lomi (impressed by Hawaiian magnificence rituals), and African Therapeutic massage. I additionally cherished their Exfoliating Physique Scrubs and one thing they name the Hawaiian Archipelago. The latter, which is a two-hour remedy, 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 (effectively, practically each cruise) gives 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 how you can 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 can head out on a speedboat to go snorkeling or expertise the Blue Escape on a clear-bottom kayak (at all times enjoyable within the Caribbean). In Martinique, they provided a tour that explored the southern a part of the island. As is commonplace with any such cruise, we tendered every day to a brand new island.

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

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

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

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

Since we love tradition (and images), we went into extra element on the island visits, so you should definitely learn our article: A Very Distinctive Carribbean Expertise which matches into extra depth about what we did on every island. They embody a boat-load of pictures and a video as effectively.

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

Additionally, you should definitely learn our articles: The way to Discover Barbados, Barbados for Foodies and Barbados Stays for Luxurious & Enjoyable.

 

For extra data on Star Clippers Cruises, go to their principal website. For extra data on the Royal Clipper, you should definitely go to this website which supplies you all the small print, together with how you can guide a cruise with them. Curious the place they go? There are many thrilling decisions, together with Africa, Canary Islands, your complete Caribbean, Europe, the Greek Islands, the Mediterranean, Mexico, Central America, the Panama Canal and South America. Additionally they supply a Transalantic cruise as effectively. Woot woot!