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Star Clippers

The world's largest tall ships — real sails, real magic

Three actual sailing ships: Royal Clipper (five masts, the largest square-rigged sailing ship in service), Star Clipper and Star Flyer (four masts each). These aren't cruise ships with decorative rigging — they are working sailing vessels that use the wind for power whenever conditions allow. Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Indonesia.

3
Tall ships
36-42
Sails (Royal Clipper)
7-14
Night voyages
1991
Founded
££
Boutique sailing
227
Max guests (Royal Clipper)
Itineraries

Find a Star Clippers voyage

Real itineraries, real prices — sourced live. Use the filter inside the widget for dates and length.

Why book Star Clippers

Why a Star Clippers voyage?

Six reasons we recommend this line to the right kind of traveller.

Genuine sailing — not a marketing line

Royal Clipper has 42 sails. The crew climbs the rigging to set and furl them. The ship genuinely uses wind power whenever it makes sense — engines do the rest. The atmosphere on deck under full sail at sunset is properly remarkable.

Royal Clipper — the world's largest

The largest square-rigged sailing ship in service: 134 m long, 42 sails, 5,202 m² of canvas. Inspired by the legendary Preussen of 1902. Three swimming pools, 227 guests, full marina platform for watersports.

Small enough for hidden ports

These tall ships go where mega-ships can't — small Caribbean islands, Indonesian archipelagos, smaller Greek isles, Croatian harbours. Often you tender to deserted beaches the bigger lines don't reach.

Watersports marina at the stern

Stern marina drops at most port days — kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, water skis, windsurfers all included and loaned for the day. Standard on small-ship lines, important on Star Clippers because of the remote-port itineraries.

The honest version

Might not be for you if…

No cruise line is for everyone. Here's where Star Clippers might not fit. We'll point you elsewhere if so.

You expect cruise-ship choice

These are working sailing ships. One main dining room, a lounge, a small library, two bars. The experience is the ship itself, not onboard options.

You're mobility-restricted

Sailing ships have small cabins, narrow gangways, no lift on Star Clipper/Star Flyer, more stairs than modern cruise ships. Royal Clipper has a small lift. Boarding can require steps. Discuss with us before booking if mobility is a concern.

You want kids' programmes

No kids' clubs. Children are welcome but the ship is adult-tilted in atmosphere. Older teens who love sailing love it; young children typically don't.

The fleet

Meet the Star Clippers ships

Showing by default — use the search inside the panel to switch to other ships in the fleet.

Dining

On board

What you actually do all day

No surprises

What's included in your fare

Every Star Clippers fare bakes these in.

All meals

Continental + cooked breakfast, lunch buffet/grill, plated 4-course dinner

Watersports

Kayaks, SUPs, snorkel gear, water skis, windsurfers — loaned at most ports

Mast climbs

Climb the rigging with the crew (weather/safety permitting)

Three swimming pools (Royal Clipper)

Two on the upper deck, one with a glass bottom into the dining room below

Practical

Good to know

FAQ

Quick answers about Star Clippers

Do the sails actually work?
Yes. Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star Flyer are working sailing ships. Sails are deployed daily when wind conditions allow, and a significant portion of every voyage is actually sailed. Engines exist as backup and for manoeuvring — not as the primary mode.
How does Star Clippers differ from Windstar?
Windstar's sailing yachts have computer-controlled sails and modern design. Star Clippers is more traditional — crew-rigged sails, classic seafaring atmosphere, fewer modern amenities. Star Clippers is the more authentic tall-ship experience; Windstar is the more comfortable boutique cruise.
What's a mast climb?
On suitable days, the crew runs a mast-climb experience. You're harnessed in, climb the rigging with a crew escort to the spar high above deck, and look down on the ship under sail. Optional, free, only when weather and ship motion are safe.
Loyalty

Ready to sail with Star Clippers?

A Travel Designer who knows Star Clippers will pick the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right cabin tier for you. No call centres.