If you’re dreaming of a cruise with real character, the Star Clippers fleet offers something truly unforgettable. These graceful sailing ships capture the romance of the 19th century, with tall masts, billowing sails, and the thrill of travelling under wind power.
Yet behind their classic charm lies every modern comfort – elegant cabins, fine dining, and an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from today’s floating resorts.
In this guide, we’ll compare the three Star Clippers ships to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your next adventure at sea.
The Three Ships to Choose From
Star Clippers currently operates three ships:
- Royal Clipper
- Star Clipper
- Stay Flyer
The flagship is Royal Clipper – the largest fully-rigged sailing ship in the world.
Star Clipper and the Star Flyer are smaller, with some differences in the facilities you can expect on board.
Here’s an overview of how the ships compare…
Here is a table summarizing the differences and similarities between the three ships in the Star Clippers fleet:
| Feature | Royal Clipper | Star Clipper | Star Flyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Five-masted fully rigged ship | Four-masted barquentine | Four-masted barquentine |
| Construction Date | 2000 | 1992 | 1991 |
| Length | 134m | 115.5m | 115.5m |
| Mast Height | 54m | 63m | 63m |
| Decks | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Guest Capacity | 227 | 166 | 166 |
| Number of Sails | 42 | 16 | 16 |
| Crew Capacity | 106 | 74 | 74 |
Star Clipper and Star Flyer are considered twins. The differences between them are very minor.
However, the flagship, Royal Clipper is quite unique. The extra features you can enjoy on this ship include…
Marina
While all three ships offer watersports, only Royal Clipper features a platform that lowers into place to create a floating jetty. This means that you can enjoy kayaking, diving or windsurfing straight from the ship.
Observation Lounge
Royal Clipper’s observation lounge is located at the front of the main deck, just below the bridge. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
An Extra Pool
Star Clipper and Star Flyer each have two pools on the top deck, whereas Royal Clipper has three. That’s an extra place to cool off when the sunshine of the Mediterranean or Caribbean gets too hot.
Commonalities Across the Fleet
All three ships are powered by a combination of sails and engines, and are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and spacious cabins.
Star Clippers’ ships have won numerous awards for their unique blend of traditional sailing and modern luxury. The company has been praised for its commitment to sustainability, with all three ships using eco-friendly technologies and wastewater treatment systems.
Now, let’s look at how this fascinating cruise line and its fleet of sailing ships came about…
The History of Star Clippers
Star Clippers was founded in 1991 by Swedish entrepreneur Mikael Krafft. He had a lifelong dream to revive the golden age of tall ships for new generations of adventurers.
In 1987, Krafft conceived the idea of creating a cruise line featuring clipper ships. After three years of meticulous research and design, aided by the White Star Group and a team of naval architects and engineers, Star Clippers was born.
The Star Clipper and Star Flyer were built in 1991 and 1992, respectively. In 2000, Krafft’s fleet expanded with the introduction of Royal Clipper, the world’s largest square-rigger in service today, cementing Star Clippers’ reputation for offering a unique and nostalgic sailing experience.
Design and Features
Sailing Heritage
When you step aboard a Star Clippers ship, you’ll be transported back in time to the golden age of sailing. These magnificent vessels are designed to replicate the classic sailing ships of the 19th century, with tall masts, billowing sails, and a sense of adventure that can only be found on the open sea.
The ships are built with traditional materials and techniques, and are manned by a crew of experienced sailors who know how to navigate the waters with skill and precision.
Modern Amenities
Despite their historic design, Star Clippers ships are equipped with all the modern amenities you need to enjoy a comfortable and luxurious voyage.
Each ship features swimming pools, a spa, and plenty of places to relax. You can chill with a book, take part in a range of watersports, or simply soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.
Accommodation
The cabins on board Star Clippers ships are designed to offer you the perfect blend of comfort and style. Each cabin is tastefully decorated with a nautical theme and features all the amenities you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
From the cosy outside cabins to the spacious suites, you can find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs.
Destinations and Itineraries
Star Clippers offers a wide range of destinations and itineraries, each providing a unique sailing experience aboard its graceful tall ships. Rather than choosing your voyage by ship alone, it’s often best to pick your favourite region or itinerary – each one delivers something completely different.
Here are some of the destinations and itineraries you can explore:
Caribbean
From December to March, Royal Clipper and Star Flyer sail through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, visiting idyllic islands and pristine beaches. You can enjoy snorkelling, diving, and water sports while soaking up the laid-back island atmosphere.
New for Winter 2026–27: Star Clippers will debut new itineraries – a round-trip from St John’s (Antigua) and Oranjestad (Aruba), exploring lesser-visited islands such as Bequia, St Kitts, and St Barthélemy. These new voyages add to the already popular routes calling at St Lucia, Barbados, and Martinique.
Mediterranean
From April to November, the ships move to the Mediterranean, cruising along the sun-drenched coasts of Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and beyond.
New for Summer 2026: the line has announced seven new ports of call, including Ouranoupolis and Gythio in Greece, Šibenik in Croatia, and Barletta, Monopoli, Crotone, and Pesaro in Italy. These additions mean guests can now explore more hidden coves, historic towns, and boutique harbours than ever before – alongside favourites like Capri and Santorini.
Central America
Between December and March, you can join Star Clipper to explore Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. These tropical sailings combine adventure and nature – from crossing the Panama Canal to spotting wildlife in Costa Rica’s lush rainforests. Highlights include island stops such as Isla Parida and Panama’s Pearl Islands, offering pristine beaches and world-class snorkelling.
Transatlantic
For true sailing enthusiasts, Star Clippers also offers Transatlantic crossings, giving you the thrill of open-ocean adventure as you follow in the footsteps of early explorers. These voyages are a chance to fully embrace life at sea – with uninterrupted days of sailing, spectacular sunsets, and the sound of nothing but the wind in the sails.
Grand Voyages
New for 2026–27, Star Clippers has introduced its Grand Voyages programme – extended itineraries of up to three weeks that combine multiple regions, such as the Mediterranean to the Caribbean or Northern to Southern Europe. These are perfect for anyone wanting a longer sailing holiday aboard these extraordinary ships.
Onboard Experience
When you step onboard one of the Star Clippers ships, you’re in for a unique and unforgettable experience. From the moment you board, you’ll be transported back in time to the golden age of sailing.
Dining Options
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining onboard. Each ship has a stylish main dining room where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily. Menus change every day, and the chefs use fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, reflecting the region you’re sailing through – from Mediterranean seafood to Caribbean tropical flavours.
All meals are included, and there are no fixed dining times or assigned tables, so you’re free to dine whenever and with whomever you like. Many guests enjoy the relaxed, social atmosphere this creates, and it’s not unusual for the ship’s officers to join guests for dinner, adding to the friendly, informal feel onboard.
Breakfast and lunch are generally served buffet-style with a mix of international and local dishes, while dinner is a full-service affair with several courses to choose from. The dining experience is elegant yet unpretentious – a perfect fit for the laid-back luxury that defines Star Clippers.
Vegetarian and other special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice, and snacks or light bites are also available outside mealtimes, particularly during cocktail hour or late evenings.
Entertainment and Activities
There’s never a dull moment onboard a Star Clippers ship – unless you want there to be. You’re free to do as much or as little as you like, whether that means joining in with the ship’s daily activities or simply soaking up the sunshine with the sea breeze in your hair.
Each day brings something new: you can take part in yoga or fitness classes on deck, help the crew raise the sails, or even climb the mast (with a safety harness) for one of the best views at sea.
You can also head straight to the water, with paddleboarding, snorkelling, and kayaking available from the ship’s marina platform when the sea is calm.
Guests can also sit in on navigation talks, knot-tying workshops, or enjoy informal briefings about the next destination.
In the evenings, the atmosphere is relaxed and social – think live music in the Tropical Bar, deck parties under the stars, or a friendly quiz night. There’s no glitzy theatre or big production shows, but the intimate entertainment perfectly suits the laid-back sailing vibe.
Wellness and Relaxation
If you’re looking for some relaxation and pampering, the ships have a range of wellness facilities. There’s a spa where you can indulge in a massage or beauty treatment,. and a library where you can curl up with a good book and escape from the hustle and bustle of the ship
Royal Clipper also has a fitness centre where you can work out and a steam room where you can unwind.
Booking and Travel Information
When it comes to booking your Star Clippers cruise, you have a few options. You can book directly through the Star Clippers website, or you can use a travel agent to help you with the process.
Once you have booked your cruise, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all of the necessary information, including your itinerary, cabin details, and any additional services or excursions you may have booked. You will also receive information about the embarkation process and what to expect on board.
To learn more about what it’s like to cruise with Star Clippers, take a look at my Star Clippers Review to see what I loved and didn’t love about cruising on Royal Clipper.
For those who prefer to watch than read, I also have a vlog of the cruise…
Final Word
Sailing with Star Clippers isn’t your typical cruise – it’s something altogether more magical. With the wind in the sails, the creak of the rigging, and the open sea all around, these ships capture the true romance of travel.
Whether you choose to island-hop through the Caribbean, explore the hidden harbours of the Mediterranean, or cross the Atlantic under sail, every voyage feels personal and full of adventure.
You won’t find flashy entertainment or endless crowds here – just friendly faces, incredible scenery, and the unforgettable thrill of travelling under canvas. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing what cruising used to feel like, Star Clippers might just be your perfect escape.
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