5 things Star Clippers does well—and 1 it doesn’t

Star Clippers suits couples, friends and solo travelers who want to feel a ship sail, enjoy swimming and water sports, and prefer small harbors and casual company to big-ship amenities; the line also runs solo, family and themed offers such as yoga cruises. It is a poor fit for travelers who want large cabins, many restaurants, nightly shows or a casino, and anyone who dislikes a ship that moves with the wind should look elsewhere.

This assessment looks at the product and its fit for different travelers. The strengths are reasons to consider the line, rather than a promise that every guest will value them equally. Ship details and fare terms still matter.

1. A real tall-ship setting

Star Clippers makes sails and rigging central to the experience. Guests who love sailing have a reason to choose it that a conventional cruise ship cannot easily reproduce. Engines are still used when needed, so the attraction is the sailing character rather than a promise of wind power throughout.

2. A smaller social group

The ships carry roughly 166 to 227 guests. That supports a more familiar setting than a resort megaship. Travelers who enjoy conversation and a shared interest in sailing may find that scale more rewarding than a long list of onboard attractions.

3. Relaxed daily life

Open seating, casual deck time and an informal captain's briefing create a straightforward routine. Guests can spend more attention on the sea and the route. This fits travelers who want a sailing holiday with comfortable meals rather than a heavily scheduled entertainment program.

4. Water activities in the right setting

Kayaks, snorkeling equipment and other gear provide ways to enjoy warm-water stops. The offering complements the sailing experience rather than replacing it. Check the planned locations and conditions, since equipment being carried aboard does not guarantee use at every stop.

5. Smaller harbors and anchorages

The ship scale supports itineraries with places that very large vessels may skip. That can make the route feel distinct from a standard resort cruise. Read the tender arrangements and time ashore, because access to a small anchorage is only useful if the visit fits your plans.

The drawback: It does not provide spacious resort-style cabins

Many accommodations are compact and the facilities are simpler than those of a modern luxury ship. Travelers should review the exact cabin plan and movement between decks. The experience works when sailing and the outdoor setting outweigh the need for a large room and extensive indoor amenities.

Before you book

Choose the itinerary and the ship together. Cabin dimensions, dining access and time in port can matter more than a broad premium label. Compare the booked fare with the drinks, internet and outings you would actually buy. A comfortable routine is valuable only when it suits how you want to travel.

The cruise format

A Star Clippers cruise is closer to a sailing holiday than a resort at sea. The ships sail whenever the wind allows, guests can lend a hand with the sails, and the captain holds an informal briefing on deck each morning. Dress is smart casual with a single captain's dinner, meals are open seating, and evenings center on the piano bar and the open-air Tropical Bar rather than production shows. Kayaks, snorkel gear and sailing dinghies are free to use, and most cruises last a week, with Grand Voyages of 15 to 24 nights.

Sources

Cruise Frog’s Star Clippers profile; official cruise line information.

Editorial assessment of published product information; no firsthand sailing experience is claimed. Ship features, inclusions and departure programs vary. Updated October 14, 2026.

Photo credit

Royal Clipper in the Mediterranean, April 2018. Photo: Cbuske46, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Original source. Image license. The image is cropped and resized for this page. The adapted image is distributed under the same license.