Taking a Star Clippers cruise is the ultimate way to ride the waves. This cruise line, with its fleet of three masted tall ships brings out the real romance of sailing with the wind in your hair, the sight of dolphins jumping by the bow and nothing but the sound of the sails billowing in the breeze. This is a world away from the mega-ships of casinos, shops and glitzy-style entertainment but it doesn’t mean that guests scrimp on service, style or luxury either. Passengers on a Star Clippers ship can enjoy the feel of an authentic, evocative sailing experience from the teak decks to the elegant dining rooms and comfortable cabins. They can even climb up to the crow’s nest and get the crew to winch up a bottle of bubbly with two glasses for a perfect sunset toast. Alternatively, the bowsprit nets at the front of the ships are perfect for relaxing in and offer great views of the route ahead.

Star Clippers is definitely for more adventurous types of all ages who still like their home comforts, but want a real sailing experience without having to do too much work themselves! It’s not the sort of holiday for young children, but teenagers would certainly enjoy it. There are three ships to choose from, including the flagship Royal Clipper – a hugely impressive five-masted sailing ship (the world’s only one) with a fabulous complement of 42 sails. It carries 227 guests in style with three swimming pools, a three-deck atrium, elegant dining room and a marina platform used for water sports and diving. It also has its own spa and health club with underwater glass portholes. The other ships are the smaller, but elegant, Star Clipper and Star Flyer which both carry 170 passengers and boast the similar relaxed ambience led by a “no tie” dress code along with the same standards of pampered comfort.

The highlights of Star Clippers cruises are the tiny away-from-it-all islands and ports that these sailing ships can slip into. You don’t have to compete with thousands of other cruise passengers from numerous other ships as often you’ll be the only ones. In the Caribbean, smaller islands in the Grenadines or the British Virgin Islands make ideal stops on the winter cruises offered. In summer, European itineraries encompass the eastern and western Mediterranean and include the beautiful Croatian coastline and the Greek islands. There are also exotic voyages in the Indian Ocean, French Polynesia and the Far East.