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I have just returned from a fabulous cruise experience aboard Royal Clipper.
On board I discovered the meaning of a luxury cruise.. for me at least.

Life on board is brilliant. It is casual dress even at dinner. There are no tea and coffee making facilities in your cabin and no room service in the majority of cabins either; so imagine entering the lounge first thing for that early morning cuppa and meeting a fellow passenger in PJ’s and slippers coming out the other way! It is a laid back holiday!

Imagine a yacht club atmosphere where everyone knows each other and the main pastime at any time of day or night is conversation.

We dined with different people and nationalities each night, when it suited. Meals are enjoyed, never rushed. The food is exceptionally good with an ample choice and variety of fresh food always.

There is plenty to do and no queues; we could visit the bridge or learn basic navigation or knot tying. Imagine the sun shimmering through the sails aloft on to the sundeck, whilst enjoying your novel on the catch net at the bow, or relaxing on one of the many sun beds. Choose a book from the generously stocked library or play a variety of board games, or even climb the crows nest! The hub of the ship though is the Tropical Bar, out on deck amidships. Here is the meeting area, the main focal point for all socialising and evening fun.

Water-ski, kayak, snorkel, take a dip in the pool, enjoy a body wrap in the Spa, or work out in the gym. It is all here. Spa treatments and scuba are extra, but everything else included.

Naturally, there are a range of excursions on offer too at every port of call. Landing is mainly by tender.

Being small they visit ports unreachable by large cruise ships so less likely then to be bombarded with locals all trying to sell you something you do not want, on stepping ashore. this was something we really enjoyed and one of the reasons for choosing a smaller, more relaxed ship. A visit by a Star Clipper ship, although a major event – as they are a spectacular diversion – is treated with curiosity and respect, leaving you free to mingle with the locals as a visitor rather than a mere tourist.

You will not find computerised sails on board, but instead sailors hauling ropes and tying knots! Truly amazing!

Despite their smaller size, all are very well appointed, somehow seamlessly combining adventure, opulence and traditional sailing with excellent service and accommodations. The cabins are all of adequate size and varying grades.

Wood and brass dominate everywhere. Imagine a luxury private mega yacht without the need to work your passage. I felt it a privilege to be part of this “journey,” There was something special, even unique about this experience.

Is the ship stable? Most certainly. I hardly noticed any movement at all, even when at sea. Things got livelier on our last night, when a combination of headwinds, current and tide gave us a rather uncomfortable night, leaving one or two passengers feeling poorly at breakfast. For most who suffered though, the usual remedies were ample cure. If you are prone to motion sickness then a transatlantic crossing is a definite no; but the experience is so fantastic I would recommend a week or so in summer, when the sea is more dependable.

This cruise is a unique opportunity to experience real sailing, under sail, in a relaxed and friendly environment, together with no more than 227 fellow passengers. 70% of passengers return for more. I am certain to be one of them.

In essence, it retains the glamour of a cruise but without the hype and glitz of a larger ship. For couples and honeymooners this is truly the most romantic of holidays. For those seeking adventure, you will find it for sure. For those wanting relaxation you will not be disappointed. Surprisingly, children also enjoy this holiday. I asked some of them so I know. It is definitely not for the less mobile though. Would I go again? You bet I would!